Bish’s RV of Traverse City- Traverse City, MI Exposed: Junk Fees, PDI Shortcuts & Service Backlogs

Introduction: What Shoppers Should Know About Bish’s RV of Traverse City (Traverse City, MI)

AI-powered research tools have systematically collected and analyzed public information to produce this report. Bish’s RV of Traverse City operates as part of Bish’s RV, a multi-location dealership group with stores across several states. This report focuses solely on the Traverse City, Michigan location. Our aim is to help RV shoppers anticipate risks, understand patterns of consumer complaints, and prepare actionable protections before they sign anything.

As with many large RV dealer groups, Bish’s positions itself on selection and nationwide buying power. Yet public reviews and forum discussions frequently raise concerns about sales pressure, add-on products, paperwork delays, service backlogs, workmanship, and warranty handling—issues that can derail trips and cost thousands. To review unfiltered customer experiences specific to this store, start with their Google Business Profile and choose “Sort by Lowest Rating” to see the most recent critical feedback: Bish’s RV of Traverse City — Google Reviews.

For broader consumer education about how the RV industry works, we also recommend YouTube educator Liz Amazing’s channel, which regularly explores dealer practices, warranties, PDI pitfalls, and realistic RV ownership costs. Search her videos for the dealership you’re considering: Liz Amazing’s channel on RV buying pitfalls.

Where To Get Unfiltered Owner Feedback (Before You Visit)

• Brand-specific owner groups: Join multiple Facebook groups for the model or brand you’re considering to see common defects and repair timelines. Use a Google search like: Grand Design Facebook Groups, Jayco Facebook Groups, or Keystone RV Facebook Groups. Read posts from the last 12 months.
• Public forums and subreddits: Search r/rvs and r/RVLiving for dealership name plus “issues” to spot recurring complaints and expectations for service timelines.
• Video investigations: Liz Amazing often dives into dealer delivery checklists, recalls, and claims handling. Search her channel for your brand/model or “warranty” topics: Watch buyer beware segments by Liz Amazing.

Have a story to tell about this store? Share your experience below so other shoppers can benefit from what you learned.

Always Arrange a Third-Party RV Inspection Before You Buy

Before taking delivery from Bish’s RV of Traverse City, arrange an independent, third-party inspection. This is the most effective leverage you have to prevent expensive post-delivery repairs and weeks or months of downtime. A thorough inspector will run water under pressure, test slide operations, document roof and sealant issues, check propane systems for leaks, verify axle/brake alignment, inspect inverter/charger wiring, and confirm appliances under load. If the dealership resists or refuses third-party access, treat that as a major red flag and walk away.

• Search local inspectors: Use this query to find a certified pro: RV Inspectors near me.
• Write a “we-owe” list: Every defect identified must be written on the due bill with dates and promised remedies, or you may lose leverage after funding is complete.
• Don’t accept “it’s normal for RVs” explanations: Water leaks, soft floors, electrical faults, slide misalignment, and brake problems are not normal and are costly to fix if missed at delivery.

We repeatedly see reports across the RV industry that once funds clear, new buyers fall to the back of the repair line. Trips get canceled; RVs sit for weeks waiting on parts or tech time. Avoid that scenario by refusing to sign until the inspection items are resolved. If you’ve had luck getting an independent inspection approved at this location, tell us how it went.

What Public Complaints Suggest About This Location’s Risk Areas

Below are common patterns of dealership problems that frequently appear in consumer reports and forum threads about large RV retailers, including this Bish’s RV location in Traverse City. Use these as a targeted checklist when shopping or reviewing the store’s recent one- and two-star Google reviews. For the most current feedback, go here and sort by “Lowest rating”: Bish’s RV of Traverse City — Google Reviews.

Sales Pressure, Add-ons, and Questionable Warranty Upsells

Consumers frequently report aggressive finance-and-insurance (F&I) tactics across big RV chains: high-pressure pitches for extended warranties, paint/fabric coatings, tire-and-wheel, etching, gap, or GPS devices—products that can add thousands without clear value. Some public reviews broadly allege that advertised prices balloon at signing due to add-ons that weren’t clearly disclosed.

