Understanding Lemon Law RV / New Motor Vehicle Arbitration: Insights from Arbitrator Joseph George

When the excitement of a new RV or vehicle turns into a headache due to persistent mechanical issues, consumers often find themselves stuck between costly repairs and ineffective solutions. Fortunately, lemon laws exist to protect buyers in these situations—and arbitration is frequently the most efficient path to resolution.

We spoke with Joseph George, an international arbitrator and mediator who specializes in lemon law arbitration, to learn more about how the process works, especially in the context of recreational vehicles (RVs) and new motor vehicles.

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What Is Lemon Law Arbitration?

Lemon laws vary by state, but generally, they provide legal remedies to consumers who purchase a new (or in some cases, used) vehicle that fails to meet quality and performance standards. In the case of new motor vehicles—including RVs—arbitration offers a streamlined, less adversarial alternative to litigation.

Lemon law arbitration allows a neutral third party, the arbitrator, to hear evidence from both the consumer and the manufacturer. Unlike in court, this process is private, less formal, and significantly faster.

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Why Are RVs Often Subject to Lemon Law Claims?

RVs are uniquely complex. Part vehicle, part home, RVs involve both automotive and residential systems—plumbing, electrical, HVAC, and more. This complexity often leads to overlapping responsibilities between multiple manufacturers (e.g., chassis vs. coach builders), making defect resolution challenging and sometimes contentious.

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Q&A With Joseph George: The Arbitration Expert’s Perspective

Q: Joseph, how common are lemon law claims involving RVs compared to regular passenger vehicles?

Joseph George:
RVs make up a significant portion of the lemon law cases I see, and they tend to be more complicated. Because RVs involve multiple components and manufacturers, the defects are more varied—and the repair timelines are longer. That creates more frustration for consumers and makes arbitration especially valuable as a dispute resolution tool.

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Q: What are the most frequent types of issues you encounter in RV lemon law arbitrations?

Joseph George:
Common issues include slide-out malfunctions, HVAC failures, persistent water leaks, electrical system problems, and defective chassis components. Many of these defects are intermittent or hard to replicate, which can make documentation crucial.

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Q: What can consumers do to strengthen their lemon law claim in arbitration?

Joseph George:
Keep detailed repair records. Every time the RV goes in for service, request a copy of the repair order. Note how long the vehicle is out of use and whether the issue was fully resolved. Also, maintain a personal journal with dates, symptoms, and communication logs with the dealer or manufacturer.

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Q: Some consumers worry about bias in arbitration. How is neutrality maintained in lemon law arbitration?

Joseph George:
Neutrality is fundamental. Arbitrators are trained to follow due process and evaluate facts based solely on evidence. In many jurisdictions, lemon law arbitration is administered by state-run programs or independent administrators who appoint qualified, impartial arbitrators—like myself—who have no affiliation with the manufacturer or consumer.

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Q: What’s the biggest misconception consumers have about the arbitration process?

Joseph George:
Many think arbitration is a “rubber stamp” for the manufacturer or that it’s just another roadblock. In reality, arbitration can be the quickest and most consumer-friendly path to relief. Decisions are binding in some states but often can be appealed in court, so consumers aren’t necessarily locked in.

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Q: Any advice for RV owners facing persistent issues but unsure whether their situation qualifies under lemon law?

Joseph George:
If your RV has had multiple repair attempts for the same problem, or if it’s been out of service for an extended period, you’re likely eligible to pursue a claim. Reach out to your state’s consumer protection agency or a qualified lemon law attorney for guidance. The earlier you start the documentation and complaint process, the stronger your case will be in arbitration.

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Final Thoughts

Lemon law arbitration for RVs and new motor vehicles exists to balance the scales between consumers and powerful manufacturers. While it may seem daunting at first, the process is designed to be accessible, fair, and efficient.

As Joseph George reminds us, “Consumers have more power than they think—especially when they’re informed, organized, and willing to pursue the remedies available to them.”

Joseph George can be reached at email: joseph@georgeandgeorgeadr.com