RV Road Hazard Protection FAQs: Your Questions Answered
You are about to sign the papers for your new RV, and the Finance Manager asks if you want "Tire & Rim Protection." You might be thinking: "Is this just an extra fee, or will I actually use it?" Given the state of Ontario's highways (we're looking at you, 401 construction zones), this is one of the most frequently used protections we offer. Below, we answer the most common questions about coverage, costs, and real-world scenarios.
The "Is It Worth It?" Questions
Q: Is RV Road Hazard Protection actually worth the money?
A: If you tow often or travel on highways, Yes.
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The Math: A single blowout on a Fifth Wheel can cost $400+ for the tire and $500+ for a new aluminum rim. The cost of a 5-year protection plan is often less than the cost of replacing just one tire and rim assembly.
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The Risk: Unlike cars, trailer tires are under immense load stress. Hitting a single pothole or curb with 10,000 lbs of pressure behind it typically destroys the rim instantly.
Q: Can't I just buy a new tire if one blows?
A: You can, but it is rarely just the tire. When a trailer tire blows at 100 km/h, the steel belts often act like a weed whacker, destroying the rim, the plastic fender skirts, and sometimes the propane lines. While Road Hazard pays for the tire and rim, having this protection often covers the Emergency Service Call to get you off the side of the road safely, which can cost $300+ alone.
Q: Does my standard RV Insurance cover flat tires?
A: Usually, No. Your primary insurance (Aviva, Intact, etc.) typically has a deductible of $500 or $1,000. Since a tire repair or replacement is often under that amount, you would pay for it entirely out of pocket. Our Road Hazard plan typically has $0 Deductible, meaning you pay nothing.
Coverage & "What If" Questions
Q: Does it cover the tires on my truck (Tow Vehicle) too?
A: In many cases, YES. This is the "hidden gem" of our protection plans. Many of our premium Road Hazard packages cover not just the RV tires, but also the tires on the vehicle towing it (while hooked up). Ask our Business Manager specifically about "Tow Vehicle Coverage" to confirm eligibility.
Q: What exactly is considered a "Road Hazard"?
A: A road hazard is any condition on a public roadway that should not be there. This includes:
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Potholes and frost heaves.
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Nails, screws, and glass.
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Metal scraps from construction zones.
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Jagged curbs (if accidental).
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What it doesn't cover: Dry rot (old tires), vandalism, or accidents (like crashing into a wall).
Q: Does it cover "Blowouts" or just flats?
A: It covers both. Whether you pick up a slow-leak nail in a campground or experience a catastrophic blowout on the highway, if the tire is damaged by a road hazard, it is covered.
Q: Does it cover the cost to mount and balance the new tire?
A: Yes. We cover the cost of the tire, the rim (if damaged), the mounting labour, the balancing weights, and the taxes.
Comparison Questions (CAA & Manufacturer)
Q: I have CAA / AAA. Don't they cover this?
A: CAA covers the service of changing the tire, but they do not pay for the new tire itself.
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CAA: Will come out and put your spare on. You still have to buy a new tire later.
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RV Canada Road Hazard: Pays for the new tire and the rim.
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Recommendation: Having both is the ultimate peace of mind.
Q: Doesn't the tire manufacturer warranty cover this?
A: No. Manufacturer warranties (from Goodyear, Carlisle, etc.) only cover defects in the rubber (like a bubble in the sidewall). They explicitly exclude road hazards. If you run over a nail, the manufacturer will tell you that is "bad luck," not a "bad tire." Our plan covers the "bad luck."
Logistics: How to Use It
Q: What do I do if I get a flat in the USA?
A: Our protection is valid across Canada and the USA.
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Safety First: Pull over safely.
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Call the Number: Call the 1-800 number on your contract. They will dispatch a service truck if you have roadside assistance included.
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Repair/Replace: Go to the nearest tire shop. If they can fix it, they will. If not, they replace it.
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Payment: In many cases, the warranty company pays the shop directly via credit card. If you have to pay upfront, you simply submit the receipt for 100% reimbursement.
Q: Can I transfer this to the next owner?
A: Yes. Just like our Extended Warranty, the Tire & Rim Protection is fully transferable. Selling a used RV with "3 Years of Tire Protection" is a huge selling point for private buyers who are nervous about old tires.
Don't Let a Flat Deflate Your Vacation. Get the coverage that pays for itself with a single pothole.
