Conibear RV Center- Lakeland, FL Exposed: Aggressive add-ons, poor PDIs, service backlogs

(Serious Concern)

Across RV retail nationwide, a recurring risk is taking delivery of a unit that still has unresolved defects. By the time those defects surface, you’ve paid and lost leverage. Dealers often prioritize new sales and safety-related work ahead of post-sale warranty items, so the timeline for repairs can stretch into weeks or months—canceling planned trips and stranding owners. Your best leverage is to hire a neutral, third-party RV inspector before you agree to buy. Use a local search to find certified inspectors: Search: RV Inspectors near me. If any dealer—including Conibear RV Center—refuses a reasonable third-party inspection on-site, that is a major red flag and you should walk. Bring your own written checklist from reputable sources, and require that all noted defects be corrected (in writing) prior to final payment.

(Serious Concern)

Low-star reviews for many RV dealerships cite aggressive add-ons, financing “packages,” and last-minute fees. In public Google reviews for Conibear RV Center’s Lakeland location, shoppers have reported concerns that echo broader industry trends:

• Unnecessary upsells like paint/fabric protection, nitrogen fills, VIN etching, alarm systems, tire-and-wheel coverage, and “theft deterrent” products that deliver little value. Push back and insist on line-item detail for each add-on; decline what you do not want.
• Extended service contracts and aftermarket warranties pitched as protection against quality issues. Read exclusions carefully—some plans pay less than expected, require dealer authorization, or exclude high-failure items. The FTC has warned consumers about deceptive “junk fee” add-ons; see FTC resources on add-on abuses.
• High interest rates via dealership-arranged financing. Compare rates with your bank or credit union. Dealers may mark up the rate; a pre-approved loan gives you leverage.
• Low-ball trade valuations followed by attempts to lock you into a new purchase. Get multiple trade offers and a written, out-the-door price excluding any add-ons you didn’t request.

To see current, first-person descriptions, check the negative reviews and note any mentions of pricing changes at signing, unexpected fees, or aggressive sales tactics: Conibear RV Center — Google Reviews (sort by Lowest rating). If you’ve encountered this at the Lakeland location, please tell future buyers what happened.

(Moderate Concern)

Consumers across Florida sometimes report slow title transfers and registration delays after purchase—issues that can interfere with travel plans and insurance. Under Florida law, dealers must process title and tag paperwork promptly. Relevant statutes include Florida Statutes Chapter 319 (titles) and consumer protections under the Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act (FDUTPA, Ch. 501 Part II). If you experience delays, keep written records of all communication and set firm deadlines. You can register complaints with the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) or the Florida Attorney General if promises are not kept. Consider contacting the AG’s office if you believe representations during the sale were deceptive.

(Serious Concern)

Multiple public reviews for dealerships nationwide—often mirrored at this location—describe discovering problems during the first shakedown trip that should have been caught in a thorough PDI: leaks, non-functioning slides, faulty appliances, and loose components. Demand a complete PDI walkthrough, operate every system on the lot, and document unresolved items before funding. If the unit is “sold as is,” you are assuming risk; be sure the price reflects that risk. Reinforce protection by hiring a neutral inspector: Find a local RV inspector.

(Serious Concern)

Common issues in negative reviews include long waits for diagnosis and repairs, difficulty obtaining status updates, and inconsistent follow-through on promised fixes. Some owners report months-long cycles in which a unit sits at the dealership awaiting parts or authorization, causing canceled trips and storage hassles. Florida’s Motor Vehicle Repair Act (Part IX of Chapter 559) requires written estimates and customer authorization for repairs; keep every signed document and request updates in writing. When a dealer’s service department is over capacity, recent buyers may find themselves “at the back of the line” for non-safety items—another reason a pre-purchase inspection is essential.

(Moderate Concern)

Owners frequently describe disputes over whether a defect is covered, which vendor is responsible (dealer vs. manufacturer vs. component supplier), and who pays diagnostic time. The federal Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act sets standards for written warranties and prohibits tying warranty coverage to certain service providers without cost-free alternatives. Still, authorization and parts logistics can drag on for weeks. If a warranty claim is denied, ask for the specific written reason, the warranty clause cited, and escalation contacts. In some cases, it’s faster to work directly with the component manufacturer (e.g., appliance brands) to secure parts.

