Fun Town RV Forest River- Elkhart, IN Exposed: Delivery Defects, Surprise Fees & Long Service Delays

(Serious Concern)

Across the RV industry, a top driver of buyer regret is taking delivery without a thorough, independent inspection. A dealer-prepped “PDI” (pre-delivery inspection) is not the same as a third-party inspection performed by a professional who works for you. We strongly recommend hiring a mobile NRVIA-certified or otherwise qualified inspector before signing final paperwork or handing over funds. This is the moment you have leverage to demand repairs, replacement, or to walk away if serious defects are found. Once your check clears, many buyers report being pushed to the back of the service line—and some lose entire camping seasons while their RV sits awaiting parts or authorization.

• Find inspectors: Use a neutral search to locate professionals: Search “RV Inspectors near me”.
• Red flag: If the dealer refuses to allow a third-party inspection on-site before delivery, treat it as a major warning and walk away.
• Document everything: Have the inspector produce a punch list you can tie to the purchase contract.

RV shoppers frequently report add-on pressures at signing—gap coverage, paint protection, nitrogen fills, extended service contracts, and other upsells. Assess the real-world value and cost of each. If you’re told coverage is “required,” get that in writing and confirm with your lender; often, it isn’t. Consider pausing and revisiting the deal without add-ons.

(Serious Concern)

Multiple low-star reports (industry-wide and attributed to various locations in large dealer chains) describe unexpectedly high out-the-door totals compared to the advertised price. Consumers often cite last-minute add-ons (paint protection, interior sealants, VIN etching, alarm packages, and extended service contracts). If you encounter pressure to buy extras, request line-item documentation and decline what you don’t want. Verify that the base price, freight, and PDI charges align with your written quote.

• Action step: Demand an itemized buyer’s order before traveling to the dealership.
• Financing caution: Ask for the buy rate from the lender; don’t accept a higher marked-up rate without shopping your loan.
• Leverage: Use a third-party inspection contingency to force correction of defects before you finalize.

(Moderate Concern)

RV buyers frequently report trade-in valuations coming in far below market guides, followed by a pitch to “make it up” elsewhere in the deal. Confirm your trade-in value with multiple sources and be ready to sell privately if necessary. Ensure the purchase agreement clearly itemizes the trade value to prevent later confusion.

(Serious Concern)

Some RV buyers report significant delays in receiving titles, registrations, or plates—causing frustration and even putting travel plans at risk. Delays may arise from multi-state processing, staffing constraints, or backlog. Regardless, this can render your new RV effectively unusable or legally risky to tow.

• Before paying: Confirm title is in hand and transfer timelines are in writing.
• Track deadlines: Indiana and home-state DMVs have strict rules—missed deadlines can incur fines or complications.

(Serious Concern)

Across many dealerships, customers report taking delivery of units with immediate defects: water leaks, inoperable appliances, non-functioning slide-outs, and cosmetic damage. In Elkhart, given proximity to factories, some shoppers assume “factory-adjacent” equals better QC; however, delivery defects remain common in the RV industry, and large dealer volume often strains service departments.

• Always inspect with power and water connected: Verify ACs, heater, slides, awnings, plumbing, and electronics in real time.
• Bring a checklist and an inspector: Consider this search to hire help: Independent RV inspector near me.
• Don’t rush the walkthrough: Take photos and video of any defects and get a signed repair commitment with timelines.

(Serious Concern)

Many buyers report multi-week or multi-month waits for service, even for newly sold units with clear defects. Large dealer groups often sell more units than their service capacity can manage. Some customers describe canceled trips and lost deposits because repairs drag on. This is especially painful after buying new with the expectation of immediate usability.

• Plan for downtime: If your RV needs warranty work, prepare for potential extended wait times.
• Escalate appropriately: If repairs stall, contact the manufacturer directly and document all communications.
• Ask before buying: What is the current lead time for warranty appointments? Will they prioritize your unit if delivered with defects?

(Moderate Concern)

Industry-wide technician shortages and high turnover can affect repair quality. Consumers often report repeated visits for the same issue or “no problem found” diagnoses that fail soon after. A strong PDI helps catch obvious defects before you own the problem. After purchase, request detailed work orders and test each fix while you’re still on-site.

(Moderate Concern)

Complaints frequently reference misunderstandings or disputes over what’s covered under factory warranty versus third-party service contracts. Extended service contracts are not manufacturer warranties and can exclude common failure modes. If you decide to buy one, scrutinize deductibles, claim procedures, and coverage limits. Ask to see sample policy terms—not just a brochure—before agreeing, and consider seeking unbiased input from consumer-focused RV educators such as Liz Amazing’s channel to learn common pitfalls.

(Moderate Concern)

Some consumers report being quoted attractive monthly payments only to discover elevated APRs or bundled add-ons. Dealers sometimes “pack” payments with protections or warranties you didn’t explicitly request. Insist on seeing the buy rate and the final APR before signing, and bring a credit union pre-approval to improve your negotiating position.

• Cross-check with outside lenders: Local banks and credit unions can often beat dealer-arranged loans.
• Decline nonessential add-ons: You can add services later if you truly want them.

