Happy Camper RV Sales TOO!- Garden City, ID Exposed: Service lags, missed PDI, finance add-ons, fees

(Serious Concern)

Across low-star dealership reviews nationwide—and at this location per recent public feedback—buyers frequently report receiving RVs with water leaks, electrical faults, inoperable slides, trim defects, battery/charger problems, and other punch-list items that should have been caught during a thorough pre-delivery inspection (PDI). Once a dealer is paid, your position weakens dramatically. If the RV needs repairs, some stores place you in the same queue as everyone else, and owners report waiting weeks or months for parts and appointments, leading to canceled camping plans and lost deposits at parks.

• Hire a professional inspector before delivery: Use this search to find an NRVIA or equivalent pro: RV Inspectors near me.
• Don’t accept “we’ll fix it after you take delivery” promises: Get items fixed before paying and before signing. If the dealer will not allow a third-party inspection, that is a major red flag—walk away.
• Document everything in writing: Create a written, signed we-owe list with completion dates and consequences if missed.

Tip: Watch a few relevant videos on Liz Amazing’s channel about pre-delivery inspections and dealer service queues. They show exactly how to avoid common traps.

(Serious Concern)

Multiple low-star reviews mention rigs delivered with unresolved defects—water intrusion, improperly sealed roofs/windows, inoperative appliances or slides, and cosmetic damage. Consumers often say they had to return immediately for fixes, losing valuable camping time. This suggests that PDI thoroughness and final walkarounds may be inconsistent.

• Best practice: Conduct your own detailed acceptance checklist and require fixes prior to final payment. Consider bringing a third-party inspector: find an RV inspector near you.
• Protect yourself: If a salesperson promises post-sale fixes, put it in writing with firm timelines and a loaner/RV park reimbursement policy if delays occur.

(Serious Concern)

One of the most common themes in negative reviews across RV retail is long waits for service and parts, infrequent updates, and difficulty reaching service advisors. Feedback tied to this location aligns with that broader pattern. Owners describe multiple weeks to months for warranty approvals and parts shipments and, at times, feeling they had to repeatedly chase for status updates.

• Ask in writing for the service lead time and parts ETA before dropping off your unit.
• Escalate with the manufacturer directly if a warranty claim stalls. Keep all communication documented via email.
• Consider mobile RV techs for simpler fixes so your rig isn’t tied up in a backlog.

(Moderate Concern)

Some public reviews mention delays in receiving plates, tags, or titles, creating stress for new owners. While some delays originate with state processing or banks, it’s the dealership’s responsibility to submit paperwork promptly and communicate realistic timelines. If you plan to travel soon after purchase, these delays can disrupt plans.

• Before purchase: Ask for the average timeframe for title and registration completion and what happens if deadlines are missed.
• Insist on receipts for all DMV submissions and keep a paper trail.

(Serious Concern)

Low-star reviews frequently flag aggressive finance office tactics across the RV industry. Complaints involve add-ons such as extended service contracts, interior/exterior protection, tire/wheel, “nitrogen” packages, VIN etch, and gap coverage—sometimes presented as “required” or included. There are also reports of higher-than-expected APRs versus preapprovals. Public feedback tied to this store references confusion over add-ons and costs that were not fully explained until signing.

• Bring your own financing preapproval so you can spot inflated APRs.
• Ask for an itemized out-the-door quote in writing before meeting finance. Decline any product you do not want—none are mandatory.
• Scrutinize exclusions of any “warranty.” Many are service contracts with numerous carve-outs and maintenance hoops.

(Moderate Concern)

Another frustration thread across low-star reviews: customers expecting one value during negotiations and receiving a lower offer during signing, sometimes attributed to “discovered” condition issues. Public comments about this location include dissatisfaction over perceived low-ball trade offers or last-minute adjustments.

• Get competing offers: Solicit bids from at least two dealers and a consignment outlet.
• Document condition: Provide photos, service records, and a written pre-appraisal to minimize surprises.

