Coachmen 224- Middlebury, IN Exposed: PDI failures, service delays, and upsell-heavy financing

(Serious Concern)

Across the RV industry, consumers repeatedly report that once the purchase is finalized, they lose leverage to get post-sale defects addressed promptly. The best countermeasure is a comprehensive third-party inspection before taking possession. A professional inspector can identify water intrusion, propane leaks, electrical miswiring, slide mechanisms out of tolerance, axle/brake issues, and structural problems that are expensive to fix and may linger for months in a service queue if undiscovered at delivery.

Action steps:

• Ask the dealership to accommodate a full-day, third-party inspection on-site before you sign final paperwork. If the dealer refuses, that’s a major red flag—walk away.
• Find qualified inspectors near Middlebury: Search “RV Inspectors near me”.
• Insist on a punch list and written commitments to remedy items prior to delivery. Do not accept “we’ll fix it later” without dates and signatures.

Buyers frequently report cancelled camping trips because their RV sits for weeks or months in the service yard waiting for authorization, parts, or tech time. Avoid this outcome by catching issues before your money changes hands. For a smart buyer’s walkthrough and industry context, review videos on the LizAmazing channel that spotlight dealer tactics and inspection checklists. And if you’ve dealt with pre-delivery inspections at this location, tell us how it went so others can learn from your experience.

(Serious Concern)

Many dealerships emphasize high-margin add-ons at signing: extended service contracts, interior/fabric protection, paint sealants, tire-and-wheel coverage, and “theft protection” etch products. Consumers often discover later that these products offer limited real-world benefit and complicate warranty work. Some extended warranties exclude common failures; others require extensive hoops before approving repairs.

• Scrutinize every add-on line item; ask for official plan documents (not just brochures).
• Compare third-party extended service contracts that have transparent coverage and reputable administrators.
• Decline anything you don’t understand. You can always add coverage later after independent research.

For additional perspective on dealer upsells, consult buyer education segments from Liz Amazing’s consumer advocacy videos, which frequently break down the math behind “optional” coverage and the pressure tactics used during F&I paperwork.

(Moderate Concern)

Appraisals may come in far below market value, especially if the store has limited appetite for the brand you’re trading. Low-ball offers can be disguised by “over-allowance” on the new unit’s price. Always get multiple trade bids, or list your RV privately. Do not rely on verbal promises; ensure your trade value is explicit on the buyer’s order and that reconditioning fees aren’t hidden in the final paperwork.

(Serious Concern)

Dealerships frequently earn “dealer reserve” by marking up lender buy rates. Consumers have reported APRs 1–3 points higher than credit union quotes obtained the same day. Extra interest over a 10–15 year RV loan can cost thousands. Arrive pre-approved. If the dealer beats your pre-approval, confirm the APR in writing and verify there are no mandatory add-ons tied to that rate.

(Serious Concern)

Some reviewers of RV sellers describe long delays for title and registration, preventing legal road use and insurance transfers. In Indiana, delayed paperwork can have serious consequences for buyer protections and financing. Never take delivery without a clear timeline and documentation tracking the title process. If deadlines are missed, promptly document the issue and consider escalating to the Indiana Attorney General’s consumer division.

(Serious Concern)

Buyers commonly report defects discovered within days of delivery—leaks, non-functioning slides, miswired appliances, misaligned doors, or non-operational HVAC. After-sale queues can stretch weeks, especially during peak season. This creates lost camping time and added expenses. Mitigate risk by performing a thorough third-party inspection and insisting the dealer correct items before you sign. If the store resists, consider it a clear signal to walk away. Find a qualified inspector: Search for RV inspectors near you.

(Moderate Concern)

Owners often find themselves caught between manufacturer and dealer over who pays and when. Labor hour disagreements, parts approvals, and photo documentation requests can stall repairs. Under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, warranties must be honored as written, and service cannot require you to purchase add-ons to keep coverage. Keep rigorous records and escalate to warranty administrators in writing if progress stalls.

