Glades RV- Fort Myers, FL Exposed: Aggressive add-ons, delivery defects, slow service & title delays

Serious Concern

Across Florida and the broader RV industry, buyers frequently report punch-list defects, water intrusion risk, electrical problems, and fit-and-finish issues that are far easier to fix before money changes hands. A thorough inspection by an independent, NRVIA-certified or highly experienced mobile RV inspector is your best defense. Search locally: RV Inspectors near me. Make the contract contingent upon an acceptable inspection and demand time to remedy deficiencies prior to delivery.

If a dealer discourages or refuses a third-party inspection, that’s a red flag—walk away. Once you sign and drive off, many dealers prioritize new sales over warranty repairs, leaving owners with cancelled camping trips while the RV sits for weeks or months awaiting service queues and parts. Schedule your inspection early, and require documented fixes in writing before final payment. Consider obtaining a second quote from an independent shop for any significant repairs noted on the inspection report.

Still deciding what to look for? The investigative work by creators like Liz Amazing offers checklists, inspection walk-throughs, and eye-opening examples of issues that slip through dealer PDIs.

Serious Concern

Public reviews of this location indicate pressure to accept dealer-installed packages and fees of questionable value. This can include high-margin paint/fabric protection, tire and wheel add-ons, and extended warranties with exclusions. Reviewers often describe surprise line items at signing that weren’t part of the initial verbal price discussion. Always request an itemized out-the-door quote early and refuse any non-essential add-ons.

• Compare every add-on to an aftermarket equivalent—protection packages and accessories are often cheaper if purchased outside the dealership.
• Decline anything you didn’t explicitly request, and get confirmations in writing that unwanted items will not be added back later.

Evidence source: Glades RV – Fort Myers, FL Google Reviews (sort by lowest). Also search: Glades RV Fort Myers FL Issues.

Moderate Concern

Multiple customer narratives across the RV sector point to dealership-arranged loans with marked-up interest rates, unexpected lender fees, or failure to disclose better alternatives. You can often secure lower rates through your own bank or credit union—then let the dealership try to beat it. Have them provide a lender offer sheet in writing, with the APR, term, and total cost clarified. Some reviewers at Florida RV stores report rate changes between pre-approval and signing; if numbers move, pause the deal until discrepancies are explained and documented.

• Obtain pre-approval from your bank first and bring it with you.
• Watch for changes in APR, document fees, and term length at closing.

Reference: Glades RV Fort Myers FL complaints and the dealership’s Google Reviews (lowest first).

Moderate Concern

Trade-in complaints are common in the RV world and are frequently cited by reviewers when expectations are set early and numbers drop late. Protect yourself by collecting multiple independent trade quotes, including an instant cash offer from a national reseller, before visiting. Then, compare the “difference number” (sale price minus trade allowance) rather than focusing on a single figure that can be manipulated. If the offer falls far below industry guides and independent bids, ask for a line-by-line justification or sell your RV outright and come back as a cash buyer.

Evidence pointer: Glades RV Fort Myers FL Problems.

Serious Concern

Some buyers report differences between the advertised condition or features and what was delivered, including missing equipment, damaged components, or last-minute disclaimers. If you rely on specific features (solar components, inverter capacity, upgraded suspension, slide toppers, etc.), document each item in the purchase agreement. Don’t accept “we’ll take care of it later” unless it’s in writing, tied to a timeline, with an agreed remedy if parts are backordered. Perform a full walkthrough with utilities hooked up and slides open.

Double-check your specific model’s must-have features by searching watchdog creators like Liz Amazing and by reading owner group posts before committing to an advertised unit.

Moderate Concern

Some shoppers report confusion around deposit refundability if financing, inspection, or delivery condition falls through. Only place a deposit after you have refund terms in writing, tied to specific contingencies (financing approval terms, acceptable third-party inspection results, and exact delivery condition). If a deposit is called “non-refundable,” ask why—and consider walking away unless you’re fully comfortable.

Research tip: Review recent low-star reviews here and scan for deposit disputes: Glades RV – Google Reviews (sort by lowest). Then share what happened in your case.

Serious Concern

Florida buyers and out-of-state purchasers alike sometimes report waiting beyond expected timelines for titles, registrations, and plates. These delays can prevent travel, campground reservations, or cause legal complications if temporary tags expire. Get estimated timelines in writing and ask for a named point-of-contact in the business office who will update you weekly until documents are complete. If you’re financing, verify that the lien is recorded correctly to avoid future title headaches.

See corroborating complaints by sorting the dealer’s Google profile by lowest rating: Glades RV – Fort Myers.

