A&L RV Sales Johnson City- Johnson City, TN Exposed: Hidden fees, PDI misses title delays, long waits

Introduction: What Our Analysis Reveals About A&L RV Sales Johnson City (Johnson City, TN)

AI-powered research tools have systematically collected and analyzed public information to produce this report. A&L RV Sales operates as a regional, multi-location RV dealership group with stores across Tennessee and nearby markets, including this Johnson City, TN location. While the company sells a range of towables and motorized RVs and promotes a full-service ownership experience, consumer feedback about the Johnson City store indicates recurring concerns in sales practices, delivery readiness, financing transparency, warranty service, and after-sale support. This report focuses specifically on the Johnson City, TN location and synthesizes patterns from public complaints, consumer forums, and review platforms to help shoppers understand risk areas before they sign.

To see unfiltered feedback, go directly to the dealership’s Google Business Profile and use “Sort by Lowest Rating.” You can start here: A&L RV Sales Johnson City – Google Reviews (sort by Lowest).

Independent Research: Owner Groups, Forums, and Investigative Channels

Unfiltered owner feedback matters

Strengthen your due diligence by joining active owner communities and watching independent RV journalists who investigate dealership practices.

• Facebook brand/model groups: Join multiple model-specific groups to see common defects, quality-of-life issues, and local dealer experiences. Use a targeted Google search to find them: Search Grand Design owner groups or swap in your brand of interest.
• YouTube investigations: Explore industry watchdog content like Liz Amazing’s RV industry reporting. Search her channel for the dealership you’re considering and the brands they sell.
• Community forums: Read threads on r/rvs and brand-specific forums to compare what owners report about the Johnson City service department vs. other locations.

Have you experienced this store’s sales or service team firsthand? Add your first-hand account in the comments to help other shoppers.

Before You Buy: Always Arrange a Third-Party RV Inspection

Across the RV industry, buyers report discovering significant defects—sometimes safety-related—after taking delivery. Independent inspectors routinely uncover issues missed in the dealership’s pre-delivery inspection (PDI), such as water intrusion, propane leaks, brake and axle concerns, miswired 12V systems, and non-functioning slides or HVAC components. Your best leverage is before you sign and take possession.

• Hire an NRVIA-certified or similarly credentialed inspector. Use a local search: Find RV inspectors near me.
• Make your offer contingent on a satisfactory inspection and a written “we-owe/due bill” with completion deadlines for any punch-list items.
• If the dealer does not allow a third-party inspection before purchase, that is a major red flag. Walk away.
• Refuse delivery until all safety-related items are resolved in writing—with parts ordered and a scheduled completion date.

Consumers often report canceled camping trips and months-long service waits when issues surface after the sale. Protect your time and investment by locking down the inspection early.

Patterns of Consumer Complaints at A&L RV Sales Johnson City

The following sections summarize recurring themes reported by consumers in low-star reviews and forum posts. For verbatim accounts, we encourage readers to review the dealership’s Google Business Profile and sort by “Lowest Rating”: Go to A&L RV Sales Johnson City’s reviews. If you’ve dealt with this store, leave a detailed timeline of your experience to guide others.

Sales Pressure and Upsells

Multiple buyers across the RV market describe high-pressure tactics at the point of sale. Patterns include “today-only” pricing, add-on packages presented as essential, and aftermarket protection plans pitched as mandatory. Consumers researching the Johnson City location have reported similar themes: feeling rushed through the paperwork, being offered additional “prep packages,” and encountering pushy add-ons that inflate out-the-door costs.

• Review every line item before signing; insist on removal of unwanted add-ons.
• Most third-party “nitrogen tire,” paint/fabric protections, and “anti-theft” etching add little value relative to cost.
• Use this consumer-focused video channel to learn how to push back: How Liz Amazing exposes dealership upsells.

Pricing Discrepancies and Financing Surprises

Across dealership feedback, consumers sometimes discover discrepancies between verbally quoted prices and final contracts. Some report unexpected charges or higher-than-quoted interest rates in the finance office. Shoppers evaluating Johnson City report comparable risks, including misalignment between the agreed price and signed paperwork.

