Custom RV- Hawaiian Gardens, CA Exposed: Add-ons, rate markups, delivery defects & title delays

(Serious Concern)

Across the RV industry, buyers who skip an independent, third-party inspection frequently face immediate defects, warranty ping-pong between dealer and manufacturer, and long waits for service slots. We strongly recommend arranging a pre-purchase inspection by a qualified mobile RV inspector before signing final paperwork or taking delivery. This is your best—and sometimes only—leverage to get genuine issues addressed up front.

• Search for local inspectors: “RV Inspectors near me”
• If the dealership refuses to allow a neutral third-party inspection, walk. That’s a major red flag.
• Ensure inspection covers water intrusion, electrical systems, propane, brakes/axles, slide mechanisms, seals/roof, appliances, cameras, and charging systems.

Multiple consumers across the RV space report cancelled camping trips and significant losses because a just-purchased RV sat at the dealership for weeks or months awaiting repairs after problems were found post-sale. Do not let that be you—inspect before you take possession.

(Serious Concern)

Shoppers frequently report pressure to accept add-ons that increase the out-the-door price, including alarm systems, paint or fabric protection, and “must-have” dealer packages. Some consumers allege advertised prices do not reflect the real transaction price once fees and extras are layered on. These practices can dramatically inflate your total cost.

• Insist on a written, itemized out-the-door (OTD) price that includes taxes and all fees.
• Politely refuse any add-on not required by law; most are optional, and many offer limited real value.
• Compare advertised prices to the OTD quote line by line before you step into finance.

(Serious Concern)

Buyers across the RV sector commonly report higher-than-expected interest rates and aggressive sales of extended service contracts, tire/wheel plans, GAP, and “lifetime” coverages. Complaints often center on vague disclosures, warranty exclusions, and difficulty using the coverage later. If you use the dealer’s financing, verify that the rate presented matches your credit profile and shop your rate with your bank or credit union first.

• Secure a pre-approval from your bank before entering the F&I office.
• Scrutinize extended service contracts—many exclude common failures and limit labor rates.
• Only sign after you’ve reviewed every page; ensure any product you decline is fully removed from the contract.

(Moderate Concern)

Some customers allege their trade-in valuations were substantially below market or shifted late in the negotiation. If you trade in, get multiple written offers (CarMax/RV consignment shops, or competing dealers) to set a floor price. Ensure the trade value and pay-off are locked in writing on the purchase order before signing any finance contract.

(Serious Concern)

Among the most disruptive post-sale issues in California are delayed titles/registration, missing plates, and errors on contracts or odometer statements. Under California law, dealers must properly process title and registration—generally within 30 days for in-state sales. When this slips, owners report tickets, toll penalties, or trips being postponed. Confirm title transfer status before you take delivery, and retain copies of everything.

• If the dealer uses a third-party DMV service, ask for proof of submission and expected timelines.
• File written complaints if delays become unreasonable (see “Legal and Regulatory Warnings” below).

(Serious Concern)

Consumers often report receiving units with unresolved defects: water leaks, misaligned slides, non-functioning appliances, missing parts, dead house batteries, unaddressed recalls, and cosmetic damage. Several owners across RV forums describe learning about these problems only after getting home.

• Bring your own PDI checklist and take 2–3 hours on-site to test every system—water, power, propane, HVAC, awnings, slides, entertainment, and safety alarms.
• Don’t accept delivery until all promised fixes are completed and documented in writing.
• Again, a third-party inspector can significantly reduce risk: Find a local RV inspector.

(Serious Concern)

Post-sale service is a chronic pain point for many buyers at smaller independent dealerships. Recurring complaints include weeks-long waits for appointments, limited technician availability, repeated return visits for the same issue, and difficulty getting warranty authorizations. When a unit sits waiting for parts or authorization, customers lose precious camping time and may face out-of-pocket costs for storage or alternate lodging.

