Blanchard Trailer Sales- Baton Rouge, LA Exposed: rushed PDIs, leaks, brakes, propane risks

(Serious Concern)

Across the RV industry, buyers who skip a third-party inspection often inherit expensive defects and long repair delays. To protect yourself at Blanchard Trailer Sales (Baton Rouge), hire an independent NRVIA-certified (or similarly credentialed) inspector to perform a full pre-purchase inspection before you sign or take delivery. This is your strongest leverage to compel fixes while the dealership is motivated to close the sale. If you wait until after funding, your repair request may be is prioritized behind paying customers, and some owners report missed vacations while their RV sits for weeks or months awaiting parts or technician time. Search locally: RV Inspectors near me.

If the dealership refuses to allow a third-party inspection on their lot, that is a major red flag—walk away. Ask the inspector to verify:

• Water intrusion, roof condition, sealant failures, soft floors, and delamination
• Brakes, axles, suspension components, wheel bearings, and tire date codes
• Electrical systems, converter/charger function, shore power, and GFCI protection
• LP system integrity (pressure test), furnace, water heater, and refrigerator performance
• Slide alignment, awning operation, and window/door function
• Generator hours and load tests (if equipped)

Insist that any defects be listed in writing on a “We Owe” or Due Bill with firm repair dates before you sign documents or transfer funds. Did an inspection save you money here? Share your results.

(Moderate Concern)

Some buyers allege that advertised prices change during paperwork, that dealer fees appear late in the process, or that they felt pressured into add-ons (such as paint protection, tire-and-wheel packages, or expensive extended service contracts) they later regret. This pattern is common in the RV industry, and reports tied to this location suggest consumers should obtain an itemized “out-the-door” price before making a deposit. Key tips:

• Request a written price breakdown with all taxes, fees, and accessories included.
• Politely decline any add-on you did not request; most are optional, not mandatory.
• Compare third-party extended warranty alternatives—many cost less and offer clearer terms.

For broader context on upsells, financing markups, and how to push back, see consumer education content on Liz Amazing’s channel: How RV buyers can avoid costly add-ons.

(Moderate Concern)

Low-star reviews often describe dissatisfaction with financing outcomes—especially where buyers later discover that a bank would have offered a lower APR or that add-on products increased the total financed amount. If financing at Blanchard Trailer Sales (Baton Rouge), arrive pre-approved from your credit union to set a baseline and compare. Ask finance staff to disclose the “buy rate” versus “sell rate” (the latter may include a dealer markup). Double-check that any extended warranty aligns with your planned mileage, coverage needs, and travel habits.

(Moderate Concern)

Some customers allege disappointing trade-in valuations relative to private-party resale prices. While any dealer must leave margin to recondition and resell used units, consumers report feeling blindsided by significant gaps between online “trade estimator” figures and the on-lot offer. To protect yourself:

• Get 2–3 competing trade quotes in writing.
• Bring maintenance records and photos to justify value.
• Consider selling your RV privately if the spread is too large.

(Serious Concern)

Multiple low-star reviews for this location describe issues discovered shortly after delivery: leaks, slide alignment problems, inoperable appliances, or cosmetic defects missed during the pre-delivery inspection (PDI). Industry-wide, rushed PDIs leave buyers with avoidable punch-list items. Here’s how to reduce risk at this store:

• Insist on a multi-hour, hands-on PDI with water hooked up and all systems powered.
• Operate every slide, awning, window, and door multiple times.
• Pressure-test the plumbing, fill and drain tanks, and run the water heater and furnace.
• Note every defect on a signed Due Bill with committed repair dates before funding.

A third-party inspection is recommended again here: Find a local RV inspector. Has a PDI here helped you catch defects early? Tell readers what you found.

(Serious Concern)

Some buyers report frustration with delayed titles, temporary tag expirations, or administrative errors that complicate registration. While processing times vary by state, paperwork lapses expose owners to fines and can restrict travel plans. If you buy here, obtain a clear timeline and contact info for the title clerk. Ask for tracking numbers when documents are mailed. If delays persist beyond promised windows, escalate to management and consider contacting the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles for guidance.

(Serious Concern)

Several low-star accounts tied to Blanchard Trailer Sales (Baton Rouge) describe long waits for service appointments, difficulty getting status updates, and units sitting for weeks awaiting parts. In some narratives, fixes didn’t hold, requiring repeat visits. To minimize downtime:

• Ask for lead times, technician availability, and parts ETA before you drop off.
• Get work orders in writing with clear descriptions and target dates.
• If your RV is your home, discuss interim workarounds or partial pick-up options.

Consumers who buy out-of-pocket inspections before service often gain clearer diagnostics and leverage. Search: Independent RV diagnostics near me.

(Serious Concern)

Across the RV sector, owners frequently report being bounced between dealers and manufacturers over who will pay to fix defects. Reviews referencing this Baton Rouge location echo that frustration. Under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, written warranties must be honored and cannot require you to buy specific brand services or parts to maintain coverage. If you face denials or delays, escalate to the manufacturer and keep meticulous records of calls, emails, and repair orders.

(Moderate Concern)

A few accounts allege that units were described as “fully inspected,” “like new,” or “camp-ready,” but arrived with multiple issues. Protect yourself by demanding a written representation of condition and a full-feature list. If a promised feature is missing or inoperable, note it on the Due Bill before funding.