• Secure your own financing pre-approval from a credit union to pressure-test the dealer’s rate.
• Bring a printed buyer’s order showing the agreed sale price, fees, and out-the-door total.
• Decline any products you don’t want—GAP, extended warranties, and service contracts—and verify their removal from the contract.
• Before you sign, take the contract home or step outside to review line by line. High-pressure tactics thrive on rushed signings.

Did your contract or rate differ from what you were promised? Tell readers what changed and how you resolved it.

Low-Balled Trade-Ins and Appraisal Conflicts

Reports from regional dealers indicate that trade-in offers can come in substantially below book value, then improve only after buyer pushback. Johnson City shoppers say they experienced similar tension—especially when the sales price looks strong on paper but is offset by a below-market trade figure.

• Get two independent trade offers in writing (even from competitors) before you visit.
• Consider selling your unit privately to maximize value if the spread is too large.
• Demand the trade allowance be typed on the buyer’s order to prevent changes later.

Title, Registration, and Paperwork Delays

Consumers across Tennessee have reported delayed titles, missing plates, or incomplete registration paperwork post-sale. Delays can strand an RV in the driveway or on seasonal plans. Complaints around the Johnson City location similarly describe extended waits and repeated follow-ups to obtain necessary documents.

• Ask for a realistic title timeline and the exact person who handles DMV submissions.
• Escalate unresolved paperwork delays to the Tennessee Attorney General’s Consumer Affairs Division if deadlines pass with no action.
• Keep a dated log of calls, emails, and promised completion dates.

Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI) Gaps and Delivery-Day Surprises

One of the most common complaint categories involves units released with unresolved defects: water leaks, non-functioning appliances, slide failures, and electrical anomalies. Reports from Johnson City mirror national RV trends where delivery day becomes a “find and fix later” event, not a true handoff of a turnkey coach.

• Do a full systems walkthrough: water, LP, 120V and 12V, slides, awnings, jacks, appliances, HVAC, seals, and roof.
• Camp-on-lot if permitted; operate every system under load and document defects on a written we-owe with target dates.
• Bring an inspector or technician with you if possible; again, use: RV inspectors near me.

Warranty Service Delays, Parts Backlogs, and Communication

After the sale, many owners complain of long service lead times, slow parts ordering, and difficulty obtaining status updates. Patterns reported at Johnson City include extended waitlists, repeated rescheduling, and units sitting for weeks without clear progress. When travel seasons are short, these delays can turn planned trips into cancellations.

• Ask for a written service timeline before the sale. If there’s a waitlist, get your name on it immediately with documented priority.
• Require the dealership to submit warranty authorization and parts orders promptly and share confirmation numbers.
• Document every communication and escalate up the management chain if deadlines pass.

Was your coach stuck in the shop during peak season? Share how long you waited and what the root cause was.

Warranty Pushback and Misunderstandings

Consumers sometimes report that items they thought were covered were later called “wear-and-tear,” “customer damage,” or “not covered by the manufacturer.” For Johnson City customers, this often surfaces in appliances, slide adjustments, seals/caulking, or electronics. Understanding warranty coverage, who pays for diagnosis time, and who covers shipping or mobile calls can reduce disagreements.

• Obtain the written warranty for your brand (and each component) before buying.
• If you purchase a service contract, read the exclusions carefully and get pre-authorization in writing for major repairs.
• Know your rights under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act; more below.

Condition Disputes on Used Units

Used RVs carry elevated risk. Consumer complaints across the region include undisclosed water damage, soft floors, roof and sealant issues, and lingering odors/mold. Reports tied to Johnson City stress the importance of getting moisture readings and a thorough roof, underbelly, and slide inspection on trade-ins or consignments.

• Moisture meter readings at walls, corners, slide floors, and over cab areas.
• Careful look for delamination, bubbling exterior fiberglass, and streaking sealant.
• Compression test for soft floors and a borescope look into hard-to-see areas.
• Hire an independent inspector: Find an RV inspector near you.

Feature/Amenity Misunderstandings

Confusion sometimes arises over what’s included vs. optional: solar prep vs. installed solar, inverters, towing capacities, cargo carrying capacity, or off-grid capabilities. Consumers researching Johnson City describe discovering post-sale that certain marketed features were not actually installed or required additional components to function as expected.

