BOB BOLIN RV- Medina, TX Exposed: Hidden fees, high APR markups, title delays & warranty denials

(Serious Concern)

Across the RV industry, one of the most expensive mistakes buyers make is taking delivery without a thorough, independent inspection. Whether you buy from BOB BOLIN RV in Medina, TX, or any other dealership, your strongest leverage for repairs and corrections is before you finalize paperwork and drive off the lot. Once the contract is signed and the funds have cleared, service departments frequently prioritize new sales over post-sale repairs. That’s how some buyers end up with canceled trips while their RV sits for weeks or months awaiting parts, authorization, or shop time.

• Hire a qualified mobile inspector (NRVIA or equivalent) to perform a top-to-bottom inspection and a full water-leak test before you accept delivery. Start here: Google search: RV Inspectors near me.
• If the dealer refuses to allow a third-party inspection on-site, consider that a red flag and walk away.
• Document every deficiency in writing, tie repair commitments to delivery and funding, and do not sign until all agreed items are addressed.

Want to help fellow shoppers? Share how you handled your pre-delivery inspection.

(Moderate Concern)

Many dealerships, particularly smaller independents under margin pressure, push add-ons that inflate the out-the-door price without delivering meaningful value. These can include paint/fabric protection, nitrogen tires, VIN etching, alarm systems, “theft protection” stickers, or dealer-installed options that may not be necessary. Some finance offices bundle extended service contracts with dealer markups that can exceed 100% of cost.

• Ask for a line-item quote that lists every add-on and fee. Decline anything you cannot justify.
• Extended warranties can be useful—but only with clear coverage terms, exclusions, and proof of third-party backing. Avoid vague, in-house “warranties.”
• Compare price out-the-door with at least two other Texas dealers for the same unit and options.

Have you been offered add-ons you didn’t need? Tell us what you saw in the F&I office.

(Serious Concern)

It’s common for dealerships to profit from interest-rate markups and back-end products. Buyers with solid credit often qualify for better rates with their own credit unions. Finance managers sometimes bundle extras or focus the conversation on “affordable monthly payment” rather than total cost, masking higher APRs and add-ons.

• Obtain an independent rate quote from your credit union or bank before stepping into the finance office.
• Request the full Retail Installment Sales Contract up front and review every figure before signing.
• Know your right to decline add-ons and proceed with a clean loan.

Regulatory note: The FTC enforces against unfair or deceptive financing practices; consult the FTC’s auto add-on guidance and unfair acts rules if you suspect misconduct: Federal Trade Commission.

(Moderate Concern)

Some consumers report sudden, last-minute shifts in trade-in valuation or condition claims once their RV is on the lot. Without a detailed, signed appraisal report with photos and specific condition notes, it’s easy for the number to change pre-signing.

• Retain multiple third-party valuation estimates (NADA/J.D. Power, local buyers, RV consignment shops) before negotiating.
• Document your RV’s condition with time-stamped photos and an independent inspection report.
• Get trade value and any deductions in writing early, with explicit reasons tied to evidence.

(Serious Concern)

Delayed title and registration paperwork can strand owners with expired temp tags and exposure to liability. In Texas, dealers generally must submit title applications within about 30 days of the sale—delays beyond that window can indicate process breakdowns or cash-flow issues. Always verify the paperwork timeline and keep copies of every document.

• Ask for the date your title application will be submitted and proof of submission.
• Follow up persistently if temp tags near expiration; escalate to the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles if necessary: Texas DMV.
• For potential violations or prolonged delays, you may also contact the Texas Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division: Texas AG Consumer Protection.

(Serious Concern)

Consumers across Texas frequently report long wait times for appointments, extended parts delays, and RVs sitting for weeks with little proactive communication. Smaller dealerships can be more vulnerable to bottlenecks, especially during peak season or when parts are on national backorder.

• Before purchase, ask for the current average lead time for a warranty appointment and typical turn-around for common repairs.
• Get a written post-sale service plan, including priority for new buyers and communication protocols (weekly status updates, designated contact).
• Consider buying only after a third-party inspection confirms that the unit does not need significant immediate work. Start here: Find RV inspectors near you.

Lost a camping trip because your RV was stuck in service? Tell other shoppers what happened.

(Serious Concern)

Warranty coverage on RVs can be labyrinthine—coach warranties, component warranties, and third-party service contracts overlap. Consumers often encounter finger-pointing between the dealer, manufacturer, and component supplier over who pays. Poor documentation can lead to denials or long delays.

• Keep meticulous records: purchase contract, PDI checklist, dated photos of defects, service requests, and all correspondence.
• The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act prohibits tying warranty coverage to specific service providers and requires clear warranty terms. Learn more at the FTC: FTC on Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act.
• If a claim is denied, request the denial in writing with specific reasons and escalate to the manufacturer and, if needed, the Texas AG.

(Moderate Concern)

Buyers routinely discover leaks, soft floors, non-functional appliances, or miswired systems post-delivery—issues that should have been caught in PDI. A rushed PDI can cost you months of downtime. Insist on a full systems test and water intrusion test before funding.

• Attend the PDI in person, video record major systems checks, and verify every function.
• Never accept “We’ll fix it after delivery”—repairs promised post-sale often move slowly.
• Bring a third-party inspector if possible: Search: RV Inspectors near me.

(Moderate Concern)

Inadequate call-backs, lack of repair status updates, and missed timelines are common industry-wide. These gaps compound when you’re making payments on an unusable RV.

• Before purchase, request a single point of contact with direct email and phone.
• Ask for written service timelines and weekly updates when your unit is in the shop.
• If communication stalls, escalate politely but firmly in writing, copying management and, if necessary, the brand manufacturer.

Have you experienced prolonged silence or missed callbacks? Add your timeline for other buyers.

(Serious Concern)

If you encounter practices that appear unfair, deceptive, or in violation of warranty obligations, you have options for recourse. Keep detailed records from day one.

• Deceptive practices / misrepresentations: Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act (DTPA) prohibits false, misleading, or deceptive acts. You can file complaints with the Texas AG: Texas Attorney General — Consumer Protection.
• Warranty rights: The FTC’s Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act requires clear warranty terms and prohibits tying coverage to dealer-only service: FTC — Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act.
• Title and registration delays: Texas dealers generally must submit title applications within about 30 days of sale. If your paperwork stalls, contact the Texas DMV: Texas Department of Motor Vehicles.
• Safety recalls: Check for open recalls on your RV’s VIN at NHTSA: NHTSA Recall Lookup. Delayed recall fixes can pose safety risks; report refusal to remedy safety recalls to NHTSA.
• Financing and add-ons: The FTC and the CFPB monitor unfair financing practices, bait-and-switch pricing, and hidden fees. If you suspect misconduct, file a complaint with the FTC: ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

(Serious Concern)

Service failures do more than inconvenience owners—they can create serious safety risks. Leaks can lead to rot and mold; faulty propane systems risk fire or explosion; miswired 120V AC can cause electrocution; brake and axle issues can lead to catastrophic accidents. Even delayed recall remedies can put families at risk if critical components (e.g., propane regulators, suspension parts) are involved.

• Financial risk: Months of downtime can cost camping fees, storage, insurance, and loan payments on an unusable RV—plus lost vacation time.
• Safety risk: If a dealer or brand delays a fix or disputes coverage, consider paying a qualified mobile tech to address the issue and seek reimbursement later rather than operating an unsafe vehicle.
• Recalls: Always run your VIN through NHTSA and address safety recalls before travel: NHTSA Recall Lookup.