(Serious Concern)

When delivery defects involve brake systems, electrical faults, propane leaks, or hitch/frame integrity, they are not just inconveniences—they’re safety hazards. RV fires, tire blowouts, and brake failures are well-documented industry risks. Always verify that safety-critical systems function properly before towing off the lot. If you suspect a defect connected to recalls, use the NHTSA VIN lookup to confirm: NHTSA Recall Search. Also consider searching more broadly using dealership-related terms to understand the recall environment: NHTSA Recalls – general query.

• Real-world consequences: Delayed attention to recalls or safety faults can lead to crashes, fires, carbon monoxide exposure, and costly collateral damage to your tow vehicle or campsite.
• Immediate action: If you detect fuel or propane odors, shut everything down and do not operate appliances until professionally cleared.

(Serious Concern)

Based on consumer complaints described across public platforms, potential legal exposure for any dealership may include deceptive advertising, unfair sales practices, or failures to honor express warranties. Buyers have protections under federal and state law:

• Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act (MMWA): Governs written warranties and prohibits tying coverage to dealer-only service. Learn more: FTC: Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act.
• FTC Act and advertising rules: Unfair or deceptive acts are unlawful. See the FTC’s guidance on auto/RV retail practices: FTC Business Guidance.
• Indiana Attorney General: For unresolved disputes, file a complaint: Indiana AG Consumer Complaint Portal.
• NHTSA: Report safety defects that could affect others: Report a Safety Problem.

Keep copies of your purchase order, financing agreement, disclosures for add-ons, and all service RO’s (repair orders). If promises are made (e.g., “we’ll fix that after delivery”), put them in writing, signed by the dealership, with timelines.

(Moderate Concern)

Low-star reviews across the RV retail space often describe missed callbacks and shifting timelines. When a store is juggling sales, deliveries, and service backlogs, communication often suffers. Unfortunately, lack of updates creates mistrust and can exacerbate financial losses if you’re paying on an RV you can’t use. Demand clear points of contact, written ETAs, and escalation paths.

(Moderate Concern)

Some repairs stall because parts are ordered from the OEM or third-party suppliers with long lead times. While supply chain bottlenecks have improved overall, certain components remain delayed. Ask whether the dealer will allow you to retain the RV while parts are on order (if safe), or if they require it to remain on-site. Document who is responsible for protecting your unit from weather or theft while it’s in their possession.

(Serious Concern)

• Get the real number: Demand an out-the-door price in writing—including freight, PDI, doc fees, and any add-ons.
• Decline “must-have” upsells: Nothing is mandatory unless your lender requires it in writing. Verify with your lender.
• Independent inspection: Hire your own inspector and make your purchase contingent on satisfactory findings: Find local RV inspectors.
• Delivery day discipline: Connect to shore power and water. Operate every system. Don’t rush. Note all defects on a signed due bill with dates.
• Financing clarity: Bring your own pre-approval. If using dealership financing, compare the APR to your pre-approval before signing.
• Warranty literacy: Read actual contracts for extended service plans. Know deductibles and exclusions before you pay.
• Escalation plan: If promises aren’t kept, use certified mail to create a paper trail and consider contacting the Indiana AG.

(Moderate Concern)

Shoppers often assume that buying near Forest River manufacturing in Elkhart means better-prepped units and faster service. In practice, dealerships—regardless of proximity—face the same constraints: supply chain variability, technician capacity, and manufacturer warranty rules. Moreover, high sales volumes can overwhelm service bays. The result: some buyers report taking home RVs with unresolved issues and then waiting weeks for service slots.

(Serious Concern)

• Immediate post-delivery defects: Water intrusion, non-functioning appliances, slide motor problems.
• Paperwork delays: Titles/registration arriving late, delaying legal use.
• Service bottlenecks: Long waits to diagnose and repair; units stuck at the dealer for extended periods.
• Sales-to-service handoff breakdowns: Promises made pre-sale not reflected in the service queue post-sale.
• Financing discrepancies: Higher-than-expected APR or packed payments; difficulty removing add-ons.

To verify current, specific accounts, head to the dealership’s Google reviews page and filter to the lowest ratings first: Fun Town RV Forest River — Elkhart, IN reviews.

(Moderate Concern)

While this report prioritizes risk areas, some shoppers do report friendly sales staff, unit availability, and competitive pricing compared to other dealers. Others note that individual employees tried to make things right. However, even when resolutions occur, the time and frustration costs can be significant. Positive reviews do not negate patterns of risk—especially if the downside scenarios include safety issues or months-long service delays.

(Serious Concern)

• Confirm price in writing: Base price, freight, PDI, doc fee, taxes, and every add-on listed and approved by you.
• Demand a full systems test: AC/heat, fridge (both modes), slides, leveling, awnings, water pump, faucets, shower, toilet, Wi-Fi/TV, solar if applicable.
• Inspect roof and undercarriage: Look for sealant gaps, frame rust, wiring rub points, brake wiring integrity.
• Ask for recall clearance: Request written confirmation that VIN recall checks are clear (and verify at NHTSA).
• Title readiness: Confirm the title is available and how/when it transfers. Get a written ETA for plates/registration.
• Service capacity inquiry: What is the earliest warranty appointment slot available right now?
• Get promises in writing: Due bills for every pending repair or accessory, signed with dates.
• Third-party inspection: Make your contract contingent on passing an independent inspection: Find an RV inspector.