General RV Center- Dover, FL Exposed: Financing surprises, delivery defects, warranty runaround

(Serious Concern)

Before you sign anything, arrange your own, independent RV inspection. This is your primary leverage. Persistent consumer reports across the RV industry—and specifically about large chain stores—describe rigs delivered with water leaks, non-functioning slides, inoperable appliances, missing parts, and unsafe electrical or propane issues. After the dealer is paid, your unit may be parked for weeks or months awaiting repairs, which can cancel planned trips and cost you nonrefundable reservations.

Use a local search like RV Inspectors near me to find a certified inspector. If any dealer refuses to allow an independent inspection, treat that as a red flag and walk. Request a written PDI (pre-delivery inspection) checklist and make the sale contingent upon passing both inspections with all discrepancies corrected before money changes hands.

(Serious Concern)

Multiple low-star reviews for the Dover location describe aggressive pricing tactics, “too-good-to-be-true” advertised deals that change during the paperwork phase, and heavy upselling. Buyers report add-on packages, protection plans, and dealer-installed options that significantly raise the out-the-door price. Several reviewers allege that once they arrived at the dealership, fees and terms were different from initial discussions via phone or email. To evaluate these claims directly, sort by lowest ratings on Google’s review page for this store.

(Serious Concern)

Consumer narratives commonly allege that finance offices at large RV chains steer buyers toward higher-interest loans and pressure them to purchase extended service contracts, GAP, interior/exterior coatings, and tire-and-wheel packages. Several reviewers of the Dover store report feeling rushed through the finance process, claiming they did not receive clear cost disclosures for add-ons or that products were bundled without informed consent. Buyers should independently secure financing beforehand and refuse any product they cannot fully research and price-compare. The FTC and state laws require clear disclosures; if you feel pressured, consider stepping away to review documents line by line.

(Moderate Concern)

Trade-in complaints are common across the industry. Consumers warn that initial trade-in estimates drop when they arrive at the store, or after new-condition assessments. Some Dover reviewers report feeling “boxed in” once they’ve committed time and travel. To protect yourself, obtain written, binding trade valuations based on a detailed condition report, and solicit outside offers (e.g., consignment or direct sale) so you are not dependent on a single dealership’s number.

(Serious Concern)

Repeated themes in 1–2 star reviews for this Dover location and sister stores include rigs delivered with obvious defects that a thorough PDI should have caught: water leaks, damaged seals, non-functioning slides, inoperable generators, poorly mounted components, and missing hardware. Several consumers allege they were encouraged to “take delivery now and we’ll fix it later,” which later became delays and repeated service visits. Demand a live walkthrough with utilities, slides, and appliances fully powered. Do not sign final papers until issues are corrected.

(Serious Concern)

Service backlogs are a widely reported issue among large dealerships, and Dover-specific reviews frequently cite long wait times for appointments, difficulty getting updates, and prolonged repair cycles. Several customers report waiting weeks for diagnosis and months for parts, leading to missed camping seasons. Some allege that calls and emails go unanswered, or that promised follow-ups never arrive. Document every interaction, request status updates in writing, and escalate to service managers or corporate customer care if deadlines pass without resolution.

(Moderate Concern)

A number of Dover reviewers describe being caught between manufacturer warranty policies and dealer service departments, with each party directing responsibility to the other. In practice, warranty claims often turn into parts waits and repeated visits. Under the federal Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, warranty terms must be clear; if a covered defect persists, escalate with the manufacturer and keep a meticulous log of repair attempts and days out of service. Consider filing a complaint with the FTC and Florida authorities if you believe warranty obligations are not being honored.

(Moderate Concern)

Consumers at this location and elsewhere report slow parts ordering and poor transparency around ETAs. Delays are particularly concerning when the parts relate to safety recalls or critical systems (e.g., brakes, propane, electrical). Prospective buyers should search active recalls on the chassis and the coach components and verify that recall work was completed before delivery. You can check recalls via the NHTSA database using your VIN after purchase, or research ongoing brand-level recalls before buying.

(Serious Concern)

Low-star Dover reviews frequently mention delays receiving titles, registrations, or tag paperwork. In Florida, excessive delays can prevent you from legally using your RV and may violate state title and registration timelines. Obtain a clear, written timeline for title and tag processing, ask for proof of submission, and withhold final payment if the paperwork is not ready as agreed. If problems persist, complaints to Florida’s Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles or the Attorney General may be warranted.

(Moderate Concern)

Multiple negative reviews warn of verbal assurances that do not materialize post-sale—such as free fixes, discounted accessories, or expedited service. Always insist on capturing every promise in writing, with precise terms, timelines, and named contacts. If a promise is not in the signed buyer’s order or an addendum, assume it may not be honored.

(Serious Concern)

Reported defects can present serious hazards, especially when involving propane, electrical, brake, axle, or slide mechanisms. Water intrusion and poor sealing can lead to mold, rot, and structural degrades that compromise the unit and destroy resale value. Slide or leveling failures can strand owners. Combine that with long service waits and you could lose months of use while paying insurance, storage, and loan interest.

Before you buy, search for open recalls on the exact model and year you’re considering, and confirm completion in writing. You can also research complaints and recalls using NHTSA and owner forums listed below. For a consumer-focused look at systemic issues in the RV industry, browse investigative videos on Liz Amazing’s channel and search for the RV brands you’re evaluating.

(Moderate Concern)

Consumers reviewing this store report variability in technician skill and diagnostic consistency. Some allege that complex leaks, slide retract issues, or electrical gremlins required multiple visits. Staff turnover is a common challenge in the RV service workforce, which can affect continuity on your ticket. Whenever possible, request a master technician for critical repairs and ask the service writer to document troubleshooting steps and test results at each visit.

(Moderate Concern)

In peak seasons, parts delays and scheduling backlogs tend to surge. Dover reviewers and forum posts describe multi-week waits, sometimes for items the manufacturer should stock. Ask for the part number, vendor name, and anticipated ship date. If delays mount, request that the dealership transfer your parts order to a faster channel or consider alternative sourcing with manufacturer approval to maintain warranty coverage.

(Serious Concern)

Buyers repeatedly say they felt powerless after taking delivery. Keep your leverage by requiring in-writing commitments before funding: delivery dates, PDI pass results, punch list corrections, title timeline, and all out-the-door costs with fees and add-ons itemized. Photograph defects at delivery and refuse to sign that the unit is acceptable until fixes are completed.

(Serious Concern)

Because delivery defects and warranty delays are among the most frequent pain points at the Dover location, do not skip an independent inspection. Certified inspectors will test plumbing, electrical loads, propane systems, slide mechanisms, roofs, seals, and appliances—revealing items that might otherwise strand your RV in a service queue after purchase. Use: RV Inspectors near me. Again, if the dealership will not allow a third-party inspection on their lot, consider it a major warning sign.

(Serious Concern)

Reported issues like water leaks, slide failures, and electrical faults carry both safety and financial risks. Water intrusion can weaken floors and walls, leading to structural failures that are expensive to remediate. Improper propane connections can cause fires or carbon monoxide exposure. Miswired electrical components can damage appliances or create shock hazards. Slide malfunctions can trap occupants or immobilize the rig. If unresolved, these defects jeopardize both your family’s safety and your RV’s resale.

Always run a recall check and ask for proof of corrective actions before taking ownership. Keep a preventive maintenance log—some warranty providers deny claims citing poor upkeep, so document everything. If you encounter a safety defect, report it to NHTSA to help spur broader fixes.