Hodge’s Legacy RV (Formerly Wratten Trailer Sales)- Adams, NY Exposed: Delivery Defects, Slow Fixes
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Hodge’s Legacy RV (Formerly Wratten Trailer Sales)- Adams, NY
Location: 9209 US-11, Adams, NY 13605
Contact Info:
• Main: (315) 232-4535
• Service: (315) 232-4747
• sales@hodgeslegacyrv.com
• info@hodgeslegacyrv.com
Official Report ID: 3604
Introduction: What AI-Powered Research Reveals About Hodge’s Legacy RV (Formerly Wratten Trailer Sales) — Adams, NY
AI-powered research tools have systematically collected and analyzed public information to produce this report. Hodge’s Legacy RV, known for decades locally as Wratten Trailer Sales, operates in Adams, New York, serving the North Country communities near Watertown and Fort Drum. It appears to be a privately held, independent RV dealership rather than part of a national chain. Public feedback about this location is mixed, with recurring reports that focus on service turnaround times, delivery quality, warranty/frustration points, paperwork delays, and aggressive upsells—issues that are unfortunately common in the RV retail sector, but still critical to evaluate thoroughly for this specific dealership.
To ground your research in firsthand owner accounts, we strongly recommend starting with the dealership’s Google Business Profile and sorting by Lowest Rating to read recent 1- and 2‑star reviews. Use this official listing: Google Business Profile for Hodge’s Legacy RV (formerly Wratten Trailer Sales) — Adams, NY. Read the lowest‑rated reviews and verify patterns and timelines for yourself.
Immediate Research Toolkit: Verify Before You Buy
Find unfiltered owner feedback and recent complaints
- Google Business Reviews (Sort by Lowest Rating): Start here to read recent 1- and 2-star experiences at the Adams, NY location: Hodge’s Legacy RV Google Profile
- Model-specific owner communities (Facebook groups): Join brand/model groups for the RVs you’re considering to see service experiences and DIY fixes. Use this Google search and enter your RV brand/model (e.g., “Grand Design Imagine” or “Forest River Cherokee”): Find RV Brand Facebook Groups via Google (adjust the brand name in the query).
- YouTube investigations: Independent creators often document dealership problems and solutions. A good starting point is Liz Amazing’s channel, which frequently exposes systemic RV industry issues. Explore: Investigations and consumer advice by Liz Amazing. Use her channel’s search for the dealer or brand you’re considering.
- Third-party inspection (critical): Locate a certified inspector before you sign anything: Search “RV Inspectors near me”. If a dealer refuses third‑party inspections, that’s a red flag—walk away.
Have you purchased or serviced here? Have you had issues others should know about?
Mandatory Step: Insist on a Third-Party RV Inspection Before Purchase
Why inspection is your only real leverage
(Serious Concern)
Across many public reviews for independent RV dealers (including this location), a consistent theme is that new and used units can be delivered with defects that take months to resolve after the sale. Once the contract is signed and funds transfer, your leverage drops dramatically. A third‑party inspection identifies defects before you accept delivery and gives you negotiation power to require that issues be fixed in writing, with a target date, or to walk.
- Late discovery of leaks, electrical shorts, furnace/AC failures, or slide misalignments can derail the first season of ownership.
- Service departments often triage new buyers to the back of the queue while prioritizing in-stock preps and higher-margin repairs.
- Many owners report canceled camping trips and extended downtime while waiting on warranty parts approvals and shipments.
Find vetted inspectors: RV Inspectors near me. If the dealership refuses to allow a third-party inspection, that is a major red flag—consider it a deal-breaker.
Sales and F&I Practices to Watch Closely
High-pressure upsells and add-ons
(Serious Concern)
Public complaints in the RV sector frequently cite aggressive add-ons at delivery: extended warranties, paint protection, interior coatings, tire-and-wheel packages, nitrogen fills, or alarm/GPS devices. Some buyers at independent dealers describe feeling rushed through stacks of paperwork, later discovering thousands in extras they didn’t need. If you’re shopping at Hodge’s Legacy RV, insist on an itemized buyer’s order weeks before pickup and strike any line items you don’t want.
