Ewald Auto Group- Delafield, WI Exposed: Hard-Sell Tactics, Junk Fees, PDI Failures & Service Delays

(Serious Concern)

The single most effective way to protect yourself at any dealership is to retain a third-party RV inspector—an independent professional who works for you, not the seller. In today’s RV market, pre-delivery inspection (PDI) quality varies widely. If you discover problems after you’ve funded the purchase, your leverage shrinks dramatically, and many buyers report long waits for warranty repairs, cancelled trips, and months-long service backlogs. Your priority is to identify defects before final paperwork, so you can either negotiate repairs and price, or walk away.

• Search for local, certified professionals: RV Inspectors near me.
• Put the inspection contingency in writing; do not rely on verbal assurances.
• If a dealer will not permit an independent inspection prior to sale, consider that a serious red flag and walk.

(Serious Concern)

RV and auto buyers frequently report high-pressure sales tactics, last-minute changes to pricing or terms, and “today-only” offers that complicate comparison shopping. When you read the lowest-rated Google reviews for this location, note any references to being rushed, pricing discrepancies versus online listings, or unclear out-the-door (OTD) figures.

• Insist on a clearly itemized buyer’s order showing selling price, taxes, registration, and all dealer fees.
• Refuse to sign anything with blank fields or “TBD” line items.
• Keep a screenshot of the online listing price, VIN, and included options before you visit.

(Serious Concern)

Low-star reviews at dealerships often describe surprises in the finance office: extended service contracts, paint protection, interior coatings, GPS/LoJack, nitrogen, etching, or “reconditioning” fees. Extended warranties and gap products can be useful for some buyers, but they are frequently overpriced and sometimes misrepresented as “required.”

• All add-ons are optional. The FTC has taken action against illegal junk fees and deceptive add-ons; know your rights: Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
• Get competing financing quotes from your credit union before visiting. Bring a pre-approval in writing.
• Decline any product you don’t understand and request a printed brochure and sample contract to review overnight.

(Moderate Concern)

Trade-in value is a common friction point. Some buyers report a significantly lower trade allowance at signing than discussed on the lot or online, sometimes justified by “new findings” during appraisal. If you are trading an RV or tow vehicle, protect yourself with multiple, written, same-day quotes.

• Obtain written offers from competing dealers and online appraisal platforms the same week you negotiate.
• Demand a written we-owe for any reconditioning or parts the trade value assumes the dealer will perform after the fact.
• Never rely on verbal “ballpark” numbers; ask for an appraisal sheet with VIN, mileage, and condition notes.

(Serious Concern)

Some low-star reviews at dealerships cite slow or incorrect paperwork, temporary tags expiring, or difficulties obtaining titles. State law imposes deadlines for dealers to process title and registration; if these are missed, consumers can face late fees or travel disruptions. “We-owe” promises (items owed after delivery) also go unfulfilled in some disputes.

• Ensure your purchase agreement lists the title/registration processing responsibility and any “we-owe” items with firm dates.
• If delays occur, document every contact attempt and escalate to state consumer protection if needed (see Legal section below).

(Serious Concern)

RVs often leave factories with defects—leaks, miswired circuits, inoperative appliances, non-latching doors, uneven slides, misaligned seals, and more. When PDIs are rushed, these issues surface after the buyer takes delivery, resulting in service backlogs and cancelled trips. Reviewers across the industry frequently cite missed defects that a thorough PDI should catch.

• Hire an independent inspector: find RV inspectors near you.
• Do a wet-bay test, pressurize water, test all appliances on shore power and propane, open/close slides repeatedly, and verify seals.
• Refuse delivery until defects are corrected or put everything in a signed, dated due-bill with a firm completion date.

(Serious Concern)

It is common for RV service departments to be backed up for weeks or months, especially during peak season. Consumers often complain of poor communication, repeated visits for the same unresolved issue, and delays awaiting factory authorization or parts. Delays can be financially and emotionally costly if your unit is inoperable or unsafe.

• Before buying, ask the service manager for current lead times, a written overview of their scheduling process, and whether they prioritize units purchased at this location.
• Get warranty coverage details in writing, including who covers diagnostics and incidental costs.
• Keep dated photos and videos of any faults; this expedites approvals and protects your claim timeline.

(Moderate Concern)

Low-star reviews often mention unreturned calls or difficult coordination between sales, finance, and service. Even good dealerships can struggle with coordination, but repeated communication lapses can signal systemic issues. Track your interactions meticulously.

• Confirm commitments by email. Summarize phone conversations immediately in a short, dated note back to your contact.
• Ask for a single point of contact post-sale with direct phone and email.

(Serious Concern)

Allegations such as deceptive pricing, undisclosed add-ons, noncompliant warranty handling, or failure to timely process title/registration can trigger regulatory scrutiny.