• Demand line-item disclosures: Ask for an itemized out-the-door (OTD) quote with lender rate, loan term, fees, and all add-ons—before you visit.
• Know your rights: The FTC has taken action against deceptive dealer junk fees and misrepresentations. See the agency’s guidance on auto dealer practices and unfair or deceptive acts: FTC targets junk fees.
• Financing transparency: If your interest rate changes at signing, that’s a red flag. The Truth in Lending Act requires clear disclosure of APR, terms, and fees: Truth in Lending Act (TILA).

Trade-In Low-Balling and Appraisal Disputes

Many RV buyers report significant gaps between online trade valuations and in-store offers. Appraisals may fall at the last minute during paperwork, often justified by “reconditioning” or sudden discovery of “hidden” defects. Protect yourself by getting competing bids in writing and documenting your RV’s condition with photos and maintenance records.

• Get multiple quotes: Solicit offers from multiple dealers and consignment outlets to benchmark your trade-in value.
• Separate the transactions: Decide whether you should sell your current RV privately; separating the trade from the purchase can reduce confusion and “numbers shuffling.”

Delivery, PDI Shortcuts, and “We Owe You” Delays

Public complaints about rushed pre-delivery inspections (PDIs) are widespread in the RV industry. Buyers often discover leaks, non-functioning appliances, slide issues, or electrical faults after they leave the lot—problems that should have been caught with a rigorous PDI. Some reviews describe extended waits for promised fixes or parts.

• Insist on a full systems demo: Run water under pressure, test all slides, verify A/C cools under load, and confirm the propane system is leak-free. Do this with your own checklist and a third-party inspector present.
• Document everything: Create a due bill (“we-owe”) with specific defects, parts needed, and completion dates. No documentation, no deal.
• Bring a moisture meter and IR thermometer: Verify no elevated moisture around windows, ceilings, or slide corners.

Title, Registration, and Paperwork Processing

Some buyers report delays receiving titles, plates, or finalized paperwork. In Michigan, the Department of State regulates dealer practices and accepts consumer complaints about licensing and paperwork handling. If you experience extended delays, you can file a complaint with the Michigan Department of State: Michigan SOS — Dealer Complaint and seek help from the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection team: Michigan AG — File a Consumer Complaint.

Service Backlogs, Workmanship, and Parts Delays

Nationwide, RV service departments struggle with parts lead times and technician shortages. Buyers frequently report long repair queues and repeated visits for the same problem. If an issue isn’t resolved before funding, you risk falling behind other jobs once the sale closes.

• Pre-fund repairs: Require that all promised fixes be completed before final payment or signing, or hold part of the funds in escrow.
• Get standard turnaround time in writing: If the dealership quotes “two weeks,” specify business days and penalty terms if missed.
• Ask about OEM authorization timelines: Warranty work often requires manufacturer authorization; confirm typical timelines and who follows up.

Warranty Denials and “Not Our Department” Responses

In RVs, the chassis, coach, appliances, and components are often covered by different manufacturers. Consumers sometimes report finger-pointing between the dealer and OEMs, causing stalemates and long waits. The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act requires written, understandable warranty terms and prohibits tying service to the seller’s brand unless provided free of charge. For reference: Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act.

• Collect serial numbers: Keep documentation for each component; you may need to contact the component manufacturer directly.
• Escalate early: If you’re stalled, elevate to the OEM, then to the state AG and BBB. Keep a dated paper trail.

Safety Defects and Recall Handling

Recurring safety issues in the RV sector include propane leaks, axle and brake failures, faulty hitches, slide motor faults, and inverter/charger problems. Dealers cannot legally sell new vehicles with open safety recalls. Before you buy, verify that all recalls have been completed on your VINs (towable and motorized). See the NHTSA database: NHTSA Recall Lookup.

• Require recall status in writing: Ask the dealership to print a recall completion record for your specific VIN. Delay delivery if anything is open.
• Confirm propane safety: Request a leak-down test printout or documented pressure test from a licensed tech.

