Family Times RV Inc.- Manchester, NH Exposed: Hidden Add-Ons, Sloppy PDIs, Long Repair Queues

(Serious Concern)

Across the RV industry (and echoed in low-star reviews for Family Times RV Inc.), too many customers report discovering significant issues after they’ve already paid—only to find themselves waiting weeks or months for repairs. Your best leverage is before you sign. Hire an independent NRVIA-certified inspector or veteran RV technician to conduct a full pre-delivery inspection (PDI) on the exact unit you’ll be taking home. If the dealership does not allow you to bring a third-party inspector onto the lot, that is a major red flag—walk away. To locate an inspector with solid references, perform a local search: RV Inspectors near me.

Consumers routinely report postponed camping plans and nonrefundable site fees because newly purchased RVs end up back in the service bay for warranty repairs immediately after delivery. Once the dealer has your money, your place in the repair queue often gets weaker, not stronger. A thorough third-party inspection prior to delivery is your best protection against defects, leaks, miswired components, and safety hazards.

(Serious Concern)

Multiple 1–2 star Google reviews describe out-the-door prices that ended up far higher than expected, driven by add-on fees or products that weren’t clearly explained early. Common upsells reported across the industry include paint/fabric protection, nitrogen in tires, VIN etching, and dealer prep fees. If the advertised price seems competitive but the sales sheet balloons with extras, ask for a line-by-line breakdown and reject anything you didn’t request. Keep copies of all quotes and texts/emails.

Action steps:

• Request a written, all-in quote before you visit the store.
• Decline any package you don’t want; insist that removal of optional add-ons is reflected in the price.
• Don’t sign a “we owe” or addendum that isn’t precisely itemized with timelines and cost.

For a deeper dive on recognizing dealer add-on patterns, see consumer-education content like Liz Amazing’s videos about RV dealer pitfalls.

(Moderate Concern)

Some low-star reviews suggest customers felt blindsided by late-stage changes to trade-in value or by offers far below perceived market value. While market swings and condition reports can justify differences, you should independently assess your RV’s trade value using multiple sources. Document your unit’s condition with photos, maintenance records, and an inspection report to reduce ambiguity and last-minute downgrades.

• Secure multiple competing offers, including national cash-offer platforms and local resellers.
• If a dealer reduces your trade value because of condition, ask to see the written inspection report.
• Never leave your rig until you agree on a firm, written trade value with no contingencies.

(Serious Concern)

Several complaints note financing surprises: higher APR than initially discussed and optional products bundled into the loan. The Finance & Insurance (F&I) office is where RV buyers commonly face pressure to purchase extended service contracts, tire-and-wheel, GAP coverage, and appearance packages. Some can be valuable; many are overpriced, redundant, or heavily marked up.

• Arrive pre-approved from your bank/credit union; bring the approval letter.
• Decline any product you don’t understand; ask for full brochures and sample contracts to read at home.
• Check if your auto policy already includes rental/trip interruption or GAP-like protections.
• Look up the administrator of any service contract, and read online reviews of claims experiences.

Learn how to push back on high-pressure add-ons: search consumer-focused explainers by creators like Liz Amazing’s RV buyer education content.

(Serious Concern)

A frequent pain point in low-star accounts is taking delivery of units with unresolved defects: water leaks, slide mechanisms out of adjustment, non-functioning appliances, miswired batteries, or loose propane fittings. These issues are industry-wide, but customers expect the dealer’s PDI process to catch and fix them.

• Do not rush delivery day. Allocate several hours and bring a printed PDI checklist.
• Run water on city and pump, fill and drain tanks, test every outlet, latch, light, and safety device.
• Refuse delivery if safety systems (LP detector, CO detector, smoke alarm, emergency exits) are not verified working.
• Insist all punch-list items are fixed in writing with promised dates before signing, or hold funds in escrow.
• Most importantly: book a third-party inspector in advance: find RV inspectors near you.

If you’ve faced PDI issues at Family Times RV Inc., could you share specifics to help other buyers?

(Serious Concern)

Among the most frustrating consumer reports: long waits for warranty work, months-long parts delays, and difficulty getting timely updates. RV shops everywhere are capacity constrained; however, customers still deserve accurate timelines and proactive communication. Several low-star reviewers for this location cited scheduling challenges and units waiting extended periods after delivery for repairs they thought were handled.