• Request estimated timelines for inspection, parts ordering, and repair completion in writing.
• Clarify whether the dealership will pursue warranty coverage on your behalf and how communication will occur.
• Consider mobile RV techs for out-of-warranty work if dealer scheduling is backed up.

(Moderate Concern)

Complaints often describe a ping-pong effect: the dealer says “manufacturer warranty,” while the manufacturer directs the customer back to the dealer or to another service center. Extended service contracts may require prior authorization, deny coverage based on fine-print exclusions, or cap labor rates lower than the dealer charges. This can lead to partial coverage and out-of-pocket surprises.

• Ask the dealership to show you how claims are filed and how long approvals typically take for the brands they sell.
• For extended contracts, read the full policy—look for exclusions on seals, water intrusion, diagnostic time, and “wear and tear.”

(Moderate Concern)

Across public reviews, consumers frequently cite difficulty getting call-backs, parts arrival updates, or promised resolution dates. Some describe frustrations with unkept promises around included accessories or post-sale fixes. Keep a written log of every call, email, promise, and timeline; written documentation is useful if you need to escalate to management, the manufacturer, or regulators.

(Serious Concern)

If you encounter warranty denials, misrepresentations, or delayed paperwork, you may have recourse under multiple laws and agencies:

• California DMV Investigations Division (title/registration issues, dealer compliance). Start with CA DMV complaints.
• California Attorney General — Consumer Protection Section (unfair/deceptive acts).
• Federal Trade Commission (FTC) for deceptive or unfair practices and advertising claims: ReportFraud.ftc.gov
• Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act (federal) for warranty enforcement: FTC guide to warranty law
• Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act (California “Lemon Law” for certain RVs): California Lemon Law overview
• Truth in Lending Act (TILA) and Regulation Z for finance disclosures.
• California Bureau of Automotive Repair (for service/repair disputes): California BAR — Consumer help
• National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for safety defects/recalls: NHTSA Recall Lookup

Document everything in writing and keep copies of purchase orders, we-owe/due-bills, repair orders, emails, and text messages. If you were promised items or repairs as a condition of sale, ensure they are listed on the due bill with clear deadlines. For serious issues, consult a consumer protection attorney familiar with RV sales and California law.

(Serious Concern)

Many consumer complaints about RV dealers—including those cited in public forums regarding Custom RV—relate to water leaks, slide failures, axle/brake alignment, propane system issues, and electrical faults. These are not trivial inconveniences: they can pose immediate safety risks and impose large financial burdens if discovered after the sale.

• Water intrusion: Leads to mold, rot, delamination, and electrical shorts. Repairs frequently run into thousands of dollars and may be excluded by extended contracts as “seals” or “maintenance” items.
• Propane leaks: A fire/explosion hazard. Demand a pressure test and appliance function test at delivery; carry a portable gas leak detector.
• Brakes/axles/tires: Misalignment or under-spec’d components increase stopping distance, cause blowouts, and unsafe sway. Verify tire DOT dates and torque on lugs.
• Electrical and charging: Miswired batteries, undersized cables, or faulty converters/inverters can lead to battery failure or fire risks.
• Recalls: RVs often ship with active recalls. Use your VIN to check at NHTSA: NHTSA Recall Tool. Insist any open recalls be resolved or scheduled in writing before delivery.

(Serious Concern)

Delivery defects and slow service queues can cost you entire seasons of camping. The best protection is to identify (and fix) issues before you sign. Do not let urgency or sales pressure rush your inspection. Use your leverage while the paperwork is still pending.

(Serious Concern)

Financial add-ons and interest rates can quietly add thousands to your cost. Shop for financing outside the dealership, and be ready to decline extras. Read every page of the contract—especially extended service contracts and arbitration clauses—before you sign.

(Moderate Concern)

Title and registration delays create legal and financial headaches. Get proof of submission timelines, and follow up weekly until plates and registration are in hand. If deadlines pass without action, escalate to the CA DMV Investigations Division and the California Attorney General.