FABvans McCall- McCall, ID Exposed: Delivery Delays, Incomplete Vans, Unsafe Electrical & Propane
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FABvans McCall- McCall, ID
Location: 14055 Nisula Rd #2167, McCall, ID 83638
Contact Info:
• Sales (503) 349-4773
• info@fabvans.com
Official Report ID: 2373
Introduction: Who FABvans McCall Is and Why This Report Exists
AI-powered research tools have systematically collected and analyzed public information to produce this report. FABvans McCall (McCall, Idaho) is a small, private van conversion dealer and builder rather than part of a national RV dealership chain. Based in the mountain town of McCall, the operation focuses on outfitting and selling campervans, typically based on popular chassis such as Ford Transit, Mercedes Sprinter, and Ram ProMaster. While boutique builders can offer unique layouts and local service, public feedback about FABvans McCall indicates a mix of satisfied customers and serious frustrations centered on timeliness, communication, quality control, and after-sale support.
Start your due diligence at the dealership’s official Google Business profile and review real-world owner experiences. Use the “Sort by Lowest Rating” option to surface the most serious, recent complaints: FABvans McCall on Google Business Profile. As you review, note patterns in negative reviews—especially mentions of delivery delays, incomplete punch lists at pick-up, warranty confusion between chassis and conversion systems, and slow service scheduling. If you’ve purchased here, what was your experience like? Add your story in the comments.
Tap Unfiltered Owner Communities Before You Buy
Independent owner groups often reveal the truth about long-term ownership. Join model-focused communities and ask about FABvans McCall specifically (search the group archives first to find past threads):
- Facebook brand groups (via Google search):
- YouTube consumer advocacy: Watch RV-industry investigative content and search for your dealer by name on the channel. Start here: Liz Amazing’s RV consumer watchdog channel.
Have you seen patterns in those groups specific to this McCall location? Report what you’ve learned in the comments.
Pre-Purchase Safeguard: Always Get a Third-Party RV Inspection
Before signing anything at FABvans McCall or taking delivery, schedule a third-party, independent RV inspection. This is your best leverage to identify hidden issues and require repairs or credits before you pay in full. Use a local search to find certified inspectors and mobile RV technicians: Search: RV Inspectors near me. If a dealership refuses to allow an independent inspection, that is a major red flag—walk away. Many buyers who skip this step later report canceled trips, warranty runaround, and months-long service delays.
In addition to general RV systems, ask your inspector to review:
- Electrical (inverter/charger, lithium battery install, wire gauge, fuse protection, ventilation)
- Propane systems (regulator, leak testing, appliance safety)
- Water systems (pump mount, PEX fittings, water heater install, winterization capability)
- Structural modifications (roof penetrations, cabinetry anchoring, bed and seat mounts)
- Weight and balance (axle load, tire ratings, suspension changes)
Pro tip: Insist that all promised items and corrections be completed before final payment. Otherwise, after-sale service backlogs can push your new van to the back of the line for weeks or months, sometimes ruining planned travel.
Patterns in Consumer Complaints Reported for FABvans McCall (McCall, ID)
What follows consolidates recurring themes publicly reported by consumers about this specific location. Validate each theme by reading the latest low-star reviews at the dealership’s Google Business profile: Sort by “Lowest rating” on FABvans McCall’s Google page. If something below matches your experience, let other shoppers know in the comments.
Delivery Delays and Incomplete Punch Lists
Multiple low-star public reviews for FABvans McCall reference missed delivery dates or vans not actually ready when buyers arrive. Typical issues include:
- Unfinished electrical or plumbing items at handover
- Missing or substituted components versus the signed build sheet
- Items “promised after pick-up” that linger for weeks without updates
This pattern creates immediate costs—additional hotel nights, rescheduled travel, and lost time—while also signaling potential quality-control gaps on critical systems. Insist on a final, line-item inspection checklist and do not accept delivery until all items are verified complete.
