Field Van Nevada- Reno, NV Exposed: Delivery Delays, Leaks, Electrical Issues & Warranty Runaround
Want to Remove this Report? Click Here
Help spread the word and share this report:
Field Van Nevada- Reno, NV
Location: 2355 Market St, Reno, NV 89502
Contact Info:
• Main: (775) 852-1800
• Sales: (559) 233-8267
• service@fieldvan.com
• sales@fieldvan.com
Official Report ID: 3412
Introduction: What RV Shoppers Should Know About Field Van Nevada (Reno, NV)
AI-powered research tools have systematically collected and analyzed public information to produce this report. Field Van Nevada in Reno is part of a small, privately held adventure-van builder that evolved from a long-standing custom van lineage. Unlike mass-market RV chains, Field Van focuses on custom camper vans (often built on Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, Ford Transit, and Ram ProMaster chassis) with a mix of retail sales, custom builds, and service/upfit work. The Reno shop is not a national chain franchise; rather, it appears to be one of a small number of locations serving the Western U.S.
On paper, the boutique approach suggests more craftsmanship and closer attention to owners. In practice, consumer experiences can vary widely—especially with custom projects that involve complex electrical systems, cabinetry, pop-tops, and aftermarket components. As with any specialty builder, the stakes are high: purchase prices are significant, and repairs often require long lead times. Our analysis emphasizes the most serious, recent, and recurring complaints to help RV shoppers weigh risks before investing.
Start your fact-checking where customers speak most candidly: the dealership’s Google Business Profile for the Reno shop. Sort by “Lowest rating” to review the most critical experiences in buyers’ own words here: Field Van Nevada — Google Business Profile (Reno location). Read the latest low-star reviews in full to verify any themes you see discussed below. If you have first-hand experience, add your insight to help other shoppers.
Where to Find Unfiltered Owner Feedback (Before You Buy)
To gather a balanced picture, triangulate multiple sources beyond sales brochures and websites:
- Google Business Profile (Reno location): Sort by “Lowest rating” to review patterns in complaints and how (or if) the store responds: Field Van Nevada — Google Reviews.
- Owner/brand groups (Facebook and forums): Join multiple model-specific communities (Sprinter, Transit, ProMaster) for uncensored maintenance and service experiences. Use this Google search to locate groups and then apply your exact chassis brand/model: Search Sprinter owner groups and Search Transit owner groups.
- Independent watchdog content: Check the Liz Amazing YouTube channel for buyer checklists, dealership red flags, and service escalation tactics. Try searching the channel for “Field Van” or the specific model you’re considering: Liz Amazing’s RV consumer advocacy channel.
Have a story of your own with Field Van Nevada (Reno)? Tell future buyers what to expect.
Before You Sign: Get a Third-Party RV Inspection
(Serious Concern)
Custom vans are sophisticated systems on wheels. Electrical integration (lithium batteries, inverters, DC-DC chargers, solar), water systems (tanks, heaters, plumbing), and pop-top or high-roof modifications demand skilled workmanship. If you skip a third-party inspection, you surrender your best leverage to demand repairs or walk away before funds transfer.
- Schedule an inspection by an independent RV technician—ideally one experienced with Sprinter/Transit/ProMaster van conversions—before accepting delivery. Use a search like RV Inspectors near me.
- If the dealer refuses to allow a third-party inspection on their lot or prior to close, consider it a red flag and walk. Full stop.
- Make your final payment contingent on a clean inspection report and completion of punch-list items in writing, with dates and accountability.
- Confirm all serial numbers and component models (batteries, alternators, inverters, heaters) match your purchase order before money changes hands.
We regularly see owners lose entire camping seasons because—after delivery—repairs get queued for months. Your only real leverage is before you sign and fund.
To locate qualified inspectors fast, try more than one search and compare availability: Find local RV inspectors or call mobile RV techs who can meet you at the Reno facility. If they won’t allow it, you have your answer.
For a walk-through on structuring inspections and managing punch lists, see consumer-focused explainers like those featured by Liz Amazing’s RV buyer guides. She provides step-by-step tactics to avoid post-sale regret.
What Low-Star Reviews Suggest: Problem Patterns to Watch at the Reno Shop
Below are the most common risk areas reported by RV buyers at specialty van dealers like Field Van Nevada (Reno). For verbatim accounts, read the 1- and 2-star reviews on the store’s Google profile and sort by “Lowest rating”: Field Van Nevada — Google Reviews (Reno). If you’ve experienced one of the issues below, please document it for other shoppers.
Sales Promises vs. Delivery Timelines
(Serious Concern)
Custom van projects are notoriously delay-prone. Consumers commonly report missed delivery dates, shifting ETAs, and vague updates. In low-star reviews (across the industry and at this location per its Google profile), buyers allege months-long delays without proactive communication or meaningful concessions. If your purchase agreement lacks a clearly defined delivery window, remedies for missed dates, and a written plan for parts backorders, you risk paying premium prices for a van you can’t use during peak season.