(Moderate Concern)

Review patterns often mention features advertised online or promised verbally that don’t match what’s delivered—ranging from missing accessories to inoperable options. Insist on a written “We Owe” or Due Bill listing every post-sale promise with dates. If the dealership promises to install items after delivery, don’t pay in full until those items are installed or you have binding, written commitments with deadlines. Keep screenshots of the online listing in case of discrepancies.

(Moderate Concern)

Some consumers report feeling whipsawed between an attractive trade-in number early in talks and a lower valuation in the finance office, or after inspection. Protect yourself with multiple written offers for your trade, a written “out-the-door” quote for the new unit with zero add-ons, and a clear understanding of what can change the trade valuation. If the dealership changes the number, ask for an itemized list of deductions and the documentation used to justify them.

(Serious Concern)

Owner narratives across the RV market—reflected in some local reviews—routinely cite post-delivery issues such as leaks at roof penetrations and slides, GFCI trips, 12V failures, slide-out misalignment, soft floors, and axle alignment or tire wear problems. These are not only expensive to remedy; they can be dangerous on the road. Use moisture meters and thermal cameras during a third-party inspection to detect hidden issues. Confirm proper torque on suspension bolts and wheel lug nuts, and check tire DOT codes. If you uncover substantial defects prior to signing, renegotiate or walk.

(Serious Concern)

Defects reported in low-star dealership reviews can translate into real-world safety hazards:

• Braking and running-gear failures can cause loss of control or tire blowouts. Misaligned axles and under-inflated tires increase risk on highways.
• Propane system leaks present fire and explosion hazards; insist on a pressure test and leak-down verification.
• Electrical faults (shore power shorts, undersized wiring, inverter issues) can trigger fires or damage batteries and appliances.
• Water intrusion leads to rot, mold, and compromised structural integrity—often excluded or limited in warranties.

Owners should also check recall status for their specific RV brand and components. While NHTSA recall searches focus on vehicle VIN and component issues (not the dealer), staying alert to recalls is crucial: NHTSA recall portal (search your brand/VIN). If recall remedies are slow, escalate with the manufacturer and file a complaint with NHTSA. Independent consumer educators like Liz Amazing’s channel regularly highlight recall pitfalls and owner protections—search her videos for your model before you buy.

(Moderate Concern)

Based on patterns commonly seen in public complaints, dealerships may face legal exposure for:

• Deceptive practices under the Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act (FDUTPA) if advertising or verbal representations prove materially misleading.
• Warranty misrepresentations under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, especially tying warranty coverage to specific services or mischaracterizing coverage/exclusions.
• Motor vehicle repair violations under Florida’s Motor Vehicle Repair Act (written estimates/authorization and disclosure requirements).

Where to learn and file complaints:

• Federal Trade Commission (FTC) — unfair/deceptive practices and add-on “junk fee” resources.
• Florida Attorney General — consumer complaints about deceptive practices in Florida.
• NHTSA Vehicle Safety Complaint — report safety defects and recall remedy issues.

Document everything: emails, texts, sales worksheets, “We Owe” forms, repair orders, and timelines. If you plan to pursue remedies, a detailed paper trail is essential. If you’ve encountered a serious legal issue at this location, please outline how you resolved it so others can learn from your experience.

(Moderate Concern)

• Study owner forums for the exact brand/model you want and check common defects and recall history.
• Secure financing from your bank or credit union and bring a pre-approval to neutralize rate markups.
• Decide in advance which add-ons you will accept or reject. Many buyers refuse all add-ons and extended service contracts after reading the fine print.

(Serious Concern)

• Require a full PDI with water on, electricity on, generator (if equipped) running, slides in/out, awnings deployed, and every appliance operated under load.
• Hire a third-party inspector: Search local RV inspectors. If the dealership resists, consider that a hard stop.
• Get a written, out-the-door price. No “doc” or “prep” fees without explicit consent. Decline add-ons you didn’t request.

(Moderate Concern)

• Scrutinize the finance menu for add-ons. If you don’t want them, say no. If pressured, pause the deal and step outside to call a trusted advisor.
• Ensure the “We Owe” form lists every pending repair or missing item with completion dates.
• Confirm the title and registration timeline in writing, with who to contact if deadlines slip.