Paperwork and Title Delays
Some public feedback points to slow title transfers and delayed paperwork. That can lead to financing issues, registration penalties, and insurance complications. Always confirm:
- Exact timeframe for title delivery and registration
- Who handles taxes, fees, and licensing steps (you vs. the dealer)
- Whether temporary tags cover your actual travel window
Keep copies of every document, and set calendar reminders to follow up weekly until the title is confirmed by your DMV.
Build Quality: Fit, Finish, and Systems Reliability
In low-rated reviews and forum chatter, buyers commonly flag conversion quality issues such as misrouted wiring, inadequate fusing, cabinetry alignment, and loose hardware. Because these systems are safety-critical in compact vans, even small shortcuts can cascade into significant hazards:
- Electrical shorts from improperly protected high-amperage circuits
- Overheated batteries due to poor ventilation or incorrect charging profiles
- Water leaks behind walls leading to rot, mold, and electrical corrosion
- Propane odor, leaks, or inconsistent appliance lighting due to poor regulator or line install
A thorough third-party inspection—especially of the electrical system and propane—can prevent significant liability and repair bills.
Warranty Coverage Confusion (Chassis vs. Conversion)
Owners of converted vans often struggle to determine whether problems fall under the OEM chassis warranty (Ford/Mercedes/Ram) or the converter’s warranty (FABvans). Complaints frequently mention:
- Being referred from the dealer to the converter, or vice versa
- Delays caused by finger-pointing rather than resolving the defect
- Lack of clarity or documentation about what’s covered for how long
Before paying, demand a written warranty packet for the conversion, including named parts, labor rates, response times, and exclusions. For chassis items, confirm where you can obtain service and whether the conversion affects coverage at OEM dealers.
After-Sale Service Capacity and Scheduling Delays
Smaller shops can become overbooked, and multiple negative reviews describe difficulties getting warranty appointments or quick turnarounds. The practical effect: missed camping reservations and long waits while your van sits at the shop. Protect yourself by:
- Requesting service capacity and typical lead times in writing
- Scheduling your first post-delivery checkup at the time of purchase
- Prioritizing same-day fixes on safety-critical issues (propane, brake lights, charging)
If service is backlogged for weeks, secure a written confirmation of warranty coverage extension for any items you can’t get addressed immediately.
Upsells and Questionable Add-Ons
Like many RV retailers, FABvans McCall appears to offer add-ons and warranties that may not be necessary, or are priced well above market. Exercise caution around:
- “Environmental” or “appearance” packages
- Markup-heavy electronics or solar upgrades
- Extended warranties with high exclusions
Obtain independent quotes on the same equipment from reputable installers to compare pricing, and ask for written coverage terms before you agree. If the finance office pressures you, slow down—nothing in the contract is mandatory except the items you request.
Financing Terms and Interest Rates
Dealers sometimes route loans through preferred lenders with rates and fees that may not be competitive. To avoid overpaying:
- Get preapproved by an outside lender or credit union before visiting
- Compare the dealer’s APR and total cost to your preapproval
- Decline add-ons you don’t want; they increase your financed amount and interest paid
Remember: the best time to negotiate is before you’ve invested time in paperwork. If you feel rushed, step back and review at home.
Trade-In Valuations and Equity Gaps
If FABvans McCall accepts your trade-in, be wary of low-ball offers. Get instant, written offers from online buyers and local dealers for comparison. If the dealership’s trade value is far below the market, keep your bargaining power by selling your vehicle independently.
Communication and Expectation Management
Several public reviews cite unreturned calls or vague updates during builds and service. To keep projects on track:
- Set a mutually agreed weekly update schedule with a named point of contact
- Ask for photos and serial numbers for all installed components
- Use email for key commitments so you have a paper trail
Good communication won’t fix poor quality—but poor communication almost always makes problems worse.
Safety-Critical Installations (Electrical and Propane)
In any conversion, electrical and propane are the most risk-laden systems. They can fail silently and catastrophically. Ensure:
- Proper gauge wiring and overcurrent protection on all circuits
- Battery ventilation meets manufacturer specs; no “sealed” compartments without venting
- Shore power inlet and transfer switch are wired to code
- Propane lines are pressure-tested with documented results
- CO and propane detectors are installed and dated, with easy access
If you spot shortcuts in these areas, demand corrections before delivery or walk away.
