Desert RV Sales- Albuquerque, NM Exposed: Add-Ons, Title Delays PDI Flaws—Demand 3rd-Party Inspection

(Serious Concern)

Many documented RV dealership complaints begin with buyers taking delivery of an RV that has obvious defects or hidden issues. Once the money is paid and the unit is titled, your leverage drops dramatically. If you discover problems after the fact, dealers often route you through the service department queue—sometimes for weeks or months—while your camping plans disintegrate. To avoid this, arrange a bona fide independent inspection before taking delivery. A thorough pre-purchase inspection often includes roof integrity checks, water intrusion testing, AC and furnace operation, LP system pressure checks and leak detection, brake and bearing assessments, electrical diagnostics, and fit-and-finish notes that can be presented to the dealer before closing.

• Do not accept “We already did a PDI” as a substitute; ask for the full written PDI checklist with signatures and dates.
• Do not rely on a photo or video walkthrough. Insist on your own inspector on the lot. If refused, reconsider the purchase.
• Use this query to locate multiple professionals: search for RV Inspectors near me.

Many consumers later describe cancelled trips, nonrefundable campground fees, and months-long service waits because defects surfaced after the sale. Do not let that be you. A neutral inspector is often the only way to compel fixes before money changes hands. If you’ve faced delays or repair backlogs at this location, tell other shoppers what you encountered.

(Serious Concern)

Multiple public complaints about this dealer and comparable outlets point to aggressive sales tactics and a heavy push for add-ons. Consumers frequently describe being presented with “must-have” extras—extended service contracts, interior/exterior protection, tire-and-wheel plans, GPS anti-theft, gap coverage, and accessory bundles—that add thousands to the out-the-door price without commensurate value.

• Financing Office “rate reserve”: Dealers can mark up the interest rate above the lender’s buy rate, making your loan more expensive. Request the buy rate and compare it to the contract APR.
• Warranty vs. service contract: “Extended warranty” packages are often third-party service contracts with strict exclusions. Ask for the full contract before signing and review what is NOT covered.
• Refuse “mandatory” add-ons: If a product is optional, the dealer must remove it from the deal when you decline. The Federal Trade Commission has taken enforcement action against junk fees and deceptive add-ons in auto retail; RV dealers are not exempt from unfair or deceptive practices.

For a thorough explainer on dealership upsells and how to say no, review consumer education videos by Liz Amazing’s RV channel—then come prepared with an itemized, written out-the-door quote and insist on deleting any unwanted line items. If you’ve been pressured into extras here, share which add-ons you were told were “required”.

(Moderate Concern)

Buyers commonly report confusion around advertised prices versus signed contracts at the point of sale, as well as unexpectedly low valuations for trade-ins. Always collect:

• A signed purchase order with the final out-the-door price including tax, title, registration, document fees, dealer-installed add-ons, and any protection packages—before entering the finance office.
• Appraisal documentation for your trade-in, including the condition report and market comps. If the number feels low, shop your trade to multiple dealers.
• A written explanation for any difference between the online or lot price and the contract price.

(Serious Concern)

Among the most painful complaints across RV dealerships are delayed titles and registration, which can keep your RV in legal limbo and prevent lawful use. New Mexico’s Motor Vehicle Division and state consumer protection laws expect timely transfer of title after sale; if your title or plates are delayed beyond reasonable processing times, document every communication and escalate promptly.

• Make the paperwork timeline part of the signed contract, with penalties or a return option if missed.
• Escalate persistent issues to the New Mexico Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division if you suspect unfair practices.

(Serious Concern)

Many RV owners report extended service wait times, especially for warranty work. Complaints often describe units sitting for weeks with limited updates, partial repairs, or repeated returns for the same issues. RV service departments also face chronic staffing shortages nationwide, leading to uneven workmanship.

• Before purchasing, ask for the current average service lead time for new buyers vs. customers who did not purchase at this location—some dealers prioritize their buyers.
• Request the technician’s written diagnosis with time stamps and parts orders for every repair. Do not accept “we’re waiting on parts” without order confirmations.
• If time-sensitive travel plans are at risk, consider a mobile RV technician for triage—even if warranty reimbursement may be limited.

(Moderate Concern)

RV buyers commonly misunderstand the difference between the manufacturer’s warranty and third-party service contracts sold in F&I. Denial reasons can include alleged owner misuse, maintenance lapses, or exclusions buried in fine print. Protect yourself by:

• Obtaining all warranty booklets and the full service contract before signing.
• Documenting scheduled maintenance, especially for appliances, roofs, and seals.
• Escalating unresolved warranty disputes under the Magnuson–Moss Warranty Act if a warrantor fails to honor written warranty obligations.

