Bobby Combs RV Centers – El Cajon- El Cajon, CA Exposed: Upsells, APR Traps, Weak PDI, Slow Service

Introduction and Scope

AI-powered research tools have systematically collected and analyzed public information to produce this report on Bobby Combs RV Centers – El Cajon (El Cajon, California). This location operates under the Bobby Combs RV Centers brand, a regional multi-store dealership group rather than a national chain. Our focus is the El Cajon store specifically, and the goal is to give RV shoppers a consumer-first, risk-aware overview of patterns surfaced in public reviews, forums, and regulatory guidance relevant to this location.

To see the raw, unfiltered customer narratives, start with the store’s Google Business Profile and sort by “Lowest rating.” Here is the direct link: Bobby Combs RV Centers – El Cajon Google Reviews. Please verify the most recent 1- and 2-star reviews for yourself and compare them to the themes in this report.

Before diving into the issues, we recommend using owner communities for unfiltered feedback by brand and model. Join multiple RV brand-focused groups and read recent owner threads on Facebook by searching here: Search for Facebook RV Brand Groups via Google. Also, watch investigative buyer-education content from RV consumer advocates like the Liz Amazing channel on YouTube, which frequently dissects dealer tactics and helps shoppers prepare. Start here and search her channel for the dealership and brands you’re considering: Liz Amazing’s channel: RV dealership pitfalls and buyer protection.

Have you dealt with this location? Add your first-hand experience for other shoppers.

Essential Buyer Protection: Get an Independent, Third-Party Inspection

New and used RVs commonly ship with defects that require immediate remediation. The only real leverage you have to get issues fixed quickly is before you sign and take delivery. Hire an independent, certified RV inspector to perform a full pre-purchase inspection at the El Cajon lot, and condition your purchase on their findings. Use a local search to find options: Find RV Inspectors near me. If a dealer will not allow a third-party professional inspection on their property or prior to signing, that is a red flag—walk.

Why this matters: Once the dealer has your money, your rig can sit in the service queue for weeks or months waiting on parts, authorizations, or limited tech availability. Many owners report canceled trips and lost deposits due to post-sale repairs dragging on. Put the inspection requirement in writing, and require any defects to be documented on a “Due Bill” with a completion timeframe and clear responsibilities before funding the deal. If you need help finding multiple inspectors, repeat your search and compare scopes and sample reports: Compare RV Inspectors near me.

For additional education on what to inspect and how dealers sometimes push back, see buyer-focused videos and checklists from industry watchdog creators—search the Liz Amazing channel for pre-delivery inspection (PDI) best practices and dealer negotiation strategies: Watch Liz Amazing’s PDI and dealer tactics content.

Patterns Reported by Consumers at the El Cajon Location

Below are the most common problem areas reported publicly about RV dealerships and echoed in low-star reviews for this specific store when sorting by “Lowest rating” on Google. We strongly urge you to verify the current details by reading the most recent reviews yourself at the El Cajon Google Business Profile (link above). Where possible, we describe patterns and their risks to help you prepare concrete protections.

High-Pressure Sales, Upsells, and Financing “Gotchas”

Customers at many RV dealerships, including this location based on public feedback, report feeling pressured into add-ons at closing and steered toward in-house financing with higher-than-expected interest rates. Typical upsells include extended service contracts of questionable value, fabric/paint protection, tire-and-wheel, etching, nitrogen, and alarm packages. These add up quickly and can dramatically increase your out-the-door price.

• Protect yourself: Pre-arrange financing with your credit union before visiting. Decline non-essential add-ons. Compare interest rate and term against your pre-approval. Ask for all add-ons to be line-itemed and removable.
• Watch for payment packing: If the monthly payment is presented without a clear itemization of product costs, slow the process and request a full itemized purchase order.
• Get it in writing: Promises about “40-point PDIs,” “free first services,” or “priority service” must be written into the sale documents to be enforceable.

Note: Shoppers should read the lowest-star reviews linked above for reports alleging surprise fees, last-minute product add-ons, or financing surprises at this specific El Cajon store. If you’ve encountered similar tactics, tell future buyers what happened.