(Serious Concern)

Some low-star reviews at this location describe problems that could affect safety, such as water intrusion (leading to soft floors or electrical risk), brake issues, tire failures, or propane leaks. Any dealer should prioritize safety-critical punch-list items before delivery. When inspecting on-site:

• Look for signs of water damage at ceilings, around slide corners, under windows, and near roof penetrations.
• Check DOT codes on tires; many RVs ship with budget tires that may not meet your travel plans.
• Ask the service department to perform a documented LP system leak-down test.
• Request a brake inspection with written measurements and bearing service records.

For broader background on safety and recalls, search NHTSA for your RV’s exact year/make/model. You can also check dealer-related keyword searches here: NHTSA recall search (enter your RV brand/model).

(Serious Concern)

If you experience misrepresentation, unfair fees, or warranty denials, the following laws and agencies may be relevant:

• Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act: Governs written warranties and prohibits companies from conditioning coverage on specific brand parts/service. Learn more at the FTC: FTC guide to warranty law.
• FTC Act (Unfair or Deceptive Acts or Practices): Prohibits unfair or deceptive practices in commerce. File complaints here: Report to the FTC.
• Louisiana Attorney General – Consumer Protection: If you suspect fraud or deceptive trade practices, you can seek assistance or file a complaint: Louisiana AG Consumer Protection.
• Vehicle Safety Defects and Recalls: If a safety defect is suspected (brakes, axles, propane, electrical), report and check recalls at NHTSA: Report a Safety Problem and search your VIN for recalls: NHTSA VIN recall search.

Keep a complete paper trail—contracts, due bills, texts, emails, repair orders, and photos. Detailed documentation is essential for any BBB complaint, AG inquiry, warranty claim, or small claims action. Have you filed a complaint about this dealer? What happened next?

(Serious Concern)

Owner reports of leaks are not cosmetic; they lead to costly structural repairs, mold growth, delamination, and electrical hazards. If a unit at Blanchard Trailer Sales (Baton Rouge) exhibits soft flooring, discoloration, or musty odors, walk away or negotiate extensive remediation in writing. A neglected leak can exceed the value of the RV over time.

(Serious Concern)

Blowouts and brake failures end trips and can cause severe collisions. If a towable shows uneven tire wear or brake noise on your test tow, insist on documented correction—new tires, alignment, brake service—before finalizing the sale. Confirm tire load ratings align with the GVWR and your real-world cargo needs.

(Serious Concern)

LP leaks present an immediate fire/explosion risk. Demand a leak-down test result and demonstrate proper operation of furnace, water heater, and refrigerator on LP. For electrical, verify battery charging, GFCI function, and proper shore power cord condition. Failure in these areas can strand you or endanger your family.

(Moderate Concern)

Slides are common failure points and a frequent complaint in RV reviews, including those tied to this location. Listen for binding, count seconds to extend/close, inspect seals for tears, and test in rain if possible. Misalignment leads to leaks and floor damage. Ensure any adjustments are completed pre-delivery.

(Moderate Concern)

• Get an out-the-door price in writing with every fee listed. Decline add-ons you don’t want.
• Bring your own pre-approval from a bank or credit union to benchmark APR.
• Compare extended warranties outside the dealership; read exclusions carefully.

(Serious Concern)

• Perform a full systems check on-site with water and electricity hooked up.
• List all defects on a signed Due Bill with completion dates before funding.
• Don’t rush delivery—slow, methodical checks save thousands.

(Moderate Concern)

• Ask for service lead times and parts ETAs before you leave your RV.
• Request photos and updates during repairs; hold the dealer to agreed dates.
• Consider mobile RV techs for simpler issues if the dealer’s backlog is long.

If timelines slip or communication falters, escalate to management quickly. If stalled, independent diagnostic reports can speed approvals with manufacturers.

(Serious Concern)

Your strongest leverage is a third-party inspection before signing. Use this to negotiate repairs, price, or walk away if needed. Search locally: RV Inspectors near me. If Blanchard Trailer Sales (Baton Rouge) resists or restricts a legitimate inspection, consider it a dealbreaker. Did the dealer accommodate your inspector? Let us know.

(Serious Concern)

Overpaying through unclear fees or financing markups, plus accepting a unit with undisclosed defects, can cost thousands in the first year. Delayed titles can cause fines or limit your travel, and slow service cycles may cause lost campground reservations and wasted time off work. An inspection and a rigorous PDI can avert many of these outcomes.

(Serious Concern)

Braking problems, tire failures, propane leaks, and water-damaged wiring are genuine hazards. Do not assume “new” equals “safe.” Many RVs leave factories with defects that dealers must catch and correct. If a dealership’s PDI misses safety items, you’re the last line of defense. Test everything and demand documentation.

(Moderate Concern)

• Document First: Photos, videos, and dated notes of failures and conversations.
• Escalate Internally: Service manager, then general manager/owner; propose specific remedies.
• Manufacturer Involvement: Open a case number; send inspection findings and service orders.
• Third-Party Help: Consider an independent inspection to validate defects and repair scope.
• External Avenues: File with the BBB, Louisiana AG Consumer Protection, and the FTC if appropriate. Safety issues should be reported to NHTSA.

Public, factual reviews can also spur prompt resolution—ensure your review is precise and supported by documentation. If you solved a problem here, how did you get it fixed?