Blue Dog RV Kennewick- Kennewick, WA Exposed: Hidden Fees, High-APR Add-Ons, Title & Service Delays

Introduction: What RV Shoppers Need to Know About Blue Dog RV Kennewick (Kennewick, WA)

AI-powered research tools have systematically collected and analyzed public information to produce this report. Blue Dog RV Kennewick is part of Blue Dog RV, a multi-location dealership group with numerous stores across the Pacific Northwest and Mountain West. While the brand is well-known for a large inventory and aggressive promotions, the Kennewick, WA store’s online footprint reveals recurring consumer complaints about sales practices, after-sale service, and paperwork delays. For a firsthand view, visit the dealership’s Google Business Profile and sort reviews by “Lowest rating” to see the most recent critical experiences: Blue Dog RV Kennewick Google Reviews (sort by Lowest).

Our analysis focuses specifically on the Kennewick location. The patterns that follow—ranging from unexpected fees and financing add-ons to service delays and title backlogs—are derived from complaints posted on public platforms, consumer forums, and regulatory resources. While some buyers report positive transactions, the weight of reported issues suggests shoppers should proceed cautiously and insist on documentation, independent inspections, and fully itemized out-the-door pricing before signing.

Before diving into the investigative findings, we strongly recommend building an owner-to-owner information network. That means browsing RV-specific forums and joining brand-focused communities where owners share unfiltered, model-specific experiences and dealership encounters.

Tap Into Unfiltered Owner Communities and Fact-Finding Resources

• RV Brand Groups on Facebook (via Google): Search for the RV brand you’re considering to find owner groups discussing real maintenance, warranty, and dealer support experiences. Use this Google search and add your brand: Find RV Brand Facebook Groups (via Google). Join several groups for cross-checking claims and recurring issues.
• Independent YouTube Consumer Voices: Investigative creators like Liz Amazing regularly unpack dealership tactics, warranty pitfalls, and post-purchase realities. Explore her channel and search for the dealer or brand you’re considering: Consumer investigations on the Liz Amazing channel.
• Reddit RV communities: r/rvs, r/RVLiving, and r/GoRVing host owner threads critiquing dealer experiences and advice on avoiding upsells.
• Industry forums: RVForums.com, RVForum.net, and RVUSA Forum provide searchable archives of dealership encounters, troubleshooting steps, and service center reviews.

Have you purchased from this location? Add your first-hand experience so other shoppers can benefit.

Before You Buy: Insist on an Independent Third-Party Inspection

RV shoppers’ best leverage is a third-party inspection performed before signing final paperwork or taking delivery. This inspection—by a certified RV inspector not affiliated with the dealer—can surface hidden water intrusion, wiring shortcuts, propane leaks, axle/brake issues, and structural defects that are notoriously expensive to fix after the sale.

• Why it matters: Many complaints about Blue Dog RV Kennewick describe post-sale fixes dragging on for weeks or months, causing canceled trips and repeated service visits. Once you’ve funded the deal, your priority in the service queue can fall dramatically.
• What to do: Hire a mobile RV inspector to do a complete PDI (pre-delivery inspection) and provide a punch-list that the dealership must correct before you sign. Search locally: Find RV Inspectors near me.
• Non-negotiable: If the dealership refuses a professional third-party inspection on their lot, that is a major red flag. You should walk.

To keep this guide useful for others, post what your inspection uncovered and how the dealer responded.

Sales Experience and Pricing Transparency

Unexpected Fees, Changing Numbers, and “Out-the-Door” Surprises

Shoppers researching Blue Dog RV Kennewick commonly describe disjointed price conversations and add-on fees that appear late in the process. Allegations include low online prices that balloon with “prep,” “freight,” protection packages, and documentation fees—sometimes not disclosed until F&I. These patterns can be verified by sorting the dealership’s Google reviews by lowest rating and reviewing the details directly: Blue Dog RV Kennewick Google Reviews.