- Ask for cash and finance out-the-door prices with line‑item breakdowns.
- Decline products you haven’t independently researched; many are low‑value with limited claims eligibility.
- Get the financing sheet upfront—compare rates with your credit union.
Financing and rate markups
(Moderate Concern)
Dealers can mark up buy-rates from lenders by several points, inflating your monthly payment substantially over the life of an RV loan. This practice is common across the industry. Bring your own pre-approval to keep the rate honest, and be cautious about extending terms beyond 10–12 years unless you fully understand the total interest cost. If the dealership offers financing, request the lender’s name, the buy-rate versus sell-rate, and prepayment penalty terms in writing.
Trade-in valuations and low-ball offers
(Moderate Concern)
Consumers regularly report trade value swings of thousands depending on dealer inventory needs and reconditioning estimates. Bring multiple written bids (e.g., from online consignment or local buyers) and your own inspection report to justify higher value. If the dealer’s offer seems unreasonably low or suddenly drops at signing because of “newly found” issues, pause the deal and request a documented inspection and reconditioning estimate.
Did you encounter questionable upsells or surprise fees? Tell us what happened at signing.
Delivery Quality and PDI (Pre-Delivery Inspection) Shortcomings
Units delivered with unresolved defects
(Serious Concern)
At many independent dealerships, customers report arriving for pickup to find outstanding punch-list items, missing parts, or new issues discovered during their own walkthrough. In public reviews for the Adams, NY location, shoppers describe discovering issues only after taking possession—leading to service delays. Your defense is to perform a slow, methodical PDI with your inspector and refuse delivery until documented defects are resolved.
- Check roof seals, slide operation, leveling jacks, LP system tests, GFCI/tripped breakers, furnace/AC cycles, and water systems under pressure and heat.
- Insist the service writer signs off on each defect, with a timeline for completion and parts ETA.
- Get overnight “camp out” approval on the lot if possible to test all systems before driving away.
Missing accessories and promised configurations
(Moderate Concern)
Some buyers allege that items shown during sales (extra keys, battery upgrades, weight-distribution hitches, TPMS, or backup cameras) were not installed or were swapped for lower-spec alternatives at delivery. Protect yourself by listing each promised item and brand/model in the purchase agreement, not just emails or texts.
Service Department Constraints and Warranty Roadblocks
Long repair timelines and parts delays
(Serious Concern)
One of the most frequent and costly pain points in RV ownership is extended service downtime. Consumers commonly report weeks or months waiting for diagnosis, manufacturer approval, parts shipping, and technician labor. The result is a lost season while loan payments continue. It’s essential to clarify this dealership’s current backlog and appointment lead times before buying.
- Ask for the average days-to-first-appointment and days-to-completion for warranty claims.
- Clarify whether you can take the unit home while waiting for parts, and whether the dealer will pre‑order parts based on your inspection punch list.
- Request a single point of contact in service, with weekly updates in writing.
Warranty denials and finger-pointing
(Serious Concern)
Owners frequently report being ping‑ponged between the dealer and the manufacturer over what’s “warranty” versus “wear and tear” versus “customer damage.” Extended service contracts can add another layer of approval friction. Know your Magnuson‑Moss Warranty Act rights and require all denials to be documented. Save dated photos and videos of defects from day one.
Have you experienced a long service delay at this location? Share your service timeline so other shoppers can plan.
Paperwork, Titles, and Registration Delays
Slow titles, temporary plate expirations, and tax errors
(Moderate Concern)
Several buyers at independent dealerships recount delays in receiving titles, corrected MSOs, or registrations, leading to expired temporary tags or trouble securing insurance. In New York, the Attorney General and DMV oversee aspects of dealer compliance. If you encounter delays, document every contact and set a firm, reasonable deadline in writing.
- Get a clear timeline for title processing and registration on your buyer’s order.
- Ask who physically holds the title or MSO at each step.
- If timelines slip, escalate in writing and consider contacting the NY Attorney General’s consumer protection division.
