Jacobs Ford and RV – St Paul, NE Exposed: Add-On Pressure, Rate Markups, Defects, Service Delays

(Serious Concern)

Independent pre-purchase inspections are your biggest leverage before you sign. Arrange an inspection by a certified RV inspector, not the dealer’s internal PDI. A third-party inspector works for you, documenting water intrusion, frame and suspension issues, brake and axle concerns, propane leaks, roof membrane defects, slideout problems, appliance malfunctions, and hundreds of other “hidden” items that can turn your first season into a repair saga. Find vetted professionals here: Search: RV Inspectors near me.

• Do not accept “We’ll take care of that after delivery.” Repairs promised after the sale often lose priority once the dealer is paid.
• Confirm the inspector has full access—on a powered site with water, sewer, and propane connected—so all systems can be tested under load.
• If a dealer refuses a third-party inspection, that is a major red flag. Walk away rather than risk months in a service queue with a unit you barely used.

Many RVers report canceled trips because their brand-new coach needed immediate repairs and then sat for weeks or months waiting on parts and approvals. Don’t risk that. Book an inspector before you sign.

(Serious Concern)

Across the industry, buyers report feeling rushed into accepting dealer add-ons: sealant packages, nitrogen in tires, VIN etching, GPS trackers, fabric protection, paint protection, and extended service contracts whose coverage is far more limited than advertised. Verify any such patterns at this location by reviewing recent low-star Google reviews. Specifically scrutinize:

• Whether the “out-the-door” price grew at signing due to add-ons or non-optional packages.
• Claims that extended warranties required dealer-only service (often untrue; check contract terms).
• Discrepancies between what was verbally promised versus what the signed agreement states.

Independent consumer content creators frequently break down these add-ons and their limited value; see this channel dedicated to RV consumer protection, then use the channel search for “extended warranty,” “add-ons,” and “dealer packages.”

(Serious Concern)

Dealers can mark up lender-approved interest rates and “pack” payments by folding add-ons into a monthly figure without clearly disclosing the underlying cost. Review complaints for:

• Higher APR than quoted, or a switch from a bank/credit union preapproval to dealer-arranged financing without consent.
• GAP, extended warranties, and protection products appearing on contracts as if mandatory.
• Pressure to sign “today-only” deals and take delivery before reviewing documents at home.

Best practice: bring your own credit union preapproval, get every term in writing, and decline non-essential products. Never sign if the monthly payment is the only figure discussed—insist on a full itemized buyer’s order and the total cost of credit disclosed in writing.

(Moderate Concern)

Consumers often report rapid, below-market trade valuations, followed by advertised retail prices well above the trade allowance. Look for reviews describing:

• Vague appraisals lacking written unit condition reports or reliance on “book” values without inspection.
• Changes in trade value at signing due to alleged new “findings” the customer can’t verify.

If you trade, get multiple offers, provide maintenance logs, and require the appraisal to be signed and tied to a specific good-through date.

(Serious Concern)

Paperwork delays strand buyers without plates or proof of ownership, sometimes for weeks. Review low-star Google feedback for:

• Lost or incomplete title packets.
• Sales tax or registration handling delays exceeding state norms.
• Unreturned calls from business office staff after the sale.

Document every follow-up. If delays mount, escalate to state DMV and the Nebraska Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division.

(Serious Concern)

RVers often report receiving units with known defects and being told repairs will be scheduled post-delivery. Watch for reviews documenting:

• Leaking roofs, slideouts, or plumbing discovered at pick-up.
• Appliances or HVAC not tested on-site.
• Promises of quick turnaround that stretch into weeks or months.

Refuse delivery until all items are corrected and retested, and until you have signed repair orders showing work completed. Here again, a third-party inspection catch issues early. Search a local inspector before you take possession.

