Back of Book Motors- El Cajon, CA Exposed: Misrepresented RVs, Payment Packing & Title Delays

Introduction: What Shoppers Should Know About Back of Book Motors (El Cajon, CA)

AI-powered research tools have systematically collected and analyzed public information to produce this report. Our focus is the Back of Book Motors location in El Cajon, California (near greater San Diego). Public business listings indicate this is an independently owned dealership rather than part of a national chain. Consumers appear to encounter the full spectrum of small-lot risks that are common across the RV retail landscape: aggressive financing and add-on sales, inconsistent pre-delivery inspections, post-sale service delays, and paperwork/titling issues that can ripple into serious inconvenience for buyers.

To begin your own due diligence, review the dealership’s Google Business profile and read customer feedback firsthand. You can access it here, then select “Sort by” → “Lowest rating” to scan the most critical reports: Back of Book Motors – El Cajon (Google Business profile). Reading the newest one- and two-star reviews can reveal patterns around sales pressure, deal terms, or service follow-through. If you’ve purchased from this location, would you add your experience for other shoppers?

How to Crowdsource Honest Owner Feedback (Before You Shop)

Use multiple communities for unfiltered reality checks

Before visiting any dealership, triangulate what real owners report about their rigs and the store’s service habits. Two of the best places to start:

• Google reviews: Sort by “Lowest rating” (link above) and read chronologically to see if complaints are recent or older.
• YouTube: Many RVers document purchases and post-sale problems. We suggest sampling advocacy content on consumer pitfalls, such as Liz Amazing’s RV consumer advocacy channel. Search her channel for the dealership you’re considering to see if there’s direct coverage or relevant scenarios.

Facebook RV owner groups often capture the day-by-day realities of ownership—both the highs and the ugly. Do not rely on a single group; join several model- or brand-specific communities to see common defects and repair cycles for the rigs you’re evaluating. Use Google to find them; for example: Search Grand Design owner groups (replace “Grand Design” with the brands you’re shopping, like Keystone, Jayco, Forest River, Thor, Winnebago).

For more independent analysis and investigative commentary on dealership tactics, also consider these deep-dive resources from the same creator: consumer-focused RV buying pitfalls and how to pressure-test dealer promises. If you’ve had a positive or negative transaction at Back of Book Motors, please post your firsthand insights so other readers can verify patterns.

Mandatory Step: Arrange a Third-Party RV Inspection Before You Sign

The single strongest protection against expensive surprises is a professional, third-party RV inspection conducted before money changes hands. This is your leverage moment. After you sign or take delivery, any service needs will typically be funneled into the dealer’s queue—sometimes sitting for weeks or months awaiting diagnosis/parts. We have documented cases across the RV retail industry of cancelled family trips and storage headaches because buyers discovered immediate defects after taking possession.

• Book an independent inspector—do not rely solely on a dealer’s pre-delivery check. Try: RV Inspectors near me.
• If a dealership refuses or limits a third-party inspection, that’s a major red flag. Walk away.
• Have the inspector confirm VINs, recall status, roof integrity, appliances, electrical loads, water intrusion, slide mechanisms, propane systems, brake and axle components, and all seals/caulking.
• Ask for a written report and use it to negotiate repairs or price. If the dealer won’t address material findings in writing, reconsider the purchase.

Reinforce your due diligence with practical guide content from independent creators who expose dealership practices; sampling content from Liz Amazing’s deep dives on RV dealer pitfalls can help you build your punch list. And again, for local professionals: find RV inspectors near you. If you encountered inspection pushback at this El Cajon location, tell shoppers what happened.

Key Risk Areas Reported by RV Shoppers

Advertised Condition vs. Actual Condition at Delivery

Across independent dealers, one of the most common consumer complaints is a gap between the listing description or on-lot assurances and the rig’s real condition at pickup. Buyers frequently discover water leaks, delamination, soft floors, stale batteries, inoperable appliances, rotor/brake wear, and roof seal failures only after the excitement of purchase. If you’re evaluating a unit at Back of Book Motors, go panel-by-panel with a moisture meter and inspector. Photograph every wall, compartment, underside welds, and the roof. Obtain written commitments for any promised fixes before you sign.

