Colonial RV- Millstone Township, NJ Exposed: Missed Promises, Rate Markups, Delayed Service & Titles

(Serious Concern)

Multiple low-star reviews on the Google profile allege discrepancies between what was promised during sales negotiations and what was delivered at pickup—ranging from missing accessories to incomplete pre-delivery inspections (PDI). Shoppers commonly report that issues were noticed only after taking the unit home, at which point service queues and parts delays turned quick fixes into multi-week or multi-month waits. These patterns are consistent with industry-wide complaints where PDI is rushed.

• Spot-check every system during PDI: electrical, plumbing, appliances, slides, seals, and roof components.
• Get a dated, signed “We-Owe” or “Due Bill” listing every promised item or repair before you sign.
• If something doesn’t function on delivery day, do not accept the unit without a written remedy and deadline.

To compare delivery-condition complaints directly, read recent 1- and 2-star posts here: Colonial RV – Lowest Ratings. Did your PDI match what was promised?

(Moderate Concern)

Buyer accounts frequently mention upsells—extended service contracts, fabric/paint protection, tire-and-wheel, GAP, and interior packages. While some products can add value, others are overpriced, redundant, or nearly impossible to use due to exclusions and claims hurdles. Financing offices may also mark up interest rates above your qualified buy rate to increase profit.

• Decline all add-ons until you compare third-party quotes; never buy under time pressure.
• Seek credit union or bank pre-approval before visiting the F&I office.
• Request “out-the-door” price sheets including tax, title, license, documentation, prep, and add-on fees.

For broader context on upsell tactics, see consumer education from Liz Amazing’s channel on dealer add-ons and search her videos for the dealership you’re considering.

(Moderate Concern)

Low-star feedback commonly references trade-in offers that felt far below market expectations, followed by perceived moving targets during paperwork. Low-ball trade valuations are common in the RV industry. To protect yourself, arrive with written quotes from online buyers and multiple dealerships for the same VIN.

• Get black-and-white trade appraisals from two other dealers and at least one national RV buyer.
• Negotiate trade and purchase as separate transactions, each documented in writing.
• Refuse any last-minute changes in trade value unless tied to documented condition variances discovered during inspection.

(Serious Concern)

Reviews across multiple RV dealers—not just this location—highlight interest-rate markups and packed payments. If you only see the monthly payment instead of the full loan disclosure, you could be paying thousands more over the life of the loan. Consumers report being rushed through digital signing pads without clear itemization of finance charges and dealer reserves.

• Insist on a printed Retail Installment Sales Contract showing APR, add-ons, and any dealer fee or reserve.
• Compare the dealer’s APR to your pre-approval; a difference of more than 0.5–1.0% deserves scrutiny.
• Walk away if they won’t give you time to review in full. No RV is worth a bad loan.

For financing pitfalls and how to spot a markup, search educational walk-throughs on Liz Amazing’s consumer protection videos.

(Serious Concern)

Numerous low-star reviews for dealerships nationwide—and reports tied to Colonial RV’s Google profile—describe delayed plates, temporary tags expiring, or title/registration arriving months late. This can leave owners unable to legally tow or drive an RV they’re paying for, jeopardize trip plans, and complicate insurance claims.

• Do not accept delivery without receiving a clear timeline in writing for title and plates.
• Track all paperwork milestones and escalate early to management if timelines slip.
• If deadlines are missed, consider a written complaint to the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs (details below).

(Serious Concern)

Long repair queues and parts delays can sideline new units for weeks or months. Multiple low-star posts associated with this location mention difficulties getting timely service appointments, slow diagnosis, or incomplete repair attempts requiring repeat visits. These delays can be compounded when parts must be sourced from manufacturers.

• Before buying, ask for the current service lead time in writing and whether they prioritize buyers who purchased from them.
• Demand estimated completion dates for each repair line item and request updates weekly in writing.
• If the dealership cannot meet reasonable timelines for safety-critical issues, escalate to the OEM and file an NHTSA complaint if a safety defect is involved.

