Franklin Coach Co- Nappanee, IN Exposed: Title Delays, Slow Repairs, Finance Markups—Buyer Alert

(Serious Concern)

Across the RV industry, one of the most expensive mistakes buyers make is skipping an independent inspection before taking delivery. Dealers commonly perform a quick internal “PDI” (pre-delivery inspection), but consumer reports are clear: too many defects still slip through. You only have leverage before your money transfers and before you accept the unit. If you find issues after taking possession, you may get pushed to the back of the line and wait weeks or months while time-sensitive camping plans evaporate—especially during peak season.

• Hire your own certified inspector—not an affiliate chosen by the dealer.
• Put the inspection contingency in writing; do not accept “we’ll fix it after delivery.”
• If the dealer won’t allow a third-party inspection, that’s a red flag. Walk.

Use this search to locate qualified professionals: Find RV inspectors near you.

(Serious Concern)

Multiple consumers across the RV sector—and in low-star reviews for this location—report title, registration, or lien paperwork delays that extend for weeks or months. This creates a cascade of problems: you might be unable to secure plates or insurance, your lender could assess penalties, and you may be unable to legally use the RV. Paperwork tardiness can also indicate deeper process issues within a dealership’s back office.

• Set a written, date-specific expectation for title and registration. Do not accept vague promises.
• Confirm the lien payoff process (if you traded in) and get documentation of when the payoff was sent.
• Do not release final funds or take delivery until you’ve seen proof that your title paperwork is ready to process.

(Serious Concern)

Industry-wide, repair delays are a top pain point—and public reviews for this location include accusations of long wait times, limited updates, and repeated trips for the same unresolved issue. When a service department is over capacity or understaffed, customers can easily miss entire camping seasons while their units sit waiting for parts or technician time.

• Ask for estimated repair timelines in writing, including how parts ordering is handled and who pays shipping.
• Request a detailed diagnostic write-up before authorizing work. Require photos/video of the defect.
• Clarify warranty vs. customer-pay status in advance—especially if your RV is under factory coverage.

Consider a pre-purchase inspection to reduce downstream service fights: Search for certified RV inspectors.

(Moderate Concern)

Many negative reviews of RV dealers point to obvious problems that should never have made it past a PDI—leaks, electrical faults, inoperable slides, misaligned doors, or missing components. Be cautious if you hear assurances like “we’ll fix it after you sign” or “that’s normal.” If public complaints for this location mention repetitive or basic QC failures, take them seriously and require documented corrections before funding.

• Demand a thorough walk-through with every system powered and demonstrated under load.
• Use a written PDI checklist and do not rush. Test slides, plumbing, ACs/furnace, generator, inverter/charger, and propane appliances.
• Document defects with photos/video and require fixes be completed before delivery.

(Moderate Concern)

Consumer complaints across the industry—and occasionally cited for this location—include aggressive sales tactics and add-ons that inflate the out-the-door price: paint protection, alarm systems, nitrogen tire packages, etching, dealer prep fees, “mandatory” service plans, and markups on extended service contracts. These products can be overpriced and may overlap with factory coverage or duplicate benefits you don’t need.

• Ask for a clean buyer’s order early—no add-ons pre-checked. Decline line items you don’t want.
• Compare third-party extended service contracts and roadside assistance before buying from the dealer.
• Search for consumer-oriented breakdowns of common upsells. For example, see buyer education content like Liz Amazing’s deep dives on RV dealership tactics.

(Moderate Concern)

A frequent frustration in low-star reviews is being bounced between dealer and manufacturer on warranty defects. Dealers may claim “that’s a factory issue,” while the manufacturer instructs you to “work with your selling dealer.” The result is delay, confusion, and sometimes out-of-pocket costs for what should be covered.

• Understand your warranty: RVs often have separate warranties for chassis, house, appliances, and tires.
• Ask the service advisor to cite the exact warranty clause supporting any coverage denial.
• If you get stuck, escalate to the manufacturer with case numbers and written technician notes; copy the dealership management in writing.

(Moderate Concern)

Some buyers report disappointing or moving-target trade valuations. If reviews at this location mention last-minute valuation changes, ask how they appraise and what conditions trigger price adjustments after your arrival (e.g., undisclosed damage). This is a common point of contention across many dealerships, not unique to one store, but it can materially alter your deal.