Interest Rate Markups and Financing Surprises

Dealers often earn “reserve” by marking up interest rates above a lender’s buy rate, which can add thousands over the loan term. Bring a pre-approval from your credit union to prevent rate games, and insist on seeing the rate sheet disclosure before signing. If you believe you were misled about financing, consider complaints to the CFPB and state AG.

Communication and Follow-Through

Consumers often cite unanswered calls, missing updates, and no clear point of contact once a sale is completed. Demand a single accountable service advisor and put response-time expectations in writing.

If you’ve dealt with responsiveness issues at this location, add your story to help other shoppers calibrate expectations.

Legal and Regulatory Warnings

Based on recurring complaint themes about RV dealers—including allegations of misrepresentation, unfair fees, and warranty runaround—here are the primary legal frameworks and agencies that may apply to disputes with Bish’s RV of Traverse City:

• Unfair or deceptive practices (UDAP): The FTC prohibits deceptive claims and junk fees that mislead consumers. See guidance and enforcement related to auto dealer conduct: FTC action on junk fees.
• Truth in Lending Act (TILA): Requires clear disclosure of APR, finance charges, and loan terms; misstatements can trigger civil liability: TILA Overview.
• Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act: Governs written warranties and prohibits deceptive warranty practices: Warranty Law.
• NHTSA Safety Recalls: Selling new vehicles with open safety recalls is prohibited. Verify recall status here: NHTSA Recalls.
• Michigan Department of State (Dealer Complaints): For title/registration delays, misrepresentation, and licensing issues: File a Dealer Complaint.
• Michigan Attorney General: For consumer protection and potential unfair trade practices: Michigan AG Complaint Portal.
• BBB Dispute Resolution: While not a regulator, BBB records can be useful for documenting patterns and escalating: BBB search for Bish’s RV of Traverse City.

Product and Safety Impact Analysis

Service failures and delivery shortcuts have real-world consequences for RV owners, especially those planning seasonal trips or cross-country travel:

• Water intrusion: Missed sealant gaps and roof defects can quickly lead to rot, mold, and structural damage—often excluded as “maintenance.” Catching these before delivery saves thousands.
• Electrical faults and battery failures: Incorrect wiring or undersized cables can damage inverters, lead to battery fires, or strand travelers off-grid.
• Axle, brake, and tire issues: Alignment, under-torqued lugs, or defective components can cause blowouts or loss of control. Insist on torque specs and brake testing documentation.
• Propane leaks and CO risk: Leaks can be life-threatening. Request a documented leak test at delivery and keep detectors current.
• Slide-out malfunctions: A misaligned or binding slide can trap occupants or damage walls/floors. Operate all slides multiple times during PDI.

For continued consumer education, consider Liz Amazing’s how-to content on PDIs, warranty claims, and RV safety basics: Search Liz Amazing for “PDI” and “warranty”. And if you’ve encountered safety issues after purchasing from this location, please report your outcome in the comments to help future buyers.

How to Protect Yourself at Bish’s RV of Traverse City

• Third-party inspection first: Book a certified inspector before signing: Find an RV Inspector near me. Walk if the dealership won’t allow it.
• Out-the-door price in writing: Demand a signed, itemized OTD quote listing price, doc fee, prep/destination, taxes, title, registration, rate, term, and all add-ons.
• Decline non-essential add-ons: You can say “no” to paint protection, etching, nitrogen, GPS, tire packages, and extended warranties. Ask for a version of the deal with line-item add-ons removed.
• Require a documented PDI: Use your checklist and verify operation of every system. Defects go on a written due bill with target dates.
• Check recalls by VIN: Verify recall clearance for all components. Delay delivery until all recall work is completed and signed off.
• Control the timeline: Tie payment to completed work. Avoid funding if repairs are “promised later.”
• Know escalation paths: For no-shows or delays, escalate to dealership management, the OEM, Michigan SOS, Michigan AG, and BBB. Maintain a meticulous paper trail.
• Protect your trade-in: Get multiple offers, document its condition with photos, and keep title in hand until you’re satisfied with the final deal terms.
• Bring a pre-approval: Compare dealer financing to a credit union pre-approval to prevent rate markups.

If you successfully negotiated fair terms or overcame obstacles at this location, help other shoppers by sharing exactly what worked.

