Chesaco RV – Okeechobee- Okeechobee, FL Exposed: Defective Deliveries, Slow Warranty, Upsells, Fees

(Serious Concern)

Across the industry, a major risk for buyers is accepting delivery without a thorough, independent inspection. Public comments suggest some buyers at this location reported post-delivery defects that forced them to cancel trips while the RV sat awaiting service. Your best leverage is before you sign and hand over payment. Book a certified third-party inspection—do not rely exclusively on a dealer pre-delivery check. If a dealer resists an outside inspection, that is a huge red flag and you should walk.

• Search: RV Inspectors near me (call ahead to confirm availability).
• Require a written inspection report and negotiate repairs completion dates in writing before closing.
• Do a pressure/leak test; verify slide operation, roof seals, tanks, brakes, propane systems, and all electrical functions under load.
• Confirm VIN-specific recalls are addressed before delivery (NHTSA link below).

(Serious Concern)

Several low-star reports for Chesaco RV – Okeechobee describe units delivered with unresolved defects or weak pre-delivery inspections (PDI). Common themes include water leaks, misaligned slides, non-functioning appliances, and trim/fit issues discovered during first trips. The practical consequence is immediate warranty downtime and cancelled camping plans. Buyers emphasize feeling “rushed through” delivery, only to find problems later that require lengthy service scheduling.

• Action: Insist on a detailed PDI checklist completed in your presence, with every defect documented and signed.
• Action: Keep the RV on site until all critical issues are corrected and verified under power/water.

See firsthand accounts by sorting for 1-star reviews: Google Reviews for Chesaco RV – Okeechobee.

(Serious Concern)

Public complaints often mention lengthy waits for warranty authorization and parts—an industry-wide pain point that appears repeatedly in the Okeechobee store’s low-rated feedback. Customers report units sitting for weeks or months, limited callback updates, and missed timelines. If delays persist, some owners lose prime camping seasons while paying loan and insurance costs on unusable rigs.

• Action: Ask for written estimated timelines, and whether parts are in-stock locally or must be factory-ordered.
• Action: If delays exceed reasonable periods, escalate to the manufacturer’s customer service and document in writing.
• Action: Consider mobile RV techs for out-of-pocket fixes on non-warranty items to regain use, weighing the cost-benefit.

(Serious Concern)

Delayed title and plate delivery is a recurring frustration reported at multiple dealers, including this location’s low-star reviews. In Florida, dealers must process title and registration within specific timeframes. Extended delays can leave owners in a precarious position for travel and insurance claims.

• Florida dealer/title rules: See Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) guidance and complaint form: Florida HSMV.
• Action: Get a firm, written delivery date for title/registration. If missed, follow up weekly by email for a documented trail.

(Serious Concern)

Several 1–2 star consumer narratives across the industry—and echoed in some Okeechobee reviews—describe aggressive sales of add-ons (extended warranties, GAP, roadside, paint or fabric protection, tire-and-wheel) and higher-than-expected APRs. Buyers report discovering optional products added to contracts without clear consent or adequate explanation.

• Action: Secure a preapproval from your credit union. Compare the dealer’s APR offer to your preapproval in writing.
• Action: Decline all add-ons initially. You can purchase third-party service contracts later—often for less.
• Action: Triple-check the itemized buyer’s order. If anything is unclear, do not sign.

To understand how these practices work and how to push back, watch consumer-focused F&I breakdowns on Liz Amazing’s channel and search her videos for the dealership or product type you’re considering.

(Moderate Concern)

Some shoppers report dissatisfaction with trade-in valuations, alleging “low-ball” offers and shifting numbers between initial estimates and final paperwork. Appraisal volatility can stem from reconditioning needs, softening market prices, or inconsistent internal processes.

• Action: Get multiple written offers (national RV buyers, consignment shops, local classifieds) to benchmark your RV’s value.
• Action: Ask for a line-item appraisal explaining deductions for condition, tires, roof age, and maintenance items.

(Serious Concern)

Low-star reviews often describe missed callbacks, vague updates, and shifting timelines—especially during service or parts waits. Unclear expectations during the sale (e.g., “We’ll take care of that after you pick up”) can morph into prolonged disputes later when promises aren’t documented.

