Apache Village RV Center- Hazelwood, MO Exposed: Service Delays, Title Holdups, High-APR Upsells

(Serious Concern)

Across the RV industry, including independent dealerships like Apache Village, consumers frequently report problems discovered only after taking possession—water leaks, slide failures, non-functional appliances, soft floors, trim separation, and electrical or propane issues. Your best and only real leverage is before you sign. Hire an independent NRVIA-certified or similarly qualified mobile RV inspector to perform a full pre-purchase inspection. If a dealer does not allow a third-party inspection before delivery, that is a red flag and you should walk.

• Find local professionals: Google: RV Inspectors near me
• Use your inspection report to negotiate repairs, price, or walk away if the unit’s condition doesn’t match the sales promises.
• Get any repair commitments itemized and signed. “We’ll take care of it later” is not a contract.

We see repeated public complaints from buyers across many dealerships who ended up with rigs parked at the service department for weeks or months post-sale waiting for parts or authorization. That means cancelled trips, lost campground deposits, and no usable RV.

(Serious Concern)

Multiple negative reviews in recent years (publicly visible on Google) describe high-pressure sales experiences, rushed paperwork, and discrepancies between what was discussed verbally and what appeared on the final signed documents. Shoppers also report unexpected dealer add-ons, prep fees, or charges not clearly disclosed until late in the process. These patterns erode trust and can lock buyers into unfavorable terms.

• Always request a line-item out-the-door price sheet before entering the finance office.
• Refuse last-minute add-ons; ask for new printed contracts if any number changes.
• Take a night to review and compare competitors’ out-the-door quotes—no matter how “limited” they say the availability is.

(Serious Concern)

Public complaints often reference unexpectedly high APRs, aggressive add-on selling (GAP, paint/fabric protection, tire-and-wheel plans, aftermarket “lifetime” maintenance packages), and extended service contracts that may be thin on actual coverage. Dealers make substantial profit on financing and F&I products; consumers report feeling cornered or told the add-ons are required to get approved.

• Bring your own pre-approval from a credit union to compare rates and terms.
• Ask for warranty contracts to read in full before agreeing—coverage, exclusions, claim process, labor rates, deductible, transfer/cancellation policy, and pro-rated refunds.
• Decline any product that cannot be clearly justified in writing and independently verified for value.

For more context on upsell tactics common across dealerships, see Liz Amazing’s buyer-education videos.

(Moderate Concern)

Several reviewers allege they were quoted one trade-in figure verbally or early on, only to see a lower number on the final paperwork. This can happen when dealerships shift numbers to preserve their profit (“we’ll give you more for your trade” while raising price or fees elsewhere). These mismatches frequently fuel complaints of bait-and-switch tactics.

• Obtain written trade-in offers from multiple dealerships and use NADA/J.D. Power as a baseline.
• Separate the transactions: agree to a purchase price first, then negotiate the trade-in to avoid blended numbers.

(Serious Concern)

Low-rated reviews for Apache Village RV Center (Hazelwood) mention delayed titles or plate paperwork that left buyers unable to legally use or register their RVs for weeks. Administrative backlogs are common in the RV sector, but when delays drag on, customers risk compliance issues, missed trips, and additional costs. If you experience this, document each follow-up and escalate in writing.

• Before funding is finalized, ask for documented timelines on title handling and temporary tags.
• Get the dealership’s clerk contact information and confirm state-specific requirements.
• If deadlines slip, escalate in writing and consider filing complaints with the state AG or DMV.

(Serious Concern)

Public reviews regularly cite post-sale discoveries: non-functioning appliances, water intrusion, slide alignment issues, jacks not operating, trim damage, and missing parts. Many buyers expected the PDI to catch these defects. When PDIs are rushed or superficial, the buyer bears the burden after funds have transferred—often waiting in a service queue while trips are cancelled.

• Attend the PDI with a comprehensive checklist and test every system yourself (water and propane ON).
• Do not sign delivery acceptance until all items work or are documented on a “Due Bill” with dates and parts listed.

(Serious Concern)

A large share of negative reviews across the RV industry—and seen in complaints aimed at Apache Village’s Hazelwood location—describe months-long waits for diagnosis and parts, limited appointment availability, and prolonged downtime. Some customers report feeling deprioritized after the sale. Given short regional camping seasons, lengthy outages translate to lost enjoyment and money.