(Serious Concern)

Reports from RV owners nationwide describe receiving units with leaks, nonfunctioning appliances, wiring mistakes, unfinished sealant, and cosmetic damage at delivery. Thorough PDIs are essential. If buying at Desert RV Sales (Albuquerque), insist on:

• A comprehensive PDI checklist completed and signed by a certified technician.
• Water-pressure testing for leaks, roof and wall moisture readings, and hot/cold functionality for plumbing and HVAC.
• Operational checks for slides, awnings, jacks, LP gas appliances, electrical systems (12V and 120V), and brake lights/markers.

A third-party inspector can confirm that problems are documented pre-sale so you’re not relegated to the back of the service line after payment. Find one near you: independent RV inspectors nearby.

(Moderate Concern)

RV recalls are frequent across the industry—for axles, brakes, propane fittings, electrical harnesses, and more. Dealers and buyers must monitor VIN-specific recalls and ensure repairs are completed quickly. Check your VIN with NHTSA before and after purchase, and document dealer responses to recall work orders. Delayed recall work can elevate safety risk, especially if structural, brake, or LP gas systems are involved.

(Moderate Concern)

Unreturned calls, mixed messages between sales and service, and changes in estimated completion dates are among the most common frustrations. Protect your timeline and rights by communicating via email whenever possible, summarizing phone conversations in writing, and requesting written ETAs for parts and repairs. If you’ve experienced prolonged silence or shifting stories at this location, please document the timeline for other shoppers.

(Moderate Concern)

Discrepancies between advertised features and delivered units—missing accessories, downgraded components, or unexpected substitutions—surface frequently in RV retail. Before finalizing, cross-check the VIN-specific build sheet, confirm included packages, and do a walk-through with a printed checklist. Insist that any owed items or fixes be documented on a “We Owe/Due Bill” signed by management with due dates.

(Serious Concern)

The Federal Trade Commission enforces laws against unfair or deceptive acts and practices in vehicle retailing, including the use of junk fees and misrepresentation of optional products. If you believe optional add-ons were represented as mandatory, or pricing was deceptive, you may file a complaint with the FTC and the New Mexico Attorney General. Keep copies of advertisements, texts, emails, and your signed purchase order showing line items and fees.

(Moderate Concern)

The Magnuson–Moss Warranty Act governs written warranties on consumer products, including RV components. If a warrantor refuses coverage contrary to the written terms, you may have legal remedies. Document each claim, denial rationale, and any contradictory statements in sales or warranty materials.

(Serious Concern)

Excessive delay in processing vehicle titles or registration can implicate state consumer protection statutes. In New Mexico, unresolved paperwork issues can be escalated to the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division. Paperwork handling should be prompt, transparent, and traceable.

(Serious Concern)

Report safety-related defects to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). If your RV has an open recall that is delayed or denied, document the VIN lookup results, your communications with the dealer, and timelines for parts. Safety issues such as brake failures, axle problems, LP gas leaks, and electrical shorts carry real-world risk and must be prioritized for repair.

(Serious Concern)

RV defects aren’t merely inconveniences. Leaks can lead to structural rot and mold; compromised brakes or axles are catastrophic at highway speeds; LP gas leaks can cause fire or explosion; electrical miswiring risks shock, battery failure, or fire. If a dealership delivers a unit with unresolved defects and delays warranty repairs, your family’s safety and finances are exposed.

• Financial risk: Extended downtime, storage or rental costs while waiting for repairs, and diminished resale value from water damage or chronic defects.
• Safety risk: Failures in brake systems, tires/axles, and LP plumbing can escalate quickly if not corrected before towing long distances.
• Trip disruption: Buyers frequently report cancelled vacations and lost deposits when repair queues stretch into weeks or months.

(Serious Concern)

• Insist on a third-party inspection on the lot before purchase. If not allowed, walk away. Use this query to identify options: RV Inspectors near me.
• Demand a written, itemized out-the-door price prior to entering the finance office. Decline all unwanted add-ons.
• Bring your own financing pre-approval so you can compare APRs and spot rate markups.
• Obtain all warranty booklets and service contract PDFs before signing; read the exclusions.
• Add delivery deadlines, punch-list items, and paperwork timelines to a signed “We Owe/Due Bill.”

(Moderate Concern)

• Verify VIN against the purchase order and title application.
• Perform a full systems demo: water, electrical (120V/12V), LP gas appliances, slides, awning, jacks, brake lights/turn signals.
• Inspect roof, seals, windows, and storage bays for water intrusion or damage.
• Check tire DOT dates, pressures, and torque on lugs; verify hitch setup and brake controller functionality.
• Ensure all promised parts, accessories, keys, and remotes are present in the unit before final payment.

(Serious Concern)

• Escalate unresolved issues in writing to dealership management with a dated log of events.
• For deceptive pricing or add-ons, consider filing with the FTC and the New Mexico Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division.
• For safety-related defects and recall problems, document and report to NHTSA.
• For warranty denials that contradict written terms, research remedies under the Magnuson–Moss Warranty Act.
• File a detailed complaint with BBB and provide documentation to help other shoppers evaluate patterns.

If you’ve already navigated a dispute with this location, what strategy or documentation helped resolve it?