RVs and Motor Homes Under the South Dakota Lemon Law

South Dakota’s lemon law expressly excludes motor homes (§ 32-6D-1(5)), and also excludes vehicles of 15,000 lbs GVWR or more. So most RVs fall outside the lemon law and rely on Magnuson-Moss and the DTPA.

What’s expressly not covered

• Motor homes — expressly excluded.
• Vehicles 15,000 lbs GVWR or more.
• Towable trailers — no motor.

The chassis question

Because the motor-home exclusion is explicit, even the self-propelled chassis of a motor home is generally outside South Dakota’s lemon law (unlike some states that cover the chassis side). RV owners should treat the lemon law as unlikely to apply and look to the alternatives.

What fills the gap

• Magnuson-Moss — federal warranty claims on chassis and coach-component warranties; § 2310(d)(2) fees; 4-year runway. The primary tool for an RV warranty dispute.
• South Dakota DTPA — for dealer misrepresentation (actual damages only, no treble, no general fee provision).
• Implied warranty of merchantability (§ 57A-2-314).

Bottom line

South Dakota’s lemon law excludes motor homes, so RV owners rely on Magnuson-Moss and the DTPA. Get a free case review to map the right statute to the defect.

Related

Article

Commercial Vehicles Under the South Dakota Lemon Law

How South Dakota's personal-use rule and 15,000-lb cap affect commercial vehicles — and why Magnuson-Moss and the DTPA carry the load for fleets.

Read → Article

Electric Vehicles Under the South Dakota Lemon Law

How South Dakota's lemon law applies to EVs — battery, charging, and cold-weather range defects in an extreme-cold, long-distance state.

Read → Article

Leased Vehicles Under the South Dakota Lemon Law

Why South Dakota's lemon law doesn't expressly address leases — and how Magnuson-Moss and the DTPA cover lessees.

Read → Article

Motorcycles Under the South Dakota Lemon Law

Whether South Dakota's lemon law covers motorcycles — they're not expressly excluded (the Sturgis question) — and the Magnuson-Moss and DTPA alternatives.

Read → Article

Used Vehicles Under the South Dakota Lemon Law

How South Dakota's lemon law applies to used vehicles — coverage during the rights period, plus the DTPA and Magnuson-Moss for misrepresentation and concealed hail/flood damage.

Read →