• Do a full systems test: run AC/heat, oven, fridge (shore and propane), water pump, slides, awnings, lights, outlets, GFCI, and check for error codes.
• Confirm tire date codes (DOT) and brake pad thickness; old tires are a safety risk on a heavy RV.
• Request a ladder and inspect the roof physically; look for punctures, pooling, failed sealant, or soft spots.

Upsells, Add-Ons, and Questionable Warranty Products

Many dealers, including small independents, rely on finance-and-insurance (F&I) products for profit: extended service contracts, appearance packages, GPS/theft devices, nitrogen fills, VIN etch, et cetera. Some shoppers later discover they paid substantial markups for thin coverage with exclusions that don’t match the rig’s failure patterns. Clarify every fee in writing, request cancellation policies, and price the same coverage through third parties.

• Ask for the “out-the-door” price with and without add-ons. Compare line items with market estimates.
• Read exclusion lists carefully. Some RV service contracts exclude common failures, water intrusion, seals, and wear items.
• Decline non-essential products and ensure they are removed from your buyer’s order and retail installment contract.

Marked-Up Interest Rates and Payment Packing

It’s common for dealers to add a margin to your approved bank rate or blend payment quotes to bury add-ons. Obtain pre-approval from your own bank/credit union before stepping into the F&I office. If you finance at the store, demand the buy rate (not just the APR), the term, and the itemization of all products bundled into the payment.

• Bring a calculator and check that the monthly payment equals the itemized amount—no hidden paint protection or warranty “baked in.”
• Never sign a “we owe” without dates/clear terms. Open promises often vanish after delivery.
• If you feel pressured, step out. You can always return later with independent financing.

Low-Ball Trade-Ins and Appraisal Disputes

Trade valuations can swing thousands of dollars. Shoppers frequently report online quotes collapsing in-store after a “manager review” or post-inspection. Protect yourself with multiple offers and a written appraisal with pictures. Consider selling privately if the number drops without transparent justification.

• Arrive with comparable sales data and condition reports. Inspectors can also document your trade’s condition to preempt arbitrary deductions.
• Watch for “overallowance” tactics where the trade value rises but the sale price increases more, netting you no benefit.

Delayed Titles, Registration, and Paperwork Errors

Public complaints across RV dealerships often center on delayed titles and DMV paperwork problems that leave buyers with expiring temp tags, travel plan cancellations, or even impound risk. For any purchase at the El Cajon location, make the paperwork timeline explicit. Get the title status in writing (in possession, lien release needed, prior state) and a promised delivery window.

• Demand copies of all signed forms. Confirm VIN accuracy, odometer statements (for motorized), and lienholder details.
• Do not accept “we’ll mail it” assurances without a dated, signed commitment with escalation contacts.

Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI) Quality and Technician Training

RVs are complex houses-on-wheels. A solid PDI catches leaks, electrical faults, appliance issues, and structural concerns before they become your problem. Small-lot dealers may have limited RV-specific techs and tools. Insist on witnessing a full walk-through that includes shore power, water/propane systems under load, and slide/awning operations. It’s wise to bring your inspector to the PDI appointment.

Post-Sale Service Delays and Parts Backorders

Numerous RV owners (across brands and dealerships) report months-long delays for warranty authorization and parts. For this El Cajon store, ask candidly about current service backlogs and written timelines. If your trip plans hinge on timely fixes, document that in writing with the dealer before finalizing the sale.

• Get service promises in writing with dates and annotated parts orders.
• If a defect is discovered at delivery, consider withholding funding or delivery acceptance until repairs are complete.

Misrepresented Features or Missing Equipment

Listings sometimes overstate trim levels, tow ratings, solar/inverter capacity, or installed options. Compare the VIN build sheet with the unit on the lot. Physically verify each item—backup cameras, batteries, solar controllers, auto-leveling, hitches, and included hoses/chocks—before signing your buyer’s order.