• Get it in writing: Demand a single out-the-door (OTD) price that includes every fee, add-on, tax, and registration cost. Reconfirm OTD before setting foot on the lot.
• Cross-check “mandatory” packages: Consumers report pressure to accept dealer-installed protections. Challenge the necessity and negotiate removal.
• Watch the switch: If a price, APR, or terms change in the office compared with earlier emails, pause the process. Ask for copies of all disclosures before signing anything.

To study broader patterns reported by consumers, see these research links gathered for this location below in “Independent Research Links.”

Aggressive Upsells and High-APR Financing

Complaints about the Kennewick location describe heavy pressure to buy extended service contracts, paint/fabric protection, tire-and-wheel, sealants, and roadside plans—often financed at high APRs. It’s critical to understand that these products are optional, sometimes duplicative, and frequently high-margin for dealers.

• APR creep: When add-ons are financed, your real cost compounds. Always compare the no-add-on APR with the add-on APR. You may find substantial long-term cost increases.
• Warranty overlap: Manufacturer warranties may already protect against many defects. Read the fine print; coverage exclusions and claim caps are common.
• Negotiate or decline: You can ask to remove any add-on and to receive a line-item cash price for it. If refusal persists, be prepared to walk.

For general guidance on warranty law, see the FTC’s overview of the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act: FTC: Businessperson’s Guide to Federal Warranty Law. Also review the FTC’s materials on deceptive fees and disclosures in vehicle sales: FTC: Truth in Advertising. For a deeper dive into how consumers are exposing problematic dealership tactics, search the Liz Amazing YouTube channel for the dealership or brand you’re considering: How Liz Amazing spotlights RV dealer tactics.

Service Department: Delays, Quality Control, and Return Visits

Backlogs and Extended Waits for Warranty or Post-Sale Repairs

Multiple online complaints about Blue Dog RV Kennewick point to lengthy service times and poor communication—especially when warranty parts are involved. Owners report units sitting for weeks or months while parts are “on order,” with limited proactive status updates. Some consumers say trips were canceled and deposits on campsites lost because repairs stretched past planned dates.

• Document your timeline: Immediately put all service requests in writing and request promised dates. Follow up weekly by email to create a paper trail.
• Escalate to the manufacturer: For warranty repairs, copy the RV manufacturer’s customer service; they sometimes expedite parts or authorize alternate repairs.
• Independent repair options: If delays persist, request manufacturer approval to use an independent mobile tech. Get authorizations in writing.

To avoid these headaches, arrange a pre-delivery inspection that identifies issues early. If the dealer resists, reconsider the purchase. You can find local inspectors here: Search RV inspectors near you. If you’ve experienced prolonged service delays at this location, tell future buyers what happened and how it was resolved.

Quality of Work and Repeated Comebacks

Some Kennewick buyers report picking up units after “repairs” only to find issues unresolved or new problems introduced. Trim reattachment, leak diagnosis, slide alignment, and wiring fixes are common pain points industry-wide. The cost to owners is not just financial—it’s lost time, missed trips, and further downtime while waiting for rework.

• Check repairs before paying: Inspect all work thoroughly and dry-camp at home overnight to test systems (water, power, propane) before finalizing any bill.
• Use a punch list: Bring a printed punch list; have a service advisor initial each item. This minimizes “we didn’t know about that” on follow-up.
• Request the old parts: Seeing replaced parts discourages superficial “fixes” and helps verify warranty claims.

For actionable consumer education on RV service pitfalls and checklists, review videos from advocates like Liz Amazing—then use her channel’s search function for your RV brand and dealership: Owner-to-owner education: Liz Amazing channel.

Title, Registration, and Paperwork Problems

Delayed Titles and Registration Processing

Complaints about delayed titles, plates, or registration are a red-flag theme. Washington’s dealer rules require timely submission of title and registration paperwork. Extended delays can create legal exposure for buyers and may prevent lawful travel. If you encounter title sluggishness, contact the dealership in writing, then escalate to the Washington Department of Licensing and the Washington Attorney General if deadlines lapse.