• Ask for a written estimate of time to diagnose and time to repair before authorizing work.
• Request the parts order confirmation/ETA and ask how backorders are tracked.
• Document every call, email, and service status update. Escalate to the manufacturer if necessary.

(Moderate Concern)

Some reviewers allege repairs were incomplete or required repeat visits. Common problem areas include water leaks (roofs, slides, windows), delamination or soft floors, miswired electrical, and cosmetic issues reappearing. RVs are complex, and turnover in service departments can compound inconsistency. Still, consumers expect trained technicians, not a trial-and-error approach.

• Ask how many technicians are RVIA- or RVTAA-certified and what brands they specialize in.
• Inspect completed work before leaving—spray tests for water leaks, full system checks, verify torque specs on wheels, etc.

(Serious Concern)

Low-star complaints commonly discuss confusion about who pays for what (dealer vs. manufacturer, chassis vs. coach, third-party extended warranties). Some buyers feel promises made in sales don’t match the realities of claims processing. Others describe being told an issue is “wear and tear” or “not covered” without a clear citation to contract language.

• Get all promised coverage in writing. Ask for the exact warranty booklet/contract before you buy.
• If you’re told “not covered,” request the specific clause and initiate a written appeal with the warrantor.

(Moderate Concern)

Frustrated reviewers often cite slow callbacks, vague status updates, and difficulty reaching the right person. When customers are left guessing, trust evaporates. Clear communication during sale, delivery, and especially when repairs are underway can be the difference between an acceptable delay and a miserable ownership experience.

• Set communication expectations in writing: who contacts you, when, and by what method.
• Request written service notes after every visit—problems found, actions taken, parts replaced, and technician’s name.

(Serious Concern)

Recall handling can involve manufacturer approvals, parts availability, and dealer scheduling. If recalls are delayed or ignored, critical systems—such as brakes, axles, LP gas lines, or electrical components—may pose safety hazards. Consumers should check their VIN for open recalls and confirm any outstanding campaigns when considering any used unit on the lot.

• Check open recalls: NHTSA Recall Search (enter your RV’s VIN)
• Ask the dealer to print recall status and provide a written timeline to complete recall work.

(Serious Concern)

Across many brands sold by regional dealers, recurring hazards include LP gas leaks, faulty propane regulators, brake controller failures, axle misalignment and premature tire wear, slide-out motor failures that trap slides extended, and water intrusion causing structural or electrical risks. In multiple low-rated reviews for dealerships like Apache Village (Hazelwood), buyers report safety-affecting defects not caught before delivery, leading to high-stress shakedown problems.

• During PDI, have propane and CO detectors tested; perform a manometer test for gas system leaks when possible.
• Verify tire DOT dates, torque the lugs, and inspect brake function on a safe road test.
• Confirm GFCIs and all 120V circuits function properly; test battery charge/discharge with loads.

If safety concerns were ignored or delayed, document in writing and, if needed, file a vehicle safety complaint with NHTSA.

(Serious Concern)

Public feedback indicates dissatisfaction with unexpected add-on fees and upsells inside the finance office. To stay in control, say no to anything not disclosed on your original quote and avoid packages with unclear benefits or cancellation terms.

(Serious Concern)

Extended service timelines and parts backorders appear frequently in low-rated reviews for Hazelwood. Factor this into your decision: an RV is only valuable if it’s usable, and downtime can be expensive.

(Moderate Concern)

Misaligned expectations about coverage—particularly with third-party service contracts—lead to friction. Obtain and read every contract in full before agreeing to purchase.

(Serious Concern)

Some buyers report slow titling and registration follow-through. If you can’t legally use your RV due to paperwork, your first camping season can evaporate.

(Serious Concern)

An inspector does what a rushed PDI often doesn’t: pressure test plumbing, test all propane appliances, verify electrical behavior under load, inspect roofs and slide seals, confirm tire condition and date codes, assess frame/axles/springs, and check appliances and safety devices. It’s your one chance to force issues to be fixed or to renegotiate. Locate a pro: Search local RV inspectors.

(Moderate Concern)

High APR financing, pricey add-ons, and unplanned post-sale repairs can add thousands to ownership cost. For used RVs, hidden water damage or structural issues can be catastrophic. An independent inspection mitigates this risk substantially.

(Serious Concern)

Unaddressed recall items and poor-quality repairs can impair braking, handling, gas safety, and electrical systems. Verify recall completion, demand documentation for all safety-related work, and test systems thoroughly before your first long trip. File safety complaints here if needed: NHTSA Safety Complaint.