Capt Ty Sells RV – Defuniak Springs, FL Exposed: Risk Alerts—Missed PDIs, Junk Fees, Title Delays

(Serious Concern)

Before you sign, make a third-party, independent inspection your non-negotiable condition of the sale. This is your strongest leverage for ensuring the unit you receive is safe, functional, and as represented. Many RV buyers—at dealerships across the country—only discover leaks, electrical faults, or poorly completed pre-delivery inspections (PDIs) after taking possession, and then face long waits for service while the dealer prioritizes new sales.

• Ask the dealer to allow a professional inspector of your choosing on-site—if they refuse, that’s a red flag and you should walk.
• Require the inspection report in writing and get all required repairs done before you finalize financing or pay in full.
• Use this to find local inspectors: RV Inspectors near me.
• Remember: Once the dealer has your money, delays can stretch weeks or months. We’ve seen buyers nationwide report cancelled trips because their RV sat waiting for repairs.

(Moderate Concern)

Across RV dealerships, common sales tactics include pushing extended warranties, paint/fabric protection, sealant packages, “VIN etching,” or other add-ons. Buyers report that these products can be heavily marked up and sometimes provide limited value or confusing coverage terms. The risk is that a fair sticker price becomes inflated by thousands of dollars after “menu” pricing is presented in the finance office.

• Insist on an itemized out-the-door price, and decline add-ons you don’t want.
• Obtain Warranty/Service Contract booklets and read exclusions before agreeing.
• Bring your own financing offers to compare rates and fees.

(Serious Concern)

Some buyers—at multiple dealers in Florida and beyond—have reported being quoted one rate only to see a different, higher rate on the final paperwork, or being told they must buy add-ons to “qualify” for financing. While not stating this occurred at Capt Ty Sells RV, we urge shoppers to watch the finance office closely:

• Pre-approve yourself with a bank or credit union before you visit. This reduces pressure and sets a rate benchmark.
• Carefully compare the signed retail installment contract to earlier quotes.
• Decline any products that were described as “required” to secure financing.

Share any financing surprises you encountered at this location so others can prepare: Add your financing story.

(Moderate Concern)

Trade-in complaints are widespread in the RV industry: the dealership initially provides a number over the phone, then reduces it during in-person evaluation. While legitimate reconditioning and market adjustments may occur, buyers often feel blindsided at signing time. Protect yourself by:

• Bringing maintenance records and high-quality photos of your trade-in in advance.
• Requesting guaranteed written trade-in offers contingent only on inspection.
• Securing offers from multiple dealers to keep the negotiation balanced.

(Serious Concern)

Throughout Florida, consumers sometimes report delayed title transfers or missing tags after purchase. Under Florida law, dealers generally must process title transfers within a specific time frame (commonly 30 days). Extended delays can leave buyers unable to legally use the RV, incur late fees, or face complications with insurance.

• Get a firm, written timeline for title and registration at purchase.
• Follow up in writing if deadlines slip; escalate to the Florida Attorney General or local tax collector if necessary.
• If you hit a wall, file a consumer complaint with the state: Florida Attorney General – Consumer Protection.

(Moderate Concern)

In public complaints about various RV sellers, we often see discrepancies between online listings and the actual unit delivered: missing options, downgraded equipment, or differences in model year/specs. This typically stems from poor inventory controls or miscommunication, but it creates real cost and frustration for buyers.

• Print the exact listing and attach it to your purchase agreement; write in any added promises by the sales team.
• Do a final, slow walk-through using a detailed checklist. Verify every amenity, appliance, and option.
• Withhold final payment until missing items are installed and documented.

(Serious Concern)

PDI shortcuts are a recurring pain point across many dealerships. Buyers report discovering leaks, non-functional slides, faulty GFCIs, poor caulking, soft spots in floors, or miswired systems shortly after delivery. When a dealer’s PDI misses issues, the owner frequently loses their prime camping season waiting for warranty work.

• Require your own third-party inspection prior to signing: Find an independent RV inspector.
• Ask for the dealer’s PDI checklist in advance; compare it to your inspector’s report.
• Do a water intrusion test and verify roof seals and slide toppers.

(Serious Concern)

In public forums, owners often report long waits for service appointments and parts. Smaller, independent dealers sometimes face capacity limits, while larger ones juggle corporate priorities. Either way, the outcome can be the same: extended downtime and cancelled trips while warranty requests queue behind new sales prep.