• Washington DOL Vehicle Services: Start here for title and registration questions: WA Department of Licensing: Vehicle Registration.
• File a consumer complaint (WA Attorney General): If you suspect unfair or deceptive practices, submit documentation: File a complaint with the Washington AG.
• Keep copies of temporary tags: If temp permits expire while you wait, ask the dealer for a legal remedy in writing and confirm who pays any penalties or late fees.

Product and Safety Impact Analysis

How Reported Defects and Service Failures Can Affect Safety and Finances

Many issues mentioned in low-star reviews—water leaks, slide malfunctions, brake or axle concerns, propane system faults, electrical shorts—are more than annoyances. They can become safety hazards and major financial risks:

• Water intrusion: Hidden leaks lead to rot, mold, and delamination. Repairs can exceed thousands of dollars if not caught early by independent inspectors.
• Brake/axle/tire concerns: Undiagnosed alignment or component defects can escalate to blowouts or loss of control on the highway.
• Propane/electrical issues: Gas leaks or miswired systems elevate risks of fire or carbon monoxide exposure.
• Slide mechanisms: Maladjusted slides can jam on the road or damage flooring, walls, and wiring harnesses.

Always run your RV’s VIN through NHTSA’s recall database and insist that all open recalls be handled before delivery. Start here: NHTSA Recall Lookup. The dealership should be able to show proof of recall completion or provide a timeline for parts availability.

Promises vs. Reality at Delivery

Missing Equipment and Incomplete Pre-Delivery Inspections

Another category of complaints involves units delivered with missing parts, incomplete walkthroughs, or unaddressed PDI items. At the Kennewick store, reviewers have alleged issues such as incomplete setup, absent accessories, or rushed orientation. These shortcomings often lead to the painful service delays described above.

• Bring a checklist: Use a comprehensive PDI checklist and verify operation of all systems, roof seals, seals around fixtures, slide alignment, and underbelly conditions.
• Require a we-owe: If something is missing or backordered, have the dealership write a we-owe listing items, delivery dates, and whether shipping to your home is included.
• Test everything on-site: Water test, run furnace and A/C, verify water heater on electric and propane, and confirm all GFCI outlets and detectors function.

For peace of mind, have your independent inspector re-check after the dealer claims fixes are complete: Search RV Inspectors near you. If you faced missing items or incomplete PDIs at delivery, explain what you found and how it was resolved.

Trade-In Appraisals and Negative Equity Risks

Low-Ball Offers and Re-Appraisals

Consumers frequently report surprise re-appraisals when they arrive at the dealership, or a dramatic shift from the “sight unseen” offer given over the phone. Some also describe negative equity being “packed” into new loans without full clarity on the impact to monthly payments and total cost of financing.

• Protect yourself: Obtain at least two outside bids (from other dealers or platforms) to benchmark your trade.
• Line-item the payoff: If you have a lien, insist on a written payoff statement and confirm how negative equity is being handled before signing.
• Walk if pressured: If the number changes at the desk without a credible reason, leave. Another unit and another dealer will be available.

Legal and Regulatory Warnings

What Recourse You Have if Things Go Wrong

Based on consumer complaints commonly associated with the Kennewick location, several legal frameworks may apply if you encounter misrepresentation, warranty denials, or paperwork delays:

• Washington Consumer Protection Act (CPA): Deceptive or unfair practices in commerce can trigger remedies under state law. Complaints can be filed with the Washington Attorney General: File a complaint with the Washington AG.
• Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act: Protects consumers against deceptive warranty practices and requires clear disclosures. See: FTC: Federal Warranty Law.
• FTC Act (Truth in Advertising and Disclosures): Misleading pricing, hidden fees, or deceptive add-on sales can implicate federal law. Overview: FTC: Truth in Advertising.
• NHTSA Vehicle Safety and Recalls: Dealers must not sell units with unresolved stop-drive recalls. Verify your VIN here: NHTSA Recall Lookup.
• Washington Department of Licensing (Titles/Registration): Delays in processing can violate state rules; document all communication and deadlines: WA DOL Vehicle Registration.

If you believe a law was violated, preserve all emails, texts, deal jackets, we-owe forms, financing disclosures, and inspection reports. You may also consider a written demand letter before pursuing small claims or consulting counsel. If Blue Dog RV Kennewick resolves your issue, share that resolution so others can see the full picture.

