RVs Under Oregon Lemon Law

RV coverage under Oregon’s Lemon Law (§ 646A.400) is limited to the chassis. The “motor home” coach (living area, appliances, water systems) is generally excluded. Magnuson-Moss + UTPA + UCC remain available for the coach.

What § 646A.400 covers for RVs

Chassis — engine, transmission, drivetrain, brakes, steering, electrical (engine systems).
Frame — structural defects affecting safe operation.

What § 646A.400 typically does NOT cover

Coach / living area — bedroom, kitchen, bathroom, slide-outs, appliances.
House batteries (separate from chassis battery).
Water / sewer systems.
Generators.
Awnings, leveling jacks, hydraulics.

Alternative remedies for coach defects

For coach / motor home defects not covered by § 646A.400:

Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act — federal warranty law applies.
UCC § 72.3130 / § 72.3140 — express + implied warranties.
Oregon UTPA — deceptive practices by dealer or manufacturer.

Major RV manufacturers

Most RVs are manufactured in Indiana’s Elkhart County RV hub — Thor, Forest River, Jayco, Keystone, Heartland, Newmar.

Oregon RV market

Strong RV travel market — Oregon Coast, Cascade Range, Crater Lake.
Bend / Central Oregon RV destinations.
Columbia River Gorge / Multnomah Falls RV travel.

Chassis maker matters

The “manufacturer” for chassis Lemon Law purposes:

Ford chassis (E-Series, Transit-based) — Ford is § 646A.400 defendant.
Mercedes-Benz Sprinter chassis — Mercedes is defendant.
Ram ProMaster chassis — Stellantis is defendant.
Freightliner / Cummins chassis (Class A) — Daimler / Cummins is defendant. Daimler Trucks Portland HQ relevant.

Bottom line

RV coverage under § 646A.400 is limited to the chassis. Coach defects require Magnuson-Moss, UCC, or UTPA. Multi-defendant pleading is often necessary.

Article

Commercial Vehicles Under Oregon Lemon Law

Commercial-vehicle coverage under Oregon § 646A.400 — 10,000 lbs GVWR cap, commercial-use exclusion. Daimler Trucks Portland HQ for Freightliner cases.

Read → Article