Clays Utah RV Sales- Salt Lake City, UT Exposed: Broken Promises, Add-On Pressure & Title Delays

(Serious Concern)

Sales promises that don’t match delivery or final paperwork

Multiple low-star reviews describe situations where features discussed during the walk-through, or conditions implied by ads and sales reps, did not align with the unit delivered or the final paperwork. Common examples from public feedback include:

• Features or accessories shown on the lot (e.g., backup cameras, batteries, weight distribution hitches) not included at delivery without additional charges
• “As-is” disclosures appearing at the last minute even for recently reconditioned units
• Discrepancies between online listings and the actual RV shown or sold

These mismatches increase risk that buyers accept problems they hadn’t anticipated. Ask for every verbal promise to be written into the Buyer’s Order and We Owe/We Owe Not forms before you sign. If a promise isn’t on paper, assume it won’t be honored later.

(Serious Concern)

High-pressure add-ons, financing markups, and questionable warranty value

Owners frequently cite pressure to buy extended service contracts, interior/exterior coatings, tire/wheel protection, and anti-theft packages at significant markups. Finance Office tactics can add thousands to a deal if you’re not vigilant. Recurring complaints include:

• Interest rates that appear higher than shoppers pre-qualified for elsewhere
• Extended warranties pitched as “mandatory” for financing or for used units—a misrepresentation
• Aftermarket add-ons bundled into contracts without fully itemized pricing

Bring your own bank or credit union pre-approval and compare the APR and total cost of dealer financing. Decline add-ons you don’t want. The FTC has warned dealerships nationwide about unfair “junk fee” practices in vehicle sales. Learn more: Federal Trade Commission. Also, check out industry watchdog content like Liz Amazing’s RV buyer warnings and finance deep dives, and search her channel for the exact dealership you’re evaluating.

(Serious Concern)

Delayed titles and registration paperwork

Consumers report stress and lost use when titles, plates, or registration documents are delayed. Utah’s title timelines involve dealer submission to the DMV; when delays occur, buyers may be stuck with temporary permits expiring or face trouble insuring or reselling. Prolonged delays can also indicate problems with lien release or prior title status on trade-ins. Protect yourself by:

• Confirming the exact title timeline in writing before paying in full
• Requesting a written commitment that any couriering or DMV fees are included and handled promptly
• Verifying the VIN and lien details on all documents before leaving the lot

(Serious Concern)

Service after the sale: backlogs, incomplete repairs, and long wait times

Across public reviews, the most expensive “cost” shows up as months of lost camping time. Consumers describe scheduling bottlenecks, units waiting on parts without updates, and repairs returned incomplete or needing rework. Typical pain points include:

• Leak chasing and water intrusion that requires repeated visits
• Electrical faults, battery charging issues, and converter/inverter problems
• Appliance failures (fridges, furnaces, water heaters) requiring warranty authorization delays

This is why an independent pre-delivery inspection is vital. Many owners report canceled trips because their RV sits at the dealership for weeks or months. Again, leverage a third-party inspection before final payment: Find local RV inspectors here. If you’ve had a similar experience at this location, tell shoppers what happened.

(Moderate Concern)

Pre-delivery inspection quality and unit condition at pickup

Buyers note arriving for pickup to find low batteries, low propane, non-functioning components, or cosmetic defects still present. While many independent dealers face service staffing constraints, pattern reports suggest you should:

• Demand a detailed PDI checklist initialed by a technician
• Block two hours for a hands-on demo and functional test of every system
• Delay delivery if any major items remain unresolved—do not sign until fixes are complete

(Moderate Concern)

Trade-in valuation and appraisal transparency

Some shoppers describe a low initial trade offer that improves only after they present external valuations or competing quotes. To keep negotiations fair:

• Arrive with written trade offers from at least two other dealers
• Bring maintenance records and recent photos to support condition
• Know your payoff, if any, and confirm how negative equity is handled

(Moderate Concern)

Communication gaps and missed expectations

In lower-star reviews, buyers commonly cite missed callbacks, unclear timelines, and difficulty getting status updates during service or paperwork processing. To mitigate:

• Request a single point of contact with direct phone and email
• Ask for written ETAs and next steps in every service/work order
• Escalate in writing if deadlines slip—document everything

(Serious Concern)

Extended warranties and “we’ll take care of you” verbal assurances

Public comments frequently describe a disconnect between rosy promises at signing and the reality of warranty claim limits, coverage exclusions, deductibles, or authorization delays. Extended service contracts can be valuable for some owners, but only when their coverage and claims process are fully understood.

