RVs and Motor Homes Under the North Dakota Lemon Law

RVs are partly outside North Dakota’s lemon law. The statute excludes a “house car” — a motor home, as defined in § 39-01-01 — from coverage (§ 51-07-16). That carves the living-quarters RV out of the lemon law, but other paths remain.

What’s excluded — and what may not be

• Motor homes (house cars) — excluded from the lemon law by § 51-07-16. The self-propelled RV with living quarters doesn’t qualify under the state statute.
• Towable trailers (travel trailers, fifth-wheels) — not self-propelled motor vehicles, so generally outside the lemon law too.
• The tow vehicle — a pickup or SUV ≤ 10,000 lbs used personally can qualify on its own.

Why motor homes are carved out

Motor homes combine an automotive chassis with a built living structure from a separate manufacturer — warranty responsibility is split, which is why North Dakota (like many states) excludes the house car from the lemon law. That doesn’t leave RV owners without recourse.

The routes that remain for RVs

1. Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act — covers the RV and its components under their written warranties, with fee-shifting (§ 2310(d)(2)). The primary route for motor-home defects.
2. Component warranties — the chassis/engine maker (e.g., Ford, Freightliner) and appliance makers each warrant their parts; pursue the responsible one.
3. Consumer Fraud statute — for misrepresentation or concealment at sale (treble + mandatory fees on a knowing violation).

Common RV defects

• Chassis/engine — drivetrain, braking, steering.
• House systems — slide-outs, leveling, plumbing, electrical, water intrusion/leaks.
• Appliances — furnace, AC, generator, refrigerator.

Bottom line

North Dakota excludes the motor home (house car) from the lemon law, but Magnuson-Moss, component warranties, and the Consumer Fraud statute cover RV defects — and the tow vehicle may qualify on its own. Get a free case review.

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