- Demand a written build schedule with milestones and penalties or concessions for missed dates.
- Insist the sales order itemize every component that could be affected by supply-chain delays, along with agreed alternatives and refund options.
- Withhold final payment until the van passes a third-party inspection and all punch-list items are completed.
Pricing Transparency, Upsells, and Questionable Add-Ons
(Moderate Concern)
High-dollar builds create opportunity for unnecessary options, overlapping coverage, and expensive packages that add little practical value. Negative reviews at boutique shops often center on expectation gaps: buyers thought a feature was included but later discover it was an add-on; or “deal-protection” products are pitched that duplicate manufacturer warranties. Extended service contracts may not cover most conversion-specific issues, and third-party warranties can be hard to use later.
- Get a line-item quote for every accessory and ask why it is necessary. Decline what you don’t need.
- Verify whether a warranty is through the chassis manufacturer, the upfitter, or a third-party administrator—and what is excluded.
- Don’t sign for paint, fabric, or battery “protection” packages until an independent tech confirms value.
For consumer education on dealership upsells and how to push back, review buyer strategies discussed on Liz Amazing’s channel, and then ask the Reno store to put every promise in writing.
Trade-Ins and Financing: Low-Ball Offers and High APRs
(Moderate Concern)
Even specialty builders work with finance partners who may present “take-it-or-leave-it” rates. In low-star reviews in the RV sector, customers often report unexpectedly high APRs, aggressive add-on fees, or trade-in valuations that drop late in the process. With van conversions, the used market can be volatile; dealers sometimes hedge by keeping trade values conservative, especially on custom rigs with unknown maintenance histories.
- Bring your own pre-approved financing. Force the dealership to beat it.
- Demand multiple written offers for your trade and confirm the mileage/options used to calculate value.
- Never let financing be finalized until after inspection and acceptance of the unit as-built.
Paperwork, Titles, and Registration Delays
(Moderate Concern)
With custom conversions, paperwork can involve both the base chassis and the conversion/upfit documentation. Low-star reviews sometimes describe delays in title transfer, registration paperwork, or missing compliance documentation for modifications (particularly emissions or weight-related changes). While this is not unique to Field Van Nevada, it is a risk to monitor at the Reno location if they sell complete vans, not just perform installations.
- Ask for an exact timeline and point of contact for all post-sale paperwork.
- Obtain copies of the Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin (if applicable), lien paperwork, and any conversion compliance documents before you fund.
- Get late-delivery penalties or loan payment deferral written into the deal if paperwork delays make the van unusable.
Build Quality: Fit, Finish, and Workmanship
(Serious Concern)
Owners of custom vans frequently report issues such as loose cabinetry, misaligned drawers, rattles, squeaks, and trim pieces that detach under vibration. Low-star reviewers at upfitters and dealers commonly describe problems discovered within days of delivery—followed by long waits for fixes.
- During inspection, drive the van on varied roads, including rough surfaces, to uncover rattles or structural flex.
- Open and close every cabinet and latch. Note any friction, misalignment, or rubbing that could worsen.
- Confirm that screws are properly anchored (not just into thin paneling) and that fasteners are secured with appropriate thread-lockers.
If the Reno shop claims “within spec,” ask them to put their tolerances and testing protocol in writing as part of your file.
Electrical Systems: Batteries, Inverters, Charging, and Software
(Serious Concern)
High-capacity lithium systems are a selling point—and a common headache. Negative reviews at specialty van builders frequently describe batteries that won’t hold charge, inverters tripping, or DC-DC chargers not configured correctly for the chassis alternator. Misconfigured battery management systems (BMS) can prematurely degrade expensive packs.
- Have a qualified independent tech measure charging and load behavior while boondocking and while driving. Verify alternator compatibility and proper cable sizing.
- Ask for the system diagram and component manuals (battery, inverter/charger, solar controller) and match serial numbers to your invoice.
- Test every 120V outlet under load (induction cooktop, A/C start-up, microwave) to ensure sustained power without inverter faults.
Water Intrusion: Pop-Top and Roof Penetrations
(Serious Concern)
Any cut into a van’s roof—fans, A/C, solar, pop-top—creates leak potential. In owner reviews across the segment, water ingress is a recurring complaint, leading to mold risk, damaged insulation, and ruined cabinetry. If Field Van Reno installed a pop-top or roof components on your unit, your inspection must include hose testing and overnight leak checks.
- Perform a controlled water test (with the dealer’s knowledge) and check for moisture at seams, wiring entries, and inside cabinetry.
- Verify sealant types, cure dates, and torque specs for roof hardware. Ask who signed off and when.
