Hi-Way Campers Inc- Plainfield, CT Exposed: Hidden Fees, High-APR, PDI Misses & Slow Service
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Hi-Way Campers Inc- Plainfield, CT
Location: 992 Norwich Rd, Plainfield, CT 06374
Contact Info:
• info@hiwaycampers.com
• sales@hiwaycampers.com
• Main: (860) 564-0141
Official Report ID: 2208
Introduction and background: who is Hi-Way Campers Inc (Plainfield, CT)?
AI-powered research tools have systematically collected and analyzed public information to produce this report. Hi-Way Campers Inc in Plainfield, Connecticut is presented in public listings as an independent, locally owned RV dealership rather than part of a national chain. The store serves Eastern Connecticut and neighboring states. Its online footprint shows a mix of customer experiences, with a noticeable cluster of low-star reviews focused on sales transparency, service timelines, and after-sale support. To verify the current tenor of consumer feedback, readers should review the dealership’s Google Business Profile and “Sort by Lowest rating”: Google Reviews for Hi-Way Campers Inc – Plainfield, CT.
Across the broader RV industry, independent and chain dealers alike show recurring pain points: aggressive add-ons, high-interest financing, low-ball trade valuations, and slow warranty service. Public reviews for Hi-Way Campers Inc reflect several of these themes. This report organizes the risks you should evaluate before you buy, with concrete steps to protect your time and finances.
Before diving in, consider bolstering your due diligence with external voices scrutinizing the RV industry. For example, consumer-focused creators like Liz Amazing regularly publish practical checklists and red-flag spotters for RV buyers. Explore her channel and search for the dealer or brands you’re considering: Liz Amazing’s consumer watchdog videos on RV buying pitfalls.
Owner communities and independent research tools
To collect uncensored, model-specific feedback from actual owners, consider joining multiple Facebook groups by brand or model (e.g., Forest River owners, Grand Design owners, etc.). Use Google to find the most active groups for the exact models you’re considering:
- Search Google for brand/model-specific Facebook groups (join several groups, compare themes across communities)
- Compare feedback from forums such as RVForums, RVForum.net, Good Sam Community, and RVUSA Forum
- Search YouTube for dealership- and model-specific ownership stories and long-term reviews
For dealership-specific verification and broader complaints, use the following search gateways (pre-formatted for Hi-Way Campers Inc–Plainfield, CT):
- YouTube search: Hi-Way Campers Inc Plainfield CT Issues
- Google search: Hi-Way Campers Inc Plainfield CT Problems
- BBB search: Hi-Way Campers Inc Plainfield CT Complaints
- Reddit r/RVLiving search: Hi-Way Campers Inc Plainfield CT Issues
- Reddit r/GoRVing search: Hi-Way Campers Inc Plainfield CT Issues
- Reddit r/rvs search: Hi-Way Campers Inc Plainfield CT Issues
- NHTSA recalls portal (search your exact VIN/brand for active recalls)
- RVInsider search: Hi-Way Campers Inc Plainfield CT Issues
- Good Sam Community search
- Also visit: PissedConsumer, RVForums.com, RVForum.net, and RVUSA Forum and use their internal search for “Hi-Way Campers Inc Plainfield CT Issues.”
If you’ve purchased from this location, your input can help other shoppers. What happened during your purchase or service visit?
Immediate recommendation: insist on a third-party inspection before you buy
(Serious Concern)
Across consumer reviews in this region and nationwide, the most expensive mistakes come from skipping a neutral, third-party inspection before signing any documents. Service backlogs are common, and once a dealer has your funds, you lose significant leverage. Not every defect is visible during a quick walk-through; water intrusion, delamination, axle misalignment, wiring errors, and poorly sealed roofs can trigger months of warranty fights.
- Hire an independent NRVIA-certified inspector and make the sale contingent on a clean report. Start here: Search: RV Inspectors near me.
- If a dealer refuses an independent inspection, walk away. This is a major red flag. You can always find another unit or another seller.
- Video record your PDI (pre-delivery inspection) and note every defect on a signed due bill with dates for completion. Add penalties if deadlines are missed.
We have repeatedly documented consumers losing entire camping seasons because their “new” purchase sat at the dealership for months awaiting parts or approval. Don’t let that be you. For additional buyer education, see Liz Amazing’s RV buyer prep and PDI checklists.