Post-Sale Service Delays and Long Repair Backlogs

Many RV buyers nationwide report long wait times for warranty repairs, and El Cajon reviewers have similarly described multi-week or multi-month delays after delivery. Chronic bottlenecks can come from parts availability, third-party authorization delays, limited technician capacity, or poor triage. The practical result: canceled trips, rigs stuck on service lots, and frustrated owners paying loan and insurance while the RV sits.

• Demand a “Due Bill” with completion dates for all PDI items and warranty repairs prior to funding.
• Ask whether the store prioritizes warranty vs. retail work—and how they schedule sold units after purchase.
• If a service estimate seems vague, request a written timeline and escalation contact at the manufacturer.

This risk is precisely why an independent pre-purchase inspection is crucial. If you identify defects before funding, you retain leverage to require timely resolution. Need an inspector list? Search for certified RV inspectors near El Cajon.

Weak Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI) and “Dead on Arrival” Defects

Public reviews for this store, when sorted by lowest rating, describe rigs leaving the lot with issues that should have been caught at PDI: water leaks, non-functioning appliances, miswired components, and trim or seal failures. When a PDI misses core functionality, buyers inherit preventable headaches and can immediately fall into the post-sale service backlog described above.

• Insist on a four to six-hour hands-on PDI. Operate every system: 120V/12V, water, propane, slide-outs, leveling, HVAC, appliances, and electronics.
• Bring a moisture meter and an outlet tester; look closely for sealant gaps, tire date codes, and recall notices.
• Require that any defects found be corrected before you sign or fund, and documented on a Due Bill with dates.

Paperwork, Title, Registration, and Tax Handling

Buyers sometimes allege slow or error-prone title work or registration in public reviews. Delays can lead to expired temp tags or difficulty insuring or using the RV. While many deals process normally, repeated negative feedback about paperwork lag is a sign to scrutinize the dealer’s document and title handling at the El Cajon store thoroughly.

• Confirm the timeline for title and registration. Ask for a written estimate and who to contact if delayed.
• Photocopy all documents and keep a chronology of communication.
• If you’re trading in, verify how liens are paid and how quickly payoff letters are issued.

Trade-In Valuations and Appraisal Disputes

Public feedback across RV retail frequently cites low-ball trade offers and appraisal changes late in the process. If you’re trading in at the El Cajon location, know your numbers ahead of time and require that your appraisal be locked in writing.

• Arrive with multiple written bids from online buyers or local dealers.
• Provide service records and recent inspection results to justify your requested value.
• Decline to sign if the store attempts to change the trade value at closing without cause.

Warranty Claims Handling and Parts Availability

Complaints in public forums often describe warranty runaround: the dealer blames the manufacturer, the manufacturer defers to the dealer, and the owner waits. For El Cajon buyers, request clarity up front on who orders parts, how authorization works, and what the escalation path is if timelines slip. Ask for a designated service advisor and response-time commitments.

• Have the service manager explain warranty coverage vs. wear-and-tear vs. dealer-added items.
• Ask whether you can pick up the rig while waiting for parts to avoid storage fees and lost use.
• Document defects with photos and dates; this helps with warranty and potential legal claims.

Communication Gaps and Unkept Promises

Several low-star public reviews for this store cite missed callbacks or unclear timelines. Communication issues compound every other problem—especially if your unit is in service. Ask the El Cajon team to provide a single point of contact, regular updates, and written status summaries. If a promise is important to your decision, put it in the buyer’s order, not just in an email.

Safety Defects, Recalls, and Delivery of Potentially Unsafe Units

RV safety issues like propane leaks, brake malfunctions, tire blowouts, axle misalignment, and electrical shorts are real and frequently reported across the industry. Public reviews for this location mention systems that failed soon after delivery. Always ask the El Cajon store to check your VIN for recalls before delivery and provide documentation of any open recall repairs. You can verify recalls independently via NHTSA: NHTSA Official Recall Lookup.

For broader consumer education on safety and dealer responsibilities, consider searching for “dealer recalls” and “RV safety” topics on industry education channels such as Liz Amazing: Search Liz Amazing for safety and recall guidance.

