Bish’s RV of Bozeman – Bozeman, MT Exposed: High-Pressure Financing, Defective Delivery, Long Delays

(Serious Concern)

Recurring themes in public complaints across many RV dealerships—Bozeman included—center around defects missed at delivery, promises made “in the bay” that later slip, and service queues that stretch into months. Your best leverage to avoid expensive headaches is a professional, third-party inspection before you take possession. If a dealership refuses to allow an independent inspection on their lot, that is a major red flag—walk away.

• Hire a certified inspector not affiliated with the dealership. Start here: Google search: RV Inspectors near me.
• Require a written punch list of defects and written commitments for remedies before you sign or fund the deal.
• Do a systems demo with water on, LP gas on, slides extended, A/C and furnace running, and the converter/charger functioning. Don’t rush this step.
• Understand that after the sale, your position weakens. Many buyers report canceled trips because the unit is stuck in the dealership’s service backlog.

For research on sales tactics to watch for, also explore consumer advocate content and search for your dealer name on channels like Liz Amazing: Independent RV buyer tips and dealer experiences.

(Serious Concern)

Multiple buyers describe high-pressure tactics in the finance office, including add-ons presented as “must-haves” or “required for financing.” Common upsells include extended service contracts, interior/exterior protection, tire/wheel protection, and alarm or tracking packages. Some reviews mention confusion over interest rates and monthly payment outcomes after products were added. If you don’t want an add-on, you can refuse it—none of these are legally required to obtain financing.

• Ask for an out-the-door price with and without each optional product.
• Get your own pre-approval quote from a local bank or credit union to benchmark the dealer’s APR.
• Review the Retail Installment Sales Contract carefully; insist on time alone to read it before signing.

(Moderate Concern)

Some shoppers allege that their trade-in values came in significantly below market or changed late in the process. When you trade an RV at a large chain, appraisals may be conservative due to reconditioning costs and market risk. However, transparency is key. When numbers swing late, customers feel misled.

• Get written offers from multiple dealers; compare against local private-party sale values.
• Ask for the appraisal worksheet and reconditioning line items.
• Be prepared to sell privately if the delta is large.

(Serious Concern)

Another frequent frustration: doc fees, prep fees, destination charges, and other add-ons that inflate the advertised price. Consumers report feeling that fees were sprung late or not clearly explained. In Montana, non-tax fees should be transparent. If a fee isn’t disclosed up front or you don’t understand it, ask the dealership to remove or justify it in writing.

• Insist on a written, line-item buyer’s order early in negotiations.
• Compare quotes across competing dealers to expose “junk fees.”
• Remember: advertised prices should realistically reflect out-the-door totals except taxes and state fees.

(Serious Concern)

Multiple reviewers claim their RVs were delivered with issues that a thorough pre-delivery inspection (PDI) should have caught—water system leaks, non-functioning appliances, misaligned slides, loose hardware, or cosmetic flaws. A rushed walkthrough without systems under load is a recipe for missed defects that become your problem post-funding.

• Bring a third-party inspector: Find RV inspectors near you.
• Run water, LP, HVAC, and electrical; test everything that opens, closes, latches, and seals.
• Document with photos/video and ensure agreed corrections are documented on a signed we-owe.

(Serious Concern)

Long wait times for warranty work and parts are a major complaint across the RV industry—and specifically noted by Bozeman reviewers. Some report months-long delays, repeated rescheduling, or units sitting without clear updates. A lack of proactive communication compounds the frustration and leads to missed trips and lost campground deposits.

• Ask about current service backlog in writing before buying—how many weeks until a new appointment?
• Request timelines and status updates by email to maintain a paper trail.
• Consider mobile RV technicians for non-structural issues to avoid dealer queues.

(Serious Concern)

Buyers frequently report feeling caught between dealer and manufacturer when warranty fixes stall. Dealers submit claims to manufacturers for authorization, but this can turn into finger-pointing. The result is time lost—your RV sits while you wait on approvals or parts.

• Read your warranty booklet closely; know coverage terms and exclusions.
• Escalate to the manufacturer’s customer service early if a decision is delayed.
• Document every interaction with dates; this record supports formal complaints if needed.

(Serious Concern)

Some low-star reviews mention delayed paperwork or title/plate problems, leaving buyers unable to legally travel. State rules impose timelines for dealers to process paperwork. Delays can also affect lien perfection and taxes, creating long-term headaches if not resolved quickly.

• Set clear expectations for when tags and title will arrive; get this in writing.
• Follow up weekly with the title clerk; keep all correspondence.
• If deadlines pass, escalate to consumer protection authorities.

(Moderate Concern)

Several consumers complain about difficulty getting deposits back after a deal fell through or a unit failed to meet expectations. Policies vary; verify before you place any deposit. If a deposit is labeled “non-refundable,” that must be conspicuously disclosed and explained before payment.

• Pay deposits by credit card when possible for dispute rights.
• Get the deposit policy in writing before paying.
• Never leave large deposits without a signed, conditional buyer’s order.

(Moderate Concern)

Complaints also cite unfulfilled promises—items like missing keys, hitch equipment, repaired seals, or installed accessories. If it’s not on a signed we-owe with a completion date, it likely won’t happen quickly.

• List every promised item on a we-owe; include deadlines and who pays.
• Hold back final payment until items are completed, if your lender allows.
• Confirm the parts are actually in stock before you sign.

(Moderate Concern)

Some reviews describe repairs that didn’t fix the underlying problem or created new issues. The RV industry faces a known shortage of seasoned techs, and turnover can affect continuity. Strong quality control from the service manager is essential but not always evident in the most critical feedback.

