Basden’s American RV Center- Evansville, IN Exposed: Add-on pressure, PDI gaps & slow warranty fixes

Introduction and Background

AI-powered research tools have systematically collected and analyzed public information to produce this report. The focus is Basden’s American RV Center at 600 E Baseline Rd, Evansville, IN. Basden’s appears to be a privately owned, regional dealership rather than a national chain. It markets a broad selection of new and used towable RVs and motorized units, along with financing, parts, and service to buyers throughout southwestern Indiana and neighboring states. Public feedback about this specific Evansville location reflects a mix of positive and negative experiences, with many prospective customers drawn by inventory and location—but also some reporting serious frustrations with sales tactics, financing, delivery condition, and post-sale service timelines.

Because online reviews can shift quickly, we strongly encourage you to read the most recent feedback firsthand. Visit Basden’s Google Business Profile for the Evansville location and “Sort by Lowest rating” to see the latest critical reviews: Basden’s American RV Center – Evansville, IN Google Reviews. As you read, pay special attention to consistent patterns and recent timelines.

Where to Research Real Owner Experiences

Unfiltered feedback and community research

• Google Reviews: Sort by “Lowest rating” to see recent 1–2 star reviews and read detailed complaints or timelines: Basden’s American RV Center – Evansville, IN Google Reviews.
• YouTube watchdogs: For dealership exposés and buyer education, explore industry exposés by Liz Amazing and search her channel for the dealership you’re considering.
• Facebook owner groups: Join brand-specific owner communities (search by your exact RV brand/model) to see ongoing maintenance, warranty, and dealer experiences. Use this Google query and add your brand and model: Facebook RV brand owner groups (Google query).
• Independent forums: RV owners often share long-form troubleshooting and dealer service timelines on RV-focused forums. Try RVForums.com, RVForum.net, Good Sam Community, and Reddit communities.

Have you purchased or serviced an RV at this location? Tell fellow shoppers what happened.

A Critical Step Before You Buy: Third-Party RV Inspection

Regardless of dealership reputation, the RV industry’s build variability means defects can slip through a dealer’s Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI). Your best protection is to hire an independent NRVIA-certified or similarly qualified inspector. This is your only real leverage before signing the final paperwork and taking delivery. If a major issue is uncovered after the dealer is paid, many buyers report getting pushed to the back of the service line or waiting weeks or months for parts. That can mean canceled camping plans and significant out-of-pocket costs.

• Search locally and book your own inspector: RV Inspectors near me.
• Insist the inspection be done on-site before you sign and before you accept delivery.
• If the dealership refuses a third-party inspection, consider that a major red flag and walk.

For broader consumer education on dealer tactics and RV quality pitfalls, consider watching Liz Amazing’s RV dealership investigations, then search her channel for the brand and dealer you’re evaluating.

Patterns in Public Complaints About Basden’s American RV Center – Evansville

Below are recurring themes we identified across publicly available reviews and consumer reports. We encourage you to verify each theme by reading the latest feedback and timelines on the sources linked in this report.

Sales Tactics and Add-Ons

Multiple consumers describe pressure to commit quickly, bundled “protection packages,” and upsold accessories with unclear value. The RV sector is notorious for expensive add-ons that may duplicate coverage (for instance, tire/wheel, paint/sealant, and interior fabric packages) or provide little practical benefit. Some Basden’s buyers indicate frustration when final numbers didn’t match initial expectations or when fee explanations felt rushed or confusing.

• Request a written out-the-door price that itemizes every fee and add-on. Decline anything you don’t need or understand.
• Extended warranties and “lifetime” packages vary widely; ask for sample contracts, coverage limits, exclusions, and cancellation rights in writing.
• Compare competitor pricing for the same unit without dealer-installed extras.

Have you encountered high-pressure add-ons at Basden’s? Add your story for other shoppers.

Financing and Interest Rates

Some buyers allege they were offered higher-than-expected rates or steered toward certain lenders. In RV lending, dealers sometimes mark up interest rates from a lender’s buy rate. That’s legal if properly disclosed, but you should protect yourself:

• Obtain a pre-approval from your own bank or credit union before shopping, then let the dealer beat it if they can.
• Ask the finance office to disclose the actual lender buy rate versus your contract APR.
• Double-check every term in your Retail Installment Sales Contract (RISC) and verify there are no deferred interest clauses, surprise balloon payments, or add-on premiums embedded into the loan.

