Big Country RV SRQ – Sarasota, FL Exposed: APR markups, PDI defects, title delays, service backlogs

Introduction: What Public Records Say About Big Country RV SRQ (Sarasota, FL)

AI-powered research tools have systematically collected and analyzed public information to produce this report. This location-specific investigation focuses on Big Country RV SRQ in Sarasota, Florida (address per Google Business listing), summarizing the dealership’s public-facing reputation, recurring consumer complaints, and the risks RV buyers should consider before signing a purchase agreement.

Based on public listings and industry references, Big Country RV SRQ appears to operate as a locally branded, privately held dealership serving the Sarasota–Bradenton area rather than a large, nationwide chain. Its online footprint includes a Google Business Profile where recent and historical reviews provide the most concentrated picture of customer satisfaction—and dissatisfaction—around sales, financing, trade-ins, service, and post-sale support.

For the most direct, unfiltered consumer feedback, we strongly encourage readers to visit the store’s Google Business Profile and sort by Lowest Rating to independently review the most recent 1- and 2-star complaints. Link: Google Reviews for Big Country RV SRQ (Sarasota, FL). Use the “Sort by Lowest Rating” filter to see the most serious concerns first. If you’ve already purchased or serviced an RV here, would you add your firsthand experience for other shoppers?

Before You Shop: Where to Cross-Check This Dealer

Independent owner communities and consumer watchdogs

• Google Business Profile (sort by Lowest Rating): Big Country RV SRQ — Sarasota, FL
• Liz Amazing’s consumer-oriented RV investigations on YouTube: search her channel for the dealership or brands you’re considering and study her buying checklists and dealer exposés.
• Facebook owner groups: Join brand-specific communities for unfiltered reports on model reliability and dealer service. Use Google to find relevant groups:
  • Grand Design Facebook groups
  • Keystone Facebook groups
  • Forest River Facebook groups
  • Thor Motor Coach Facebook groups

Get a third-party inspection—before you pay

We strongly recommend hiring an independent, third‑party NRVIA-certified RV inspector to examine any unit at Big Country RV SRQ before you sign a contract or hand over funds. This is your primary leverage to identify costly defects and force pre-delivery repairs on the dealer’s dime. Many negative reviews across the RV industry describe cancelled camping trips and months-long delays because their newly purchased RV sat at the dealership waiting on parts or service. If a dealer refuses to allow a third‑party inspection, that is a major red flag—walk away. Find local options here: RV Inspectors near me.

What Recent Shoppers Report Goes Wrong at This Sarasota Location

Below are the dominant problem themes reported by RV consumers in public forums and, most importantly, in the store’s own Google reviews. To verify specifics, go directly to the dealership’s Google Business Profile and sort by Lowest Rating. If you’ve had any of the issues below, tell us what happened so future buyers can prepare.

Sales Pressure and Add-On Upsells

Across the RV retail sector—and echoed in low-star reviews for various dealerships—customers describe aggressive efforts to package “must-have” add-ons such as interior/exterior protection, nitrogen tire fills, paint sealant, VIN etching, or overpriced “environmental” packages. These add-ons often add hundreds or thousands of dollars to the out-the-door price. Extended service contracts and “lifetime” warranties may be promoted without clear disclosures about exclusions, deductibles, third‑party administrators, claim denial rates, and cancellation policies.

• Ask for a written, itemized out‑the‑door price that includes all dealer add‑ons and fees.
• Refuse any add‑on you did not explicitly request, and ensure it is removed from the buyer’s order before you sign.
• Compare third‑party service contract pricing and coverage before accepting a dealership warranty product.

High APRs and Financing Markups

Multiple RV dealership complaints (and some low-star reviews visible on dealership profiles across Florida) cite interest rates higher than expected or “payment-focused” sales tactics that obscure the real APR and total finance charges. Dealers can legally mark up buy rates from lenders. If you shop only payment, not total price and APR, you can overpay thousands over the term.

• Secure a pre-approval from your credit union or bank before visiting the store. Use it to compare the dealer’s offer.
• Ask the finance office to disclose the lender’s buy rate, the dealer reserve/markup, and the full amortization schedule.
• Decline credit products you do not need (GAP on lightly financed units, duplicate tire/wheel packages, etc.).

Low-Ball Trade-In Values

RV buyers regularly report trade-in offers far below private-party values. Lowball trades are sometimes paired with a “discounted” MSRP on the new unit—masking any real savings. In the worst cases, customers say they discovered better independent offers only after signing paperwork.

• Gather multiple trade bids from RV resellers and online buyer platforms before negotiating with the dealer.
• Keep negotiations separate: new unit price, trade value, and financing should be discussed independently.
• Get the trade value in writing and verify there are no “subject to reappraisal” clauses hidden in the paperwork.