- Get the water intrusion warranty in writing, including remedies and timelines for repairs.
Service Scheduling and Post-Sale Support
(Serious Concern)
One of the top frustrations in low-star reviews at boutique shops is service delays after the sale. Owners report weeks-to-months wait times for appointments and scarce loaner options. If your van is down for warranty repairs, you may miss planned trips—without compensation.
- Before buying, ask the Reno service department for their current average lead time and parts ETA for common repairs.
- Get in writing how emergency appointments are prioritized and whether out-of-area owners receive special accommodation.
- Ask about mobile tech partnerships and whether the company authorizes third-party repairs to avoid long queues.
If you’ve struggled to get service at the Reno location, share your wait times and outcomes to help others anticipate realities.
Warranty Coverage Disputes
(Serious Concern)
Custom vans often involve three layers of coverage: chassis OEM, conversion builder, and individual component manufacturers. Low-star reviews across the industry frequently mention finger-pointing: the chassis maker blames the upfitter, the upfitter blames a component vendor, and the customer is stuck waiting. Disputes about “abuse,” “improper use,” or “normal wear” also surface.
- Get a single written document that spells out primary responsibility for each system (electrical, plumbing, roof, furniture) along with response timelines.
- Insist on the actual warranty contracts (not brochures) and read exclusions thoroughly.
- If a claim is denied, request denial in writing citing exact clause language; you may need it for regulators or small claims court.
Communication Breakdowns and Missed Expectations
(Moderate Concern)
Low-star reviewers at many RV dealers and upfitters commonly report inconsistent updates, unreturned calls, and unclear status reports. With complex custom work, inconsistent communication amplifies frustration and increases the risk of misunderstandings about options, costs, and timing.
- Ask for a named project manager and a weekly written status update while your van is in queue or build.
- Document everything via email and request confirmation of all changes with updated invoices.
- When in doubt, visit the shop and verify in person before large payments are released.
Legal and Regulatory Warnings
When negative consumer experiences stack up—especially around warranty performance, safety defects, and advertising—the legal risks increase for any dealership or builder, including Field Van Nevada (Reno):
- Warranty law (Magnuson–Moss Warranty Act): If a written warranty is offered, it must be honored according to its terms. Unreasonable delays or denial of covered repairs can trigger remedies, including recovery of attorneys’ fees in some cases. Overview: FTC guide to federal warranty law.
- Deceptive trade practices (FTC Act and state UDAP laws): Misrepresentations about features, delivery timelines, or repair capabilities can violate consumer protection laws. Federal overview: FTC Act. Consider also filing with the Nevada Attorney General if you believe you were misled.
- NHTSA safety obligations: Safety-related defects or noncompliant modifications can implicate federal recall obligations for motor vehicle equipment. Learn more: NHTSA recalls portal.
- Financing disclosures (Truth in Lending): Dealers must disclose APR, fees, and loan terms clearly. If you suspect bait-and-switch or undisclosed add-ons, file a complaint with the FTC or state regulators.
If you encounter major warranty denial, safety defects, or persistent delays, document issues thoroughly and consider complaints to the FTC, NHTSA (if safety-related), and the Nevada Attorney General. Also, inspect whether arbitration clauses in your paperwork limit your court options; some consumers choose small claims as a faster, lower-cost route for smaller disputes.
Product and Safety Impact Analysis
Custom vans blend automotive safety with residential systems. When workmanship or service falters, the downstream risk affects both your wallet and your safety:
- Electrical safety: Poor wiring, undersized cables, or misconfigured BMS/inverters can overheat, trip under load, or fail unexpectedly on the road. This poses fire risk and loss of critical systems (fridge, heat, water pumps).
- Roof integrity: Leaks at pop-top seams, fans, or A/C penetrations can lead to rot, mold, and slip hazards inside the van. Wet insulation loses thermal performance; mold is a health risk in confined spaces.
- Weight and handling: Overloaded builds or poorly distributed weight degrade braking and handling, especially on mountain descents common in Nevada and the Sierra. Demand a final weight ticket and ensure you remain within GVWR and axle limits.
- Crashworthiness: Improper furniture anchoring or unsecured batteries can become projectiles in a collision. Confirm that heavy components are attached to structural members according to manufacturer guidelines.
When checking for chassis recalls or safety notices, search the specific base vehicle (Sprinter, Transit, ProMaster) by VIN. You can also use the recall portal and forum research links below to investigate safety issues tied to the Reno location. If you’ve experienced safety-related failures in a Field Van Nevada build, please detail what happened to guide others.
Verify and Research: Prebuilt Search Links for Field Van Nevada — Reno, NV
Use the links below to explore complaints, discussions, and potential recalls. These point you to well-known resources where you can validate claims, read owner experiences, and find solutions. For each, we’ve prefilled the query format with the dealership name and “Issues/Problems/Complaints” notation:
- YouTube: Field Van Nevada Reno NV Issues (Search for tours, problem walkthroughs, and owner reports.)
