Blade RV Sales Center- Mount Vernon, WA Exposed: Hidden Fees, Defective Deliveries, and Title Delays

(Serious Concern)

Multiple RV dealerships—this one included, based on public reviews—have patterns of delivering units with unresolved defects, incomplete prep, or undisclosed issues. Your best and often only leverage is before the money changes hands. Arrange an independent, professional inspection that you hire and control. Use a local search like RV Inspectors near me to find NRVIA-certified inspectors or highly rated independent technicians. Require the inspection to be performed on-site before signing final paperwork or taking delivery. If the dealer refuses a third-party inspection, treat that as a significant red flag and walk.

Why it matters: RVs can conceal critical problems—water intrusion, delaminating walls, axle/brake issues, propane leaks, miswired 12V/120V systems, and dangerously under-torqued suspension components. If you accept delivery and discover defects afterward, the service department may place you at the back of a long queue. Many RV owners report cancelled trips and months-long waits while the unit sits on a backlot waiting on parts or warranty approval. Don’t let that be you—bring an expert to the lot before delivery.

For more consumer education on dealer pitfalls, you can also watch Liz Amazing’s RV dealership investigative videos and search her channel for “Blade RV” or your target brand for patterns to watch for at the point of sale.

(Serious Concern)

Several recent low-star reviews cite sticker-to-contract discrepancies, last-minute add-ons, and “we can only honor this price if you finance with us”-style conversations. Consumers report surprise fees tacked on during finance office handoff and aggressive pitches to buy service contracts or add-on packages to “protect” the RV’s value. Trade-in offers are frequently described as lower than market expectations, with limited explanation of how appraisals were reached. To protect yourself:

• Obtain a signed, itemized out-the-door purchase agreement before your visit. No blanks.
• Decline add-ons you don’t want. Ask for a new OTD quote if any line items change.
• Shop your own financing with a credit union first; don’t let rate buy-downs dictate the price.
• Document all promises in writing. Verbal guarantees don’t hold up.

For a deeper dive into common dealership tactics and how to counter them, see investigative content such as Liz Amazing’s breakdowns of RV pricing and sales pressure.

(Moderate Concern)

Low-star reviewers often mention being steered toward extended service contracts, fabric/leather protection packages, paint sealants, tire-and-wheel coverage, and “gap” policies where not needed. Some report interest rates materially higher than quotes from local banks. If the finance manager insists on a higher rate to “make the deal work,” pause and comparison-shop. Typically, extended warranties on RVs are third-party contracts with many exclusions, limited labor rates, and claims hurdles, especially for mobile service. If you do consider a warranty:

• Read the full contract (not just the brochure). Note labor rate caps and mobile/diagnostic coverage.
• Ask for the cash price without the warranty to understand the true cost.
• Compare independent warranty providers and credit union rates before signing.

(Serious Concern)

Multiple low-star reviews for this location describe long waits for permanent plates, title transfers, and mailed paperwork. In Washington, registration delays can lead to fines or hassles at the DMV. To lower risk:

• Ask for a documented timeline for title and registration processing.
• Confirm lienholder, VIN, and buyer/seller information is accurate before leaving the lot.
• Get a named point of contact for any title follow-up. Email all inquiries to create a record.

(Serious Concern)

1- and 2-star reviews frequently mention units delivered with unresolved defects: non-functional appliances, slide issues, sealant gaps, leaks after the first rain, and cosmetic damage discovered after pickup. Others describe “We Owe” forms (due bills) that remain open for weeks or months. Insist on a full pre-delivery inspection (PDI) walkthrough with your inspector present and do not sign final documents until items are resolved or you are comfortable with a written completion date and loaner arrangements. Strategies:

• Bring your own water hose and power analyzer to function-test systems during walkthrough.
• Photograph every issue and capture the service manager’s written commitment to timelines.
• If the unit has a known manufacturer bulletin, get confirmation it was completed.

(Serious Concern)

Across many RV dealerships, service bays are overloaded—even more so during peak travel seasons. At this location, low-star accounts often describe long waits for diagnosis and weeks to months for parts. Warranty authorization adds extra time. Meanwhile, your RV is out of use and may sit on an outdoor lot. Before purchase, ask what Blade RV Sales Center’s average in-shop turnaround is for your brand, whether mobile service is supported, and if expedited parts shipping is available for safety issues. If time without your RV would ruin high-stakes plans, consider alternative dealers with shorter queues or prioritize brands with strong regional service networks.

(Moderate Concern)

Some customers describe difficulty getting updates on parts orders, uncertain ETAs, or missed callbacks. To mitigate this risk, set expectations at drop-off:

• Agree on weekly update cadence by email, not just phone.
• Request order numbers and shipping confirmations for parts over two weeks late.
• Escalate to service management if promised updates don’t arrive.

