General RV Center- Elizabethtown, PA Exposed: Delivery Defects, Service Backlogs & Title Delays
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General RV Center- Elizabethtown, PA
Location: 187 Merts Dr, Elizabethtown, PA 17022
Contact Info:
• sales@generalrv.com
• info@generalrv.com
• Main (717) 802-8944
• Sales (717) 367-4700
Official Report ID: 4176
Introduction and Context for General RV Center — Elizabethtown, PA
AI-powered research tools have systematically collected and analyzed public information to produce this report. General RV Center is a long-running, family-owned national chain with dozens of locations across the United States. This report focuses exclusively on the Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania location, synthesizing recurring consumer complaints and risk patterns to help shoppers make informed decisions before signing a purchase or service agreement.
General RV Center maintains substantial market share and brand recognition; however, consumer feedback for individual outlets varies widely. For Elizabethtown, patterns described on the dealership’s Google Business Profile, Better Business Bureau listings, and RV owner communities revolve around sales pressure, financing surprises, unresolved warranty issues, repair delays, communication breakdowns, and new-unit defects discovered after delivery. For primary-source context, see the dealership’s Google Business Profile here (sort by “Lowest rating” to review the most critical, recent feedback): General RV Center — Elizabethtown, PA Google Reviews.
To ensure a wide-angle view, we also recommend triangulating feedback with owner-to-owner communities and investigative creators like the Liz Amazing YouTube channel, which frequently reports on dealership practices and RV ownership pitfalls. Explore her channel and search for dealership names you’re considering: Investigative RV ownership advice from Liz Amazing.
Where to Research Unfiltered Owner Feedback and Evidence
Before you visit the Elizabethtown store, consult multiple sources to set realistic expectations and spot patterns:
- Google Business Reviews: Sort by “Lowest rating” for recent issues at the Elizabethtown location: General RV Center — Elizabethtown, PA.
- Brand-specific Facebook Groups: Join owner groups for the exact RV model you’re considering to capture real maintenance, warranty, and defect histories. Use this Google search to find relevant brand communities: Find Facebook RV Brand Groups via Google.
- Independent video reporting: Search dealership names on the Liz Amazing channel to hear consumer stories and best-practice buying strategies: Liz Amazing exposes risky dealer practices and how to avoid them.
- Third-party forums: RV-specific forums and Reddit threads often surface recurring defects and service outcomes for particular brands and dealers (sources linked below in “Evidence and Research Links”).
Have you purchased or serviced an RV at this location? Add your insights for fellow shoppers.
Pre-Purchase Protection: Get a Third-Party RV Inspection
The single most powerful step you can take before buying at General RV Center — Elizabethtown is hiring an independent RV inspector before signing. This inspection protects you against hidden water intrusion, electrical issues, broken seals, slide-out alignment problems, AC failures, tire/suspension hazards, and miswired appliances or safety systems that could cost thousands later. If a dealership will not allow a third-party inspection on-site or prior to delivery, that is a red flag—walk away. Use this search to find credentialed inspectors in your area: Search RV Inspectors near me.
Why this is crucial at Elizabethtown: numerous reviewers describe discovering major defects only after taking the RV home, followed by long service backlogs that derail camping plans. Once funds are transferred, leverage drops dramatically; some buyers report waiting months for parts or approvals. Your inspection is leverage to fix issues now—not after you’ve paid and lost your delivery window.
If you’ve tried to use a third-party inspector at this location, what happened? Tell shoppers how the process went.
Sales and Finance (F&I) Patterns That Raise Concerns
High-Pressure Sales and “Now or Never” Offers
Consumer feedback about the Elizabethtown store often mentions pressure tactics: limited-time discounts, “other buyers are waiting,” or pushing a quick closing to bypass deeper product inspection. While urgency is common in RV retail, shoppers report feeling rushed from test drive to finance without proper PDI (pre-delivery inspection) visibility. If you sense pressure, slow down—ask for written out-the-door pricing, full addendum details, and a pre-signing walkthrough.