Product and Safety Impact: What These Failures Mean for You
Defective or rushed conversions can cause dangerous real-world failures:
- Electrical fires from undersized wire or missing fuses on high-load circuits (inverters, DC-DC chargers)
- Battery thermal events due to improper charging profiles or lack of ventilation
- Propane leaks leading to explosion risk, especially in confined spaces
- Water intrusion through roof fan or solar penetrations, causing hidden rot and mold
- Weight overload that exceeds axle or tire ratings, degrading braking and handling
Always cross-check your chassis for open recalls at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Regardless of where you buy, Sprinter, Transit, and ProMaster chassis frequently carry safety recalls that must be addressed by OEM dealers. Learn more at NHTSA: NHTSA vehicle safety and recalls.
For dealership-specific search results on safety or recall chatter, use this formatted NHTSA search as a starting point: NHTSA recall search (FABvans McCall).
If you’ve encountered a safety defect on a van purchased at FABvans McCall, warn other buyers in the comments and file a defect complaint with NHTSA.
Legal and Regulatory Warnings
Allegations in public reviews—if accurate—could have consequences under state and federal law. Key frameworks and agencies to know:
- Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act (Federal): Prohibits deceptive warranty practices and requires clear written terms for consumer product warranties. If a conversion warranty is vague or misrepresented, this act may apply. Read the law overview at the FTC: FTC Guide to Federal Warranty Law.
- FTC Act (Unfair/Deceptive Practices): Advertising or sales claims must be truthful and substantiated. Buyers who were promised features not delivered may have remedies. See: FTC Act.
- Vehicle Title/Registration Rules (Idaho): Dealers must process titles and registration within the state’s required timeframes. Chronic delays may be actionable. For help or to file a complaint, contact the Idaho Attorney General Consumer Protection Division: Idaho AG Consumer Protection.
- NHTSA Safety Defects: Safety issues should be reported to NHTSA, which can trigger investigations and recalls: Report a Safety Problem to NHTSA.
Document everything. If you suspect warranty violations, misrepresentation, or safety defects, preserve all communications and photos, and consider consulting a consumer-protection attorney familiar with RV conversions.
Independent Research Links: Verify Every Claim
Use these one-click searches and sites to investigate “FABvans McCall- McCall, ID” for issues, complaints, and owner narratives. Replace “Issues” with “Problems” or “Complaints” as needed in your searches.
- YouTube search: FABvans McCall ID Issues
- Google search: FABvans McCall ID Issues
- BBB search: FABvans McCall ID
- Reddit r/RVLiving: FABvans McCall ID Issues
- Reddit r/GoRVing: FABvans McCall ID Issues
- Reddit r/rvs: FABvans McCall ID Issues
- PissedConsumer (search for FABvans McCall manually)
- NHTSA recall search format
- RVForums.com (use search: “FABvans McCall issues”)
- RVForum.net (use search bar for FABvans McCall)
- RVUSA Forum (search FABvans McCall Issues)
- RVInsider search: FABvans McCall ID Issues
- Good Sam Community search: FABvans McCall ID Issues
- Facebook owner groups via Google: Ford Transit | Mercedes Sprinter | Ram ProMaster
Also revisit the dealer’s own listing: FABvans McCall on Google (sort by Lowest Rating). If you’ve found a key source we missed, post it in the comments for other shoppers.
How to Protect Yourself If You’re Moving Forward at FABvans McCall
Even if you’re interested in this McCall location, you can structure the deal to minimize risk:
- Bring preapproved financing from a bank or credit union to keep leverage on rates and terms.
- Demand a written build sheet with model numbers and brands for every major component.
- Schedule a third-party inspection before final payment: Find an RV inspector near you.
- Hold back final payment until your punch list items are completed and documented.
- Decline add-ons you don’t want; get an out-the-door price with line-item detail.