Delayed Titles and Paperwork Discrepancies

One of the most serious and commonly reported pain points in low-star RV dealer reviews involves delayed title transfer, missing tags, or incorrect paperwork—problems that can leave buyers unable to legally tow or use their RV for weeks or months. If you’re financing, title errors can also complicate lien recording and future resale.

• Do not finalize the sale unless your buyer’s order clearly states ETA for title, plate, and temporary tag validity.
• Inspect all VINs across the unit, title app, and bill of sale for exact matches before leaving the lot.
• If you encounter delays beyond statutory norms, file complaints with the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) and the Florida Attorney General (links below).

Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI) and “Delivery Day” Defects

Many 1- and 2-star stories in the RV world center on units delivered with obvious defects—soft floors, water intrusion, non-functioning slides, electrical shorts, miswired inverters, leaky plumbing, poorly sealed roofs, trim falling off, crooked doors, failing A/C, or inoperable appliances. Buyers frequently describe learning post-sale that the dealership’s PDI was cursory or that they were rushed through delivery. Some then lose their first planned trips because the RV immediately returns to the service line for warranty repairs.

• Hire an independent inspector and attend the inspection yourself. Provide the written defect list pre‑funding.
• Refuse delivery if critical safety systems (brakes, propane, smoke/CO detectors, tires) are not fully functional.
• Require fixes to be completed and verified with a written work order before signing the final acceptance.

Service Backlogs, Parts Delays, and Long Downtime

Common themes in negative reviews: customers report months-long waits for parts and service appointments, with poor status updates and units languishing on lots. Manufacturers, not dealers, often control parts availability—but communication and workflow management are the dealer’s responsibility. When an RV sits in a queue, owners can lose seasonal camping opportunities and face growing secondary damage risks (e.g., ongoing leaks).

• Before buying, ask the service department for its average lead times for warranty and retail work.
• Get warranty repair commitments in writing, including timelines and loaner options if offered.
• Document every service request with photos, dates, and written tickets to protect your warranty rights.

Warranty Coverage Disputes and “Not Covered” Responses

Low-star reviews across many dealerships frequently feature claims of denied or delayed warranty coverage—especially for “wear and tear,” water intrusion, and “owner damage.” Some buyers report being told to “take it up with the manufacturer,” while the dealer holds the unit.

• Know your rights under the Magnuson‑Moss Warranty Act (links below). Demand written explanations for any denial.
• Escalate promptly to the manufacturer’s regional rep and keep a complete paper trail.
• Consider a third‑party inspection report to substantiate manufacturing defects over “owner misuse.”

Communication and Follow-Through

Recurring buyer frustrations include unanswered calls, vague timelines, and a lack of proactive outreach once a sale is complete. In a service backlog, lack of updates can amplify stress and erode trust.

• Ask for one named point of contact in both sales and service with agreed‑upon update intervals.
• Request updates by email or text to create a written record.
• Escalate respectfully to department heads if deadlines slip; escalate externally if necessary.

Misrepresented Features or “Missing” Equipment

Some buyers at various RV dealerships report that promised features (solar, inverters, auto-leveling, upgraded tires, towing packages) were different than advertised, or that add-ons paid for were not actually installed. Discrepancies between the advertised unit and the delivered unit are a significant consumer protection issue.

• Photograph the online listing, window sticker, and spec sheet before you negotiate.
• Verify every claimed feature in person during a daylight walkthrough. Do not rely solely on brochures.
• Ensure the buyer’s order lists the exact features and any dealer-installed packages with part numbers.

Inexperienced Technicians and Quality Control Gaps

Industry-wide technician shortages contribute to uneven repair outcomes and do‑overs. Buyers frequently report recurring leaks or repeat failures after “completed” repairs, suggesting skill gaps or rushed work.

• Ask if the service techs are RVTI/NRVTA or manufacturer-certified for your brand and system type.
• Request photos of completed repairs and insist on a test demonstration (e.g., filling tanks under pressure, slide operation under load).
• Use an independent inspector to verify that repairs actually resolved the problem before taking the unit back.

Fees, Doc Charges, and “Market Adjustments”

Some shoppers report surprise administrative fees, “market adjustments,” or duplicative charges that inflate the final price. In Florida, disclosed fees must be included in advertised prices; however, practice varies by dealer, and enforcement often depends on consumer complaints.

• Request a line‑item buyer’s order with every fee. Refuse non-tax/regulatory fees you didn’t agree to.
• Compare the out‑the‑door price to competing dealers on the identical VIN to spot padding.
• Walk away if transparency is lacking—there are always other RVs and other sellers.