(Serious Concern)

Service centers at mixed auto/RV dealerships can be stretched thin. In RV forums, owners frequently describe long waits for parts and manufacturer authorizations. Investigate whether reviews here mention:

• Multiple months parked at the dealer, waiting on parts or approvals.
• Repeated “no problem found” diagnoses for intermittent issues.
• Units returned with problems unresolved or new damage from handling.

Ask upfront: What is the service department’s current lead time? Will they service units purchased elsewhere? What is the average turnaround time for warranty claims with your brand? Answers will help you gauge capacity and responsiveness.

(Moderate Concern)

Automotive technicians may not be cross-trained for RV-specific systems. Review complaints citing:

• Incomplete pre-delivery inspection (PDI) checklists or rushed walkthroughs.
• Basic items missed: unsealed roof penetrations, miswired batteries, uncalibrated leveling systems, or water system leaks.

Insist on a printed PDI checklist with signatures and timestamps, and take the time to function-test every system yourself during the walkthrough, including every faucet, slide, light, GFCI outlet, propane appliance, awning, and the black tank flush.

(Moderate Concern)

Unreturned calls or vague status updates are maddeningly common. Look for reviews detailing:

• Multiple voicemails without reply from service or finance after delivery.
• Lack of written ETAs for parts or repairs.

Protect yourself by requesting updates in writing and by setting calendar deadlines. If you can’t get straight answers during the shopping phase, consider that an indicator of post-sale responsiveness.

(Serious Concern)

Because this dealer also sells Ford tow vehicles, it is essential that any tow pairing be correct for GVWR/GCWR, tongue weight, and payload. Reviews at other dealers often describe mismatches endorsed by sales staff. Watch for:

• Sales claims that a half-ton pickup can tow a heavy fifth wheel “no problem.”
• Failure to discuss frontal area limits, payload calculation with passengers/cargo, or the need for a weight distribution hitch.

Incorrect tow pairings can cause brake overheating, instability, and crashes. Demand written tow and payload calculations and verify directly with Ford’s towing guide and the RV’s actual weight sticker.

(Moderate Concern)

Common complaints include missing second key fobs, power cords, sewer hoses, or dealer-promised “We Owe” items. Confirm:

• Every promised item is listed on a signed due bill with dates.
• All keys, remotes, manuals, and codes are present and tested at delivery.

(Moderate Concern)

Consumers often report being bounced between manufacturer and dealer for warranty claims. Ask the service manager to show proof of authorization status for your brand and to explain the typical claim workflow. If reviews mention denial of warranty coverage or excessive “diagnostic” fees for in-warranty items, take note.

(Serious Concern)

Allegations frequently seen in public complaints—such as deceptive pricing, failure to deliver clear title in a reasonable time, misrepresentation of warranty coverage, or unsafe delivery condition—can carry legal consequences. If similar issues are verified in reviews for Jacobs Ford and RV – St Paul, NE, the following frameworks may apply:

• Deceptive or unfair practices: Section 5 of the Federal Trade Commission Act. Consumers can report dealer issues to the FTC: ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
• Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act: Governs written warranties on consumer products; misrepresenting coverage or conditioning warranties on paid add-ons may be unlawful. Overview: FTC guidance on warranty law.
• Nebraska Consumer Protection Act and Uniform Deceptive Trade Practices Act: For misleading or deceptive business practices. Nebraska AG Consumer Protection: Nebraska Attorney General – Consumer Protection.
• Safety defects and recall compliance: The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) oversees vehicle and equipment recalls. Search recalls and file complaints at nhtsa.gov/recalls. You can also run a general recall query using: NHTSA recall search (start here) and then check your exact VIN.

Buyers who encounter unresolved defects or non-delivery of promised items should document everything and consider filing complaints with the Nebraska AG, FTC, and BBB, in addition to leaving a factual Google review. If you’ve been affected, describe your steps and outcomes in the comments to help other shoppers escalate effectively.