(Serious Concern)

Some reviewers claim verbal assurances (e.g., “We’ll take care of that after delivery”) were not executed or were delayed. Misunderstandings are common when commitments aren’t documented. This complaint category overlaps with PDI issues and service queues.

• Convert every promise into a signed we-owe with scope, parts list, and target completion dates.
• Use email for all follow-ups to create time-stamped records.

(Moderate Concern)

Public feedback sometimes describes repairs that required rework or fixes that didn’t address root causes. Inexperienced techs are a known challenge industry-wide. At this store, reviewers note mixed outcomes—some repairs resolved first try; others needed multiple visits.

• Request a master tech for complex electrical, slide, or structural issues.
• Ask for photos of the repair and parts replaced, and a copy of fault codes when applicable.

(Moderate Concern)

Across RV retail, buyers report “surprise” fees: prep, PDI, documentation, and add-ons bundled into the final contract. Some reviewers for this location say they encountered unexpected line items at signing or found the final total higher than initially discussed.

• Demand a written itemized OTD quote that includes everything: sales tax, title, doc fees, prep, and any dealer-installed options.
• Refuse bogus prep fees: PDI should already be covered in the sales margin.

(Serious Concern)

Reported defects and service failures can pose real-world hazards and costs:

• Water intrusion leads to mold, rot, and structural damage in floors and slide boxes—expensive repairs that escalate quickly.
• Brake/axle/tire issues (when left unresolved) can cause handling failures, blowouts, or loss of control—serious safety risks on highways.
• LP gas and electrical faults risk fire or carbon monoxide exposure if not properly diagnosed and repaired.
• Slideout malfunctions can trap belongings or prevent safe retraction for travel, stranding owners far from home.

Always cross-check VINs for active recalls and service campaigns. While recalls are issued by manufacturers, the dealer’s role in identifying and coordinating repairs is critical. You can look up recalls by brand/model at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA): NHTSA recall search (enter your actual RV year/make/model for accurate results).

For additional owner education on avoiding dangerous and costly pitfalls, review investigative pieces by creators like Liz Amazing, who routinely covers RV safety and dealer pitfalls.

(Moderate Concern)

Consumer complaints about warranty denials, deceptive add-ons, or delayed paperwork carry potential legal implications. If you encounter problems, these statutes and agencies are relevant:

• Warranty rights: The Magnuson–Moss Warranty Act governs written warranties on consumer products; service contracts must be clearly disclosed. Learn more via the Federal Trade Commission (FTC): FTC guide to warranty law.
• Deceptive acts and practices: The FTC Act prohibits unfair or deceptive acts; misrepresenting add-ons as “required” or failing to disclose fees could be problematic. See FTC truth-in-advertising.
• State AG: Idaho’s Attorney General accepts consumer complaints regarding auto/RV dealer practices. Filing a complaint may help resolve disputes and identify patterns of misconduct. Search “Idaho Attorney General consumer protection” to locate the current complaint portal.
• Vehicle recalls and safety defects: File safety defect complaints at NHTSA: Report a safety problem.

If a promised repair under warranty is not honored, insist on written denial reasoning and escalate with the RV manufacturer. Document conversations, emails, photos, and technician notes; such records are essential if mediation or legal action becomes necessary.

(Moderate Concern)

Buyers at RV dealers nationwide often feel blindsided by last-minute products added in the finance office. Approach the following with scrutiny:

• Extended service contracts: Often marketed as “warranties,” but typically third-party service contracts with deductibles and exclusions.
• Paint/fabric/ceramic coatings: High-margin items that may have limited real-world value versus careful owner maintenance.
• Tire/wheel, key replacement, windshield protection: Read fine print; consider your travel patterns before buying.
• Nitrogen tire fill, VIN etching, theft etch packages: Commonly viewed as unnecessary; seek removal if pre-installed.

Remember: none of these are mandatory to secure a loan or complete a sale. Decline politely and request updated paperwork without them.