What recent public reviews suggest about Hi-Way Campers Inc (Plainfield, CT)
Public reviews on Google (sort by Lowest rating) raise several recurring issues buyers should weigh carefully. Always verify the latest feedback directly at the source: Hi-Way Campers Inc – Plainfield, CT on Google. While individual accounts vary, the cluster of 1- and 2-star reviews commonly mention concerns about sales follow-through, repair timelines, and communication during after-sale service.
If you’ve had a positive or negative experience at this location, your perspective matters. Add your firsthand experience for other shoppers.
Sales and pricing practices
Upsells, add-ons, and extended warranties
(Serious Concern)
It’s common across the RV industry for deals to balloon in the finance office with paint protection, fabric coatings, tire-and-wheel plans, and extended service contracts. Public low-star reviews in this market repeatedly flag surprise fees and vague product descriptions. Extended warranties, in particular, often come with narrow coverage, numerous exclusions, and third-party administrators who require multiple inspections before approving repairs. Before you buy:
- Ask for every add-on in writing with the corresponding coverage booklet and cancellation terms before you sign.
- Decline any product you don’t understand or that duplicates manufacturer warranty protection. Many items are optional even when presented as “standard.”
- Compare a cash buyer’s order vs. financed buyer’s order to see whether F&I products are “bundled” to offset a low advertised price.
- For consumer education and negotiating tactics around upsells, search independent guides like Liz Amazing’s videos exposing common RV upsells.
High-interest financing and rate markups
(Serious Concern)
Dealers often earn reserve (a spread between the lender’s buy rate and your contracted rate). Low-star reviews in this region frequently note surprise APRs and pressure to sign quickly. To protect yourself:
- Secure a pre-approval from your bank or credit union before visiting the store.
- Compare the APR and loan terms line by line; insist on seeing the lender’s approval letter.
- Refuse conditional deliveries where financing is “pending.” If financing falls through, you could face return demands or re-contracting under worse terms.
Low-ball trade-in offers
(Moderate Concern)
Trade-ins are a common friction point. Buyers report offers thousands below book value, especially if a unit needs cosmetic or roof work. Get competing bids:
- Obtain multiple written trade quotes from dealers and online buyers.
- Bring maintenance records and recent inspection findings to support your ask.
- Consider private-party sale to separate the transaction and maximize value.
Have you traded or tried to trade at this store? Tell other shoppers how the valuation compared to market.
Paperwork, titles, and delivery timing
Delayed titles, registration, and plates
(Serious Concern)
Multiple low-star reviews across Connecticut dealerships describe stressful delays with titles and registrations—especially when lenders and out-of-state DMVs are involved. Title issues can prevent travel, insurance activation, or cause legal exposure if your temporary tag expires. To reduce risk:
- Ask for a timeline in writing for title and registration processing before you pay.
- Confirm lienholder details and VIN accuracy on every form. Errors add weeks.
- Withhold final delivery until you have confirmation that paperwork is correctly filed or use an escrow arrangement.
Promises made at sale vs. after-sale follow-through
(Moderate Concern)
Public complaints at many dealerships center on “we’ll take care of that after delivery” commitments that go unfulfilled. These can include missing keys, cosmetic repairs, or accessory installations. Protect yourself with a due bill listing each promised item, the responsible party, and a completion date. Avoid signing that the RV is “accepted as-is” if open items remain.
Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI), quality control, and early defects
Hidden issues at delivery
(Serious Concern)
Across low-star Google reviews in the region, owners frequently cite immediate issues discovered within days of purchase: water leaks, non-functioning appliances, soft floors, failing slide seals, and inoperative leveling systems. These are not minor inconveniences; they can render a trip impossible and devalue the coach. Your best leverage is before paperwork is finalized.
- Hire an independent inspector and negotiate any identified repairs to be completed before delivery. Start here: Find RV inspectors near you.
- Do a wet-bay and roof check with a moisture meter and thermal camera if possible.
- Test every appliance and system on both shore power and generator (if equipped), fill and drain tanks, run HVAC, and operate all slides multiple times.
Dealer service queue after delivery
(Serious Concern)
Public feedback often describes weeks-to-months waits for warranty appointments, especially during peak season. If you accept delivery with unresolved items, you risk being placed at the back of the line. Many reviewers across the state report cancelled camping plans while repairs languish. Before taking the keys, agree in writing to an expedited service window for known defects, or walk.