If your RV is stuck in service post-purchase, you lose leverage. Protect yourself with a third-party inspection before you sign: Find RV Inspectors near me. How long did you wait for service here?

(Moderate Concern)

Several negative reviews cited difficulty reaching specific advisors or managers, slow callbacks, or unclear escalation paths. Clear communication is essential when your coach is down, especially for time-sensitive trips.

• Before purchase, get a directory of direct phone numbers and emails (sales, service advisor, service manager, F&I manager).
• Keep a written log of dates, names, and commitments; follow every phone call with an email summary.
• Escalate in writing to general manager if promised contacts are unresponsive.

(Moderate Concern)

Across the RV industry, customers regularly report cosmetic defects, loose fasteners, misaligned doors, and leaks on brand-new units. Some Colonial RV buyers report discovering such issues during or shortly after delivery. A robust, independent inspection is the best defense.

• Hire a third-party inspector to conduct a full systems test and a water intrusion test: Search “RV Inspectors near me”.
• Document every issue with photos/videos on delivery day and attach to a signed Due Bill.
• Do not finalize until defects are fixed or you have a written, dated plan.

(Moderate Concern)

Some customers allege inexperienced techs or rushed PDIs led to missed defects and later failures. While every service department faces turnover pressures, the effect on the buyer is the same: preventable problems discovered after the sale. Buyers should ask about technician certifications and PDI checklist length.

• Request a copy of the PDI checklist used on your unit and ask who performed it (titles/certifications).
• Attend the full walkthrough and bring your own checklist; do not let anyone rush you.

(Serious Concern)

Complaints about failure to honor written promises, misleading representations, or warranty dodge tactics can trigger multiple consumer protection laws:

• Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act: Prohibits deceptive warranty practices and requires clear terms. If warranted repairs are repeatedly delayed or denied without cause, owners may have federal recourse. See the FTC’s guidance: FTC – Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act.
• New Jersey Consumer Fraud Act (CFA): Outlaws unconscionable commercial practices, deception, fraud, false promises, and misrepresentations. Buyers may seek treble damages in successful cases. Learn more at NJ Consumer Affairs: New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs.
• New Jersey Lemon Laws: Depending on vehicle type and age, persistent defects within the statutory period may trigger lemon protections. NJDCA resources: NJ Lemon Law Information.
• FTC Auto Rules/Advertising: Misleading pricing or hidden fees may be actionable. See: FTC – Automobiles and Warranties.

If you encounter warranty denial, undue delays, or misrepresentations, escalate in writing to the dealership’s general manager, then the OEM. Consider formal complaints to the NJ Attorney General/NJDCA, the FTC Complaint Assistant, and (for safety defects) the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Complaint portal.

(Serious Concern)

If your coach has an open recall, dealers should coordinate repairs in reasonable timeframes. Failures involving brakes, propane, electrical systems, or chassis components can pose serious hazards. Search open recalls by VIN and track complaint data at NHTSA’s site: NHTSA Recalls. If a recall repair is delayed, document every contact and request OEM involvement to expedite parts.

(Serious Concern)

Extended service delays can magnify risks and costs. Water intrusion left unaddressed can lead to mold and structural compromise. Electrical faults can escalate to shorts or fires. Propane system leaks pose explosion hazards. Brake, suspension, and tire issues on towables or motorized units create acute road safety risks. New owners who discover such problems immediately after delivery may be unable to use or legally operate the RV while paying monthly loan and insurance costs. This is why an independent inspection before signing is critical.

(Moderate Concern)

Manufacturer warranties can be fragmented across chassis, coach, and component suppliers (refrigerator, A/C, solar, generator). If the dealership service center is backlogged or hesitant to process complex claims, owners can be bounced between OEMs and vendors. Keep a master log of serial numbers and warranty documents for each component; contact component manufacturers directly if dealer scheduling stalls.

(Moderate Concern)

When promised fixes aren’t completed quickly, owners face stranded assets, lost campsite deposits, lost PTO, and above all, a depreciating vehicle that cannot be used or sold easily until issues are corrected. Financing markups and overpriced add-ons can add thousands to the total cost of ownership, making any service failure sting even more.