Berkenkotter Motors – Castle Rock, CO Exposed: Title Delays, Hidden Fees & Post-Sale RV Defects

(Serious Concern)

Independent, pre-purchase inspections are your single best leverage before handing over any money. Multiple negative reviews for the Castle Rock location reference post-sale discoveries—mechanical or cosmetic—that allegedly weren’t fully disclosed or addressed. The dealership may offer limited in-house checks or verbal reassurances, but those are not a substitute for an unbiased RV inspection that focuses on roof integrity, water intrusion, undercarriage, brakes, electrical systems, appliances, slide mechanisms, towing components, and tire age and condition.

• Book a certified inspector BEFORE finalizing paperwork: Search “RV Inspectors near me”.
• If the dealer says you cannot bring a third-party professional onto the lot, that is a red flag—walk away.
• Ask the inspector to provide a detailed written report and photos that you can use to negotiate repairs or price adjustments.
• Understand that if defects are discovered after the sale, you may lose leverage; some reviewers say they were placed “in line” for service, with trips cancelled as their RV sat for weeks or months waiting on parts or authorization.

For broader context on dealership pitfalls and how to protect yourself, see investigative consumer content like RV dealership exposés by Liz Amazing. She frequently breaks down warranty fine print, delivery checklists, and “gotcha” fees common in the industry.

(Serious Concern)

Several low-star reviewers allege they waited far longer than promised for titles and registration documents. In RV ownership, this can trigger cascading problems—expiring temp tags, insurance hurdles, and inability to legally tow or camp. Some buyers report feeling stuck while the dealership cites backlog or mailing delays. If your registration window lapses, the consequences can range from tickets to voided travel plans.

• Ask upfront: When will the title be delivered, and what is the worst-case timeline?
• Get commitments in writing and set a follow-up schedule before you sign.
• Refuse to take delivery without a clear title process spelled out on your buyer’s order.

(Serious Concern)

Among the 1‑ and 2‑star reviews, shoppers describe unexpected fees surfacing late in the process—documentation charges, prep fees, and other add‑ons that inflate the “out-the-door” price. Beyond fees, some reviewers discuss pressure to purchase aftermarket warranties, GAP coverage, or protection packages of questionable value. In the RV world, these contracts often come with exclusions and procedural hurdles that can make claims difficult.

• Demand a written, itemized out-the-door price that includes every fee before you agree to a credit pull.
• Decline add-ons you don’t need. Ask for the administrator name and a sample policy booklet to review exclusions before deciding.
• Beware finance “bundles” that hide high-margin products in your payment.

(Serious Concern)

A consistent thread in low-star reviews references condition surprises discovered after purchase. For RVs and towables, shoppers report issues like leaks, soft spots, appliance failures, brake or tire concerns, or electrical anomalies emerging shortly after delivery. Some reviews describe verbal assurances that “we’ll take care of it” that allegedly didn’t materialize as expected or were delayed.

• Do a thorough pre-delivery inspection (PDI) yourself—bring a ladder, a moisture meter, and a bright flashlight. Record everything.
• Insist on fixing safety items (brakes, tires, hitch/tow gear, propane systems, leaks) before you sign, or walk.
• Hire a third-party inspector: Find certified RV inspectors near you.

(Moderate Concern)

Multiple reviewers allege difficulty getting timely responses or updates, especially once the sale is complete. If you need repairs or paperwork help, delays and communication gaps can jeopardize upcoming travel or leave your RV unusable during peak season. Even if the dealership is primarily sales-focused, what matters is whether promised post-sale help is documented and delivered.

• Get all service promises in writing with dates, parts lists, and escalation steps.
• Ask who approves parts and who will call you—get names and direct lines.
• Set expectations on turnaround before you leave your RV on-site.

(Moderate Concern)

Trade-in complaints surface in low-star reviews statewide, and Castle Rock is no exception. Some buyers claim their trade was undervalued or that numbers changed as the deal progressed. This can especially sting with RVs, where condition and usage directly drive value and where documentation (service records, tire age, roof maintenance) can be used to argue for more money.

• Collect comparable listings and print them. Show recent service records and receipts.
• Get the trade number in writing before agreeing to any financing terms.
• Be prepared to sell your RV privately if the offered value is unreasonably low.

(Moderate Concern)

Some reviewers report dissatisfaction with financing experiences—either rates were higher than expected, or products were bundled into the loan. In the RV industry, it is common for dealers to mark up buy rates from lenders and to present “payment-based” sales pitches that obscure total cost. Extended warranties, GAP, or ancillary protections added without your clear consent will increase loan balances and interest paid.

• Always apply with your bank or credit union first so you know your actual “buy” rate.
• Ask the dealership to disclose the lender’s approval rate and any dealer reserve/markup.
• Decline any add-on you don’t want—in writing—and re-check the final contract before signing.