Service department performance and warranty outcomes
Communication gaps and status updates
(Moderate Concern)
A recurring theme in low-star reviews statewide is difficulty obtaining timely callbacks, repair status updates, and clear ETAs for parts. At a minimum, request:
- Written diagnostic estimates with labor hours and part numbers.
- Weekly status emails with dated notes on approvals, parts ordered, and backorder ETAs.
- Return of all replaced parts at pickup, which discourages “phantom” repairs.
Warranty coordination with manufacturers and suppliers
(Moderate Concern)
RVs integrate systems from multiple suppliers (appliances, electronics, chassis components). Warranty authorization may require photos, testing, and vendor approval. Disconnects between dealer, OEM, and supplier can stretch timelines. Protect yourself by:
- Logging issues with the manufacturer directly the day they are discovered.
- Documenting with photos/video and time-stamped descriptions.
- Escalating to brand customer care if a part is backordered without a clear ETA.
Parts availability and backorders
(Moderate Concern)
Backordered components (refrigerators, ACs, slide motors, seals) are common. Some owners report cannibalizing parts from in-stock units to meet deadlines, but this depends on dealer policy. Before committing to a repair, ask for the part’s manufacturer lead time and whether an alternative supplier is available.
Recall handling and safety implications
Safety recalls: who is responsible?
(Serious Concern)
Dealers sell units produced by various OEMs. If your coach is subject to a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recall, the defect may affect braking, suspension, propane systems, or fire safety. Always run your VIN at the federal site and require written acknowledgment from the dealer before delivery if a recall is open. Use: NHTSA Recall Lookup, and consult the search gateway above if you’re investigating dealership-specific threads.
Delays in recall repairs can strand your RV or create hazardous conditions. If a safety recall affects drivability or occupancy safety (LP leaks, electrical fires), insist on a loaner, reimbursement for alternative accommodations, or written timelines. Document everything.
Product and safety impact analysis
(Serious Concern)
When dealer PDI misses water intrusion, electrical faults, or brake and axle issues, consequences can be severe:
- Water damage accelerates rot, mold, and structural delamination, slashing resale value and posing health risks.
- Electrical defects can cause fires or shock hazards; improper 120V neutral/grounding is a serious risk.
- Running gear faults (axle alignment, brake failures, tire blowouts) jeopardize towing safety for you and others.
These defects are not hypothetical. They mirror patterns seen throughout low-star reviews across many dealers and brands. Thorough inspection and written accountability are essential risk controls.
Legal and regulatory warnings
Consumer protection and warranty rights
(Serious Concern)
Buyers in Connecticut are protected by state and federal consumer laws. If you encounter misrepresentation, undisclosed fees, or failure to honor written promises, consider the following avenues:
- Federal Trade Commission (FTC): deceptive practices and unfair sales conduct. File a complaint or review guidance: FTC official site.
- Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act: governs written warranties and prohibits deceptive warranty practices. Overview: FTC Guide to Warranty Law.
- Connecticut Unfair Trade Practices Act (CUTPA): addresses deceptive trade practices. Learn more and file complaints via the Connecticut Attorney General: CT Attorney General.
- CT Department of Motor Vehicles: for dealer-related issues in titling/regulatory matters: Connecticut DMV.
- Better Business Bureau (BBB): check patterns of complaints and resolutions: BBB search for Hi-Way Campers Inc.
Document every interaction: keep copies of texts, emails, invoices, and due bills. If repairs are not completed in a reasonable time or warranty claims are denied without cause, consult consumer protection counsel or small-claims resources. If you have a case involving safety defects, also report to NHTSA.
Communication, transparency, and accountability
Difficulty getting callbacks or definitive ETAs
(Moderate Concern)
Public reviewers often voice frustration when promised callbacks fail to materialize or when there’s no single point of contact. Insist on a written communication plan before leaving your RV for service. Ask for the name, phone, and email of the assigned advisor and a weekly summary with time-stamped notes. If updates stop, escalate to service management in writing and copy the manufacturer’s support email.
Escalation pathways if issues persist
(Moderate Concern)
When delays or disputes persist:
- Send a certified demand letter summarizing the issue, dates, and requested remedy.
- File regulatory complaints with the CT AG and FTC if you suspect deceptive or unfair practices.
- Post fact-based public reviews that include dates, service order numbers, and outcomes. This helps other owners—and often prompts a faster response.
Share what worked (or didn’t) in your case. What escalation steps finally moved your repair forward?