Price Creep from Add-Ons and Fees
Multiple reviewers describe quotes that expand at the finance desk due to dealer-installed options, prep fees, and “must-have” packages. If an advertised price jumps during closing, request a clean deal sheet and decline non-essential items. Be wary of paint/finish sealants, nitrogen in tires, or fabric protection priced far above market value. RV retail margins often depend heavily on such add-ons; insist that every line item be optional and fairly priced.
Low-Ball Trade-in Valuations
Trade-in offers at this location are reported to lag market averages—especially if you’re financing a new unit through the dealer. Counter by securing instant cash offers from multiple buyers (online platforms and competing dealers) and bring printed quotes. If your trade-in value suddenly improves when you accept a higher APR or warranty add-on, pause—the numbers may be shifting behind the scenes.
APR Surprises and Financing “Yo-Yo” Risk
Some RV buyers report finance rate changes between initial discussions and final paperwork. In extreme cases, auto and RV retailers have been cited for so-called “yo-yo” financing—where financing “falls through” after delivery and the buyer is pressured to sign a worse deal. The FTC cautions consumers to get finalized, written financing approvals and to watch for post-delivery changes. See FTC guidance on car buying and financing risks: FTC: Car Buying & Financing.
Protect yourself by securing pre-approval from your credit union and insisting on a signed retail installment contract with no “subject to financing” ambiguity. If pressured to take delivery before financing is final, decline.
Seen APR last-minute changes at this location? Report the specifics for others.
Paperwork and Title Delays
Delays in receiving titles, plates, and registrations are cited repeatedly in negative reviews tied to General RV Center locations and the Elizabethtown store. Some buyers describe weeks-to-months of waiting, repeated calls, and inconsistent explanations. A missing or delayed title can make your RV legally unusable and complicate financing terms or insurance activation. If a temporary tag expires while waiting, you could face fines or be unable to tow to planned trips.
- Ask for a firm timeline and the name of the title clerk handling your file.
- Document every call and email; escalate in writing if deadlines pass.
- If delays persist, consider filing a complaint with the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Bureau of Consumer Protection: PA Attorney General – Consumer Complaints.
Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI) and Delivery Day Issues
Reviewers for the Elizabethtown location describe finding punch-list issues on delivery day—only to be told that repairs would be scheduled weeks out, or that “it’s normal” for new RVs to require post-delivery fixes. While RVs are complex and defects can happen, an effective PDI should catch and fix obvious problems before hand-off. Frequent complaints include:
- Leaking plumbing, misaligned slide-outs, nonfunctional appliances.
- Cosmetic defects (delamination, trim damage, missing parts) overlooked during PDI.
- Safety oversights: inoperable detectors, loose propane connections, or miswired brakes.
Insist on a comprehensive PDI checklist, run all systems while plugged into shore power and on battery, test water systems under pressure, and verify slide operations multiple times. Bring a flashlight, moisture meter if possible, and time your visit in daylight.
Best insurance: hire a third-party inspector prior to signing; if the dealer objects, walk. Find inspectors here: Independent RV inspectors near you.
Service Department: Delays, Quality, and Communication
Backlog and Long Waits for Appointments
A prominent pattern in complaints tied to Elizabethtown is long lead times for diagnostic appointments and extended holdover times once the RV is checked in. This leaves owners without usable rigs during peak camping months and can lead to multiple canceled trips. Some reviewers describe their RVs sitting on the lot awaiting parts or approvals with little communication.
Workmanship and “Return for the Same Problem” Visits
Buyers report fixes that fail quickly, or technicians addressing symptoms rather than root causes. Examples in wider General RV reviews include resealing without identifying the source of water intrusion, partial replacements instead of diagnosing electrical loads, and slide calibrations that don’t hold. Each return trip costs time and money, and water leaks can worsen, risking structural damage and mold.
Warranty Finger-Pointing Between Dealer and Manufacturer
Common storyline: the dealer says the manufacturer must authorize the repair; the manufacturer says the dealer must submit proper documentation; meanwhile, the RV sits. To minimize ping-pong delays, request:
- Written diagnosis and photos the same week the rig is seen.
- Proof of manufacturer claim submission and status updates.
- Estimated timelines, with escalation paths if parts stall.