• Request the full warranty booklet PDF before signing
• Verify who performs the work—dealer only, or any authorized shop while traveling
• Ask how parts/labor rates are reimbursed and whether shop rates exceed policy caps

For a sharp look at how warranty add-ons and dealer finance profits work in the RV world, see Liz Amazing’s in-depth RV finance videos and search her channel for the dealership you’re considering.

(Moderate Concern)

Interest rate padding and add-on bundling

Some RV buyers report that the APR offered through a dealer is notably higher than independent pre-approvals. Dealers can also bundle paint/fabric protection, VIN etching, and alarm products, making it harder to detect the true cost.

• Arrive with multiple pre-approvals from your bank or credit union
• Request a clean buyer’s order without add-ons; add only what you approve line-by-line
• Decline products you don’t want; they are not required for financing

(Serious Concern)

Parts delays and authorization bottlenecks

Across public review platforms, buyers often describe extended periods waiting for manufacturer authorization or backordered parts. The consequence is the same: missed camping plans and potential out-of-pocket expenses if you choose to use a mobile tech instead.

• Ask for the service queue status before you buy: current average wait, rush options, and mobile tech referrals
• Request written confirmation of diagnostic timelines and parts ETAs
• If you’re full-time or travel-dependent, negotiate priority service in writing as a condition of purchase

(Moderate Concern)

Inconsistent workmanship and rework

Several consumers mention returning multiple times for the same issue. While any shop can miss a diagnosis, patterns of rework are costly for owners. Push for root-cause explanations, not just quick patches.

• Get before/after photos and a detailed invoice of all diagnostic steps
• Ask to meet the technician for a debrief on complex issues
• Schedule a post-repair functional test with you present before you tow away

If you’ve encountered repeat repairs at this location, please document your timeline for other shoppers.

(Serious Concern)

Water intrusion, electrical faults, and propane system risks

Historical and recent consumer reports across the RV industry—and echoed in low-star dealership reviews—most often center on leaks, electrical charging/grounding problems, and propane-related appliance failures. These aren’t just inconveniences: leaks lead to rot and mold, which can seriously devalue an RV; electrical faults can create fire risk; propane leaks or blocked exhausts can lead to carbon monoxide hazards.

• Use a moisture meter during inspection; look for soft spots, staining, and delamination
• Test GFCIs, 12V charging, converter/inverter operation, and battery health
• Perform a gas leak test and confirm LP system pressure/flow; install new batteries in your CO/LP detectors

To check open safety recalls, use the NHTSA search by VIN for the specific RV you’re considering. General research link: NHTSA recall search (enter RV VIN). Also consider independent reporting like Liz Amazing’s safety and recall explainers.

(Serious Concern)

Consumer protection laws that may apply to reported conduct

Based on themes in public complaints—such as alleged misrepresentations, failure to disclose defects, or delays in honoring warranty promises—the following laws and regulators may be relevant:

• FTC prohibition of deceptive and unfair practices in vehicle sales and financing: Federal Trade Commission
• Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act (federal warranty law governing written warranties and service contracts): summary and enforcement via FTC
• Utah Consumer Sales Practices Act (UCSPA), addressing deceptive or unconscionable acts: file with Utah AG’s office
• Title and registration compliance: delays or irregularities may implicate state DMV rules

Consumers who believe they’ve been misled should document all interactions and submit complaints with supporting evidence to the FTC, the Utah Attorney General’s Consumer Protection division, and the Better Business Bureau. If safety defects are involved (e.g., brake, axle, or propane system issues), submit a report to NHTSA.

(Serious Concern)

What to do if your title or registration is delayed

If your permanent plates or title are delayed beyond the expected timeline, follow these steps immediately:

• Email the dealership’s title clerk and general manager requesting the status, the date your paperwork was sent to DMV, and any missing items
• Request carrier tracking numbers if documents were couriered
• Ask for a letter assuring you will not incur penalties or be left unable to operate the vehicle legally
• Escalate to Utah DMV and the Utah Attorney General’s Consumer Protection if delays become excessive without satisfactory explanation

Document every interaction and keep copies of temporary permits. If you suspect misrepresentation regarding prior title status, consult an attorney.

(Serious Concern)

Real-world consequences for owners

When defects slip through pre-delivery inspection or when service queues stretch for weeks, owners face substantial costs:

• Financial: out-of-pocket mobile tech fees, campsite cancellations, fuel and towing costs for repeat appointments
• Depreciation: water damage and hidden structural issues can slash resale value
• Safety: brake faults, tire/axle issues, electrical shorts, and LP leaks can cause accidents or fires

File safety complaints and check recalls at the NHTSA portal. While recalls relate to the RV manufacturer rather than the selling dealer, a responsive dealer should promptly handle recall work and advise you on roadworthiness. Portal: NHTSA Recalls.