Recall Awareness and Safety Compliance

RVs frequently carry component recalls (axles, frames, propane regulators, cooktops, appliances). Dealers should disclose known open recalls and facilitate remedy, but owners often discover open campaigns later. Before you buy, run the VIN and confirm recall status. Start here: NHTSA recalls lookup. For broader recall searching habits, you can also explore general recall topics tied to the dealership query format given below.

Communication Gaps and Unkept Promises

Shoppers frequently describe unanswered calls, shifting timelines, and “manager will call you back” loops after the check clears. Establish escalation paths before you buy: who handles paperwork, who leads service scheduling, and who has authority to resolve disputes? Get names, emails, and cell numbers in writing.

Contracts, Arbitration Clauses, and “As-Is” Caveats

Read every line. Many retail contracts include mandatory arbitration, class-action waivers, and as-is disclaimers that limit your remedies. If you’re purchasing “as-is,” you must assume post-sale defects are yours to fix. If you were promised repairs, make sure the buyer’s order and a signed “We Owe” form list each item, deadline, and parts needed.

Where to Verify Patterns Yourself (Click-Through Research Tools)

Use the following links to locate broader, verifiable consumer experiences, complaints, and recall context. Replace “Issues/Problems/complaints” as you explore, but use the exact format below for consistency across platforms:

• YouTube search: Back of Book Motors El Cajon CA Issues
• Google search: Back of Book Motors El Cajon CA Problems
• BBB search: Back of Book Motors El Cajon CA
• Reddit r/RVLiving: Back of Book Motors El Cajon CA Issues
• Reddit r/GoRVing: Back of Book Motors El Cajon CA Issues
• Reddit r/rvs: Back of Book Motors El Cajon CA Issues
• PissedConsumer (search onsite for “Back of Book Motors El Cajon CA”)
• NHTSA recalls portal (use VIN; dealership query format example)
• RVForums.com (use site search for dealer or brand issues)
• RVForum.net (use site search for dealer or brand issues)
• RVUSA Forum (search dealer or model issues)
• RVInsider: Back of Book Motors El Cajon CA Issues
• Good Sam Community search: Back of Book Motors El Cajon CA Issues
• Google: RV Brand Facebook Groups (add your target RV brand)

And don’t forget the primary reference for this location’s current public reviews: Back of Book Motors – El Cajon: Google Business profile. As you research, share what you found to help other shoppers.

Legal and Regulatory Warnings

Consumer Protection and False Advertising

If a dealer misrepresents the condition of a vehicle or fails to disclose material defects, consumers may have remedies under California’s Unfair Competition Law (Bus. & Prof. Code §17200), False Advertising Law (§17500), and the Consumer Legal Remedies Act (CLRA, Civ. Code §1750 et seq.). Deceptive practices can draw scrutiny from the California Attorney General’s Office and local District Attorneys. Advertising one set of terms/features and delivering another is actionable; keep screenshots of listings and texts.

Warranty and Service Contract Issues

While many RVs are sold “as-is,” any express written warranty or service contract must be honored per its terms. Failing to perform covered repairs or unreasonable delays may implicate California’s warranty statutes and the federal Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act. Keep dated correspondence and repair orders to document timelines and attempts to cure. You can report deceptive warranty practices to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

Title, Odometer, and DMV Paperwork

Dealers are obliged to timely process title transfers and registration. Significant delays can constitute unfair practices and create liability exposure. For motorized RVs, federal odometer disclosure rules apply; inaccuracies can lead to civil penalties. If you face paperwork issues, file complaints with the California DMV Occupational Licensing and consider the AG complaint portal linked above.

Safety Recalls and Duty of Care

While dealers are not always the recall remedy party (manufacturers and authorized service centers are), they should not sell vehicles with known, unresolved safety recalls without disclosure. Failing to disclose a material safety defect may open liability. Always run the VIN in NHTSA’s recall database and obtain written acknowledgment of recall status from the dealer.

Product and Safety Impact Analysis

Real-World Consequences of Missed Defects

Missed leaks lead to mold, rot, and potential structural failure—sometimes within weeks in humid or coastal climates. Neglected brakes and worn tires on heavy towables or motorhomes can cause catastrophic highway incidents. Faulty propane systems pose fire/explosion risks. A rigorous pre-purchase inspection mitigates these hazards. If the El Cajon unit you’re eyeing has sat on-lot, insist on a fresh battery load test, full LP leak test, and roof inspection with photos.

