America Choice RV Winter Garden – A Gander RV Network Dealer- Winter Garden, FL Exposed: Hidden Fees

(Serious Concern)

Independent inspections are your most reliable leverage before you sign. Many consumer complaints across RV retail (including this location) describe units delivered with undisclosed defects, water intrusion, electrical problems, or damage that becomes apparent only after taking delivery. After your money clears, dealers often push repair cases to the back of the line—some owners report losing entire camping seasons while their RV sits awaiting parts or service authorization.

• Hire a certified mobile RV inspector or NRVIA-certified professional for a full pre-purchase inspection.
• Do not accept vague promises to “fix it after the sale.” Require corrections before funding is released.
• If the dealership will not allow a third-party inspection on-site, walk away. That’s a major red flag.

Find local professionals by searching: RV Inspectors near me.

(Serious Concern)

Public complaints for this location describe frustration with shifting numbers between the advertised price and the final out-the-door price. Buyers report late-stage fees, mandatory packages, and pressure to sign quickly after a long day on the lot. While every store will have documentation and dealer fees, unexpected add-ons at signing are a recurring theme in negative reviews. This pattern can indicate either inconsistent quoting practices or a deliberate strategy to increase margin at the finance desk.

• Insist on a line-item, written out-the-door quote that includes taxes, title, dealer fees, and any add-ons—before you visit in person.
• Refuse any add-on you didn’t authorize in writing, and be prepared to leave if the numbers don’t match.
• Bring a preapproval from your bank or credit union to avoid “payment packing.”

(Moderate Concern)

Consumers frequently report aggressive upselling of extended service contracts, paint/fabric protection, tire and wheel, and similar packages during the finance process. The margins on these products can be substantial for the dealer, and they may not deliver equivalent value to you depending on exclusions and deductibles. In this location’s feedback, several customers describe being surprised by “mandatory” packages or told they need a plan to be “protected,” even when manufacturer warranty coverage already applies.

• Ask for the full contract terms, coverage limits, deductibles, and claims process before agreeing to any add-on.
• Compare third-party coverage options and prices—often cheaper and broader.
• Remember: extended warranties are optional. Decline what you don’t need.

(Serious Concern)

Buyer reports at this location include allegations of higher-than-expected APRs, shifting terms at signing, and heavy emphasis on monthly payment rather than total cost. While rate markups are common in auto/RV retail, lack of clarity and rushed signings are a signal to slow down and verify each term. The Truth in Lending Act requires clear disclosure of APR, finance charges, and total payments; always review and initial every page.

• Bring outside financing offers and ask the dealer to beat the APR—do not rely on payment alone.
• Scrutinize ancillary products financed into the loan; they raise your total cost substantially.
• Refuse to sign if any financing term has changed from your prior agreement.

(Serious Concern)

Multiple negative reviews of the Winter Garden location mention unexpectedly low trade valuations or late-stage appraisal changes once the buyer is seated in finance. Sometimes the unit is reappraised after a long wait, or new “reconditioning” deductions are introduced at the last minute. This can erode a carefully planned deal and pressure buyers into accepting worse terms to avoid starting over.

• Get written trade offers from multiple dealers and local buyers; consider consigning if time allows.
• Photograph every angle and disclose known issues early to prevent “surprise” deductions.
• Refuse to proceed if the dealer changes the trade value at signing without a credible, documented reason.

(Serious Concern)

Delayed titles and registration problems appear repeatedly in 1- and 2-star feedback for this store, with customers reporting weeks or months without permanent plates or documentation. When titles lag, owners risk fines, towing issues, or inability to use expensive RV resorts and storage facilities. For out-of-state buyers, delays can stretch longer due to cross-border lienholder coordination and state-specific rules.

• Before funding, ask for written timelines for title transfer and registration, and details on temporary tag expiration.
• For Florida-specific guidance, see the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) title resources: Florida Title & Registration Info.
• If timelines are missed, escalate to FLHSMV and the Florida Attorney General’s consumer protection division.

(Moderate Concern)

Consumers also report paperwork mistakes and repeated phone tag with the Winter Garden store to resolve missing forms, incorrect addresses, or lender coordination issues. Even when errors are honest, slow responses exacerbate the cost and inconvenience for buyers who cannot fully utilize their RVs. Keep meticulous records and escalate early if deadlines loom.

(Serious Concern)

Negative reviews for this location cite delivery-day surprises: leaks detected only after handover, missing parts, inoperative slides, miswired outlets, or poorly installed components. These items should be caught during a thorough PDI. When buyers discover them after the sale, the repair queue can stretch weeks or months, upending planned trips.

• Demand a written PDI checklist and personally verify every system—water, electrical, HVAC, slides, seals, roof, brakes—before signing.
• Require resolution of punch-list items before funds are disbursed.
• Bring your inspector. If denied, do not proceed. Search: RV Inspectors near me.

(Serious Concern)

A top complaint about the Winter Garden store involves post-sale service delays. Customers report extended repair timelines, repeated scheduling changes, and long waits for parts or authorization—sometimes leading to cancellations of time-sensitive travel. While supply chain issues can play a role, buyers expect proactive updates and realistic timelines, which are often cited as lacking.