• Obtain multiple cash offers (e.g., national RV buyers or consignment) before visiting the dealer.
• Bring maintenance records and photos; insist the appraisal be finalized before you sign.
• Decline to proceed if the dealer changes a previously agreed trade number without cause.

(Serious Concern)

Dealers often earn reserve (commission) by marking up interest rates above the lender’s buy rate. Consumers occasionally report feeling rushed through finance or surprised by the final APR. If complaints exist for this location about financing surprises, assume it can happen and prepare accordingly.

• Get a pre-approval from your credit union or bank before visiting. Use it to benchmark the dealer’s offer.
• Ask the F&I manager to disclose the lender’s buy rate and any dealer reserve in writing.
• Refuse add-ons that are bundled into the loan by default. You can purchase most products later if you truly want them.

(Moderate Concern)

Even in northern Indiana—close to many RV factories—parts delays happen. Consumers report frustration when updates are infrequent or when orders are placed incorrectly, restarting wait times. If reviews at this location flag poor communication on parts ETAs, insist on a clear process and regular status updates.

• Request the part number, order date, carrier, and tracking when available.
• Ask whether the part is under warranty and who pays for shipping and labor.
• Get promised timelines and loaner/compensation policies in writing if delays drag on.

(Serious Concern)

Many RV issues that start as “annoyances” can escalate into hazards or major expenses if not diagnosed early. Examples include water leaks leading to mold and structural rot; electrical faults causing shorts or fires; brake, tire, or suspension failures; and propane system leaks. Defects that go unaddressed because of repair backlogs or warranty disputes can quickly turn dangerous—especially given the weights and distances involved in RV travel.

• Water intrusion can compromise walls and subfloors, leading to unsafe conditions during travel or leveling.
• 12V/120V electrical faults can pose a burn or fire hazard; shore power miswiring can damage appliances.
• Running gear issues (tires, brakes, bearings) can cause catastrophic loss of control while towing or driving.

Always check for open recalls on your chassis and coach components. Begin with the NHTSA recall database and your VIN. You can also perform a general check by searching here: NHTSA Recall Search – Start Here. Note: You’ll need to search by your RV’s year/make/model or VIN for accurate results.

(Serious Concern)

If a dealer fails to honor warranty obligations or engages in deceptive practices, several consumer protection laws may apply:

• Magnuson–Moss Warranty Act (Federal): Governs written product warranties and prohibits deceptive warranty terms and tying arrangements. If a dealer or administrator wrongfully denies coverage, consumers may pursue remedies and, in some cases, recover attorney’s fees. Learn more at the FTC: FTC guide to federal warranty law.
• FTC Act (Section 5): Prohibits unfair or deceptive acts or practices. Misrepresenting coverage, financing terms, or material facts may draw scrutiny. Overview: FTC Act Section 5.
• Indiana Deceptive Consumer Sales Act: Provides remedies for deceptive representations in consumer transactions. Complaints can be filed with the Indiana Attorney General: Indiana AG Consumer Protection.
• UDAP Claims and Small Claims Court: Depending on damages, consumers may pursue civil remedies in Indiana courts for deceptive or unfair practices, breach of contract, or warranty violations.

If you encounter resistance or delays, escalate in writing to dealership ownership/management, copy the manufacturer, and consider filing complaints with the FTC and the Indiana Attorney General. For safety-related failures, submit a report to NHTSA’s safety problem portal.

(Moderate Concern)

Shoppers regularly report surprise fees or add-on packages that appear late in the process—prep, DOC, “protectants,” alarms, and similar. If you encounter this at Franklin Coach Co (Nappanee, IN), ask for an itemized buyer’s order without dealer-installed accessories and negotiate from the bottom line. Any line item can be struck unless it’s government-related (tax, title, registration).

• Demand a written, out-the-door price with tax and plates before you invest time or travel.
• Decline products you didn’t request. You can buy tire/wheel, GAP, or extended service plans later if needed.
• Compare quotes with other dealers for the same model and options.

(Moderate Concern)

Some buyers report feeling rushed during paperwork and pressured to accept warranties or products they don’t need. Slow the process and read every page. If the numbers change or the APR doesn’t match your quotes, pause and re-evaluate—do not sign under pressure.

• Bring your pre-approval and be willing to walk if the numbers don’t match.
• Ask for the contract to be emailed in advance to review line by line.
• Keep copies of all signed documents and addendums before leaving the dealership.