RGC Lift Warranty vs Tonka Built Dock Warranty: What Is Covered
An RGC boat lift and a Tonka Built dock carry two separate manufacturer warranties, because two separate companies build them. RGC manufactures the Vertical Hydraulic, Flex Hydraulic and PWC lift lines in its own shop and warranties the lift itself. Tonka Built manufactures its own stationary steel and aluminum and steel floating dock systems and warranties those directly. Buyers on Lake Minnetonka often order both together, so it helps to know which warranty covers what.
Who actually warranties an RGC lift?
RGC, not Tonka Built. Tonka Built is an authorized RGC dealer. RGC manufactures the lift and issues the manufacturer warranty on it; Tonka Built sells, assembles, installs and services what RGC builds. That distinction matters if a warranty claim ever needs to go back to the manufacturer rather than the dealer, though in practice Tonka Built handles the service call and coordinates with RGC directly so the homeowner is not the one chasing a warranty claim.
Who warranties a Tonka Built dock?
Tonka Built does, directly. Stationary steel docks, and aluminum and steel floating dock systems, are manufactured by Tonka Built in Minnetrista, so the warranty on the dock structure itself is ours, not a third party’s. A boathouse frame added over a slip is part of that same in-house manufacturing.
What is typically covered on a lift versus a dock?
Ben Bjorklund and Jake Youngren, who own Tonka Built and have been in the dock and lift industry since 2002, set up the RGC dealer relationship specifically so warranty coverage on a lift is never a gray area for the homeowner.
| RGC lift warranty | Tonka Built dock warranty | |
|---|---|---|
| Who issues it | RGC | Tonka Built |
| What it covers | The lift structure and hydraulic components as built to spec | The dock frame, decking support structure and floating dock hardware as built |
| Who handles a claim | Tonka Built coordinates with RGC on the homeowner’s behalf | Tonka Built directly |
| Registration | Registered at install, tied to the lift’s serial information | Registered at install, tied to the dock order |
What voids or complicates a warranty claim?
The most common issue is skipped or improper winterizing, since ice and freeze damage on a lift or a dock structure that was not properly prepared for winter is generally treated as a maintenance issue rather than a manufacturing defect. Using a lift outside its published weight capacity, or modifying the structure with non-RGC parts, has the same effect on a lift warranty. Keeping the original install and service records, which Tonka Built maintains for every customer, is what makes a claim straightforward when something does need attention.
Does buying through a dealer outside Minnetonka change the warranty?
No. Both warranties travel with the product, not with whichever crew installed it. A lift or dock bought through a dealer on Lake Waconia, Prior Lake or any other lake in the network carries the same RGC or Tonka Built manufacturer warranty as one sold directly on Lake Minnetonka.
What does filing a warranty claim actually look like?
A homeowner calls or emails Tonka Built describing the issue. For a dock, our team reviews the install and service record and handles the repair or replacement directly, since we manufactured it. For an RGC lift, Tonka Built pulls the install record, confirms the lift’s model and serial information, and works the claim with RGC so the homeowner deals with one point of contact rather than navigating a manufacturer’s claims process alone. In both cases, having accurate install records on file is what keeps the process quick.
Why two separate warranties instead of one
Docks and lifts are different products built by different companies with different manufacturing processes. RGC’s business is hydraulic lift engineering. Tonka Built’s manufacturing is stationary and floating dock structures. Keeping the warranties separate, tied to whichever company actually built the part in question, is what lets each manufacturer stand fully behind its own work instead of one company warranting something it did not build. It also means a homeowner who only buys a dock, with no lift, is not paying for or waiting on a warranty structure that does not apply to their purchase.
Frequently asked questions
If my RGC lift needs warranty service, do I call RGC or Tonka Built?
Call Tonka Built. We coordinate directly with RGC on any warranty matter so you are not managing two companies.
Is a Tonka Built dock warranty the same length as an RGC lift warranty?
The two are separate manufacturer warranties with their own terms, since they come from two different manufacturers. Ask about current terms for your specific dock or lift model at the time of purchase.
Does moving a lift or dock to a different location affect the warranty?
Relocating a structure can affect coverage depending on how it is done. Confirm with Tonka Built before moving an existing lift or dock to a new site so a claim is not put at risk.
Do I need to do anything to activate my warranty after installation?
Warranty registration happens at install as part of the standard Tonka Built process, whether the sale went through us directly or through a dealer in our network.
What should I keep on file in case I ever need to make a claim?
Keep the install date, the dealer or crew who installed it, and, for an RGC lift, the model and serial information. Tonka Built keeps its own copy of these records, but having them on hand speeds up any future claim.
Questions about what your specific RGC lift or Tonka Built dock is covered for? Contact Tonka Built or call (952) 221-5340. See the full RGC lift lineup and Tonka Built dock and manufacturing services we sell and warranty on Lake Minnetonka, Wayzata, Excelsior, Orono, Mound and Shorewood.