Bish’s RV of Sioux Falls- Tea, SD Exposed: PDI failures, months-long repairs, junk fees, high APR

(Serious Concern)

Across low-star reviews of many large RV chains—including this Bish’s location—buyers report taking delivery with significant defects that trigger months-long repair waits and cancelled trips. A professional, independent RV inspection is the best leverage you have to force pre-delivery fixes. If the dealership does not allow a third-party professional inspector on their lot, that is a major red flag—walk away. Use this search to find vetted inspectors: Find RV inspectors near me. Consider scheduling two checkpoints: one before signing any final paperwork and a follow-up on delivery day to confirm repairs.

(Moderate Concern)

Multiple low-star public reviews for this location describe pressure to “sign today” or risk losing a unit—common at volume-focused dealerships. Buyers report feeling rushed through features and paperwork, which increases the chance of missing important disclosures, add-on costs, and defects. Pause, take the written quote home, and compare with competitors.

(Serious Concern)

Consumer complaints often characterize extended service contracts, interior/exterior coatings, tire-and-wheel packages, and anti-theft etching as high-margin, low-value add-ons. Some reviews allege they were added without clear consent or described as “required.” In fact, these add-ons are optional. Get the true out-the-door price without any extras, then decide. The FTC has warned about “junk fees” and bait-and-switch tactics for auto dealers; RV buyers should apply the same vigilance. See FTC guidance on vehicle purchasing: FTC Vehicle Shopping Resources.

(Moderate Concern)

Complaints typically cite prep fees, delivery fees, and documentation fees that inflate costs beyond advertised prices. Always request an itemized, out-the-door quote in writing. Refuse ambiguous line items and verify all numbers against the advertised listing.

(Serious Concern)

Shoppers report being steered into higher-than-expected APRs, with F&I staff emphasizing payment over price. Under the Truth in Lending Act, you must receive a clear disclosure of APR, finance charges, and total payments. Compare dealer-arranged financing with your bank or credit union. More on TILA disclosures here: CFPB: Truth in Lending Act.

(Moderate Concern)

Several low-star reviews at this store echo a broader industry trend: trade-in values offered verbally or early in the process are lowered at signing, after the buyer is emotionally committed. To counter this: secure written, binding appraisals from multiple dealers; bring maintenance records; and be prepared to sell your RV privately if needed.

(Serious Concern)

Consumers have reported delays in receiving titles and permanent plates, which risk expired temp tags and ticketing. South Dakota’s Department of Revenue outlines title and registration rules here: SD Title & Registration. If you face prolonged delays, escalate to the dealership’s title clerk in writing and consider notifying the South Dakota Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division with documentation.

(Moderate Concern)

A recurring frustration seen in low-star reviews is incomplete delivery packets—missing manuals, spare keys, hitch components, or discrepancies between what was promised and what appears on the signed contract. Insist on a pre-delivery checklist and verify every item before transferring funds.

(Serious Concern)

Buyers report leaks, malfunctioning slide-outs, non-working appliances, and cosmetic damage upon pickup—issues that a thorough PDI should have caught. Avoid same-day sign-and-go. Schedule a multi-hour PDI appointment to test every system with water and power on, including the roof, seals, slides, furnace, AC, GFCIs, propane, brakes, and awnings. If problems surface, do not accept delivery until repairs are complete and verified.

(Serious Concern)

Among the most common post-sale complaints: weeks or months-long waits for repairs, limited communication, and repeated rescheduling. National parts shortages can be a factor, but consumers consistently report poor expectation-setting. If your RV becomes unusable during repair, ask for written ETA updates and a service loaner policy (if available). Many owners report missed family trips because their RV sits in the dealer’s lot awaiting parts and approvals.

(Moderate Concern)

Several low-star reviews allege missed diagnoses and repeat visits for the same issue. Ask whether the tech assigned to your unit has training or certifications relevant to your brand and systems (e.g., specific slide mechanisms, inverter/charger models, hydronic heating). For complex electrical or structural issues, consider a specialty shop with the right expertise.

(Moderate Concern)

Owners sometimes report the manufacturer and dealer pointing at each other while the RV remains out of service. The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act prohibits certain unfair warranty practices and requires clear written terms. Learn your rights here: FTC: Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act. Keep all service records, photos, and correspondence to support escalation with the manufacturer and state authorities if needed.

(Serious Concern)

Water leaks are the most frequently reported RV defect across brands—leading to swollen floors, delamination, mold, and costly structural repairs. Low-star reviews for the Sioux Falls–Tea dealership describe leak-related issues discovered shortly after purchase. During PDI, saturate the roof and slide seals, inspect for soft spots, and check inside cabinets and under beds for moisture.

(Serious Concern)

Reports include non-functioning refrigerators, inverter/charger problems, battery failures, miswired outlets, and propane appliance issues. These are not just nuisances—they can be life-safety hazards. Always test CO/propane detectors, GFCIs, and emergency exits. If defects are discovered post-sale, document immediately and request priority scheduling due to safety impact.

(Moderate Concern)

Some owners report premature tire wear, brake problems, or unstable towing behavior which may stem from axle misalignment or under-spec’d components. Ask for documentation on pre-delivery torque checks, brake adjustments, and wheel alignment, and consider a certified chassis inspection before hauling long distance.

(Moderate Concern)

It’s the buyer’s responsibility to confirm whether the specific VIN has open recalls. You can search NHTSA’s recall database and discuss fixes with the service department before delivery: NHTSA recall lookups and guidance. Document any recall-related repairs promised by the dealer.

(Moderate Concern)

Adding undisclosed add-ons or changing prices late in the process can trigger scrutiny from the FTC and state attorneys general. If you encounter undisclosed fees, capture screenshots of advertised prices and submit a complaint with the South Dakota AG Consumer Protection and the FTC vehicle marketplace portal.

(Serious Concern)

If the dealership or manufacturer refuses warranty coverage for qualifying defects, or requires you to purchase add-ons to preserve warranty, those practices may violate federal law. See: FTC: Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act. File detailed complaints with the FTC and the state AG if necessary.

(Moderate Concern)

Truth in Lending Act and state consumer laws require clear disclosures of APR, total cost, and fees. If numbers change at signing without good reason, stop and review every line. More on TILA: CFPB TILA overview.

(Serious Concern)

Prolonged title delivery can indicate administrative issues. Keep a timeline of calls and emails. South Dakota title and registration resources: SD DOR Title & Registration. If deadlines lapse and you risk citation or financial loss, contact the SD AG Consumer Protection for guidance and potential complaint filing.

(Moderate Concern)

South Dakota’s lemon law primarily covers new motor vehicles within specific time/mileage limits; coverage of RVs, especially trailers, can be limited. Review state resources carefully: SD Consumer Protection (search for “lemon law”). When lemon law doesn’t apply, escalate via manufacturer goodwill, formal demand letters, and BBB auto-line programs (if the brand participates).

(Serious Concern)

New RVs can depreciate sharply in the first year. If you receive a unit with leaks or structural issues, repair costs and diminished resale value can be severe. A comprehensive PDI and third-party inspection reduce the risk of inheriting hidden damage that the warranty might not fully remedy.

(Serious Concern)

Electrical shorts, propane leaks, and brake failures are life safety threats. If low-star reviews mention these systems, treat them as top priority. Test detectors and breakers during PDI; carry fire extinguishers and a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS). If the unit is subject to a recall, insist on completion before taking delivery: NHTSA recall portal.

(Moderate Concern)

Many owners report ruined vacations and campground deposit losses due to post-sale repairs and long service queues. Factor these potential costs into your negotiation and insist on time-bound due bills before paying in full.