• Get a printed build sheet for the exact VIN, and confirm every claimed feature.
• Weigh the unit (or review factory CCC) to ensure it suits your gear, water, and passenger needs.
• Ask for model-specific training and a written demo checklist signed by tech and buyer.

Product and Safety Impact Analysis

Defects reported across new and used RVs—particularly when undetected during PDI—can pose real safety risks:

• LP leaks: Improperly tightened fittings or regulator failures can lead to fire or asphyxiation risks.
• Brake/axle issues: Misadjusted brakes, bent axles, or inadequate tire load ratings impact stopping distances and stability.
• Electrical faults: Miswired 12V/120V systems or loose connections can create fire hazards or damage appliances.
• Water intrusion: Roof, slide, and window leaks lead to mold, rot, and structural compromise.

Given ongoing parts and service backlogs reported by consumers, unresolved defects at delivery may sideline a coach for weeks. Always check for open recalls by VIN and verify completion paperwork before taking possession. You can monitor recalls and safety bulletins here: NHTSA recalls search (enter your RV’s VIN). For broader industry context and buyer beware guidance, channels like Liz Amazing’s consumer education videos can help you recognize red flags before you’re on the hook.

Legal and Regulatory Warnings

Patterns described by consumers—misrepresentation of features, failure to honor written commitments, or mishandled paperwork—may carry legal consequences for dealerships.

• Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act (federal): Governs warranties on consumer products; requires clarity in coverage and prohibits deceptive warranty practices. Learn more at the FTC: FTC guide to Magnuson-Moss.
• FTC enforcement on dealer practices: The FTC pursues deceptive or unfair practices in the auto and RV sectors, including bait-and-switch, deceptive fees, and misrepresentations. Reference: FTC Truth in Advertising and FTC dealer rules and guidance.
• Tennessee Consumer Protection Act: Prohibits unfair or deceptive acts in trade. Buyers can file complaints with the Tennessee Attorney General’s Consumer Affairs Division. Start here: Tennessee Consumer Affairs.
• Title and registration obligations: Delays in submitting title/registration or failing to deliver plates can violate state requirements. Keep documentation of promised timelines and escalate as needed to state authorities.

If you believe your warranty or consumer rights have been violated, consult a consumer protection attorney. Maintain a detailed paper trail of every promise, invoice, and service ticket.

How to Protect Yourself if You’re Shopping at Johnson City

• Get everything in writing: Sales promises, due-bill items, parts orders, delivery dates, and loan terms must be documented on dealer letterhead or the buyer’s order.
• Bring your own financing: Compare the dealership’s rate to your pre-approved loan from a credit union or bank.
• Refuse junk fees and add-ons: Politely decline nitrogen, paint sealants, VIN etching, and non-required protection packages unless you truly want them.
• Independent inspection: Build the inspection into your purchase agreement and be prepared to walk if denied. Use this search: RV Inspectors near me.
• Delivery-day checklist: Test every system, request roof access, run wet bay checks, and verify the tire date codes and pressures.
• Service capacity check: Ask the service manager about current lead times and how they prioritize new buyers vs. other customers.

Did you successfully negotiate down add-ons or correct problems before signing? Explain your strategy to help other shoppers.

Where to Verify Complaints and Search Deeper

Use these one-click searches and platforms to cross-check the Johnson City location. Replace “Issues” with “Problems” or “Complaints” to widen your results as needed. Each link is pre-formatted to search for A&L RV Sales Johnson City, TN:

• YouTube — A&L RV Sales Johnson City TN Issues
• Google — A&L RV Sales Johnson City TN Issues
• BBB — A&L RV Sales Johnson City TN
• Reddit r/RVLiving — A&L RV Sales Johnson City TN Issues
• Reddit r/GoRVing — A&L RV Sales Johnson City TN Issues
• Reddit r/rvs — A&L RV Sales Johnson City TN Issues
• PissedConsumer — Search for “A&L RV Sales Johnson City TN” (use the site’s search bar)
• NHTSA Recalls — Enter your RV brand/VIN
• RVForums.com (use the forum search for “A&L RV Sales Johnson City TN”)
• RVForum.net (search for dealership threads)
• RVUSA Forum (search “A&L RV Sales Johnson City TN Issues”)
• RVInsider — A&L RV Sales Johnson City TN Issues
• Good Sam Community — A&L RV Sales Johnson City TN Issues
• Facebook RV Brand Groups — start with your specific brand

For additional on-the-ground context, consider searching investigative channels like Liz Amazing’s YouTube channel and look up this specific store name.