(Moderate Concern)

The RV industry faces a nationwide shortage of seasoned technicians. This can translate into rushed diagnostics, repeat visits, and new problems introduced during repair. Ask about the technician who will work on your coach—their certifications, brand training, and estimated hours. Insist on a written repair order with line-item labor and parts, and do a complete functional checkout before you hook up and leave the lot.

(Serious Concern)

Reported defects in RVs can have real safety impacts: brake failures, axle alignment causing tire blowouts, propane leaks, and water intrusion that compromises structure and electrical systems. While recalls are typically manufacturer-driven, the dealership’s responsiveness matters for scheduling and parts. Before buying, plug the VIN into the NHTSA recall portal. For broad searching, use: NHTSA recall search (enter VIN for specifics). Confirm in writing that any open recalls will be completed before delivery.

(Moderate Concern)

Shoppers across the industry report discrepancies between advertised features and delivered units: different tires, downgraded appliances, missing accessories, or uninstalled options. Cross-check the window sticker and buyer’s order against the unit’s VIN-specific build sheet. Walk through every amenity and get any corrective promises in writing, signed by a manager, with a completion date.

(Serious Concern)

Parts bottlenecks are common, especially for proprietary components. A minor warranty issue can sideline your RV for weeks. Ask the service department about current lead times on common items (slide motors, molding/trim, seals, pumps, circuit boards). If the timeline is fuzzy, you could be left without your RV during critical travel windows. This is another reason to invest in a third-party inspection before delivery. You can locate inspectors here: find RV inspectors near me.

(Serious Concern)

When consumer complaints involve misrepresentation, failure to honor written warranties, or unsafe products, several regulatory frameworks may apply:

• FTC Act and UDAP laws: Deceptive or unfair practices in sales and financing are prohibited. Dealers that misrepresent warranty coverage, hide add-on costs, or falsify paperwork could face enforcement. Learn more from the FTC: FTC Business Guidance.
• Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act: Protects consumers from misleading warranty terms and requires clear disclosures. More at the FTC: Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act overview.
• NHTSA Safety Recalls: Defects that pose crash or fire risks fall under federal recall requirements. Check your VIN and file safety complaints if necessary: Report a Vehicle Safety Problem (NHTSA).
• Indiana Attorney General: If you’re in Indiana and encounter misrepresentation, delayed titles, or warranty violations, consider filing a consumer complaint with the state AG. Start here: Indiana AG Consumer Protection — File a Complaint.
• Binding Arbitration Clauses: Many RV purchase agreements include arbitration waivers. Read your contract closely. Consider consulting an attorney before signing if you want to preserve your right to sue.

Consumers should document every interaction in writing, save emails and work orders, and take photos or videos of defects. If you’ve pursued any of these avenues with Coachmen 224 in Middlebury, share the outcome so other shoppers can learn from your case.

(Serious Concern)

Defects commonly reported in RVs can have immediate safety and financial implications:

• Brake and axle issues: Wheel-end failures can cause blowouts or loss of control. Premature tire wear may indicate misalignment or under-spec components.
• Electrical and propane leaks: Miswiring, loose connections, or faulty LP plumbing pose fire and explosion risks. Insist on leak-down and detector tests before delivery.
• Water intrusion: Poor sealing and failed roof penetrations lead to rot, mold, and delamination—catastrophically expensive and dangerous if electrical components are soaked.
• Slide and leveling failures: Binding slides can damage seals and floors; leveling malfunctions can cause structural stress or unsafe campsite setups.

Before you buy any unit from Coachmen 224 in Middlebury, request a full demonstration of every system. Use a written checklist and perform a wet-bay pressure test, A/C under load, water heater and furnace cycles, refrigerator cooling curve, generator load test, and slide creep/alignment check. Confirm in writing that no open recalls exist by cross-checking the VIN at NHTSA’s Recall Portal.

For practical system checks and buyer education, consider searching the LizAmazing channel for PDI and safety walkthroughs. And if safety defects have impacted your family’s plans, describe what happened to help warn others.