Apollo RV Rentals Orlando Branch- Davenport, FL Exposed: Hidden fees, unready RVs, deposit disputes

(Serious Concern)

If you are considering buying an ex-rental unit from Apollo’s Davenport location (or any RV dealer), insist on a third-party, independent RV inspection before paying or signing final paperwork. This is your best leverage to identify expensive hidden defects—water intrusion, soft floors, roof damage, misaligned slide-outs, underperforming air conditioners, batteries at end-of-life, and tire age. If the dealer refuses a third-party inspection, that is a red flag—walk away. Use this query to find reputable inspectors: RV Inspectors near me.

For rentals, perform a meticulous pre-departure walkthrough. Photograph and video every surface inside and out, test every appliance and system, and document odometer and generator readings. If problems surface later, your documentation can protect your deposit and keep disputes factual.

(Serious Concern)

Recent low-star reviews frequently describe units that were not “trip-ready” upon pickup—complaints include poor cleanliness, worn interiors, malfunctioning air conditioning, refrigerators not cooling, water system leaks, and dead house batteries. Some renters report long delays waiting for last-minute fixes that cut into their travel time. Others describe being told that “everything works” only to discover system failures once they reached a campground.

(Serious Concern)

Multiple consumers allege damage or cleaning charges that they dispute, claiming issues were pre-existing or that cleaning standards were inconsistently applied. Delayed deposit returns and difficulty getting clear, itemized invoices are recurring themes. Renters who did not exhaustively document pre-trip condition appear to be at elevated risk for contested charges, especially for windshield chips, small cabinet or trim damage, awning issues, and holding tank contamination fees.

(Moderate Concern)

Many rental companies load on add-ons: prep fees, sanitation fees, mileage packages, generator hours, kitchen kits, linen kits, convenience kits, roadside assistance packages, and insurance tiers. At this branch, low-star reviews raise concerns over unexpected costs at pickup, pressure to upgrade into larger mileage or insurance packages, and stiff penalties for late returns or “excess” cleaning. Transparency about fees is a central complaint—what seems like a good online price can balloon at the counter.

(Serious Concern)

When an RV fails on the road, minutes matter. Renters describe long waits for roadside help, difficulty getting through to support, and confusion about what repairs are authorized. Some report abandoned nights of their itinerary waiting for fixes or replacement vehicles that never materialized. Battery failures, tire blowouts, inoperative generators, and slide-outs that won’t retract are common failure points for high-use rental fleets.

(Moderate Concern)

Low-star reviews cite unreturned calls, unanswered emails, and a lack of clear escalation paths when disputes arise. After a trip ends, some renters report slow or opaque billing; others mention inconsistent explanations from different staff members. The frustration compounds when renters are back home and the vehicle is in the company’s possession, yet charges continue to accrue or deposits remain on hold.

(Moderate Concern)

High-volume rental operations must deliver precise, repeatable orientations. Complaints at this branch point to rushed walkthroughs, limited system demonstrations, and a lack of clear instructions for sewage dumping, leveling, generator usage, and safety systems. New RVers are particularly impacted; improper usage can lead to breakdowns, safety hazards, and damage charges that are avoidable with robust training.

(Serious Concern)

Rental fleets accumulate miles quickly. Reports of units with worn tires, dated interiors, and aging generators raise questions about preventive maintenance cycles. Prospective renters and buyers of ex-rentals should verify open recalls are addressed and that tire age (by DOT code) is within safe limits. Use the NHTSA recall lookup to research chassis and coach recall campaigns that might affect the units commonly used in rental fleets: NHTSA Recalls – Search context for Apollo RV Rentals Orlando Branch Davenport FL.

(Serious Concern)

If consumers are promised one price or condition and delivered another, potential violations of the Federal Trade Commission Act (prohibiting unfair or deceptive acts) may be implicated. The FTC has scrutinized “junk fees” and misleading add-ons across travel and auto industries. Consumers can learn more or file a complaint with the FTC: ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

(Moderate Concern)

Florida’s Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act (FDUTPA, Fla. Stat. § 501.201 et seq.) prohibits unfair or deceptive acts in trade or commerce. If a renter or buyer encounters deceptive advertising, concealed fees, or misrepresented equipment, FDUTPA may apply. Consumers can contact the Florida Attorney General’s Office to report patterns of misconduct: Florida Attorney General.