Legal and Regulatory Warnings (Florida and Federal)

If your experience at Big Country RV SRQ resembles the complaints outlined above, be aware of the following legal frameworks and escalation paths. These apply broadly to RV transactions and service in Florida and the U.S.

• Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act (FDUTPA): Prohibits unfair or deceptive acts in commerce, including misrepresentation of features/price and unfair warranty practices. Florida Attorney General consumer complaint portal: Florida Attorney General.
• Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV): Oversees dealer licensing and title/registration. Complaints about title delays or dealer practices can be filed here: FLHSMV.
• Magnuson‑Moss Warranty Act (Federal): Governs consumer product warranties and prohibits unfair warranty limitations or tying arrangements. FTC overview: FTC guide to warranty law.
• FTC Automotive/RV Dealer Guidance: Prohibits misrepresentations about pricing, financing, and add-ons. Federal Trade Commission.
• NHTSA Safety Defects and Recalls: Check your VIN for open recalls affecting safety systems (chassis, brakes, tires, LP gas, etc.). NHTSA Recall Lookup.
• Florida Motor Vehicle Repair Act (F.S. 559, Part IX): Requires written estimates, disclosures, and authorization for repairs. Helpful if service bills differ from quotes or work is incomplete: Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services – Motor Vehicle Repair.

If you encounter serious issues, put the dealership on written notice, include deadlines, and copy the manufacturer’s regional service representative. When necessary, file with the Florida AG and FLHSMV and consider consulting a consumer protection attorney. If you’ve walked this path with this Sarasota store, could you outline which agency was most effective in your case?

Product and Safety Impact Analysis

Defects described in negative RV buyer accounts have real safety and financial implications. Here’s what they can mean for families using RVs purchased or serviced at Big Country RV SRQ in Sarasota.

• Water Intrusion and Roof/Sealant Failures: Leads to rot, mold, delamination, soft floors, and reduced structural integrity. Financially devastating if not caught early (why pre‑purchase inspection is critical).
• Brake, Axle, and Tire Issues: Improperly torqued lugs, underspec’d tires, misaligned axles, or failing brake components can cause sway, blowouts, and loss of control when towing—potentially life-threatening.
• LP Gas Leaks and Appliance Faults: Leaking propane lines or faulty regulators/igniters create fire and asphyxiation risks. Always test LP systems under load before accepting delivery.
• Electrical Shorts and Inverter/Solar Miswiring: Risk of fire, battery damage, or inoperable critical systems. Correcting miswiring can be time-intensive and costly.
• Slide Mechanism Failures: Slides stuck out can immobilize the RV, cause campsite evacuations, or incur costly tows.

Before you purchase, run the VIN through NHTSA and the OEM’s recall system for open safety recalls. Safety defects should be remedied before delivery. If the dealer insists on post-sale recall work, consider walking. Also, consider a second, independent opinion on any “fixed” safety issue before you tow away: find an RV inspector near you. For deeper background on recurring safety problems and buyer preparedness, review investigative content by Liz Amazing exposing RV service pitfalls.

Patterns from the Wider RV Community (How They Map to Sarasota)

Industry-wide, repeat buyer complaints include poor PDI, aggressive add-ons, APR markups, slow parts/warranty cycles, and spotty communication. The Sarasota store’s Google review profile—especially when sorted by Lowest Rating—appears to reflect a number of these same pain points. Where consumers report quick fixes and courteous interactions, it usually correlates with smaller defect lists and uncomplicated warranty claims. Where things go wrong, stories tend to involve multiple unresolved defects at delivery and difficulty in follow-through.

For a consumer-focused lens on the RV buying process and dealership practices, explore Liz Amazing’s RV buyer education videos, then search her channel for your target brands and this dealership’s name to see if relevant case studies exist. And if you own or shopped at Big Country RV SRQ, what lessons would you pass on to the next buyer?

Protect Yourself: A Sarasota-Buyer Checklist

• Bring an independent inspector to the lot. Do not release funds until all safety defects are corrected and verified in writing. If the dealer will not allow third‑party inspection, walk. Use: RV Inspectors near me.
• Insist on a detailed, line‑item buyer’s order with the true out‑the‑door price. Reject add‑ons you did not request.
• Obtain a credit union/bank pre‑approval to benchmark the dealer’s APR and discourage rate markups.
• Separate negotiations: new unit price, trade-in value, and finance terms should be negotiated independently.
• Verify the VIN, title application, MSRP sheet, and ad listing match the unit you are purchasing.
• Test all systems under realistic conditions: fill water tanks, pressurize plumbing, run A/C on shore power and generator, cycle slides multiple times, test LP appliances, and inspect roof/underbelly.
• Check for open recalls via NHTSA and manufacturer portals; require recall work be completed pre‑delivery.
• Demand estimated timelines for post-sale service and parts; get commitments in writing.
• Keep a complete record: photos, videos, dated emails, and signed work orders.
• Know your rights (FDUTPA, Magnuson‑Moss) and be ready to escalate to FLHSMV, Florida AG, and the FTC if needed.