• FTC unfair/deceptive practices: The Federal Trade Commission enforces laws against deceptive sales and junk fees. Learn more or file a report: Federal Trade Commission.
• Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act: Protects consumers from misleading warranty terms and requires transparency. Overview via FTC: Warranty rights and enforcement.
• NHTSA safety defects/recalls: If your RV has safety-related defects (brakes, tires, steering, gas leaks), file a complaint: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Check recalls here (search terms included): NHTSA recall search.
• Wisconsin consumer protection: For title/registration issues, deceptive practices, or unresolved disputes, contact the state consumer protection agency: Wisconsin DATCP Consumer Protection.

Note: The FTC’s Cooling-Off Rule generally does not apply to vehicle purchases made at a dealership. Once you sign and fund, unwinding a deal may be difficult. Read every page before you sign.

(Serious Concern)

RV defects are not just inconvenient—many are safety-critical. Common issues reported across owner communities include electrical shorts, propane leaks, faulty brakes, suspension problems, tire failures from misloading or misalignment, water intrusion that rots structural members, and slide mechanisms that bind or fail. If PDIs are superficial or rushed, these issues often surface after delivery, when you have the least leverage.

• Electrical/propane faults: Fire or explosion hazards; have a licensed RV technician verify LP system integrity and detector operation.
• Brakes and tires: Stopping distance, blowout risk; confirm load ratings, brake adjustment, and torque settings.
• Water leaks: Mold, delamination, major depreciation; pressure test and inspect roof penetrations and seals.
• Slide systems: Binding and hydraulic leaks can strand you; repeatedly cycle slides during inspection under load.

Because recalls and technical service bulletins are VIN-specific, run a recall check and ask the dealer to demonstrate all recall work in writing before delivery. Use NHTSA’s search and your RV brand’s service portal. If the dealer cannot show documentation, assume the work is outstanding until proven otherwise.

(Moderate Concern)

Between advertised prices and signed contracts, buyers commonly encounter “documentation” fees, “reconditioning” fees, VIN etching, nitrogen, and other add-ons. Some are dealer profit items with little to no tangible value. Always negotiate the OTD price, not monthly payment. Ask for the addendum sticker early, and do not accept vague line items.

• Ask the finance manager to prepare two buyer’s orders: one with all add-ons removed, and one with add-ons included, so you can compare.
• Refuse non-itemized “packages.” If they can’t explain it plainly and in writing, decline it.

(Moderate Concern)

Extended service contracts can help some owners, but many buyers overpay and misunderstand coverage limits. Exclusions are common, claim approval can be slow, and deductibles stack up quickly if issues recur. Verify the administrator’s reputation and whether local independent shops accept the contract.

• Take the contract home to review. If refused, that’s a red flag.
• Compare third-party options outside the dealer; prices vary widely for similar coverage.

(Moderate Concern)

• Collect comparable listings for the exact model/VIN you want, including pictures of the options and build sheet.
• Secure a credit union pre-approval in writing to benchmark APR and terms.
• Line up an independent inspector in advance: search RV inspectors near you.

(Serious Concern)

• Test everything yourself and with an inspector present. Run on shore power and propane; confirm generator under load; cycle slides and leveling.
• Confirm all factory recalls and bulletins have been completed in writing.
• Lock down a single OTD number. No add-ons without explicit, itemized consent.

(Serious Concern)

• Ensure buyer’s order matches what you agreed. Double-check APR, payment schedule, and all add-ons.
• Verify title/registration timelines and responsibilities in writing.
• List every due-bill item (we-owe) with dates; no vague promises. Photograph the odometer and VIN tag.

(Moderate Concern)

It’s not uncommon for dealerships to respond to critical reviews, resolve issues, or change processes. When evaluating the Delafield location’s Google profile, look for signs of genuine improvement:

• Responses with clear accountability and time-bound solutions, rather than generic apologies.
• Recent reviews indicating faster service turnaround or cleaner paperwork execution.
• Evidence that managers invite offline contact and actually follow through (watch for reviewer updates).

When in doubt, ask the store for references of recent buyers who can corroborate improved processes. Verify independently.

(Serious Concern)

• Arbitration clauses: Limit your ability to sue or join class actions. Ask if a no-arbitration option exists.
• Merger clauses: Verbal promises don’t count unless written. Get every promise on the buyer’s order or a signed due-bill.
• As-is vs. implied warranties: Confirm what’s covered and for how long. Wisconsin and federal law govern warranty disclosures.
• We-owe lists: Must include part numbers, labor, and firm completion dates for owed items or repairs.

(Serious Concern)

Once funds have been transferred and contracts are executed, your negotiating power collapses. If you later discover defects, you’ll be relying on warranty processes and the dealer’s service capacity. Many owners report months-long delays that cancel vacations and impose storage or alternative lodging costs. An independent inspection before purchase is the most reliable way to avoid that trap.

• Book your inspection early to avoid timing pressure: find a local RV inspector.
• If a dealership refuses third-party inspection access, consider that a red flag and walk away.