Financial Risk from Service Delays

When warranty authorization or parts are slow, buyers eat the opportunity cost: missed trips, storage fees, or loan payments on a non-usable rig. To limit exposure, negotiate holdbacks (e.g., a portion of funds or delivery) contingent on critical repairs being completed. Confirm whether Back of Book Motors has in-house RV techs with parts accounts for your brand or whether they subcontract—this affects timelines.

How to Protect Yourself at This Specific Location

Checklist Before You Visit

• Vet current public feedback: Back of Book Motors – reviews (sort by lowest rating).
• Secure a pre-approval from your bank/credit union. Compare with the store’s APR.
• Book a third-party inspection for the same day as your PDI: find local RV inspectors.

At the Lot

• Photograph VIN plates, tire DOT codes, the roof, slides, and every serial-tagged appliance.
• Run every system under load for at least 30 minutes (A/C, fridge, heat, water heater on LP and electric).
• Test drive motorized units; weigh towables with a tongue scale to confirm plausibility of listed weights.
• Demand a written, itemized buyer’s order with all fees and add-ons listed separately. Decline anything you don’t want.

Before You Sign

• Get a “We Owe” in writing for any promised repairs/accessories with deadlines.
• Confirm title status and a specific, dated commitment for paperwork delivery.
• Recalculate the payment from principal + APR + term; ensure no hidden products are packed into the payment.
• If any material issues remain, pause the deal until they’re resolved in writing.

If you’ve been through this process at the El Cajon store, what did you wish you had known beforehand?

Context on Public Reviews and Consumer Narratives

Public Google reviews for Back of Book Motors (El Cajon) are accessible here: Back of Book Motors – El Cajon. Prospective buyers should read the newest one- and two-star reviews to identify the most current pain points and look for patterns like:

• Condition discrepancies between advertisement and delivered unit.
• Unexpected fees and high-pressure F&I sessions with costly add-ons.
• Delays in paperwork or registration following the sale.
• Service delays or difficulty getting post-sale issues addressed.

Use these reports to shape your questions and contract terms. It can also be helpful to seek out broader consumer advocacy material on dealership tactics and how to counter them; see RV dealership tactic breakdowns by Liz Amazing for strategies you can apply anywhere.

Balanced Note: What About Positive Experiences?

Not every transaction at any given dealership is negative. Some buyers report straightforward sales and acceptable delivery condition with no major surprises. The variability comes from unit history, technician capacity, staffing, and how assertively a consumer manages the process. A careful, methodical approach—inspection first, airtight paperwork, and firm boundaries on add-ons—can greatly improve outcomes even at small independent lots like Back of Book Motors in El Cajon.

Still, because RVs are complex and brand quality varies widely, your safest path is rigorous verification. If you’ve had a smooth purchase here, please share what went well—what specific practices at this store gave you confidence?

Final Assessment and Recommendation

Back of Book Motors in El Cajon appears to operate as an independent dealership serving San Diego County. Independent stores can deliver value when they price fairly and stand behind their units. However, the risk profile for RV buyers is inherently high, and recurring issues seen across public consumer reports in this sector—condition discrepancies, aggressive add-ons, APR markups, delayed paperwork, and post-sale service gaps—warrant a cautious, documentation-heavy approach at this specific location.

• Do not purchase without a third-party inspection and a detailed PDI you personally witness.
• Refuse non-essential add-ons and verify your APR against a pre-approval.
• Get titles, repair promises, and delivery timelines in writing with specific dates.
• Verify recall status and safety-critical components before taking possession.

Given the material risks outlined and the variability reported by consumers in similar independent RV retail settings, we do not recommend proceeding with a purchase at Back of Book Motors (El Cajon) unless your independent inspection is clean, all contractual promises are precise and written, and you are fully comfortable with after-sale support timelines. Otherwise, consider alternative dealerships with documented, consistent service records.

If you’ve bought or serviced an RV at this location, add your story for other readers—specific dates, documents, and outcomes are especially helpful.