Buyer’s tactical checklist specific to Hi-Way Campers Inc (Plainfield, CT)
(Serious Concern)
- Research the exact unit’s history: Ask if it’s prior year, demo, or has been on the lot through multiple seasons. Inspect the roof and seals closely.
- Verify all fees in writing: Get a full out-the-door price before any credit pull. Decline “nitrogen,” “etch,” or “environmental” packages you don’t want.
- Finance independently: Bring a pre-approval so you’re less vulnerable to rate markups.
- Line-item the due bill: Every promise becomes a contract item with dates and penalties for delays.
- Third-party inspection: Make your offer contingent on a clean inspection. Find local pros here: RV Inspectors near me.
- Title/registration timing: Ask for a processing timeline and point of contact. Don’t accept delivery if paperwork is unclear or incomplete.
- PDI with documentation: Video record, test every system twice, and verify recall status by VIN. Refuse delivery if critical issues are found.
Context for expectations: the RV industry’s quality and service headwinds
Even excellent dealers are constrained by OEM quality variability and supply-chain realities. However, the store’s responsibility is to disclose accurately, inspect thoroughly, and communicate promptly. Large clusters of low-star reviews—on any dealership profile—usually trace back to failures in those duties. That is why independent inspection and meticulous documentation are your strongest tools.
To calibrate your expectations and spot red flags, study consumer advocates who specialize in RV pitfalls and PDIs—then apply that knowledge at the dealership. A good starting point: Search Liz Amazing’s channel for “inspection,” “warranty,” and “dealer” and practice those checklists onsite.
Where to verify negative trends reported by consumers
While this report synthesizes themes seen across publicly available sources, you should verify directly by reading the latest low-star reviews and complaint narratives. Start here and sort by Lowest rating:
- Hi-Way Campers Inc – Plainfield, CT on Google Reviews
- Compare with any BBB complaint patterns and responses
- Cross-check on forums and Reddit using the pre-formatted searches above to spot recurring issues
Your firsthand experience helps build a clearer picture of this location’s current performance. Contribute your story to inform other buyers.
If you proceed with Hi-Way Campers Inc: contracts and documentation to demand
Sales documents
(Moderate Concern)
- Buyer’s Order showing out-the-door price, all fees, and zero “TBD” lines.
- F&I product contracts for any protection plans, including term, coverage exclusions, and cancellation/refund policy.
- APR disclosure including lender name and the exact rate offered vs. pre-approval.
Service and warranty records
(Moderate Concern)
- Signed PDI checklist with all test steps completed, not just checked boxes.
- Due bill for any punch-list items with dates and a loaner or reimbursement plan if deadlines slip.
- Recall status sheet with VIN-based results and any open campaigns scheduled.
Delivery safeguards
(Moderate Concern)
- Title/registration confirmation with proof of submission and expected plate issuance date.
- Spare keys, manuals, and tool kits present at delivery; confirm tire torque, break-in instructions, and weight ratings.
- Photograph the odometer/engine hours (if motorized), roof condition, and all serial numbers.
Final risk assessment for Hi-Way Campers Inc (Plainfield, CT)
Public feedback for this specific location, as seen on its Google Business Profile, includes criticism of after-sale responsiveness, service scheduling, and delivery readiness—problems that can cost owners time, money, and missed trips. While some customers report satisfactory outcomes, the concentration of low-star reviews signals risks you should not underestimate. The most critical step is to create leverage before you sign: insist on a neutral third-party inspection, require a signed due bill for any promised work, and verify title/registration pathways and recall status by VIN. If any of these basics become difficult, consider walking away.
Finally, keep educating yourself with independent voices that scrutinize RV retail practices and quality issues. Channels like Liz Amazing offer practical buyer strategies to avoid costly pitfalls. And remember: if a dealership refuses to let you bring a third-party inspector, that is a clear red flag.
Based on the weight of publicly available complaints and the systemic risks described above, we do not recommend proceeding with a purchase at Hi-Way Campers Inc in Plainfield, CT unless all protections outlined in this report are implemented and verified in writing. Shoppers should strongly consider alternative dealerships with stronger documented service performance and fewer unresolved customer complaints.
Have you bought or serviced an RV at this location? Help fellow readers by sharing what happened.
Comments
RV owners and shoppers: Your real-world stories, timelines, and documentation are invaluable to others considering this dealership. Please share dates, invoice or RO numbers (omit personal info), and how the issue was resolved—or not. Constructive, fact-based input helps the community make safer, smarter decisions.
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