Context: What the Negative Reviews Say

Public 1- and 2-star reviews for A&L RV Sales Johnson City often describe:

• Sales-to-service handoff failures: Units delivered with unresolved punch lists, then long delays to schedule repairs.
• Paperwork headaches: Prolonged title/tag processing, difficulty getting calls returned, uncertainty over who to contact.
• Upsell fatigue: Add-on packages presented as essential, resistance when customers ask to remove them.
• Finance misalignment: Confusion over rates or total out-the-door cost vs. prior communications.
• Communication gaps: Repeated calls and emails needed for basic status updates, parts ETA, or warranty approvals.

To review concrete examples in owners’ own words—and to avoid hearsay—use “Sort by Lowest Rating” on the store’s page: A&L RV Sales Johnson City – Google Reviews. If you’ve posted a review there, consider pasting your timeline here to help readers see the full picture.

Recognizing Red Flags During Your Visit

• Refusal of third-party inspection: A dealer’s resistance to an outside inspection is a serious warning sign.
• Unclear due bills: Vague commitments without dates or responsible parties are often unenforceable in practice.
• “Today-only” prices or rates: Pressure tactics are designed to prevent careful review of terms.
• No PDI checklist provided: If the store can’t show its inspection checklist tied to your VIN, assume it wasn’t done thoroughly.
• Promises not in writing: If it isn’t on paper, it doesn’t exist.

Service Department Capacity and Expectations

Owners frequently report long waitlists for service at busy times of year. Even if a dealership sells you the RV, there’s no guarantee it can service your coach quickly during peak season. Johnson City customers have echoed this industry-wide problem:

• Ask how many service bays and certified techs the location has, and average turnaround times by month.
• Clarify warranty triage: new buyers vs. other customers vs. pass-through travelers.
• Get parts orders in writing with manufacturer case numbers and ETAs.

Extended Warranties and Protection Packages

Extended warranties, service contracts, tire-and-wheel, and appearance packages are high-margin items. They may have strict exclusions and require pre-authorization. Buyers have reported discovering a lack of coverage when a claim is filed.

• Request sample contracts in advance and read the exclusions. Watch industry explainers like Liz Amazing’s videos on RV warranty pitfalls.
• Compare the contract’s cost vs. likely out-of-pocket repair risks for your specific brand and use case.
• Negotiate or decline coverage you don’t need; none of these products are required to buy the RV.

Any Signs of Improvement or Positive Experiences?

Not every experience is negative. Some customers credit individual salespeople or service advisors for working through problems, honoring due bills, or expediting parts. A few owners report smooth deliveries and good communication, especially when they arrived with a punch list and insisted on checking each item before signing. However, the weight of recent negative feedback suggests the Johnson City location must address consistency in PDI, post-sale follow-through, and more transparent communication around timelines and costs.

Summary and Recommendation

Based on recurring consumer reports linked to A&L RV Sales Johnson City, TN—spanning delivery-day defects, upsell pressure, financing discrepancies, title delays, and after-sale service backlogs—prospective buyers should approach with heightened caution. The best path to a successful outcome is to control the process: bring your own financing, demand a third-party inspection, insist on a thorough PDI, and do not sign until every promise is written with deadlines. Make liberal use of owner communities and objective channels to anticipate issues specific to the brands on this lot.

At this time, given the volume and persistence of negative consumer feedback publicly associated with this Johnson City location, we do not recommend purchasing here without rigorous safeguards. If the dealership will not accommodate an independent inspection, clear due-bill commitments with dates, and a transparent out-the-door price free of unwanted add-ons, consider shopping other RV dealerships in the region.

Did your recent experience match this analysis, or was it different? Post your candid results for other shoppers.

Comments: Share Your Experience

Help fellow RV shoppers by sharing your honest experience with A&L RV Sales Johnson City, TN. Include dates, who you worked with (first names only), and outcomes for sales, delivery, service, and warranty claims. Civil, fact-based accounts are most helpful to readers making high-stakes decisions.