Low-Ball Trade-In Offers

Trade-in value disputes are common at many RV stores, and Evansville customers periodically report frustration with valuation swings from initial verbal estimates to final written offers. To avoid surprises:

• Collect multiple written appraisals and consider selling your unit privately if time allows.
• Ask the dealer to show their valuation basis and comparable units. Get that rationale in writing.
• Keep trade-in and purchase price discussions separate to maintain clarity.

Delayed Titles, Registration, and Paperwork

In 1–2 star reviews, buyers sometimes describe long waits for titles, plates, or payoff errors on trade-in loans. While processing delays can occur industry-wide—especially during peak seasons—prolonged title issues may prevent you from legally using or selling your RV. If you face delays, escalate quickly:

• Set clear expectations at signing: “When will I receive the title, registration, and plates?” Get specific dates in writing.
• If delays exceed state norms, consider filing a complaint with the Indiana Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division.
• Document every call, email, and promise with dates and names.

Delivery Condition and Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI) Gaps

Public complaints frequently mention discovering defects shortly after delivery—a sign that dealer PDI may have missed issues. Common examples across the RV retail sector include water leaks, nonfunctioning appliances, slide problems, and cosmetic damage. Evansville buyers have described frustration when fixing these items required extensive service appointments or delays in parts arrival.

• Bring a detailed PDI checklist and test every system yourself before signing: water (city and tank), electrical, propane, slides, awnings, jacks, roof, seals, tanks, heat/AC, fridge, faucets, toilets, and all doors/windows.
• Refuse delivery until all promised repairs are completed and documented in writing.
• Consider a second independent inspection after the dealer claims repairs are complete: Find an RV inspector near you.

Warranty Service Delays and Communication

Multiple reviews for the Evansville location point to long queues for warranty work, inconsistent updates, or parts delays. Some owners report their RVs sat at the dealership for weeks or months waiting for service authorization or components from the manufacturer. This is a widespread industry problem, but the burden falls on customers—lost trips, storage fees, and continuing loan payments while the unit is unusable.

• Before purchase, ask for the service department’s current backlog in writing (average wait to first diagnostic and average time-to-completion for warranty jobs).
• Request written estimates and expected timelines; ask how parts are tracked and how often you’ll be updated.
• If the unit is not drivable, negotiate a loaner, mobile tech option, or compensation in writing before you finalize the sale.

Parts Availability and Manufacturer Coordination

Customers occasionally report stalled repairs because the store is waiting on vendor parts or manufacturer approvals. Several brands require dealers to submit photos and diagnostic notes before authorizing warranty parts. This can create significant lag time.

• Ask the service advisor to submit comprehensive documentation to manufacturers on day one to avoid rejections.
• Request the part numbers, estimated ship dates, and carrier tracking info once available.
• If feasible, ask whether in-stock alternative parts exist to expedite repairs (with written approval).

After-Sale Follow-Through and Unkept Promises

Some Evansville buyers claim certain promises made at sale—like missing items to be ordered, small punch-list repairs, or quick turnaround—were not fulfilled as expected. Even small items can drain time and morale if they require repeated trips.

• Put every promise in the “We Owe” or Due Bill form, signed by management, with clear deliver-by dates.
• Withhold full payment or delivery acceptance until everything on the due bill is completed; otherwise, your leverage declines.
• Communicate only in writing for post-sale commitments and keep a record.

Did you run into unkept promises on delivery? Report your experience for others.

Pricing Discrepancies and Fee Transparency

Hidden fees, doc charges, and add-on packages can make a “great price” less attractive by signing time. Some reviewers of the Evansville store describe frustration over add-ons that surfaced late or were difficult to remove. Reputable dealers will honor written quotes without surprise items.

• Insist on a final, signed buyer’s order with VIN and a complete breakdown of pricing and fees before you visit finance.
• Cross-check that the finance contract exactly matches the buyer’s order—down to the cent.
• Decline any add-on you do not recognize; ask “Is this optional?” and request removal in writing.