Parts Availability and Recall Coordination
Service delays often trace back to parts. Still, customers should get clear ETAs and proactive updates. If your RV has an open safety recall, dealers must not deliver new units with unrepaired recalls. Confirm no open recalls exist for your unit’s VIN, and get documentation of any recall remedy performed prior to delivery. Learn more about safety recalls via NHTSA: NHTSA – Vehicle Recalls.
Extended Warranties and Upsell Contracts
Extended service contracts, gap insurance, tire-and-wheel, and appearance packages can double or triple profit margins for dealers. Reviewers at Elizabethtown and other locations report being told coverage is “comprehensive,” only to find fine-print exclusions. Before you agree:
- Ask for sample contracts and read the full terms—don’t rely on verbal summaries.
- Check deductibles, labor caps, consequential damage clauses, and service networks.
- Price the same coverage with independent providers; dealer offerings aren’t your only option.
For a sharp consumer perspective on RV warranties and dealer upsells, search for relevant videos on investigative channels like Liz Amazing’s YouTube channel, then compare claims to your contract’s exact language.
Product and Safety Impact Analysis
Defects frequently described by RV owners—leaks, slide malfunction, suspension issues, brake controller wiring problems, and inverter/charger failures—carry real safety risks and financial consequences:
- Water intrusion: Can lead to rot, electrical shorts, delamination, and mold. Long repair queues multiply damage.
- Slide-out misalignment: Binding can damage seals, floors, and motors; slides can fail in or out, making travel unsafe or impossible.
- Suspension and tire issues: Under-spec axles or improper alignment can cause blowouts or unstable towing.
- LP gas and electrical faults: Risk of fire or carbon monoxide hazard if not diagnosed thoroughly.
Use the VIN to check recalls and TSBs (technical service bulletins). Though NHTSA searches are vehicle/model-centric, you can still start here to orient your research: NHTSA Recalls – exploratory search. When in doubt, ask the dealer to print the recall status and show the completed remedy documentation.
Legal and Regulatory Warnings
Consumers have rights under federal and Pennsylvania law. Repeated themes in complaints—misrepresentation, warranty runaround, financing surprises—can implicate the following:
- Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act: Governs consumer product warranties; prohibits deceptive warranty practices and requires clarity. Learn more: FTC – Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act.
- FTC Act and UDAP laws: The FTC and states can act on unfair or deceptive acts or practices in commerce (UDAP). Pennsylvania’s Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law (UTPCPL) provides additional remedies. File a complaint here: Pennsylvania Attorney General – Consumer Complaint.
- Truth in Lending Act (TILA): Requires accurate disclosure of loan terms; APR or payment misstatements are serious. See FTC guidance: FTC: Financing disclosures and tips.
- Safety Recall Obligations: Dealers may not deliver new units with open recalls. See: NHTSA – Recalls.
If you believe promises were made but not kept (e.g., items missing from “We Owe” forms, delivery-ready claims, or “everything works” representations), preserve all documentation and consider a written demand letter before escalating to regulators or small claims court.
Evidence and Research Links
Use these pre-formatted searches to explore issues specifically tied to General RV Center — Elizabethtown, PA. Replace “Issues” with “Problems,” “Complaints,” or a specific topic (e.g., “Financing,” “Service Delays”).
- YouTube search: General RV Center Elizabethtown PA Issues
- Google search: General RV Center Elizabethtown PA Issues
- BBB search: General RV Center Elizabethtown PA
- Reddit r/RVLiving: General RV Center Elizabethtown PA Issues
- Reddit r/GoRVing: General RV Center Elizabethtown PA Issues
- Reddit r/rvs: General RV Center Elizabethtown PA Issues
- PissedConsumer – browse and search manually for “General RV Center Elizabethtown PA”
- NHTSA – Recalls search
- RVForums.com – use site search for the dealership name
- RVForum.net – use site search for the dealership name
- RVUSA Forum – search for dealership issues
- RVInsider search: General RV Center Elizabethtown PA
- Good Sam Community: General RV Center Elizabethtown PA
If you uncover a detailed story or resolution, please add a summary for other readers.
What the Google Reviews Are Saying (And How to Read Them Critically)
Shoppers researching the Elizabethtown store should read the Google reviews filtered by the newest 1-star and 2-star posts. While we avoid quoting individual consumers without verification, recurring themes reported in those low ratings include:
- Promises made during sales not reflected in closing paperwork or final delivery condition.
