Gerzeny’s R.V. World – Nokomis- Nokomis, FL Exposed: Hidden fees, pressure sales, late tags & delays

(Serious Concern)

Across many recent low-star reviews at multiple RV dealers nationwide (including at Gerzeny’s R.V. World – Nokomis), customers commonly report discovering leaks, appliance failures, frame/axle issues, or electrical problems only after they’ve signed and driven off the lot. That is why your best leverage is a thorough, independent, pre-purchase inspection—from someone who does not work for the dealership. If a dealer discourages or refuses an outside inspection, that is a major red flag. Walk away.

• Find a professional inspector near you: Search RV Inspectors near me
• Bring a detailed PDI (pre-delivery inspection) checklist; test every water connection, 12V and 120V system, slide, seal, and safety device.
• Don’t finalize paperwork or funding until the inspector issues a report and the dealer documents all punch-list items in writing with completion dates.

(Serious Concern)

Recent low-star reviews of the Nokomis location frequently describe high-pressure sales dynamics, price changes late in the process, or unexpected add-ons (such as paint/fabric protection, prep fees, or packages) that inflate the out-the-door cost. Some owners also describe being steered toward extended service contracts and GAP products they did not fully understand. In many cases, buyers discover after the fact that the interest rate or lender terms could have been more favorable had they used their own bank or credit union.

• Ask for a line-item, out-the-door quote early and in writing. Circle any add-on you’re not requesting and refuse it.
• Get a pre-approval from your own bank or credit union; compare the APR, fees, and total finance charges with the dealership’s offer.
• Extended warranties and “lifetime” coverages often include exclusions and deductibles. Read the actual contract—not the brochure—before signing.

For broader context on RV retail pitfalls and buyer protections, channels like Liz Amazing offer practical breakdowns of pricing tactics and how to avoid common finance office traps.

(Moderate Concern)

Numerous customers across the industry—and echoed in Nokomis reviews—complain of unexpectedly low trade-in offers compared with third-party valuations or earlier discussions. In some cases, buyers report that once they traveled to the dealership, the actual appraisal was substantially lower than informal estimates, creating pressure to accept in order to salvage the trip. This can also intersect with rushed closings and insufficient time to re-check market values.

• Secure multiple written offers for your trade (e.g., from RV consignment specialists or competing dealers) before stepping into negotiations.
• Bring maintenance records and clear, well-lit photos to support your trade’s condition.
• Be willing to walk if the appraisal diverges materially from market evidence.

(Serious Concern)

Several public reviews of the Nokomis store describe delayed registration, missing title paperwork, or temporary tags expiring while buyers waited. In Florida, failure to process titles properly and within statutory timelines can create legal exposure and practical hardship, including inability to travel or secure insurance coverage.

• Florida title transfer timelines are governed by state law; see the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles guidance: FLHSMV consumer education on titles and tags.
• Get clear written timelines for title and tag completion, plus a named contact in the business office to follow up.
• Document any missed deadlines via certified mail or email and consider contacting the Florida Attorney General for persistent non-compliance.

(Serious Concern)

Customers who need post-sale fixes report long wait times for service appointments and parts. In low-star reports, several owners say they felt deprioritized after the sale, even when problems were identified within days of delivery. Some describe repeated returns for the same unresolved issue. It’s common in RV retail for service departments to be over capacity; however, for a destination location like Nokomis serving both locals and travelers, extended delays can wipe out entire camping seasons.

• Ask the service manager about current lead times before you buy; request this in writing.
• Confirm what constitutes an emergency repair and whether mobile service is supported under your warranty/contract.
• When possible, use a third-party inspector during the PDI to reduce the number of early warranty claims. Again: search RV Inspectors near me.

(Serious Concern)

Multiple critical reviews reference receiving units with visible defects (water leaks, non-functioning slides or appliances, sealant gaps, misaligned doors, loose wiring, or trim and cabinetry problems). Some buyers say they were assured issues would be “handled after delivery,” only to face long waits or disputed coverage. Given many new RVs ship with factory defects, the dealer’s PDI is essential—and if it’s rushed or incomplete, the new owner can inherit a long punch list.

• Never accept promises in place of repairs. If the dealer insists on post-delivery fixes, require a signed, itemized due bill with dates.
• Consider a two-visit handover: inspection day (find issues) and delivery day (after remediation is complete).
• For a detailed PDI walkthrough strategy, see consumer educators like Liz Amazing’s buyer checklists and delivery-day tips.

(Moderate Concern)

Another frequent theme in low-star reviews is difficulty reaching a responsible person after the sale—particularly in service and finance. Customers report unanswered calls, inconsistent status updates, or confusion about who “owns” the problem. Complex warranty chains (OEM, component supplier, chassis manufacturer) can worsen the confusion without proactive dealership coordination.