(Serious Concern)

In 1‑star reviews, some buyers allege they weren’t fully informed about vehicle histories or underlying issues that surfaced after the sale. In the used RV segment, undisclosed water intrusion, past damage, or prior repairs can be costly and dangerous. “As‑is” sales are common, but “as‑is” doesn’t excuse misrepresentation. If something material was known and not disclosed, that can implicate consumer protection laws.

• Obtain condition disclosures in writing. Photograph and document the RV at the lot.
• Run a VIN history report and verify recall status for all chassis and coach components.
• If a feature or repair is promised, it must be listed line-by-line on the buyer’s order with completion dates.

(Serious Concern)

Buyers reporting undisclosed defects, delayed paperwork, or unfulfilled promises may have recourse under federal and state laws. Key frameworks include:

• Colorado Consumer Protection Act (CCPA): Prohibits deceptive trade practices, including misrepresentation of goods or services. See the Colorado AG’s consumer resources: Colorado Attorney General – Consumer Protection.
• FTC Used Car Rule: Requires certain disclosures in the Buyers Guide for used vehicles; terms like “as‑is” must be truthful and not negate known defects that were misrepresented. Overview here: FTC Used Car Rule.
• Magnuson‑Moss Warranty Act: Governs written warranties on consumer products. If a service contract or warranty is sold, the provider must honor the terms and cannot impose unreasonable barriers to claims. Reference: FTC – Magnuson‑Moss Warranty Act.
• NHTSA Recalls: If your RV’s chassis or components have an open recall, safety repairs should be handled per recall rules. Check your VIN(s): NHTSA Recall Lookup.

If you believe you were misled or experienced unfair practices, file complaints with the Colorado Attorney General and the FTC. Document everything—texts, emails, voicemails, photographs, and the buyer’s order—before escalating. Also consider small claims court or consulting an attorney for deceptive practices that caused financial loss.

(Serious Concern)

For RV buyers, undetected defects and delayed support are not merely inconveniences—they can become safety hazards and major financial liabilities:

• Brakes and tires: Aged tires (over 5–6 years) or neglected brakes dramatically increase the risk of blowouts or loss of stopping power at highway speeds.
• Water intrusion and roof leaks: Even small leaks can jeopardize structural integrity and electrical safety; mold exposure presents health risks.
• Propane and electrical: Malfunctioning appliances, incorrect LP fittings, or wiring faults can cause fires or carbon monoxide risk.
• Tow components and weight ratings: Incorrect hitches or poor weight distribution are dangerous; verify tow ratings, tongue weight, and brake controller operation.

Repeated consumer reports of issues post-sale should push buyers to treat inspection as non‑negotiable. If you’ve experienced safety defects with a unit from this location, post the details to warn others.

(Moderate Concern)

Unkept verbal promises are common in low-star reviews. Protect yourself by turning every assurance into a line item on your purchase order:

• Insist on an itemized “out-the-door” quote that lists every fee and add-on.
• Require that all promised repairs or accessories include specific parts, labor, and dates.
• Take photos and video of the RV on the lot at delivery, including the roof, slides, undercarriage, and tires.

(Moderate Concern)

Unnecessary upsells and interest rate markups can add thousands over the life of a loan. Decline products you don’t want, and be cautious about extended warranties and service contracts that exclude common failures. If the finance office insists an add‑on is required to get approval, ask for that in writing—and contact the lender to verify.

• Shop your loan with a bank or credit union first to set a benchmark APR.
• Request the warranty/service contract booklet before you sign—scan the exclusions section.
• Check the final contract line-by-line to make sure no unwanted items are included.

(Serious Concern)

Don’t accept keys until a full inspection is complete and documented. Independent inspectors will test water systems under pressure, operate slides, scan for roof leaks, analyze tire age codes (DOT), and verify brake function. If significant issues are found, you can renegotiate or walk away without being trapped in a post-sale dispute.

• Book an inspector: Search for RV Inspectors near me.
• Bring your own PDI checklist and take your time; don’t be rushed.
• If an inspector is blocked from the premises, consider that a major warning sign and leave.

Want detailed walk-throughs of PDIs and common dealer pitfalls? Search the advocacy content on Liz Amazing’s YouTube channel for the specific RV model or dealer you’re considering.

(Moderate Concern)

If you encounter delayed titles, unresponsiveness, or unresolved defects:

• Send a dated, written demand for performance citing the buyer’s order and any promised repairs.
• Include photos and inspection reports; request a written timeline for resolution.
• File complaints with the Colorado Attorney General – Consumer Protection and the FTC complaint assistant.
• Consider BBB mediation as a paper trail: use this search to locate the dealership’s listing: BBB: Berkenkotter Motors Castle Rock.