Best Time RV – El Monte, CA Exposed: Hidden Fees, Financing Markups, Title Delays & Repair Backlogs

(Serious Concern)

In today’s market, a neutral, third-party inspection is your best leverage. Schedule a comprehensive pre-delivery inspection by an independent professional before paying in full or taking possession. A professional will check for leaks, electrical and propane issues, frame or suspension defects, brake and tire condition, roof membrane damage, appliance function, water intrusion, and evidence of prior collision or flood damage. If the dealership does not allow an independent inspection, that is a major red flag—walk away.

To find local pros, try: Search: RV Inspectors near me. Make your offer contingent on passing an independent inspection and require written sign-off that all deficiencies are corrected prior to delivery. Without this, customers routinely report cancelled camping trips and months-long delays as units sit in a service queue after the dealer has already been paid.

(Moderate Concern)

Many RV outlets use add-on packages (protection coatings, alarm systems, etching, extended service contracts, “mandatory” prep fees) to inflate the out-the-door price. Buyers commonly report feeling rushed through paperwork or uncertain about what’s optional vs. required. Thoroughly review the deal sheet and finance office menu, line by line. Decline anything you do not clearly understand or want, and ask for a clean purchase agreement showing the base price, taxes, and legitimate DMV fees only.

Extended warranties and service contracts often come with broad exclusions and complex claims procedures. Ask for a sample contract and read it at home before signing. Remember: many “lifetime” coatings or “free maintenance” programs have limitations that make them less valuable than implied. If you spot high-pressure tactics or sudden price changes late in the process, pause and request written quotes to compare with other dealers.

(Serious Concern)

Dealership-arranged financing can be convenient, but it may include rate markups, payment packing, or non-required “lender” add-ons. Get preapproved financing from a bank or credit union before you shop. If the dealer beats your rate, request the lender’s approval letter and a full disclosure of fees. Watch for unexplained “doc” fees, “prep” fees, or ad-on products bundled into the APR. Always compare the base unit price and the APR independently, and ensure that prepayment penalties are not hidden in your contract.

(Moderate Concern)

Consumers frequently report trade valuations that are thousands below wholesale books. If trading in, solicit multiple offers (including CarMax for tow vehicles, or specialty RV buyers) and bring written offers with you. Keep the trade discussion separate from the purchase price to assess the true net deal. If the dealer shifts numbers late in the process—raising the unit price while bumping your trade—walk until the numbers are transparent and locked in writing.

(Serious Concern)

Delayed titles and registration issues are among the most stressful post-sale problems RV buyers report. Public complaints across the industry describe waiting weeks or months for plates or title corrections, sometimes jeopardizing travel plans or resale. If you decide to work with Best Time RV – El Monte, make sure your purchase agreement spells out title delivery timelines and who to contact if deadlines slip. Keep copies of all documents, including the purchase agreement, buyer’s order, odometer statement, title application, and any lien documents.

(Serious Concern)

Another recurring theme among RV owners: after delivery, getting warranty appointments and timely repairs can be difficult. Reports commonly reference long wait times for parts, misdiagnosed issues, repeats visits, and poor communication. To mitigate this:

• Document every defect with photos/video and a dated list of issues.
• Open warranty claims in writing immediately; keep copies.
• Ask for an estimated completion date and parts order numbers.
• Escalate to the manufacturer and the service manager if your unit sits for weeks without progress.

If you faced service delays or incomplete warranty work at this location, please describe your timeline and outcomes to help other buyers plan.

(Moderate Concern)

Some locations in this segment of the market sell or remarket prior rental units once retired. Ex-rentals can be a good value if they were maintained rigorously, but they also may show heavy wear, patch repairs, and evidence of frequent novice operation. If you suspect a unit is an ex-rental, ask for maintenance logs, accident/incident history, tire and brake replacement dates, and the full pre-sale reconditioning checklist. Verify that the VIN history matches the representations made, and confirm that any removed branding or accessories is disclosed.

(Serious Concern)

Industry-wide, buyers describe arriving on delivery day to find items missing, punch-list issues unresolved, or promised add-ons not installed. If the dealership owes you items or repairs post-delivery, get a signed “We Owe” form listing each commitment, delivery deadlines, and parts descriptions. Before you hand over full payment, re-walk the RV using your inspection checklist. Refuse to accept the unit with unresolved safety or operational defects—post-sale leverage is limited, and service queues can push trips back by months.

(Serious Concern)

Mechanical and build-quality defects—if not addressed before delivery—can pose real safety hazards. Common safety-impact areas include:

• Brakes, tires, and bearings: Underserviced components can overheat and fail under load, leading to loss of control.
• LP gas and appliances: Leaks, improperly vented furnaces, or non-functioning CO/LP detectors raise fire and asphyxiation risks.
• Electrical systems: Shore-power and inverter wiring issues can cause shorts, fires, or battery failures.
• Water intrusion: Soft floors and delamination compromise structural integrity and resale value; hidden mold is a health risk.

Always search your RV’s VIN for open recalls and technical service bulletins. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) hosts official recall data here: NHTSA recalls search. Ask the dealer for written proof that all safety recalls are completed before delivery. If recalls remain open, insist on completion or a written plan with dates and parts orders.

(Serious Concern)

Based on patterns commonly seen in consumer complaints across the RV industry—and which you can cross-check in public feedback for Best Time RV – El Monte—there may be legal consequences for dealers if they misrepresent products, fail to honor warranties, or delay title/registration unreasonably. Key frameworks and agencies include:

• FTC Act, Section 5 (Deceptive practices): Misrepresentations in advertising, sales, or finance can trigger Federal Trade Commission enforcement. See the FTC’s guidance on auto/RV retailing and add-ons: Federal Trade Commission.
• Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act: Governs consumer product warranties, requiring clear written terms and good-faith performance. Learn more at the FTC site above.
• State Attorney General (California): Buyers who experience misrepresentation, failed repairs, or finance abuses can file complaints with the California Attorney General or local consumer affairs. Start with: California Attorney General – Consumer Resources.
• CA DMV and title law: Dealers must process title and registration correctly and timely. If delays are unreasonable, file a complaint here: California DMV – File a Complaint.
• NHTSA: Safety defects and unaddressed recalls should be reported: Report a Vehicle Safety Problem.

Should you encounter unresolved defects, denied warranty coverage, or deceptive finance practices at Best Time RV – El Monte, document everything and consider formal complaints to the agencies above. Civil remedies under state unfair competition and consumer protection laws may apply.

(Serious Concern)

• Pre-approval: Get outside financing pre-approval and compare the dealer’s APR and fees.
• Line-item pricing: Demand a deal sheet listing only the unit price, taxes, and state-legal fees. Decline non-essential add-ons.
• Third-party inspection: Make the sale contingent on passing an independent inspection. Use: RV Inspectors near me.
• Proof of work: For any “reconditioning” or “prep,” request a checklist signed by a certified technician with dates and measurements (tire tread depth, brake condition, battery test).
• Recall clearance: Ask for written confirmation that all recalls are completed. Verify on NHTSA’s site.
• Delivery-day walk-through: Match every feature to the build sheet. Test awnings, slides, generator, HVAC, water heater, plumbing, electronics, and LP systems.
• We Owe documentation: Get all promised items and repairs in writing with dates, part numbers, and responsible staff initials.
• Title/tax timing: Ask for expected title/registration timelines in writing and who to contact if deadlines slip.