• Action: Put every commitment in writing with dates, part numbers, and responsible contacts. Verbal assurances are not enforceable.
• Action: Communicate via email to maintain a paper trail.

(Serious Concern)

Some reviews suggest repair attempts that did not resolve root causes—like recurring leaks or electrical gremlins—leading to repeat visits. Florida’s seasonal demand can stretch service departments thin, which compounds training gaps and QA misses.

• Action: Ask whether a master-certified tech will handle complex issues and request documentation of diagnostic steps.
• Action: If problems persist after two attempts, escalate to the manufacturer and request alternative service arrangements.

When you pick up after service, perform a mini re-inspection. If possible, have your independent inspector revisit critical repairs. Search: RV Inspectors near me.

(Moderate Concern)

Some RV buyers at various dealerships describe surprise doc fees, prep fees, “mandatory” packages, or nitrogen/etching add-ons. Low-star comments tied to the Okeechobee store include frustration with unexpectedly higher out-the-door figures than initially discussed.

• Action: Ask for a full out-the-door quote that includes taxes, title, tags, and all fees before you visit.
• Action: Decline non-mandatory accessories and “value packages” you don’t want.

(Moderate Concern)

In humid Florida environments, lot-stored RVs can develop soft spots, caulk failure, or battery issues. Some consumers report finding wear-and-tear on “new” units that sat exposed. Combine this with a rushed PDI and problems can emerge quickly post-sale.

• Action: Inspect roof, seals, tires, battery health, and moisture levels thoroughly at delivery.
• Action: If defects exceed minor cosmetic issues, walk away or demand concessions/repairs before closing.

(Serious Concern)

Owners who enter the service queue post-sale report delayed vacations, deposit losses on campsites, and storage expenses while waiting on parts/repairs. This cumulative cost can be substantial and amplifies the urgency of pre-delivery inspections and thorough contract reviews.

• Action: Keep a contingency fund for immediate fixes if you must travel soon after delivery.
• Action: Plan your first few trips close to home in case issues surface.

(Serious Concern)

Reported defects and slow service cycles have real safety and financial consequences:

• Water intrusion can compromise structural integrity, produce mold, and damage electrical systems.
• Brake, axle, or tire issues elevate accident risk, especially in Florida’s heat and long towing routes.
• Propane and electrical faults present fire and carbon monoxide hazards; these merit immediate attention.
• Recall delays can leave critical defects unresolved. Always check the NHTSA recall database and confirm completion before taking delivery: NHTSA Recalls Lookup.

Financially, buyers face interest accrual, insurance premiums, and storage costs while a new RV sits in service. That is why it’s essential to conduct an exhaustive inspection pre-sale and to avoid taking delivery until all issues are fixed.

(Serious Concern)

Based on consumer complaints typical of low-rated RV dealership reviews—including those cited for Chesaco RV – Okeechobee—several legal frameworks may apply if you encounter misrepresentation, warranty denials, or unsafe conditions:

• Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act (MMWA): Protects buyers from improper warranty denials and requires companies to honor written warranties. Learn more via the FTC: FTC: Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act.
• FTC Act, Deception/Unfairness: Prohibits deceptive or unfair practices in commerce, such as misleading advertising or hidden fees. Overview: FTC Act.
• Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act (FDUTPA): State-level protection against deceptive practices. Florida AG info: Florida Attorney General Consumer Protection.
• Florida Motor Vehicle Warranty Enforcement Act (Lemon Law): Coverage for motor vehicle components; for RVs, chassis/drivetrain are more likely covered than “living quarters.” Review details and exclusions carefully via the Florida AG’s resources: Florida Lemon Law.
• Florida Title/Registration Requirements: Dealers must process paperwork timely. If you experience long delays, file a complaint with FLHSMV: Florida HSMV.

Document everything in writing. If you suspect violations, consider filing complaints with the Florida AG, FLHSMV, BBB, and, for safety defects, NHTSA. If necessary, consult a consumer-rights attorney experienced in RV warranty law.