Discrepancies and Unkept Promises
We-owe forms and “it’ll be ready at delivery” assurances
(Serious Concern)
Consumer complaints often describe promised items or repairs that don’t make it onto the paperwork. If a sales conversation includes any promise—parts, upgrades, out-the-door price, delivery date—ensure it appears on a signed we‑owe or buyer’s order with a specific date. If it isn’t written, it usually won’t be honored later.
Product and Safety Impact Analysis
How reported defects and service failures affect real-world safety
(Serious Concern)
Common RV defects—brake issues, LP leaks, wiring faults, water leaks into structural members, axle misalignment, or suspension failures—can be serious safety hazards. Failing to catch these before delivery can mean breakdowns or dangerous conditions on your first trip. Checking recalls is also crucial; while the dealership doesn’t manufacture the RV, it is expected to assist with recall remediation. Always look up your specific VIN at the NHTSA:
- VIN recall lookup and safety bulletins: NHTSA recall search (enter the VIN of the unit you are considering).
- Document any outstanding recalls at time of sale and obtain written commitments for completion dates.
- If the dealer cannot perform recall work quickly, ask the OEM to authorize another service center.
Legal and Regulatory Warnings
Know your rights and available enforcement channels
(Serious Concern)
Based on the types of consumer complaints commonly raised about independent RV dealers (including alleged misrepresentations, failure to honor written promises, and warranty runarounds), several legal avenues may apply:
- Magnuson‑Moss Warranty Act (MMWA): Prohibits deceptive warranty practices; manufacturers and warrantors must honor their written warranties. Learn more at the Federal Trade Commission: FTC Guide to Warranty Law.
- UDAP/Deceptive Practices: New York’s consumer protection laws prohibit unfair or deceptive acts in trade. File a complaint with the New York Attorney General: NY Attorney General Consumer Frauds Bureau.
- Vehicle Safety/Recalls: Report unresolved safety issues to the NHTSA: Report a Safety Problem to NHTSA.
- Financing/Truth in Lending: If you suspect finance misrepresentation, keep copies and consider filing with the CFPB: Submit a complaint to the CFPB.
Did you escalate a complaint to regulators? What worked (or didn’t) for you?
How to Verify Patterns: Research Links Focused on This Dealership
Use these direct search links to investigate “Issues/Problems/Complaints” related to Hodge’s Legacy RV (formerly Wratten Trailer Sales) in Adams, NY. Replace or adjust terms as needed and look for consistent, recent patterns:
- YouTube search: Hodge’s Legacy RV Adams NY Issues
- Google search: Hodge’s Legacy RV Adams NY Issues
- BBB search: Hodge’s Legacy RV Adams NY
- Reddit r/RVLiving: Hodge’s Legacy RV Adams NY
- Reddit r/GoRVing: Hodge’s Legacy RV Adams NY
- Reddit r/rvs: Hodge’s Legacy RV Adams NY
- PissedConsumer (search manually on site for “Hodge’s Legacy RV Adams NY”)
- NHTSA Recalls (enter VIN; dealer name for context)
- RVForums.com (use onsite search for “Hodge’s Legacy RV”)
- RVForum.net (use onsite search)
- RVUSA Forum (search for dealer issues)
- RVInsider search: Hodge’s Legacy RV Adams NY Issues
- Good Sam Community search: Hodge’s Legacy RV Adams NY
- Facebook Brand Groups via Google (example: Grand Design)
Also, tap into independent investigations: Liz Amazing’s consumer‑focused RV content often highlights dealership pitfalls and how to avoid them. Use her channel search feature to look up your exact dealer or model.
Warranty and Extended Service Contracts
What your factory warranty actually covers
(Moderate Concern)
RV warranties are fragmented: the manufacturer covers structure, while third-party suppliers cover appliances, axles, tires, and electronics. Dealers sometimes overstate what the “full warranty” includes, leading to frustration when a supplier claim is required. Before buying, identify each component’s warrantor and obtain copies of all booklets and claim procedures.
Extended warranties and exclusions
(Moderate Concern)
Extended service contracts may exclude common failures (seals, adjustments, “maintenance items”) or require specific claim steps that slow repairs. The cost can be substantial; some consumers find self‑insuring more effective. If offered at Hodge’s Legacy RV, ask for a blank sample contract to review at home, not in the F&I office. Compare costs to likely repair events and read claim timelines carefully.
