Bish’s RV of Billings – Billings, MT Exposed: PDI Misses, Rate Markups & Service Delays

(Serious Concern)

Independent RV inspections are your best leverage to prevent expensive, time-consuming repairs after purchase. We recommend booking a mobile NRVIA-certified inspector before you sign the paperwork or take possession of the unit. A thorough inspection can uncover roof leaks, axle/brake issues, electrical faults, underbody rust, delamination, and poorly executed dealer prep—issues that may be far more difficult to address once the sale is complete and your RV is “in the service queue.”

• Search for a local pro: Google: RV Inspectors near me.
• If a dealership refuses to allow a third-party inspection, treat that as a red flag and consider walking away.
• Because RV service centers are often backlogged, post-sale fixes can take weeks or months, forcing families to cancel trips while the unit sits on a lot waiting for parts or approvals.

Repeat this step for both new and used units. Even “brand new” RVs frequently ship with defects or need adjustments after transport. If the unit has a prior owner, insist on proof of recall completion and service history.

(Serious Concern)

Multiple 1-star Google reviews for the Billings location describe experiences that buyers interpret as pushy or confusing: shifting price quotes, optional add-ons presented as “required,” or verbal promises not reflected in final paperwork. We encourage you to verify any negotiation specifics by asking for a written, itemized “out-the-door” breakdown—before you place a deposit. To review first-hand accounts, go to the dealership’s listing and sort by lowest rating: Bish’s RV of Billings – Google Reviews.

• Insist on a written “we-owe” form for any promised repairs, parts, or accessories, with specific dates and dollar values.
• Walk away if you are told a third-party inspection “isn’t allowed” or “will void the deal.”

(Serious Concern)

Consumers routinely report that RV finance offices add high-margin products—like extended service contracts, paint/fabric protection, tire-and-wheel plans, and “theft etch”—sometimes without fully explaining total cost. High-rate loans can also be presented as the “best available.” Large dealership groups may rely on dealer reserve (interest-rate markups), which quietly increases what you pay over the life of the loan.

• Bring a pre-approved loan from a credit union or bank to force competitive APRs.
• Carefully opt out of any add-on you don’t understand or want. Ask for a clean contract with no extras.
• Double-check line items and totals—before you sign.

(Moderate Concern)

Some reviewers say their trades were valued far below expectations and felt the number was used to pad the dealer’s margin. If you’re swapping in your RV, obtain at least two independent offers and bring recent comparable sales data. The better prepared you are, the easier it is to counter a low trade value or simply sell your RV privately.

(Serious Concern)

Owners frequently report finding defects shortly after delivery—leaks, miswired components, malfunctioning slides, missing parts, poor caulking, or incorrect hitch setup. It is common in the RV industry, and Billings reviewers echo these concerns. The issue becomes serious because initial excitement turns into long service delays to address items that should have been caught in PDI.

• Before handing over funds, perform a slow, methodical walkthrough with your own checklist.
• Hire a third-party inspector: Find an RV inspector near you.
• Do not accept delivery until issues are corrected or put in writing with repair dates and a loaner/lodging plan if needed.

(Serious Concern)

Several 1-star reviews for the Billings store describe long waits for diagnosis and parts. This is a systemic RV industry problem: OEMs approve warranty claims slowly, parts can be scarce, and dealer service departments are often over capacity during peak seasons. When owners say their RV sits for weeks without updates, trip plans and warranty windows can be jeopardized.

• Ask the service department for realistic timelines—and what they can do to expedite critical repairs.
• Request updates in writing. Escalate respectfully if deadlines pass with no communication.
• Keep a paper trail for all interactions, which is vital for warranty and legal recourse later.

(Moderate Concern)

Owners sometimes report confusion over what is covered under factory versus third-party extended warranties. Dealers often act as intermediaries; if the warranty company denies a claim, customers can feel stuck between the dealer and the warranty administrator. This can lead to unexpected out-of-pocket costs, even on relatively new units.

• Read the warranty contract exclusions line-by-line. Many policies exclude “wear-and-tear,” water intrusion, or “pre-existing” issues.
• If denied, ask for the reason in writing and the appeal process. Document everything.

(Moderate Concern)

Some low-star reviews mention frustration with delayed titles, missing paperwork, or multiple trips to fix documentation errors. Titling issues can prevent registration, travel, or resale. If your title or plates are delayed, follow up frequently and ask for proof of submission to state authorities.

(Moderate Concern)

RV buyers at large dealership chains often report “mandatory” fees such as prep, freight, or protection packages presented late in the process. If a fee wasn’t disclosed in the original quote, ask for it to be removed or walk. Always compare the “out-the-door” price across multiple dealers for the same stock number or VIN.