• Get service promises in writing with estimated dates and an escalation contact.
• Ask whether they prioritize “newly delivered with defects” cases; some dealers push these behind cash work.
• Check manufacturer’s parts pipeline for known shortages; ask the service advisor what’s realistic.
• If stranded or unsafe, ask the manufacturer about mobile tech coverage or authorized alternatives.

(Moderate Concern)

Complaints also mention confusion about what is “warranty vs. customer pay,” especially for components supplied by outside vendors (refrigerators, awnings, electronics). Dealers often need OEM authorization before ordering parts or performing warranty work, which can add delay. But customers should not be left guessing.

• Request a clear diagnosis write-up: cause, parts needed, and whether parts are backordered.
• Ask for the warranty claim number and the name of the OEM contact approving the repair.
• If delays exceed a promised timeframe, escalate in writing to both dealer management and the manufacturer.

(Moderate Concern)

Low-star reviews for Family Times RV Inc. include frustration with delayed paperwork and titles—problems that can prevent registration, plate transfers, and insurance updates. These delays can derail trips and expose owners to penalties if temporary tags expire.

• Before delivery, ask exactly when title/MSO will be sent and which office will process registration.
• Get the paperwork timeline in writing, with the staff member responsible named.
• If deadlines pass, escalate in writing and consider a complaint to the New Hampshire Consumer Protection Bureau.

If paperwork delays affected your plans, will you describe the timeline you experienced?

(Serious Concern)

Several consumers associate recurring leaks, misdiagnosed electrical issues, or “fixes” that don’t hold with inexperienced technicians and low-quality workmanship. While the entire RV industry struggles with technician shortages, dealers must ensure adequate training and quality control. A PDI or post-repair recheck by an independent inspector can uncover issues the shop missed. Consider scheduling your own re-inspection before taking your RV home after service; it’s a small cost compared to another ruined trip. To find a professional, search: RV Inspectors near me.

(Serious Concern)

The kinds of defects customers report can pose serious hazards:

• Propane leaks or misrouted LP lines risk fire or explosion. Ensure LP systems are pressure tested during PDI and after any service work.
• Water intrusion near electrical systems can cause shorts, GFCI trips, or mold growth that affects health.
• Loose wheel lug torque, misaligned axles, or underinflated tires increase the chance of blowouts and loss of control while towing.
• Non-functioning detectors (CO, smoke, LP) eliminate the only early warning for life-threatening conditions.

Dealers are not the source of manufacturer safety recalls, but they are often the front line for recall repairs. If you encounter resistance or delays on recall work, you can report safety issues to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA): NHTSA.gov. You can also search recall campaigns relevant to the brands sold at Family Times RV Inc. using NHTSA’s database (enter the brand/model): NHTSA Recall Search.

(Moderate Concern)

Patterns described in low-star reviews—misrepresented pricing, failure to honor written promises, or unaddressed safety defects—can raise legal issues. Key frameworks and agencies include:

• Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act (MMWA): federal law governing written warranties. If promises are made in writing about repairs or coverage, dealers and administrators may be held accountable. Learn more at the FTC: FTC: Federal Warranty Law.
• FTC Act and unfair/deceptive acts or practices (UDAP): the FTC can act against deceptive advertising and sales practices. Guidance here: FTC Act.
• New Hampshire Consumer Protection Act (RSA 358-A): prohibits unfair or deceptive acts in commerce. Consumers can contact the NH Department of Justice Consumer Protection & Antitrust Bureau: NH DOJ Consumer Protection.
• Implied warranties and UCC: if a dealer sells a unit with known defects or fails to disclose material issues, there may be implied warranty implications under state law. Consult a local attorney for case-specific advice.

If you believe a promise was broken, preserve all documentation: text messages, emails, quotes, photos, and timelines. File complaints with the BBB, the NH AG, and—if safety-related—NHTSA. These records can compel a faster resolution.

(Moderate Concern)

Many low-star reviews describe hard-to-reach staff, unreturned calls, and limited updates during long repair queues. It’s vital to manage your own paper trail:

• After each conversation, email a short summary with what was promised and the due date.
• Ask for a single point of contact with a direct line and backup contact when they’re off.
• Set calendar reminders to follow up; if a deadline slips, escalate to the service manager or general manager in writing.

If you’ve had excellent communication at this location, can you share who handled your case and how they kept you updated?