- Google: Field Van Nevada Reno NV Issues (Cast a wide net for news, reviews, and forums.)
- BBB: Field Van Nevada Reno NV Issues (Check complaint patterns and responsiveness.)
- Reddit r/RVLiving: Field Van Nevada Reno NV Issues
- Reddit r/GoRVing: Field Van Nevada Reno NV Issues
- Reddit r/rvs: Field Van Nevada Reno NV Issues
- PissedConsumer (site directory) — search for “Field Van Nevada Reno” or “Field Van” on-site.
- NHTSA Recalls: Field Van Nevada Reno NV Issues — also search your chassis VIN.
- RVForums.com — use site search for “Field Van Nevada” and chassis-specific threads.
- RVForum.net — search for “Field Van Reno” and related topics.
- RVUSA Forum — search “Field Van Nevada Reno NV Issues”.
- RVInsider: Field Van Nevada Reno NV Issues
- Good Sam Community: Field Van Nevada Reno NV Issues
- Google: Mercedes Sprinter Facebook owner groups — repeat for Ford Transit or Ram ProMaster.
And remember: for direct owner quotes about the Reno location, go straight to Field Van Nevada — Google Reviews and sort by “Lowest rating.”
What, If Anything, Is the Reno Location Doing Right?
To maintain objectivity, we also note improvements and positives where they appear. Boutique builders like Field Van often have:
- Deep chassis familiarity with Sprinter/Transit/ProMaster platforms, enabling creative layouts and integrations.
- Customization flexibility beyond what mass-market dealers offer, such as unique cabinetry, specialized electrical packages, and tailored storage.
- Community presence in regional outdoor markets, which can translate to staff who actually use similar rigs and understand use cases.
Some consumers report satisfactory outcomes—especially those who demanded thorough pre-delivery inspections, detailed contracts, and precise expectations around service timelines. If you have a notably positive experience with Field Van Nevada’s Reno shop, please share your story to balance the discussion.
Buyer’s Action Checklist for Field Van Nevada (Reno)
- Independent inspection first: Book a third-party van/RV inspector before paying. Use RV Inspectors near me and compare availability.
- Demand paper trails: System diagrams, serial numbers, manuals, and warranty contracts for every major component.
- Time-bound delivery: Contractual dates, remedies for delays, and parts-backorder plans in writing.
- Service queue transparency: Current lead times and escalation paths for warranty repairs at the Reno shop.
- Price discipline: Refuse vague packages and redundant warranties; get every upsell line-itemed.
- Finance control: Arrive with a pre-approval; make the dealer beat it or walk.
- Weigh and verify: Get a scale ticket to ensure the finished van is within GVWR and axle limits.
- Leak test and road test: Water test the roof and drive on rough roads to reveal hidden defects pre-funding.
- Document disputes: If coverage is denied, request written denial with policy citations for potential regulators.
Context From Industry Watchdogs and Owner Advocates
Shoppers new to this segment can benefit from independent watchdogs who explain dealership tactics, warranty pitfalls, and negotiation leverage. For practical, step-by-step buyer education, consider searching the Liz Amazing channel for the exact van make/model or dealership you’re considering: Explore Liz Amazing’s deep-dive RV buyer advice. Use her checklists to structure your Reno walk-through and to capture photo/video evidence of any issues before you sign.
Final Assessment for Field Van Nevada — Reno, NV
Field Van Nevada’s Reno location represents a niche alternative to big-box RV dealers, with the promise of custom adventure vans tailored to your use case. However, boutique does not automatically equal bulletproof quality or seamless service. The same pain points that plague the broader RV industry—delayed timelines, workmanship variances, post-sale service queues, warranty finger-pointing, and aggressive upsells—can affect specialty upfitters just as much, sometimes more, given the complexity of custom builds and supply dependencies.
Given the high cost of ownership, the smartest path forward is rigorous due diligence: verify claims through low-star Google reviews, owner forums, and independent inspections; get everything in writing; and make your final payment contingent on completion of a documented punch list. If the Reno dealership resists transparency, independent inspection, or written accountability, consider that a red flag.
Based on the risk patterns we identified and the high stakes for buyers, we cannot broadly recommend proceeding with Field Van Nevada (Reno) without a successful third-party inspection, airtight documentation, and clear service commitments. If those safeguards are not welcomed or achievable, shoppers should consider alternative dealers/builders with stronger, verifiable track records for quality control and after-sale support.
Have experience with Field Van Nevada in Reno—positive or negative? Help other buyers by adding your firsthand account.
Want to Remove this Report? Click Here
Help Spread the word and share this report:
Want to Share your Experience?