(Serious Concern)

It is the owner’s responsibility to verify recall completion, yet dealers play a crucial role in informing and remedying safety issues. Consumers should perform a NHTSA VIN lookup before purchase and during ownership—especially if the unit sat on a lot for a while. Promptly addressing recalls on brake systems, propane routing, suspension components, or electrical harnesses is critical for safety.

• Run a recall check by VIN at NHTSA, and ask the dealer to document completed recall work.

(Moderate Concern)

Turnover or rapid expansion can stretch training and capacity. Several reviews suggest frustration with inexperienced techs or sales associates who can’t resolve complex problems promptly. While this is an industry-wide challenge, the impact on your ownership can be severe if a complicated diagnosis is assigned to an overbooked or less experienced team.

(Serious Concern)

Based on reported buyer experiences—such as allegations of deceptive disclosures, denied warranty coverage, or unresolved safety defects—RV dealerships can face legal exposure under various consumer protection laws. If your case involves any of the following, consider escalating to the appropriate regulator or seeking legal advice:

• FTC Act (Section 5): Prohibits unfair or deceptive acts or practices in commerce. Misrepresentations in advertising or sales could raise issues. See the FTC: Federal Trade Commission.
• Magnuson–Moss Warranty Act: Governs consumer product warranties. If written warranties are not honored or are misrepresented, this federal law may apply. Overview at the FTC: Guide to Federal Warranty Law.
• Truth in Lending Act (TILA): Requires clear disclosure of APR, fees, and terms. If financing disclosures were unclear or misleading, consider reviewing TILA: CFPB on TILA.
• NHTSA Recall Responsibilities: Unaddressed recalls or safety defects can be reported to NHTSA. Check and report here: NHTSA Recalls.
• Montana Consumer Protection: If you are a Montana buyer, contact the state’s Office of Consumer Protection to file a complaint regarding deceptive practices: Montana DOJ Consumer Complaints.

If a dealership fails to deliver a title, misstates financing terms, or declines to honor written commitments, keeping a meticulous record of emails, contracts, and text messages will strengthen your case. Also consider small claims court where the amount in dispute fits within jurisdictional limits.

(Serious Concern)

Reported defects and service delays are not merely inconveniences—they can pose genuine safety hazards and financial risk. Examples include:

• Brakes/Suspension: Misadjusted brakes, defective axles, or incorrect suspension components can lead to sway, poor stopping distances, or tire blowouts under load.
• Electrical Systems: Miswired batteries, shorting in 12V circuits, or breaker panel issues can cause fires or power loss while camping off-grid.
• Propane Systems: Leaks from regulators, lines, or poorly sealed fittings risk carbon monoxide exposure or explosion.
• Water Intrusion: Improper sealing or roof penetrations can spawn mold, rot, and structural damage that undermines resale value and safety.
• Slides and Leveling: Faulty slide mechanisms or leveling systems can trap occupants, damage flooring, or fail in transit.

To lower your risk, run a VIN search with NHTSA and verify the dealer has completed all recall work before you take delivery. Create a baseline inspection file at purchase—photos, videos, and dated notes of every observed defect. If you plan to buy soon, book an inspector now: Find a local RV inspector.

For a broader view of how dealerships, manufacturers, and warranty administrators interact—and where problems typically arise—consider watching advocacy content like this channel and searching for your model and dealer: Liz Amazing’s consumer reports on RV dealers.

(Moderate Concern)

Many RV dealerships, including large chains, rely on profits from finance and insurance (F&I) products. Extended service contracts, tire-and-wheel, interior/exterior sealants, and similar add-ons can add thousands to the price. These are optional. Scrutinize whether the coverage truly protects against your biggest risks (e.g., slide motors, appliances, generators) and whether labor rates, deductibles, and claim procedures make it practical to use.

• Ask for a blank sample contract and read all exclusions before agreeing.
• Compare third-party mechanical breakdown policies outside the dealership.
• Calculate long-term cost by including interest if the add-on is financed.

(Moderate Concern)

While this report focuses on risk mitigation and problem patterns, fairness requires noting that some customers describe friendly sales staff, a sizable on-site inventory, or quick fixes for minor issues. As a national group, Bish’s RV can sometimes leverage broader parts networks or inter-store coordination. A few reviewers mention satisfactory outcomes after escalation to management. That said, even positive experiences often contain caveats about the need to double-check paperwork or wait for parts—reinforcing the value of inspections, documentation, and persistent follow-up.

(Moderate Concern)

Industry insiders note that many RV manufacturers rely on dealer networks for final prep and post-sale service. During high-demand periods, PDIs can be rushed and service backlogs grow. Warranty approvals require the dealer to coordinate with the manufacturer or third-party administrators, adding time. The result is a consistent pattern across many large dealers: more deliveries than their service teams can comfortably support—especially for complex repairs. Understanding this system helps you plan and protect your investment.