• Ask about average repair turnaround times and parts lead times before you buy.
• Negotiate a “priority repair window” in writing for any issues discovered in the first 30 days.
• Get authorization to use a mobile RV tech for minor warranty work when possible.

(Moderate Concern)

Reports across the industry describe rushed PDIs and service tickets closed without fully resolving the root cause (e.g., treating a symptom like resealing a seam rather than addressing structural moisture intrusion). Independent shops may have competent techs, but staffing shortages are common nationally.

• Ask if technicians are RVIA/RVDA certified; request to see the service department’s certifications.
• Request photos of completed work and descriptions of diagnostic steps taken.
• Document everything. If work must be redone, you’ll need a paper trail.

(Moderate Concern)

Extended service contracts are often sold as peace-of-mind products, but they can include critical exclusions, deductibles, and “wear and tear” loopholes. Some buyers later discover that what failed is excluded, or that a preauthorization process drags out the repair timeline.

• Insist on reading the full contract—not a brochure—before you agree.
• Ask who administers claims and how parts and labor rates are determined.
• Calculate whether setting aside an emergency fund might be better than a contract.

(Serious Concern)

Defects like propane leaks, electrical shorts, brake issues, or compromised suspension components can create significant safety hazards. While defects may originate from the manufacturer rather than the dealer, the dealer’s PDI and willingness to promptly address issues are pivotal. Poor workmanship in sealing, wiring, or hitch/suspension setup has real-world consequences when towing at highway speeds or operating appliances in confined spaces.

• Immediately report any safety-critical condition to both the dealer and the manufacturer.
• File a safety complaint with NHTSA if needed: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
• Search for any applicable recalls and confirm completion before taking delivery.

(Moderate Concern)

Owners across forums sometimes report that recall notices come late or that dealers lack parts/training to complete repairs quickly. Even when a recall is manufacturer-driven, the dealer’s communication and scheduling responsiveness can determine whether your RV remains usable.

• Proactively search for recalls tied to your unit’s brand and components.
• Use this search approach to research recall context: NHTSA recall search (learn how recalls work).

(Serious Concern)

If you encounter misrepresentations, failure to honor written promises, or deceptive add-on practices, these may implicate consumer protection laws. Tools and agencies to know:

• Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act: Federal law governing written warranties on consumer products; prohibits deceptive warranty practices. Learn more at the FTC: Federal Trade Commission.
• Florida consumer protection: The Florida Attorney General investigates unfair or deceptive acts. File complaints here: Florida AG – Consumer Protection.
• Title/registration obligations: Dealers must process paperwork promptly; contact your local tax collector or Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) for guidance if you experience delays.
• FTC concerns: “Junk fees” and deceptive add-ons are ongoing FTC enforcement priorities. If you were told add-ons were required to purchase or finance, consider filing with the FTC.

If you believe a safety defect was ignored or unresolved, file a report with NHTSA: NHTSA Vehicle Safety Complaint.

(Moderate Concern)

• Get pre-approved financing from your bank/credit union to keep rate and fee control.
• Decide in advance which add-ons you will categorically decline.
• Bring a purchase checklist and printouts of the unit’s online listing.

(Serious Concern)

• Insist on a third-party inspection before signing: Find an independent RV inspector.
• Walk the entire roof and undercarriage with the inspector; test all appliances, slides, and electrical systems.
• Photograph serial numbers, tires (DOT codes), and all seals/caulking.
• Get every promise in writing on the buyer’s order; line out any fees you didn’t approve.

(Moderate Concern)

• Monitor title/registration timelines; escalate if the 30-day window is missed.
• Document all service issues with photos/videos and dated notes.
• If safety is at stake, contact the manufacturer and NHTSA, and consider a mobile RV tech to shorten downtime when possible.

(Serious Concern)

RVs are complex, with house systems installed on a rolling chassis. Variability in factory quality control is a known industry issue. A dealer may perform only a basic PDI. Your independent inspection uncovers hidden moisture, improperly torqued suspension components, underperforming air conditioners, or GFCI circuits that trip under load—issues that can be expensive and dangerous if not caught. If a dealer resists a third-party inspection, treat that as a serious red flag and walk away.

(Moderate Concern)

Across many dealerships, buyers report being steered to add-ons at the last minute, making the transaction more expensive. Ask for every contract upfront, read the exclusions, and calculate the true cost over the loan term. For objective prep, review consumer education content like Liz Amazing’s buyer education videos and use them as a checklist in the finance office.