Safety and Recall Handling

While recalls are issued by manufacturers, dealers are the front line for completing them. Owners across the industry often report delays scheduling recall work. Before buying, ask whether the VIN you’re considering has any open recalls and how long recall repairs currently take at the Evansville service department. You can also check recall status for many RV components by searching the NHTSA database; note that you’ll usually need the vehicle VIN or the specific brand/model rather than the dealership name.

• Check recall information via the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration: NHTSA Recalls Lookup.
• Ask the dealer for a printed warranty and recall status sheet for your exact VIN prior to purchase.
• If recalls are open, negotiate completion before delivery.

Workmanship and Training Concerns

Public complaints sometimes mention repairs that didn’t hold, new issues introduced during service, or techs appearing unfamiliar with certain systems. In RV service, technician skill and workload can vary substantially, and the industry’s rapid growth has outpaced training pipelines at many shops.

• Ask whether the Evansville location employs RVIA/ASE-certified technicians and how many master techs work on your unit type.
• Request photos of completed repairs, replaced parts, and a detailed work summary on each visit.
• At pickup, perform a hands-on walkthrough of completed work before paying or signing the RO.

If you had to bring your rig back for the same issue, what happened next?

Legal and Regulatory Warnings

Consumer protection laws that may apply

Repeated patterns described in public reviews—such as undisclosed fees, failure to honor written promises, or mishandled warranty obligations—can trigger scrutiny under federal and state consumer protection laws. While we are not alleging violations by Basden’s American RV Center, consumers should recognize their rights and escalate appropriately if needed:

• FTC Act and Deceptive Practices: Misrepresentations in advertising or sales can violate Section 5 of the Federal Trade Commission Act. Learn more: FTC Act overview.
• Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act: Governs consumer product warranties and requires clear, conspicuous terms. Dealers cannot disclaim responsibilities that federal law assigns to written warranties. Overview: FTC Guide to Federal Warranty Law.
• Truth in Lending Act (TILA): Requires transparent disclosure of APR, finance charges, and terms in consumer credit contracts. Introduction: Regulation Z (TILA).
• State Consumer Protection: Indiana’s Attorney General handles consumer complaints and can mediate. File a complaint if you encounter persistent issues: Indiana Consumer Protection Division.
• NHTSA Safety Defects: Report serious safety issues related to vehicles or components: Report a safety issue to NHTSA.

If financing terms, fees, or warranty coverage differ from what was promised, save every document and communication. Written proof and date-stamped timelines strengthen your position with the dealership and regulators.

Product and Safety Impact Analysis

Financial risk from undisclosed defects or incomplete PDI

RV systems—plumbing, electrical, propane, and structural—require careful inspection. If leaks, wiring faults, or appliance failures are missed at delivery, you may incur immediate out-of-pocket repair costs or lose weeks of usage. When these issues overlap with long service queues, the practical impact is significant: canceled trips, hotel costs, storage, and ongoing loan/insurance payments while your unit is unusable.

Safety hazards from delayed repairs

Water intrusion can degrade structural integrity and lead to mold. LP gas leaks, faulty brakes, or nonfunctional slide mechanisms can create dangerous situations on the road or at campsites. Recalls left unresolved may expose you to known hazards. Always verify that any open recall work is completed prior to travel and re-check safety-critical items (tires, brakes, hitch couplers, breakaway switches, propane lines) after service.

Extended warranties and questionable coverage

Extended service contracts are lucrative for dealerships but not always advantageous for buyers. Many policies exclude “pre-existing,” “wear and tear,” or “sealant” failures—precisely the issues owners often face. If you’re considering a warranty from Basden’s finance office, request the full contract, not just a brochure. Scrutinize covered components, claim procedures, deductibles, and cancellation/refund rules. You might find self-insuring (setting aside a repair fund) more cost-effective, depending on your risk tolerance and the specific contract terms.

For a deeper understanding of dealership practices and coverage gotchas, you can watch content on Liz Amazing’s channel and search her videos for the brand or dealer you’re considering.

How to Protect Yourself at Basden’s American RV Center – Evansville

Before you visit

• Get a firm, written out-the-door price with VIN, including taxes and fees.
• Secure outside financing pre-approval to benchmark the dealer’s offer.
• Schedule a third-party inspection at the dealership before delivery: Search local RV inspectors.