(Moderate Concern)

For buyers of ex-rentals, warranty terms must be disclosed clearly. If a unit is sold “as is,” understand you may have limited remedies. If any warranty is offered, sellers must honor it under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act. For safety defects, contact NHTSA and the underlying manufacturer. NHTSA’s recall database is here: NHTSA Recalls Lookup.

(Serious Concern)

High-use rentals face accelerated wear. Battery failures can disable slide-outs and leveling. Underinflated or aged tires increase blowout risk, especially in Florida heat. Generator malfunctions can eliminate air conditioning for hours in midsummer—dangerous for children, pets, and medically vulnerable travelers. Brake and suspension issues, if unaddressed, risk catastrophic failure. A breakdown mid-trip can also incur steep towing costs, campground cancellation losses, and missed vacation milestones.

(Serious Concern)

Allegations of poorly functioning appliances or modifications elevate safety risks. Faulty LP systems or non-functioning CO detectors can create life-threatening hazards. Confirm working detectors during the walkthrough and replace batteries if permitted. If anything smells like gas or you hear a detector alarm—do not operate appliances and demand immediate assistance.

(Moderate Concern)

Disputed cleaning or damage charges can run hundreds to thousands of dollars, especially if an awning, windshield, or slide mechanism is implicated. Delayed deposit returns can create cash-flow issues. If you must dispute charges, gather time-stamped photos/videos, all text/email threads, and the signed checkout sheet. Proactively present your documentation to management and your credit card issuer as needed.

(Moderate Concern)

Similar to car rentals, RV rentals can start with an attractive base rate and climb substantially with kits, fees, and coverage add-ons. Read every line. Ask which fees are mandatory and which are optional. If the math changes at the counter, ask for the written quote and escalate to a manager before accepting keys.

(Serious Concern)

Short windows between returns and new pickups can compromise cleaning and maintenance. This can lead to clogged A/C filters, low coolant or oil, underinflated tires, and tank contamination. Insist that maintenance be completed first, not after you pull out. If a part is “on order,” decide whether you can safely proceed or whether you should decline the unit and request an alternative.

(Serious Concern)

Many rental branches sell ex-rental units after 1–3 years of heavy use. Some are well-maintained; others conceal costly issues. A third-party inspection with a moisture meter and roof inspection is non-negotiable. If the seller won’t allow it, walk. Use: RV Inspectors near me. For step-by-step buying pitfalls, search consumer watchdog creators like Liz Amazing’s RV dealership exposes and compare findings with your inspector’s report.

(Moderate Concern)

Consumers want to know the total trip cost—before arriving. A best-in-class process would include a single, itemized digital quote, auto-calculating mileage and generator use packages, and clear late-return and cleaning thresholds. If you rent here, ask for that clarity upfront and decline any add-ons you don’t need.

(Serious Concern)

Implementing a rigorous multipoint inspection—signed by a technician—would reduce surprises. Ask whether the Davenport branch uses a standardized checklist and whether you can review the last service record. If they can’t show documentation, assume the risk is yours and document thoroughly at pickup.

(Moderate Concern)

Delayed returns of deposits fuel distrust. The branch should provide time-stamped photos of alleged damage and a detailed, line-item invoice within a defined number of business days. Until then, customers must self-protect: record everything, request written estimates, and escalate early if communication stalls.

(Serious Concern)

Read the fine print. Coverage tiers differ, and renters report variable response times. Ask whether roadside providers are pre-vetted in the Orlando area and along your route, what the typical ETA is, and who authorizes repairs nights/weekends. Get emergency numbers in writing.

(Serious Concern)

Do not accept the RV if it has active safety recalls or unresolved critical defects. Check with NHTSA: Official Recall Lookup. If essential systems fail during the walkthrough, request a different unit or a full refund; partial fixes made after pickup can put you at risk.

(Serious Concern)

Your leverage ends when you sign. Secure a pre-purchase inspection by a certified, independent RV inspector. If rejected, walk away. Use: RV Inspectors near me. Ask the inspector to perform thermal imaging for leaks, roof integrity checks, tire and brake assessment, generator load test, and electrical/LP safety tests.