• Get documented ETAs for parts and service, plus a commitment to weekly status updates.
• If the repair is safety-related, document the urgency and escalate to the manufacturer and regulatory bodies if needed.
• Ask about mobile service options when the RV is not safe to tow.

(Serious Concern)

Several reviewers describe repeat visits for the same unresolved issues or new damage introduced during repairs. Common examples include recurring leaks, slide alignment problems, and electrical gremlins. These patterns suggest either rushed work, inadequate training, or constrained supervision. Inexperienced technicians and turnover are persistent industry-wide problems, but the impact is deeply personal to buyers whose travel plans hinge on reliability.

• Request photos and notes of completed repairs and replaced parts.
• Before leaving the lot, re-test every repair in the presence of a service advisor.
• If issues repeat, escalate to the service manager and the RV manufacturer’s regional rep in writing.

(Moderate Concern)

Communication gaps—unreturned calls, vague status updates, and uncertainty about who “owns” a case—are cited routinely. Customers who handle everything by email and keep a paper trail generally report quicker resolutions; documentation helps hold everyone to a timeline.

(Moderate Concern)

Consumers report being redirected to manufacturers for issues that should be triaged by the dealer’s service department. While RV makers often must authorize warranty work, dealers are the gateway—scheduling, estimating, and coordinating. Delays in triage compound downstream with the OEM. Buyers also describe deductible confusion and exclusions in extended service contracts pushed during the sale.

• Know your rights under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act and Florida warranty statutes.
• Insist on written explanations for any warranty denial, and escalate in writing to the OEM and dealer management.
• Review extended contract fine print: labor rates, covered components, diagnostic allowances, and claim caps.

(Moderate Concern)

As a Gander RV-affiliated store, packaged service contracts and memberships are frequently offered. Public complaints indicate confusion over what’s covered and the steps required to get authorization. Delays can mean missed trips and out-of-pocket costs if a claim is denied or deferred.

• Demand a sample contract before purchase; search online for owner reviews of the exact plan name.
• Price the same coverage with independent providers; compare claim experiences, not just benefits lists.
• Never finance service contracts unless the terms demonstrably save you money versus paying cash.

(Serious Concern)

Owners report receiving RVs with brake, tire, and electrical issues that could pose immediate safety risks. Poor PDI and slow service response increase exposure to fires, loss of braking, or on-road breakdowns. Be proactive: check recall status by VIN with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), and verify recall fixes with documentation—before you tow or camp.

• Search recalls by VIN at NHTSA: NHTSA Vehicle Recalls.
• As a reference format per this report’s research method, you can also initiate a general search here: NHTSA Recalls – General Search Context (then search your specific RV’s VIN/brand).
• Document any recall work completed and cross-check part numbers used in the repair.

(Serious Concern)

Patterns described by consumers—undisclosed fees, financing irregularities, delayed titles, warranty denials, and safety-related defects—can trigger scrutiny under federal and Florida law:

• Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act (FDUTPA): Prohibits unfair or deceptive acts in trade or commerce. Consumers may report to the Florida Attorney General: Florida AG Consumer Protection.
• Truth in Lending Act (TILA): Requires clear disclosure of APR, finance charges, and total payments. The Federal Trade Commission enforces deceptive financing practices: FTC – Consumer Protection.
• Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act: Governs written warranties on consumer products; prohibits misleading warranty terms and requires fair claim handling.
• Florida Title & Registration Laws: Delayed or mishandled title work can violate state regulations. FLHSMV resources: FLHSMV Titles.
• NHTSA Safety Oversight: Safety defects and unrepaired recalls can be reported to NHTSA: Report a Safety Problem to NHTSA.
• Better Business Bureau: Track patterns of complaints and responses: BBB.org.

Document everything in writing—emails with timestamps, repair orders, and promises made. If a resolution stalls, consider sending a certified letter to dealership management and the manufacturer. When applicable, file complaints with the FTC, Florida AG, BBB, and NHTSA.

(Serious Concern)

While we encourage you to read the exact wording yourself by sorting “Lowest Rating” on the Google Business Profile, consistent themes include:

• Unexpected fees and add-ons appearing at signing after a different price was discussed earlier.
• Significant delays with title and registration paperwork, sometimes requiring repeated follow-ups.
• Units delivered with defects that should have been caught during PDI, followed by long waits for repairs.
• Difficulty reaching staff for updates after the sale, especially in service and paperwork departments.
• Trade-in values that change late in the process, lowering buyer leverage at a critical moment.

If you’ve encountered any of these, would you document your timeline and outcome for other readers? Your specifics can help buyers anticipate pitfalls.

(Serious Concern)

When an RV is delivered with undetected water intrusion, electrical faults, or brake/tire issues, the risks escalate quickly:

• Water leaks: Lead to mold, rot, structural damage, and plummeting resale value if not addressed immediately.
• Electrical faults: Risk of shorts, appliance failures, and fire. Bad wiring can void warranties if “owner-caused” damage is alleged.
• Brake/tire defects: Immediate safety hazards, especially on interstates and in Florida’s heavy rain conditions.
• Service backlogs: Real-world trip cancellations, lost deposits at campgrounds, and storage costs while the RV sits undrivable.

Buyers should verify recalls and insist on a full PDI—documented and test-driven where applicable—before releasing funds. Safety should never rely on post-sale promises alone.