At the dealership

• Perform your own PDI with a written checklist. Don’t rush; test all systems.
• Decline unwanted add-ons; don’t sign anything with blank lines or placeholders.
• Insist all promises are in the Due Bill/We Owe, signed by management with dates.
• Compare the finance contract to your buyer’s order line by line.

After delivery

• Track titles and registration; if delayed beyond stated timelines, escalate to management and document everything.
• If warranty service is needed, ask for written ETAs and parts tracking info.
• Inspect the RV after every service visit before leaving the lot, and do a shakedown nearby.

Already purchased from this location? What did you encounter during service?

Centralized Research Links for Verification and Deep Dives

Use these searches to find detailed, independent information on the Evansville location. Replace “Issues” with “Complaints,” “Problems,” or a specific topic (e.g., “warranty,” “service delays”) to refine your results.

• YouTube search: Basden’s American RV Center Evansville IN Issues
• Google search: Basden’s American RV Center Evansville IN Issues
• BBB search: Basden’s American RV Center Evansville IN
• Reddit r/RVLiving search
• Reddit r/GoRVing search
• Reddit r/rvs search
• PissedConsumer main page (search for “Basden’s American RV Center Evansville IN”)
• NHTSA recall lookup (use your specific RV VIN/brand)
• RVForums.com (use onsite search)
• RVForum.net (use onsite search)
• RVUSA Forum (use forum search)
• RVInsider search: Basden’s American RV Center Evansville IN Issues
• Good Sam Community search: Basden’s American RV Center Evansville IN
• Facebook RV brand groups (Google query; add your brand/model)

When using these resources, note review dates, specifics (names, departments, repair orders), and whether the dealership responded or resolved issues. That context helps you assess current performance.

Objectivity Note: Positive Experiences and Dealer Responses

While this report prioritizes risk factors for consumers, we recognize that some Evansville customers report smooth purchases and timely service. It is also common to see dealership replies to negative reviews offering to discuss solutions offline. Prospective buyers should read both positive and negative feedback, emphasizing recent, detailed accounts that include dates and outcomes.

If you had a genuinely positive experience at this location—transparent pricing, on-time delivery, and fast service—your perspective can help balance the picture. Share a quick update to help other shoppers.

Final Buyer’s Checklist for Basden’s – Evansville

• Bring your own inspector: Book a third-party inspection and make delivery contingent on a clean report: Find a local RV inspector.
• Insist on transparency: Written, itemized out-the-door quote; remove unwanted add-ons; match finance contract exactly to buyer’s order.
• Document everything: Promises on a signed Due Bill with dates; service timelines in writing; parts tracking.
• Verify safety: Confirm recall status is clear; perform a full PDI; test propane and electrical systems thoroughly.
• Know your rights: If promises are not honored, escalate with the Indiana AG and, where relevant, the FTC or NHTSA.

Seen something we missed about this Evansville location? Post your experience to inform the community.

Summary and Recommendation

Publicly available feedback about Basden’s American RV Center in Evansville, IN presents a familiar RV retail profile: inventory and convenience draw shoppers in, while reported pain points concentrate around add-on upsells, financing clarity, delivery condition, warranty delays, and the stress of post-sale communication. These are not unique to this dealer; they reflect systemic issues in the RV industry. But for you as a buyer, the consequences are very personal—lost travel time, unexpected expenses, and significant frustration if the process isn’t tightly managed.

Use the Google Reviews link to read the most recent lowest-rated experiences in detail: Basden’s American RV Center – Evansville, IN Google Reviews. Consider also reviewing third-party education such as Liz Amazing’s investigations into RV dealership practices to sharpen your due diligence approach.

Bottom line: Unless you can secure a thorough independent inspection, full written transparency on pricing and add-ons, and realistic service timelines in writing, we do not recommend proceeding with a purchase at this location. If the dealership declines a third-party pre-delivery inspection or cannot provide clear, dated commitments on paperwork and post-sale support, consider shopping other RV dealerships with stronger recent service track records.

Ready to help other shoppers? Share your experience below.