• Insist on a single point of contact (name, email, direct line) for all open items before you sign.
• Put all requests and promised timelines in writing. Summarize phone calls by email the same day.
• If you’ve had trouble getting responses from this store, share the timeline and outcomes to help others prepare.

(Moderate Concern)

Buyers frequently report being offered paint or fabric protection, tire-and-wheel packages, nitrogen fills, “lifetime” maintenance, or VIN etching at prices that may not reflect real-world value. These items are not inherently wrong, but they are optional—and high-margin. If the out-the-door price suddenly rises late in the process, check for bundled packages you didn’t request.

• Politely but firmly decline add-ons you do not want; ask the finance manager to remove them and reprint the contract.
• Read the full terms on any “lifetime” service claims—coverage often requires strict maintenance at the selling dealer.
• Price compare third-party service contracts versus the dealership option, and confirm claim processes in writing.

(Serious Concern)

The Federal Trade Commission prohibits unfair or deceptive acts or practices in commerce. Bait-and-switch advertising, misrepresenting warranty coverage, or adding undisclosed fees at signing may implicate the FTC Act. Consumers can learn more or file a complaint at the FTC: FTC guidance and complaint portal.

(Moderate Concern)

The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act governs written warranties on consumer products. If a covered defect isn’t repaired within a reasonable number of attempts or time, owners may have remedies. However, RVs are complicated: different components (appliances, frames, chassis) carry separate warranties. Keep all paperwork and escalate in writing to both the dealer and component makers when needed. Overview: FTC Businessperson’s Guide to Federal Warranty Law.

(Moderate Concern)

Florida’s “lemon law” primarily covers the motor vehicle portion of motorhomes, not the living quarters. Still, it sets expectations for repeated repair attempts and time out of service. Learn more at the Florida Attorney General: Florida Lemon Law Overview. Title processing and tags are regulated by FLHSMV—missed deadlines can be reportable to authorities: FLHSMV consumer resources.

(Serious Concern)

Dealers sell products covered by manufacturer recalls, which must be remedied at no cost for safety defects. Before and after purchase, search your exact RV brand, model, and VIN with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration: NHTSA Recalls Lookup. Recalls on chassis or appliances (e.g., propane systems, refrigerators, axles) have real safety implications. If recall appointments are delayed, document everything—safety concerns deserve priority placement.

(Serious Concern)

Owner reports of water leaks and sealant failures are not trivial. Even short-term water intrusion can lead to soft floors, mold, delamination, compromised electrical connections, and reduced resale value. On towables, saturated subfloors can increase weight and destabilize towing dynamics. A failed seal that seems “cosmetic” can become a multi-thousand-dollar repair.

(Serious Concern)

Malfunctions in converters, inverters, GFCIs, or AC wiring can create shock and fire hazards. Propane leaks, misfiring furnaces, or faulty regulators can be life-threatening. On motorhomes and towables alike, brake controller and axle alignment issues can cause dangerous stopping distances or uneven tire wear leading to blowouts. These are not issues to “monitor later”—they should be resolved before a unit leaves the lot.

(Moderate Concern)

Extended service delays can wipe out prime camping months, while finance payments continue. New RVs depreciate quickly; every month lost to repair queues diminishes value without delivering use. Consumers should factor potential downtime into their buying decision—especially if a dealership’s service department is known to be backlogged.

(Moderate Concern)

Everything promised verbally should be reflected in writing on the deal jacket: buyer’s order, due bill, and financing paperwork. If you’re told “we’ll take care of it later,” press for written commitments, parts numbers, and completion dates. If the store is upgrading parts or handling recall work before delivery, request invoices noting the work is “no charge” under the deal.

• Photograph every signed page; do not leave the building with blanks on any form.
• Ask for contact information for sales, finance, and a senior service manager for escalation.

(Moderate Concern)

RV dealers may mark up rates or bundle add-ons in the finance office. Shop for financing beforehand, compare APRs and loan terms side by side, and don’t be afraid to walk. Decline add-ons that don’t deliver clear value. If a product is truly beneficial, you can always add it later after independent research.

• Bring a pre-approval letter and use it as your benchmark.
• Cross-check the contract “Items sold” section for any unwanted products before signing.

(Serious Concern)

Schedule your independent inspection as a separate day from the planned pickup, so there’s time to fix issues before money changes hands. Portable moisture meters, thermal cameras, and 12V circuit testers are tools inspectors use to catch early-stage defects. If the dealership resists outside inspections, consider that a warning sign and seek another seller.

• Again: Search “RV Inspectors near me” and book in advance.
• Confirm shore power and water hookup will be provided for a full PDI on-site.