Evidence Links and How to Investigate Bish’s RV of Traverse City Yourself

Use the following searches and resources to verify issues, read current complaints, and gather documentation. These links are pre-populated with the dealership name to streamline your research:

• YouTube search — Bish’s RV of Traverse City Issues
• Google search — Bish’s RV of Traverse City Problems
• BBB listings — Bish’s RV of Traverse City
• Reddit r/RVLiving — Bish’s RV of Traverse City Issues
• Reddit r/GoRVing — Bish’s RV of Traverse City Issues
• Reddit r/rvs — Bish’s RV of Traverse City Issues
• NHTSA Recalls — Start here (then search your VINs)
• RVInsider — Bish’s RV of Traverse City
• Good Sam Community — Bish’s RV of Traverse City
• Liz Amazing on RV dealer tactics — search your brand/dealer
• Bish’s RV of Traverse City — Google Reviews (sort by Lowest Rating)
• PissedConsumer — Browse and search “Bish’s RV of Traverse City” (use the site’s search bar)
• RVForums.com — search for dealer experiences
• RVForum.net — search dealer name and “issues”
• RVUSA Forum — search “Bish’s RV of Traverse City Issues”

Balanced Perspective and Resolution Attempts

Some customers do report satisfactory sales experiences and timely service from this location, and management responses on public sites sometimes show attempts to resolve individual disputes. However, the risk factors highlighted above remain significant for many RV shoppers—especially those new to RV ownership. Because communication can vary widely by salesperson and service advisor, the best protection is to document every promise, insist on independent inspections, and refuse to fund until defects are resolved.

Frequently Overlooked Buyer Checks (Use This at the Traverse City Store)

• Verify shore-power performance: Hook to 30/50A, run A/Cs, microwave, water heater, fireplace, and inverter simultaneously to check loads.
• Scan for error codes: If motorized, request an OBD-II scan report; if towable, inspect brake wiring and verify correct breakaway switch operation.
• Confirm weight labels: Verify cargo carrying capacity and hitch weights match the as-built unit.
• Inspect roof and seals: Check skylights, vents, AC shrouds, antennas, and all sealant transitions with a flashlight and mirror.
• Demand a written orientation checklist: Require a 2–3 hour walkthrough signed by both parties; photograph serial numbers for major components.
• Independent inspection reminder: One more time—book an inspector before any funding: find a local RV inspector. If the dealer disallows third-party access, walk away.

For additional buying checklists and industry context, Liz Amazing’s educational library is a strong resource: Watch RV buyer checklists and PDI guides.

About Quoting Reviews and How to Read Them

We encourage you to use the dealership’s Google Business Profile to read the most recent one- and two-star reviews and look for specific patterns relevant to your situation: add-on fees, financing surprises, paperwork delays, unresolved defects, or service backlogs. Here is the direct link again: Bish’s RV of Traverse City — Google Reviews. Read chronologically and sort by “Lowest rating” to see the most detailed complaints first.

If you’ve recently purchased from this location, what happened with your PDI, paperwork timing, and first warranty claim? Add your experience to help others.

Final Summary

Based on public reviews, forum discussions, and common industry-wide issues reflected in consumer complaints, shoppers considering Bish’s RV of Traverse City should proceed with caution. The most consequential risks include aggressive add-on sales, unclear financing terms, delivery and PDI shortcuts that allow defects to slip through, and service department backlogs that can strand a new purchase for weeks. These issues are not unique to this store, but they appear often enough in public feedback to justify strict buyer safeguards at this location.

Our recommendation: Unless you can secure an independent inspection, a fully itemized out-the-door purchase agreement with add-ons removed, a documented recall and PDI clearance, and written due dates for any post-delivery items—with funds contingent on completion—we do not recommend proceeding with a purchase at Bish’s RV of Traverse City. Shoppers should compare offers from other Michigan RV dealers and prioritize stores that welcome third-party inspections, provide transparent pricing, and demonstrate timely service capacity.

Have you worked with this store? Positive or negative, your voice helps owners and future shoppers make informed decisions. Post your experience in the comments.