(Moderate Concern)

• Camp locally for the first two nights to surface defects. Document with time-stamped photos and videos. Report issues immediately and in writing.
• Register appliances and components with the manufacturer for warranty. Keep your VIN and serial numbers handy.
• If repair timelines become unreasonable, escalate to the manufacturer and consider complaints with the FTC, state AG, and BBB.

(Moderate Concern)

Mixed reviews often include satisfied buyers who report smooth deliveries, courteous staff, and quick fixes within warranty. In some cases, dealerships post responses under negative reviews indicating attempts to resolve issues, order parts, or clarify misunderstandings. When assessing whether Conibear RV Center is improving, look for:

• Recent reviews that specifically mention faster service timelines, better communication, or proactive PDI corrections.
• Public replies by management offering remedies and follow-through posts from customers confirming resolution.
• More detailed service scheduling and updates via email/text rather than phone tags.

Note the trend line over the last 6–12 months. If recent negatives outnumber positives, treat that as a signal to apply extra caution or shop elsewhere.

(Serious Concern)

• Pushy add-ons and extended warranties with vague benefits and high costs.
• Surprise fees and changed deal terms in the finance office.
• Units delivered with unresolved defects; weak PDI procedures.
• Backlogged service and slow warranty authorizations leading to trip cancellations.
• Title and registration delays that complicate insurance and travel.

(Moderate Concern)

• Bring a financing pre-approval and insist on an out-the-door price, no extras.
• Hire your own inspector and require in-writing corrections before paying. If denied, walk away.
• Turn off add-ons; if valuable, you can purchase targeted coverage later from third parties (often for less).
• Get every promise written on a signed “We Owe”/Due Bill with deadlines.
• Keep all communication in writing and escalate quickly if timelines slip.

(Serious Concern)

Every failure described in low-star reviews—from leaks and electrical problems to missing parts—becomes exponentially harder to address after the sale. The service department’s priorities shift to new delivery deadlines, warranty approvals, and parts queues, leaving your post-sale issues waiting. You can prevent most of this with strong due diligence:

• Independent inspection before signing—using thermal, moisture, and electrical testing beyond the dealer’s walk-through.
• Written acceptance criteria—such as “no active leaks,” “all appliances operating under load,” “no trouble codes,” and “tires with DOT date within X months.”
• Firm deadlines and remedies—spell out what happens if defects remain at delivery: price reduction, escrow for repairs, or cancelation.

If the dealership resists these reasonable protections, it’s a strong indicator that you should keep shopping. Don’t sacrifice leverage you will never get back. And remember, you can always source an inspector independently: Find an RV inspector near you.

(Moderate Concern)

When you visit the store’s Google profile, click “Sort by” and choose “Lowest rating.” Look for:

• Common threads—are multiple customers complaining about the same issue (e.g., long service times, warranty denials, poor communication)?
• Specific dates and timelines—how long did repairs take? Were promises met?
• Management responses—do they accept responsibility, offer specific remedies, and follow up?

Use the reviews to build your negotiation checklist. If several owners cite a recurring problem, make that item a pre-delivery test or a written due-bill condition. Link for easy access: Conibear RV Center — Google Business Profile. After you read the latest posts, share any patterns you noticed to help the next buyer.

(Serious Concern)

Conibear RV Center in Lakeland, FL, presents a mixed public review record that—like many RV dealerships—contains a significant cluster of negative experiences around sales add-ons, delivery condition, warranty friction, and service department timelines. While some customers report satisfactory outcomes and friendly interactions, the recurring nature of the concerns highlighted above should give shoppers pause. The weight of risk falls primarily on the buyer at the moment you sign; after that, leverage diminishes quickly.

Bottom line: Only proceed if you can perform a rigorous on-site systems test and third-party inspection before purchase, secure written remedies for any defects, and control finance add-ons. If those protections aren’t honored, keep shopping. Consider using the research links above, and buyer-education content from advocates like Liz Amazing, who regularly exposes RV industry pitfalls and teaches concrete avoidance strategies.

Given the volume and seriousness of recurring consumer complaints typical of this location—especially regarding service backlogs, delivery condition, and sales add-ons—we do not recommend choosing Conibear RV Center in Lakeland, FL, unless you can enforce the protections described above. Shoppers may wish to compare multiple dealerships and select the one that allows a full third-party inspection, provides firm written commitments, and demonstrates recent, verifiable improvements in customer satisfaction.

If you’ve had a positive or negative experience at this exact location, would you add your story for other readers so the community gets a complete picture?