(Moderate Concern)

Several critical RV systems—propane, 120V/12V electrical, hydraulic slides, and brake/suspension—require experienced technicians and methodical PDI. Multiple low-star reviews suggest knowledge gaps during walkthroughs and questionable handoffs without basic system checks. Advocate for yourself:

• Ask for a senior technician to be present during PDI for complex questions.
• Bring a checklist of systems to verify under load (AC, furnace, water heater, slides, awnings, GFCI).
• If a key system isn’t functioning at delivery, don’t accept delivery until fixed or documented with a firm completion date.

(Moderate Concern)

Owners with trade-ins frequently report lower-than-expected offers and confusion about inspection findings that reduce values. Ask for a written appraisal detailing each deduction and request the chance to remedy minor issues yourself (tires, batteries) if that will improve the offer. Get quotes from multiple dealers or consider a private-party sale for stronger value.

(Serious Concern)

Delivery of an RV with unresolved defects can have direct safety and financial repercussions. Issues commonly reported by RV customers nationwide include:

• Water intrusion and delamination: Compromises structural integrity, can lead to mold, rot, and plummeting resale value.
• Brake or axle misalignment: Increases stopping distance, uneven tire wear, and blowout risk.
• Propane system leaks: Explosion and carbon monoxide hazards; always perform a sniff test and pressure check.
• Electrical faults: Risk of fire or battery damage; check converter/charger output and GFCI circuits.
• Slide room failures: Can strand travelers and damage floors or seals if misadjusted.

Use the NHTSA resources to check for recalls on your specific RV model and to report safety issues that go unresolved: NHTSA Recalls main page and Report a Safety Problem. For dealership-specific research, use the query link provided earlier. If the RV you’re considering has an open recall, insist it be remedied before delivery.

Want more background on systemic RV quality problems and how to protect yourself? Check out the consumer education on Liz Amazing’s YouTube channel and search her videos for the brand or issue you’re dealing with.

(Moderate Concern)

The themes appearing in low-star reviews—warranty disputes, delayed paperwork, and advertising/price discrepancies—can carry legal implications. Key frameworks to know:

• Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act: Governs written warranties on consumer products. If warranty obligations are misrepresented or improperly denied, consumers can seek remedies. Read the FTC’s guide: Businessperson’s Guide to Federal Warranty Law (FTC).
• FTC Act Section 5: Prohibits unfair or deceptive acts or practices. Misleading advertised prices or undisclosed add-ons may fall under scrutiny. See: Section 5 of the FTC Act.
• Washington State Lemon Law: Applies primarily to new passenger vehicles; certain motorhomes have specific coverage elements, while towable RVs may be treated differently. Review the state guidance: Washington State Lemon Law (WA Attorney General).
• Washington Consumer Protection: For deceptive practices or unresolved disputes, file a complaint: WA Attorney General — Consumer Protection.

If you encounter post-sale delays (titles/plates), warranty denials, or undisclosed fees, document everything and escalate in writing to dealership management. If that fails, consider filing complaints with the BBB, the state AG, and the FTC. Keep timelines and evidence organized; photographs and dated emails strengthen your case.

(Serious Concern)

• Can I bring a third-party inspector to the lot before delivery? If the answer is no, walk away. Book via RV Inspectors near me.
• Provide a written, itemized OTD quote now: No changes at signing unless you request them.
• Is financing required for this price? If yes, ask for the cash price and compare outside rates.
• Show me the complete PDI checklist you will use: Sign it together at delivery, with photos.
• Average service wait time for my brand and model: Get it in writing and ask about loaners.
• Who handles warranty approvals and parts orders? Request email contacts for accountability.
• Confirm title/registration timelines: Who will update me weekly until plates arrive?
• What are the exclusions in the extended warranty? Ask for a sample contract, not a brochure.

If you’re reading this after a difficult experience with the Mount Vernon location, post your lessons learned so other shoppers can prepare.

(Moderate Concern)

• Do not pay in full until your inspection is complete. If financing, do not finalize funding until PDI punch list items are resolved or clearly documented with dates.
• Use email for all commitments. “We’ll take care of it” should become a dated, signed “We Owe” with specific items and deadlines.
• Photograph everything. From odometer and VIN plates to serial numbers on major appliances and every cosmetic defect you find.
• Build an escalation path. Get the names and emails of the sales manager, service manager, and general manager before you need them.
• Bring your own moisture meter and outlet tester. Verify critical systems yourself even if you hire an inspector.

If the dealership resists any of these reasonable steps, that’s informational. You can always pivot to a competitor with stronger process discipline.