Serious Concern

Reports in the RV community regularly cite delivery-day discoveries: leaks, trim coming loose, non-functioning appliances, slide misalignment, and uncalibrated leveling systems. Customers often describe being promised “quick fixes” that later fall into long service queues. This is where your third-party inspection is crucial. Keep a printed punch list, and don’t accept delivery until all safety-impacting items are fully repaired and tested under power and water.

• Bring a moisture meter and inspect every exterior seam, window, slide roof, and roof penetration.
• Insist on water-pressure tests, shore power tests, and full operation of slide-outs and awnings.

If you’re considering Glades RV, line up an inspector now: Find an RV inspector near you. If the dealership will not allow a professional inspector, that’s a significant warning sign.

Serious Concern

Numerous Florida RV owners report that once the sale is completed, service becomes slow—units sit for weeks awaiting diagnostics, parts, or authorization. Communication—missed calls, vague timelines, and lack of updates—compounds frustration. The net effect: canceled vacations and storage costs. Ask the service manager about current backlog, average lead times, and whether they prioritize “their own” sales over outside customers. Document every service visit and request estimated completion dates in writing.

Serious Concern

Multiple consumer accounts across the RV sector mention returned units with the same issue recurring, suggesting rushed diagnostics or inadequate repair verification. Complex systems—12V/120V, absorption fridges, multiplex wiring, slide hydraulics—require seasoned technicians. Ask the dealership about technician certifications and experience levels. If the first visit doesn’t resolve the issue, escalate to the service manager and request a master tech sign-off before you pick up the RV again.

Watchdog creators like Liz Amazing routinely showcase service pitfalls and how to document defects so they get fixed right the first time.

Moderate Concern

Consumers sometimes describe finger-pointing between dealers and manufacturers. Warranty coverage can be denied for “owner-caused” damage or considered “within spec.” Protect yourself by reading your warranty booklet in full, understanding exclusions, and documenting the defect with photos, videos, and dated notes. If a claim stalls, contact the manufacturer directly, then follow up in writing with both parties. Keep originals of all repair orders.

Serious Concern

Leaking plumbing risks mold. Miswired or overloaded circuits risk fire. Faulty brakes, axles, or hitches can cause accidents. Slide failures can trap occupants or damage bodywork during travel. Any defect that affects steering, braking, stability, electrical systems, or LP gas should be treated as urgent. If a service department cannot schedule you promptly, consider an independent RV shop and submit receipts to the manufacturer for consideration.

Moderate Concern

Owners report delays in recall repairs due to part shortages or scheduling constraints across many RV dealers, not just in Fort Myers. Before purchase, run recall checks on the exact VIN for any unit you’re considering. While NHTSA recall searches are more useful when performed by make/model/VIN, you can begin with a generic dealer-based search and then refine to your RV’s brand and year: NHTSA recall lookup (start here). Confirm in writing which recalls will be completed pre-delivery.

Serious Concern

Based on patterns commonly alleged in low-star dealership reviews—misrepresentation of condition, failure to disclose damage, delayed titling, and warranty runaround—dealers can face scrutiny from consumer protection agencies. If you encounter deceptive advertising, undisclosed add-ons, or contract terms that differ from verbal promises, you can file complaints with:

• Federal Trade Commission (FTC) for unfair or deceptive practices.
• Florida’s Attorney General Consumer Protection Division for state-level consumer protection. Start at: Florida Attorney General.
• For safety defects, file a complaint with NHTSA.
• For financing issues or undisclosed credit terms, you may also contact the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB).

Florida’s Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act (FDUTPA) prohibits unfair or deceptive acts in the conduct of trade or commerce. Keep copies of ads, texts, emails, and your signed paperwork. If problems escalate, consult a Florida consumer-rights attorney and preserve all written records.

Serious Concern

Even minor post-delivery defects can quickly add up to thousands of dollars if a dealership service department is backed up and you’re forced to find alternate lodging or cancel trips. For full-timers, lost use can be catastrophic. Factor into your budget a contingency for out-of-warranty fixes—even early in ownership—and prioritize dealers with proven after-sale support. Before signing, ask what happens if your new RV is unusable within the first 30 days and the repair is delayed: Will they prioritize your case, cover lodging, or provide a loaner? Get the answer in writing.

If you’ve struggled to get a timely repair in Fort Myers, share your timeline and outcome so other buyers know what to expect.

Moderate Concern

Extended service contracts are often heavily promoted at close, but many have deductible costs, wear-and-tear exclusions, and claim caps that make them poor value. Some buyers reported difficulty getting claims authorized or reimbursed. Ask for a copy of the full policy and read every exclusion. Compare with independent service plans, and decide only after a holistic review of the RV’s reliability, your usage pattern, and the contract fine print.

Moderate Concern

Paint, fabric, and undercoating packages may be offered at a premium. Independent detailers can provide similar or better protection for less, with clearer warranty terms. Unless you can verify the value and understand coverage limits, decline and source from third parties.