• Ask whether a master-certified tech will perform complex work.
• Inspect the unit thoroughly at pickup; do not accept until you test the repair on site.
• Request before/after photos when appropriate.

(Serious Concern)

The most serious reports from RV buyers—at this location and elsewhere—reference safety-critical defects such as LP gas leaks, brake failures, wheel bearing issues, slides that won’t retract, and water intrusion that leads to structural damage or mold. While not every case originates with the dealer, how quickly a dealership identifies, documents, and remedies these defects profoundly affects owner safety and financial risk. Dealers should check for open recalls before delivery and address them promptly once parts are available.

• Run the VIN through the manufacturer portal and NHTSA recall databases before delivery. Start with: NHTSA Recalls portal and then look up your specific brand and model.
• Document fuel, brake, steering, and electrical faults immediately; do not operate until inspected.
• If the unit is new, dealers generally must not deliver it with an open safety recall; insist on confirmation in writing.

(Serious Concern)

Patterns reported in negative feedback—if accurate and widespread—can implicate consumer protection and financing laws. Key frameworks include:

• FTC Act (Section 5): Prohibits unfair or deceptive acts or practices, such as misrepresenting pricing, fees, warranties, or recall status.
• Truth in Lending Act (TILA): Requires clear disclosure of APR, finance charges, and credit terms—especially relevant when optional products are bundled into financing.
• Magnuson–Moss Warranty Act: Governs written warranties, including clarity on what is and isn’t covered and prohibitions on tying warranty coverage to paid add-ons.
• State Unfair and Deceptive Acts and Practices (UDAP) Laws: Montana’s consumer protection statutes bar deceptive or unfair trade practices in sales and advertising.
• Recall Compliance: NHTSA recall obligations apply to manufacturers and affect dealers’ ability to deliver new vehicles with open safety recalls. Misrepresentation about recall status may also be deceptive.

If you suspect violations, you can file complaints with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), your State Attorney General (Consumer Protection Division), and, for safety defects, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). To research recall and defect topics relevant to this dealership and the brands it sells, use: NHTSA recall search hub. For general reputation checks and dispute histories, consult: BBB search for Bish’s RV of Bozeman.

(Serious Concern)

What do these complaint themes mean for your safety and wallet?

• Water Intrusion: Unchecked leaks can compromise structural elements, delaminate walls, and create mold—health risks and expensive repairs that may not be fully covered under warranty.
• LP Gas Leaks: Even minor LP leaks can be dangerous. Always do a sniff test, require a pressure test, and verify appliance ignition during the demo.
• Brake/Axle Issues: Misadjusted brakes or faulty bearings are immediate safety hazards. Listen for grinding, feel for pull or braking lag, and have torque and bearing checks documented.
• Electrical/Charging Problems: Miswired converters or weak batteries can strand you and damage electronics. Verify charging voltages and GFCI operation.
• Slide Mechanism Failures: Slideouts that bind or won’t retract can immobilize the RV. Demand proper alignment and lube checks before delivery.

If you’ve encountered a safety defect or recall experience at this location, please add your story for other shoppers. Also, consider searching independent channels that investigate RV safety and dealer practices; for example, research topics on Liz Amazing’s consumer-focused RV videos and then search her channel for the exact dealer name.

(Moderate Concern)

The finance office is profit-central at most RV dealerships. Based on public feedback at Bish’s RV of Bozeman, expect offers such as extended service plans, fabric/paint protection, tire and wheel packages, gap waivers, and anti-theft etch. These aren’t inherently bad—but they are optional. Price them against third-party options. Ask for plan booklets and verify what is excluded. Many buyers discover after the fact that their “bumper-to-bumper” plan isn’t close to bumper-to-bumper.

• Request the cancellation terms for any plan before you agree to buy it.
• Ask your bank or credit union to quote financing without add-ons. Compare the APR and total cost.
• Decline politely. If the APR changes dramatically after declining products, ask for an explanation in writing.

(Moderate Concern)

Some buyers report confusion regarding monthly payments and financing outcomes after time in the F&I office. To protect yourself:

• Bring a calculator. Verify the APR, payment, term, and total finance charges on the Retail Installment Sales Contract.
• Get an outside financing pre-approval first to set a benchmark.
• Don’t sign anything incomplete. If blanks exist, draw a line through them and initial.

If you believe you were misled, you can explore dispute paths through your lender, the FTC, and your State AG. To corroborate patterns at this dealership, start with: Google search: Bish’s RV of Bozeman Issues.

(Serious Concern)

Public feedback and industry-wide realities indicate the Bozeman location—like many dealers—faces service backlogs. Before committing, ask the service manager:

• How long for a new appointment?
• How many days on average for warranty approvals from top brands they sell?
• Do they sublet to mobile techs for faster fixes? Will they allow outside warranty work?

Clarify whether repairs must be performed by Bozeman to preserve any add-on plan you purchased. If you’re told “only we can do it,” ask for that policy in writing.

(Moderate Concern)

To maintain objectivity, it’s fair to note that some buyers publicly praise friendly sales staff, a smooth purchase experience, or a helpful walkthrough. Others have reported satisfactory warranty fixes and good communication once they reached the right staff member. Positive experiences appear alongside the negative—another reason to read through both ends of the rating spectrum on the store’s listing: Bish’s RV of Bozeman – Google Business Profile. If you have first-hand experience, tell future buyers what went well or poorly.