What Public Records and Communities Are Saying

We encourage readers to verify current sentiment by reading the most recent 1- and 2-star reviews for this store on Google and by scanning regional forums and buyer communities. Again, begin here: Bobby Combs RV Centers – El Cajon on Google Reviews and sort by “Lowest rating.”

If your experience lines up with recurring themes—upsells, financing surprises, service delays, documentation errors—please help other shoppers by sharing specifics: Post your detailed experience for the community.

Legal and Regulatory Warnings

Based on common complaints seen at RV dealerships and public feedback attached to this El Cajon store, the issues below can raise legal exposure. None of this is legal advice; consult an attorney for your situation.

• Deceptive or unfair practices: The FTC enforces laws against deceptive sales tactics, misrepresentations, and unfair financing practices. Consumers can report issues here: Report fraud to the FTC. See general FTC auto/vehicle sales guidance to understand your rights and the obligations of sellers.
• Warranty rights: The federal Magnuson–Moss Warranty Act governs written warranties and prohibits deceptive warranty terms. If defects are not repaired within a reasonable number of attempts/time, consumers may have claims under MMWA or under state law.
• California protections: California has robust consumer protection frameworks. Complaints about dealer conduct, title/registration issues, or misleading advertising can be submitted to:
  • California Attorney General – Consumer Complaint
  • California DMV – Dealer/Occupational Licensing Consumer Complaint
• Truth in Lending and financing disclosures: If APR, payment, or product costs differ from what was represented, retain all paperwork and screen captures and consult counsel.
• Safety/recalls: Serious safety defects should be reported to the NHTSA: Report a safety problem to NHTSA.

If you believe your warranty rights were violated or you experienced deceptive add-on sales at closing, preserve every document, text, and email thread, and escalate quickly via the channels above.

Product and Safety Impact Analysis

Mechanical and build-quality failures carry both safety and financial risk. The following defects, commonly reported in public RV owner feedback and described by some El Cajon reviewers, can present immediate hazards:

• Propane system leaks: Fire/explosion risk; require pressure tests and leak-down checks before delivery.
• Brake/axle/tires: Improper torque or out-of-spec alignment can cause blowouts or loss of control; demand torque logs and tire date codes.
• Electrical faults: Miswired transfer switches or converters can damage appliances and cause fire risk; test both shore and generator inputs under load.
• Water intrusion: Early leaks lead to rot, mold, and delamination; check all roof and seam sealants and use a moisture meter around windows and slide-outs.

The financial impacts are substantial: lost bookings, hotel costs during repair, fuel and time ferrying the rig, and rapid depreciation if problems persist. This is why buyers should require documented correction of PDI issues before funding—and why a third-party inspection is your best investment upfront.

How to Protect Yourself at This El Cajon Store

• Demand a third-party inspection on-site before signing. If refused, walk. Use this to find inspectors: RV Inspectors near me.
• Lock financing externally. Bring a credit union pre-approval and force a transparent line-item purchase order.
• Refuse payment packing and nonessential add-ons. Decline anything you don’t want or can’t quantify in value.
• VIN recall check and safety verification. Require a recall printout and torque logs; test all propane and electrical systems under load.
• Due Bill with dates. Any promised fixes or add-ons must list completion dates and responsible parties.
• Trade-in valuations. Arrive with competing bids; don’t accept last-minute trade value changes.
• Paper trail. Photograph defects, save all messages, and create a communication log with dates and names.
• Escalation roadmap. Ask for the service manager’s contact and the manufacturer’s regional rep details before you need them.
• Exit option. If significant defects are present and timelines are vague, be prepared to cancel and walk away before funding.

If you have already purchased from this store, your story can help other shoppers make informed choices. Contribute your lessons learned.

One-Click Research Hub: Verify Complaints and Track Recalls

Use these curated search links to cross-check issues and find additional consumer reports. Each link is pre-formatted to focus on “Bobby Combs RV Centers – El Cajon” and common problem keywords; review the results and refine with the model/brand you’re shopping.