- Verify warranty contacts and service locations for both chassis and conversion systems.
- Confirm service capacity and expected scheduling timelines in writing.
For more buyer education and dealership investigations, search this advocacy channel for your exact dealer name: Consumer safeguards from Liz Amazing.
Common Sales Tactics and Add-Ons to Approach with Caution
Across the RV industry, buyers regularly encounter upsells that don’t add real value. Watch for:
- “Paint protection” or “fabric guard” packages with little transparency about application or coverage
- Extended service contracts that exclude key systems in the fine print
- High-margin electronics (inverters, solar, lithium batteries) with heavy markups versus market pricing
- Doc fees and accessory fees added at the last minute—negotiate or refuse
Ask for full policy docs and parts lists beforehand, and compare prices from independent installers. If any package is “only available today,” that’s a signal to slow down. You can always return after reviewing.
If You Already Bought and Have Problems
Act quickly and document everything. Steps:
- Write a detailed defect list with dates, photos, and videos. Email it to the dealership so the timeline is documented.
- Request written acknowledgement that the issues are covered under conversion warranty, and get estimated time to repair.
- Escalate politely but firmly if deadlines slip: ask for a manager and confirm commitments in writing.
- Coordinate with the chassis OEM dealer for chassis-related concerns; keep copies of all work orders.
- File complaints for unresolved safety defects with NHTSA and for deceptive practices with the FTC or Idaho AG Consumer Protection.
- Consider a second opinion from a certified inspector or master tech to strengthen your case: Search RV inspectors near you.
If your van is sidelined for weeks, request loaner options, travel reimbursement, or warranty extensions in writing. If you’ve navigated this with FABvans McCall, tell other buyers how it went.
Objectivity Check: Any Evidence of Improvements?
Some smaller builders learn and improve over time—upgrading component choices, standardizing wiring practices, and tightening QA checklists. When you speak with FABvans McCall, ask specifically:
- What quality-control changes have been made in the last 12 months?
- Do you provide signed, system-by-system commissioning forms (electric, propane, water)?
- Who services warranty work, and what’s the current lead time?
- Can you provide 3 recent customer references who took delivery in the last quarter?
Cross-check those answers with recent public reviews on their Google profile and owner forums. For additional consumer perspective, explore dealer-focused videos and comment sections; a good starting point is to search your dealer name on this channel: Investigative RV content by Liz Amazing.
Key Takeaways for Shoppers Considering FABvans McCall (McCall, ID)
- Public complaints concentrate on timeliness, workmanship, and post-sale service capacity. Verify by reading the most recent low-star reviews here: FABvans McCall on Google.
- Independent inspections are non-negotiable. If denied, walk away immediately.
- Get warranties, build specs, and service timelines in writing. Avoid vague assurances or “we’ll take care of it later.”
- Decline overpriced add-ons and bring outside financing to keep leverage.
- Document and escalate any safety issues; file with NHTSA and consumer protection agencies when appropriate.
Have you encountered any of these issues at this McCall location? Share concise, factual details in the comments to help fellow buyers.
Final Assessment and Recommendation
FABvans McCall is a private, boutique conversion and sales operation—not a national chain—serving the McCall, ID area. Boutique shops can deliver personalized builds, but they also face capacity constraints and process variability. Public feedback specific to FABvans McCall points to recurring concerns around delivery delays, punch-list completeness, and after-sale service pace, with additional caution warranted for warranty clarity and pricing of add-ons. These are correctable issues if the dealership has implemented stronger quality control and communication practices; however, until you personally verify that those improvements are real and recent, you should proceed with maximum safeguards.
Our recommendation: Unless FABvans McCall agrees to a pre-delivery third-party inspection, provides transparent, written warranties and build specs, and demonstrates timely service capacity, shoppers should consider other dealers or builders. The risk profile—based on publicly reported delays, quality-control gaps, and service backlogs—makes this a high-caution purchase at the present time.
If you recently bought from this location, did your experience align with the concerns above—or was it better than expected? Tell future shoppers in the comments.
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