Bills RV- Poulsbo, WA Exposed: Slow Repairs, PDI Misses & Warranty Runaround—Read Before You Buy

(Serious Concern)

Delayed repairs and long service backlogs – Multiple consumers across the RV industry describe months-long waits for warranty and non-warranty work. In low-star reviews of Bill’s RV and in regional forum discussions, the most frequent frustration centers on delays in diagnosing issues, waiting for parts, and inconsistent ETAs. These delays translate directly into canceled travel plans and extra storage or lodging costs. If you depend on your RV for seasonal trips, this problem can be more than inconvenient—it can be financially and emotionally costly.

• Ask the service department for written timeframes and part lead times before dropping off.
• Request photos and part order confirmations if your unit will be held for more than two weeks.
• Consider mobile RV techs for basic fixes while you protect your warranty rights.

(Serious Concern)

Quality-control issues at delivery and poor Pre-Delivery Inspections (PDI) – Repeated consumer allegations in low-star reviews of this dealership (and many others) include leaks, non-functional appliances, battery/12V problems, propane system faults, and cosmetic defects missed at delivery. A rushed PDI can let obvious problems slip through. When caught after signing, they become warranty claims with long repair queues.

• Insist on a multi-hour PDI and test every system (AC, furnace, water heater, slides, jacks, awning, lights, GFCIs).
• Don’t accept “we’ll fix it later” verbal assurances—use a written Due Bill signed by the manager.
• Hire an independent inspector: Find RV inspectors near you.

(Moderate Concern)

Communication breakdowns and unkept promises – Forums and low-star Google comments often cite missed callbacks, shifting timelines, and confusion about what was promised by sales vs. what service or parts can deliver. These misalignments are common across small and mid-size dealers when staffing is thin or turnover is high, but they still harm consumers who need clear expectations for trip planning.

• Get all promises in writing with dates and responsible staff names.
• Use email for a paper trail and recap phone calls in writing.
• Escalate early—ask for a service manager or GM if timelines slip without explanation.

(Serious Concern)

Warranty runaround and denied coverage – Low-star reviews frequently allege friction over what is “warranty” vs. “owner-pay.” For RVs, manufacturers and component suppliers often split responsibilities, and dealers can be caught in the middle. Still, consumers report being bounced between the dealer and the OEM, or told a problem is “within spec.” Extended service contracts add another layer of approvals and delays.

• Know your OEM and component warranties (furnace, AC, refrigerator, leveling systems often have separate coverage).
• Document defects with timestamps, photos, and videos.
• If denied, cite the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act and the Washington Consumer Protection Act (RCW 19.86) in a written appeal. File a complaint if necessary (see Legal section below).

(Moderate Concern)

Financing add-ons and high interest rate markups – Consumer complaints at many dealerships (including low-star accounts referencing Bill’s RV) describe pressure to accept extended warranties, fabric/paint protection, theft etching, tire/wheel packages, and GAP—even when paying cash. Finance and insurance (F&I) departments can mark up interest rates over the lender’s buy rate, inflating the monthly payment.

• Secure a pre-approval from your bank or credit union first; compare APR and fees.
• Decline add-ons you do not want—these are optional. Review the contract line-by-line before signing.
• Request the lender’s buy rate and all F&I products’ costs in writing.

(Moderate Concern)

Low-ball trade offers and appraisal discrepancies – Reviewers sometimes allege a higher trade valuation during negotiation, only to see it change at the signing table after “reconditioning” or “market update.” This is a common pain point in the RV sector where wholesale pricing fluctuates quickly.

• Obtain multiple offers (e.g., from consignment dealers, online buyers, or classifieds) to establish a floor.
• Ask for the full trade appraisal worksheet and reconditioning line items.
• Be prepared to walk if values change unexpectedly without documentation.

(Serious Concern)

Title, registration, and paperwork delays – A recurring low-star complaint at numerous dealerships is delayed titles and plates, which can leave buyers unable to tow or travel legally. This risk is especially acute for out-of-state buyers.

• Request a written timeline for title/registration and who processes it (dealer or third party).
• Keep copies of all documents and delivery inspections.
• If deadlines pass, escalate to management and, if needed, file a complaint with the Washington State Attorney General.

(Serious Concern)

Safety-related defects and inadequate remedial action – Consumers across forums report unresolved water intrusions, brake issues, axle alignment problems, propane leaks, and electrical shorts. Any RV dealer that fails to prioritize these risks exposes customers to hazardous conditions. Negative reviews referencing safety concerns should be escalated immediately and documented thoroughly.

• Check for open recalls by VIN on the NHTSA site and through your OEM. Start here: NHTSA Recalls (then search by your specific RV make/model or VIN).
• Demand loaners or expedited repairs for safety-critical defects.
• If the dealer cannot make a timely repair, consider a mobile certified RV tech and seek reimbursement from the OEM contractually where allowed.