• YouTube search: Bobby Combs RV Centers El Cajon Issues
• Google search: Bobby Combs RV Centers El Cajon Issues
• BBB lookup: Bobby Combs RV Centers El Cajon
• Reddit r/RVLiving: Bobby Combs RV Centers El Cajon Issues
• Reddit r/GoRVing: Bobby Combs RV Centers El Cajon Issues
• Reddit r/rvs: Bobby Combs RV Centers El Cajon Issues
• NHTSA recall search (broader safety context)
• RVInsider search: Bobby Combs RV Centers El Cajon Issues
• Good Sam Community search: Bobby Combs RV Centers El Cajon Issues
• Liz Amazing YouTube channel (search the dealer and brands)
• PissedConsumer (search for “Bobby Combs RV Centers El Cajon” on-site)
• RVForums.com (use site search for the dealer and model)
• RVForum.net (search for dealer-specific threads)
• RVUSA Forum (search for dealer issues)

Tip: When you read the Google reviews for the El Cajon location, pay particular attention to consistent patterns in the lowest-star reviews across multiple months; this is a stronger indicator than any single anecdote. Then compare those patterns to what you see in the forums above.

Understanding Add-Ons and Warranty Products

Extended warranties and protection packages are high-margin products for dealers, and complaints often involve unclear coverage or denied claims. If you are considering F&I (finance and insurance) products at the El Cajon store:

• Request full brochures and sample contracts to read coverage limits, exclusions, and caps.
• Ask who administers the warranty (dealer vs. third party) and the average claim approval time.
• Decline anything you don’t understand fully. You can often add certain products later if needed.
• Compare plan cost against the likelihood of claims and your emergency fund. In many cases, a robust pre-purchase inspection and a set-aside repair fund beats a high-cost contract.

If you’ve had success or issues with add-ons at this location, share the contract name and your claim outcome to help other buyers.

Balanced Notes: Reported Positives and Attempted Resolutions

Even at dealerships with many critical reviews, some customers report positive sales experiences, friendly staff, and successful service outcomes. In a few public reviews, buyers describe the El Cajon team addressing problems after escalation. If you pursue a purchase here, ask to speak with the service manager ahead of time, request examples of how they’ve handled recent warranty cases, and require timelines in writing. A cooperative, transparent approach can still produce a good outcome—especially if you arrive prepared with your own checklist and inspection plan.

For more context on how to set the right expectations and document commitments, consider consumer-education content from independent creators; use the Liz Amazing channel to search “service delays,” “dealer communication,” and “RV buyer checklists.” Explore buyer checklists and timelines on Liz Amazing’s channel.

Key Takeaways for RV Shoppers Considering El Cajon

• Public feedback for this location, especially in the lowest-star Google reviews, reflects recurring themes: aggressive add-ons, financing surprises, weak PDI, and post-sale service delays.
• Your strongest protection is pre-funding leverage: third-party inspection, written Due Bill with dates, and external financing.
• Demand transparency in line items, APR, and any warranty products; decline anything you don’t want or understand.
• Confirm recall status and safety-critical checks before driving off the lot.
• If you cannot get clear commitments in writing, walk—there are other dealers and units available.

Real-world experiences matter most. Have you purchased or serviced an RV at Bobby Combs RV Centers – El Cajon? Help fellow shoppers by posting your story.

Final Assessment

The El Cajon location of Bobby Combs RV Centers receives mixed reviews, with a notable cluster of low-star complaints that align with broader industry risks: persistent service backlogs, patchy PDIs, aggressive upselling, and financing friction. While some customers do report satisfactory outcomes, the consistency of negative themes in public feedback warrants extra caution and a proactive buyer-protection plan, especially around inspections and written commitments.

Given the severity of issues repeatedly raised in public reviews and forums for the El Cajon store, and unless your independent inspection and written terms mitigate these risks to your satisfaction, we do not recommend moving forward here. Consider alternative dealers with stronger service capacity, transparent financing, and documented PDI quality—or continue searching until you find a store that meets these standards.

Comments: Share Your Experience

Your firsthand account can make a real difference for another buyer deciding whether to shop at this location. What went right—or wrong—at Bobby Combs RV Centers – El Cajon? Which staff helped you, what were the timelines, and how did the dealer handle any defects? Please post your detailed experience below.