If you’ve already gone through this process with the Sarasota store, what would you do differently next time?

One-Stop Research Links (Verify and Compare Evidence)

Use the links below to search independent platforms for “Big Country RV SRQ Sarasota FL” and related issues. Each link is preformatted to help you find dealership-specific discussions, reviews, and complaints. Always cross-reference results and check dates.

• YouTube: Big Country RV SRQ Sarasota FL Issues on YouTube
• Google Search: Big Country RV SRQ Sarasota FL Problems — Google Search
• Better Business Bureau (BBB): BBB Search for Big Country RV SRQ Sarasota FL
• Reddit r/RVLiving: Search r/RVLiving for Big Country RV SRQ Sarasota FL
• Reddit r/GoRVing: Search r/GoRVing for Big Country RV SRQ Sarasota FL
• Reddit r/rvs: Search r/rvs for Big Country RV SRQ Sarasota FL
• PissedConsumer: Browse and then search “Big Country RV SRQ Sarasota FL” on PissedConsumer
• NHTSA Recalls (search portal): NHTSA Recalls — enter your RV’s VIN
• RVForums.com (use site search): RVForums — search for dealer name
• RVForum.net (use site search): RVForum.net — search for dealer name
• RVUSA Forum (use site search): RVUSA Forum — search dealer issues
• RVInsider.com: RVInsider search for Big Country RV SRQ Sarasota FL
• Good Sam Community: Good Sam Community search for Big Country RV SRQ Sarasota FL
• Facebook brand groups (via Google):
  • Grand Design groups
  • Keystone groups
  • Forest River groups

Context From the Sarasota Location’s Google Reviews

Public 1- and 2-star Google reviews for this Sarasota store commonly focus on service delays, difficulty getting defects resolved after delivery, and dissatisfaction with communication. Some reviews also discuss unexpected add-ons and financing frustrations. Because new reviews continually appear, the most reliable way to verify current patterns is to use the dealership’s Google Business Profile and choose “Sort by Lowest Rating” to see recurring issues in customers’ own words: Big Country RV SRQ — Sarasota. After you read them, would you add your experience to help others spot trends?

It’s equally important to acknowledge that some consumers report positive experiences—praising individual salespeople or straightforward transactions—especially when units have minimal defects. However, for risk management, shoppers should plan for the worst-case scenario and protect themselves with pre-delivery inspections, written commitments, and careful documentation.

How These Problems Cost You Time and Money

Direct financial impact

• Financing markups: A 1–2% APR increase over a long RV term can add thousands to your total cost.
• Add-ons: Dealer-installed products and third‑party service contracts can inflate your out‑the‑door price substantially if unchecked.
• Repairs: Out-of-pocket fixes for water damage or mechanical faults not covered under warranty can be catastrophic.

Opportunity cost and lost trips

• Missed vacations and nonrefundable campsite fees when your rig is stuck in service for weeks.
• Time spent chasing updates, sourcing parts, and coordinating transport instead of using your RV.

Safety risk

• LP, electrical, and brake defects pose immediate hazards on the highway and at the campsite.
• Water intrusion undermines structural integrity and can lead to sudden failures under load.

Objective Tips for Sarasota Shoppers Right Now

• Print and use a thorough PDI checklist. Combine it with an independent inspection. Your leverage disappears after funding; don’t rush.
• Ask for photos and videos of repairs and insist on a demo of every system before final acceptance.
• Bring a moisture meter and IR thermometer to spot water intrusion and hot electrical connections.
• Search investigative content that names specific dealer practices; start with Liz Amazing’s buyer protection videos.
• Shop around—use identical VIN quotes from other dealers to compare real out‑the‑door pricing.

Bottom Line for Big Country RV SRQ (Sarasota, FL)

Public reporting and consumer feedback indicate patterns that shoppers should weigh carefully at this Sarasota location: add-on pressure, potential financing markups, reported delivery-day defects, service backlogs, and communication gaps. Some customers do report satisfactory experiences, but many low-star reviews describe preventable problems that a competent pre-delivery inspection and documented commitments could have mitigated.

Given the concentration of risk factors present in recent negative reports, we do not recommend proceeding with a purchase from Big Country RV SRQ without a third‑party inspection, firm written commitments, and competitive financing in hand. If transparency or inspection access is refused, consider alternative dealerships in the region.

If you’ve purchased or serviced an RV at this Sarasota store, your perspective can help future buyers. Add your detailed experience and outcome here.