(Serious Concern)

RV service failures are not merely inconvenient—they can be dangerous and financially devastating. The most frequently reported defect categories and their real-world impact include:

• Water intrusion (roof, slide, window, and plumbing leaks): Leads to mold, delamination, soft floors, electrical shorts, and significant loss of value. Early detection via inspection is critical.
• Brake, axle, and suspension issues: Underspec’d components or poor pre-delivery setup can cause instability, tire blowouts, and accidents. Insist on torque checks, proper tire inflation (by PSI, not “green cap” nitrogen marketing), and test drives.
• Propane system leaks: Any LP odor is an immediate hazard. A third-party inspection should include timed pressure drop tests and soap-bubble checks at fittings.
• Electrical problems: Loose battery connections, miswired converters/inverters, and overloaded circuits can cause fires. Demand a load test and verify GFCI operation.
• HVAC and appliance failures: Common in new deliveries; without timely warranty support, owners are forced to cancel trips or pay out-of-pocket.

If negative reviews show that units at this location are delivered with unresolved defects or that service delays are prolonged, the safety and financial risks rise substantially. Before purchasing, run your VIN through NHTSA’s tool: Check recalls by VIN, and ask the dealer for a written statement that all recalls and technical service bulletins (TSBs) applicable to your unit have been addressed prior to delivery.

(Serious Concern)

• Require a third-party inspection before signing. If access is denied, walk. Find options: RV Inspectors near me.
• Get a written, itemized buyer’s order with an out-the-door price that includes every fee and add-on. Decline anything you don’t want.
• Bring your own financing. If you use dealer financing, demand the buy rate and all add-on costs in writing. Don’t sign if anything is unclear.
• Demand a completed PDI with signatures and photos. Test every system yourself on a live site (water/propane/electric).
• For tow vehicles, require printed tow/payload calculations for your exact truck and trailer combination, including tongue weight with cargo and passengers.
• Have all promises on a signed “We Owe” due bill with dates. Do not accept verbal assurances.
• If trading in, secure multiple offers and a signed appraisal sheet with a good-through date.
• Ask for the current service backlog in writing and a written contingency plan if the unit needs immediate warranty work after delivery.
• Inspect the roof and undercarriage yourself; look for gaps, overspray, dangling wiring, cracked seals, and tire date codes (ensure tires are fresh).
• Take the contract home overnight. High-pressure tactics are a warning sign.

If you’ve tested these steps at this location, how did the team respond? Tell other shoppers what worked (or didn’t).

(Moderate Concern)

An objective evaluation also looks for remediation: management responses to reviews, reported goodwill repairs, transparent explanations of delays, and public commitments to better communication. When you read the dealer’s Google review feed, note:

• Does management respond promptly and specifically to low-star reviews?
• Do they offer concrete remedies (loaners, expedited parts, refunds) where appropriate?
• Are updates posted after resolution, showing the customer’s outcome?

Even with improvements, insist on safeguards that protect you if operations falter. The goal is to buy an RV you can use immediately, not to become a long-term service case.

(Moderate Concern)

• Keep a log: dates, names, phone numbers, promises, and repair order numbers.
• Photograph and video defects; store files with timestamps.
• Request all updates in writing (email is best).
• Set deadlines and communicate them clearly. If missed, escalate to the brand manufacturer, Nebraska Attorney General, and the BBB with full documentation.
• File a safety complaint with NHTSA if you experience brake, axle, steering, tire, or propane system failures: Report a Safety Problem.

Your precise documentation helps regulators connect patterns across cases. It also strengthens your position in any warranty dispute or chargeback request. If you have successfully escalated an issue with this dealer, outline your steps and resolution to help others.

(Moderate Concern)

Local dealers with a blended business (cars, trucks, trailers, RVs) can be convenient and community-oriented. However, RV repair is complex—more like a small house combined with an automobile. Training, specialized tooling, and parts pipelines must match that complexity. If a dealership dedicates limited bays and personnel to RV service, delays can stack up quickly, especially during peak season. Before you commit, ask the service manager hard questions and verify their capacity with real numbers, not just friendly assurances.