- Units delivered with obvious defects, then scheduled weeks out for repairs.
- Poor follow-up from service; calls and emails unanswered for long stretches.
- Warranty denials or delays attributed to manufacturer approval processes.
- Surprises in finance: add-ons and higher-than-expected APRs.
- Title and tag delays causing registration or travel headaches.
To verify firsthand and form your own conclusions, read the reviews yourself here and sort by “Lowest rating”: General RV Center — Elizabethtown, PA. Compare complaints against dates to see whether issues are recent or historical, and note any management replies or documented resolutions.
How to Minimize Risk if You Proceed
Demand a Transparent, Written Deal Sheet
Insist that the sales manager print a full out-the-door quote, itemizing price, fees, add-ons, trade-in, and taxes. Decline any “protection” items you don’t want. If a salesperson says “this fee is required,” ask for a written policy or state statute, and compare with competitor quotes.
Use Your Own Financing or Arrive with Pre-Approval
Pre-approval from a credit union or bank gives you leverage to reject unfavorable dealer-offered terms. If the dealer can beat your pre-approval with a clean, no-add-on APR, great—if not, use yours. Be alert for monthly-payment sales tactics; focus on total cost of credit.
Third-Party Inspection Before You Sign
This cannot be overstated: a full inspection on-site prior to delivery catches water, electrical, slide, suspension, and brake issues when you still have leverage. If the unit fails, require repairs to be completed before funding. Search for professionals here: Local RV inspectors.
Delivery Day: Systems Test and Documentation
Bring a checklist and run everything: AC, furnace, water heater (electric and LP), all faucets and drains, slides, awnings, lights, outlets, inverter/charger, fridge (AC and LP), leveling, brake lights and turn signals, smoke/CO/LP detectors. Photograph serial numbers and take timestamped pictures of defects. If you need a “We Owe” form, specify each item, part number, and timeline. Do not sign “as-is” on new units.
Acknowledging Improvements and Responses
Some buyers report positive sales experiences at this location and note that certain staff members are responsive and helpful. Management replies on public platforms sometimes acknowledge problems, provide contact details, and invite private resolution. While it’s good to see engagement, consumers should still require written commitments and verifiable follow-through, especially on time-sensitive service orders and title processing.
Have you had a great resolution here? Post what worked and who helped.
Key Takeaways about the Elizabethtown, PA Location
What We’re Seeing Most Often
- Service backlogs and long repair timelines after delivery.
- Delivery-day defects and incomplete PDI processes.
- Finance desk add-ons and rate surprises compared to initial quotes.
- Title and registration delays with inconsistent communication.
- Warranty claims slowed by documentation and approvals.
What You Can Do About It
- Arrive with pre-approval and competing trade-in offers.
- Decline non-essential add-ons; demand a line-item breakdown.
- Hire a third-party inspector before funding to uncover hidden flaws.
- Document every promise in writing; use “We Owe” forms with timelines.
- If deadlines are missed, escalate in writing and consider state/FTC complaints.
For deeper consumer tactics, search for dealer-specific advice videos on Liz Amazing’s channel focused on RV industry accountability. Many of her strategies can be applied directly at this dealership.
Final Recommendation
General RV Center’s Elizabethtown, PA store benefits from the buying power of a national chain and a wide inventory, but the negative patterns reported by consumers—service delays, insufficient PDI, upsell pressure, and paperwork lags—present real risks to buyers who don’t protect themselves. If you decide to proceed, insist on a third-party inspection before signing, require all promises in writing, and maintain independent financing control. Review the lowest-rated Google reviews here to verify current issues: General RV Center — Elizabethtown, PA.
Based on the volume and severity of reported issues—particularly around service quality, delivery-condition concerns, and administrative delays—we do not recommend first-time or time-sensitive buyers choose this dealership unless they secure a rigorous pre-delivery inspection, obtain clean financing terms, and are prepared to walk if those conditions aren’t met. Otherwise, consider comparing other Pennsylvania RV dealers with stronger verified after-sales support before making a decision.
Have facts that confirm or contradict this assessment? Contribute your real-world experience so shoppers can benefit from the most current information.
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