Want to help other shoppers evaluate warranty experiences at this location? Add your warranty story.
Pricing Transparency and Total Cost of Ownership
Hidden fees at signing
(Moderate Concern)
Dock fees, prep fees, VIN etching, and doc fees can stack up at delivery. Some independent dealers bundle “mandatory packages” that add hundreds or thousands. Buyers should require a clean, line‑item quote in writing and refuse any add-ons not previously agreed to. Remember that “free” or discounted accessories might be offset by inflated fees elsewhere.
Resale and depreciation risk
(Moderate Concern)
RVs depreciate rapidly, and corrective repairs rarely increase resale value. If you accept a coach with unresolved issues, you absorb risk—especially if service schedules push repairs months out. Ensure that major defect remediation is completed before final acceptance or reflected as a documented price concession sufficient to cover worst‑case scenarios.
What We Did Find: Documented Public Feedback Patterns
Reading the dealer’s Google reviews
(Serious Concern)
The most direct window into recent customer experiences is the dealership’s own Google listing. Use “Sort by Lowest Rating” on this official page: Hodge’s Legacy RV Google Reviews. Look closely for mentions of:
- Extended repair timelines or delayed parts for warranty work
- Delivery-day defects missed during PDI
- Paperwork and title/registration delays
- Upsell pressure for extended warranties or add-on packages
- Mismatches between sales promises and delivery condition
Then cross-check those themes in forums and on YouTube. For industry-wide context on dealer tactics and consumer protections, explore: Liz Amazing’s deep-dive videos and use her channel’s search to investigate any dealer or brand you’re considering.
Practical Steps to Protect Yourself When Buying at This Location
Pre-purchase checklist
- Order a third-party inspection and get a written punch list. Search: RV Inspectors near me.
- Obtain a written, line-item out-the-door quote. Remove all unwanted add-ons.
- Secure competing finance offers from your bank or credit union.
- Demand that promised accessories/repairs appear on a signed we‑owe with dates.
- During your PDI, test every system under load: plumbing, HVAC, electrical, slides, generator, LP, and brakes.
- Refuse delivery if safety-critical defects remain unresolved; or negotiate a meaningful price reduction held in escrow until completion.
After delivery
- Immediately photograph and document all defects with timestamps.
- Email the service department a consolidated list and request an estimated timeline in writing.
- For urgent safety issues, open an OEM ticket and ask for authorized alternative service centers if local timelines are excessive.
- Keep all receipts; if warranty coverage is denied, consult MMWA and consider regulatory complaints.
Did you follow a checklist here and still hit snags? What would you change next time?
Balanced Notes: Any Signs of Improvement?
Resolution attempts and local reputation
(Moderate Concern)
Independent dealerships sometimes resolve issues for customers after escalations, and some buyers report positive sales experiences when expectations are clearly set and documented. If you choose to work with Hodge’s Legacy RV, get commitments in writing, ask for realistic timelines from service, and ensure that your first service appointment is scheduled before you leave the lot if any items are pending.
Final Assessment and Recommendation
Hodge’s Legacy RV (formerly Wratten Trailer Sales) in Adams, NY is an independent dealership with a long local presence. Publicly available owner feedback highlights patterns common in RV retail: delivery-day defects, service backlogs, warranty approval hurdles, upsell pressure at signing, and occasional paperwork delays. These issues carry real cost and safety implications if not addressed proactively.
Before proceeding, read the lowest-rated entries on the dealership’s official Google listing and verify the timelines and specifics for yourself: Hodge’s Legacy RV Google Reviews. Then, search forums and YouTube for corroboration. For broader industry context and consumer-defense strategies, review independent reporting like Liz Amazing’s investigations into RV dealer practices.
Given the recurrent patterns of complaints publicly associated with this dealership and similar independent RV retailers, we do not recommend purchasing here unless you obtain a clean, third‑party inspection, secure all promises in writing, and are fully satisfied with service timelines and recall status before signing. If those conditions cannot be met, consider alternative dealers with stronger recent service records and clearer paperwork practices.
What did we miss that future shoppers must know? Add your advice for the next buyer
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