(Moderate Concern)

Inexperienced technicians or workmanship issues – Allegations in low-rated reviews include repeated returns for the same problem, sloppy sealant work, misdiagnoses, and final bills that don’t match the fix. While RV technician shortages are widespread, the result for consumers is the same: prolonged downtime and higher costs.

• Ask whether a Certified RV Technician (e.g., RVIA/RVDA) will work on your unit; request that in writing.
• Request before/after photos of repairs, especially for water ingress, roof, and slide areas.
• For complex issues, seek a second opinion before authorizing big-ticket work.

(Moderate Concern)

Extended warranty and service contract upsells – Consumers frequently report being steered toward high-priced service contracts that may duplicate manufacturer coverage, carry exclusions (especially water intrusion), or require approval processes that delay repairs. Read the contract’s exclusions thoroughly.

• Ask for a full specimen contract before signing; review transferability and cancellation refund terms.
• Compare third-party warranties outside the dealership, or decline altogether and invest in an emergency fund.
• Beware of “today only” pressure tactics or claims that you must decide in the F&I office.

(Moderate Concern)

Dealer-installed accessories and “protection packages” – Paint/fabric protection, ceramic treatments, and alarm/theft packages are commonly marked up. Verify the actual products used, their manufacturer warranties, and what value they add to your use case.

• Request itemized pricing for each add-on and verify you can purchase them aftermarket.
• Decline anything you do not need. These items are not mandatory to obtain financing.
• Confirm that the add-on does not void or complicate OEM warranties.

(Serious Concern)

Water intrusion and mold risk – Many low-star owner reports across the industry involve roof, window, and slide leaks. Delayed diagnosis can lead to rot and mold, compromising structural integrity and indoor air quality.

• Inspect roof seams, slide toppers, and windows for fresh sealant at delivery; demand repairs before signing.
• Use a moisture meter during third-party inspections.
• Document any leak immediately; water damage can be treated as a serious warranty claim.

(Serious Concern)

Propane and electrical hazards – Faulty regulators, loose connections, or miswired circuits can create fire or CO risks. Consumers sometimes report propane smells or non-functioning gas appliances after delivery.

• Ask the dealer to perform a propane pressure/leak test and GFCI/function test, with results in writing.
• Install CO and propane detectors if not present or verify they are working.
• Escalate any safety issue immediately; if not addressed promptly, consider reporting to NHTSA and the OEM.

(Moderate Concern)

Brake, axle, and tire concerns – Alignment problems and uneven wear can cause blowouts and dangerous handling. These are not cosmetic issues; they’re critical safety considerations, especially on towables.

• Request a pre-delivery brake and bearing inspection with documentation.
• Check axle alignment and weight distribution; consider a CAT scale visit after loading.
• Replace aged or suspect tires proactively if delivery tires are low quality or old stock.

(Serious Concern)

Potential legal exposure tied to consumer complaints – The following frameworks often apply when disputes arise:

• Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act – Governs written warranties on consumer products and prohibits tying warranty coverage to paid services. If warranty coverage is denied improperly, you may have recourse. Learn more: FTC Guide to Federal Warranty Law.
• Washington Consumer Protection Act (RCW 19.86) – Prohibits unfair or deceptive acts in trade or commerce. In cases of misrepresentation, failure to honor agreements, or deceptive add-ons, consumers can file complaints with the AG: Washington State Attorney General – File a Complaint.
• Washington Lemon Law (new vehicles) – Coverage for motor vehicles including motorhomes can be nuanced; often the vehicle chassis/drivetrain is covered, but living quarters may not be. Review eligibility carefully: WA Lemon Law – Attorney General.
• FTC Dealer Advertising and Finance Rules – Misrepresentations in pricing, financing, or add-on disclosures can violate federal law. Learn more: FTC Auto and Dealer Guidance.
• NHTSA Safety Recalls – If a defect implicates safety and the dealer/OEM fails to act, file a complaint with NHTSA: Report a Safety Problem.

Document every interaction: dates, names, promised timelines, and written correspondence. If you proceed with repairs elsewhere to mitigate damage or safety risk, keep records for potential reimbursement claims with OEMs or contract administrators.

(Moderate Concern)

Dealer responsiveness and make-goods – In some cases, consumers report that dealers (including independent stores like Bill’s RV) ultimately complete repairs, honor goodwill fixes, or coordinate with OEMs to expedite parts. When you ask for help:

• Escalate to a service manager or general manager with a concise, chronological email and photo evidence.
• Propose specific remedies: loaner generator, partial refund, labor discount, or reimbursement for mobile tech.
• Set a reasonable deadline and state that you will pursue formal complaints (BBB, AG, NHTSA where applicable) if unresolved.