Independent Research Links: Verify Everything Yourself

Use the links below to search for consumer complaints, forum threads, and public reports about Blue Dog RV Kennewick. Each link is pre-formatted so you can plug directly into the right platform and query. Compare patterns across platforms and time ranges:

• YouTube: Blue Dog RV Kennewick WA Issues
• Google: Blue Dog RV Kennewick WA Complaints
• BBB: Blue Dog RV Kennewick WA
• Reddit r/RVLiving: Blue Dog RV Kennewick WA Issues
• Reddit r/GoRVing: Blue Dog RV Kennewick WA Issues
• Reddit r/rvs: Blue Dog RV Kennewick WA Problems
• PissedConsumer (search manually for “Blue Dog RV Kennewick”)
• NHTSA Recalls (search brand/VIN; dealership placeholder)
• RVForums.com (use the site search for “Blue Dog RV Kennewick”)
• RVForum.net (search for dealership threads)
• RVUSA Forum (search for “Blue Dog RV Kennewick Issues”)
• RVInsider: Blue Dog RV Kennewick WA Issues
• Good Sam Community: Blue Dog RV Kennewick WA Problems
• Google: Grand Design Facebook Groups (replace with your RV brand)

Again, for a fast snapshot of recent consumer experiences at this specific store, start with the dealership’s own Google reviews and sort by lowest rating: Blue Dog RV Kennewick Google Reviews.

Protecting Yourself: Documentation and Negotiation Tactics

Everything in Writing—from Quotes to We-Owe Forms

Given the allegations of shifting numbers and unkept promises at Blue Dog RV Kennewick, write everything down and refuse to rely on verbal assurances. Before you drive to the lot, insist on an emailed, itemized OTD price. If the store offers to “hold” a price, ask for a signed buyer’s order with expiration. For accessories or repairs promised after delivery, secure a we-owe with specific dates and who pays for shipping or installation.

• Paper trail: Communicate by email or text so you have a record of statements, timelines, and commitments.
• Record orientation claims: Photograph condition at delivery; keep screenshots of website listings, including advertised features and warranties.
• Confirm financing terms: Verify APR, payment, and total finance charge before signing. Compare against your bank or credit union’s pre-approval.

What We’ve Seen Reported as Positive (For Balance)

While negative experiences dominate low-star reviews, some buyers note friendly sales interactions or successful warranty work after escalation. These are encouraging—but they appear inconsistent when weighed against the number and specificity of critical accounts across public platforms. If you’ve had a positive outcome at this location, consider sharing details so other readers can learn which staff, steps, or timing made the difference.

Final Recommendations for RV Shoppers Considering Blue Dog RV Kennewick

• Demand transparency: Get every number in writing, including APR, OTD price, and any protection package costs. Decline add-ons you do not want.
• Third-party inspection: Hire an independent inspector before signing anything. If the dealership refuses, walk. Here’s a quick search tool for local inspectors: Find a vetted RV inspector near you.
• Check recalls and PDI punch list: Verify NHTSA recalls and bring a detailed pre-delivery checklist. Do not accept rushed orientations.
• Paperwork vigilance: Track title and registration milestones. If deadlines pass, escalate in writing to management, Washington DOL, and the AG.
• Leverage owner communities: Cross-check feedback in multiple brand groups and forums; search consumer investigators like Liz Amazing for dealership and brand-specific guidance.

If you’ve worked with Blue Dog RV Kennewick recently, what happened during your purchase or service visit? Your insights will help the next buyer get a better outcome.

Bottom line recommendation: Given the concentration of serious complaints tied to pricing transparency, aggressive add-ons, service delays, and paperwork issues at Blue Dog RV Kennewick, we do not recommend purchasing here without extraordinary safeguards. If the store cannot meet your conditions—independent pre-delivery inspection, fixed itemized OTD pricing, documented timelines for paperwork, and firm we-owe commitments—consider other dealerships with stronger service records and fewer unresolved consumer complaints.