Kilgore’s Rv’s- Creston, IA Exposed: Hidden Fees, Rushed PDIs, Delayed Titles & Service Delays

(Serious Concern)

The single best leverage you have before handing over money is an independent pre-delivery inspection (PDI) by a certified RV inspector who does not work for the dealership. This is non-negotiable. If a dealer will not allow a professional third-party inspection on their lot, that is a major red flag—consider walking immediately. Use a local search to find reputable inspectors: Find RV inspectors near me.

• Why it matters: Buyers frequently report leaks, slide alignment issues, brake or axle concerns, ACs not cooling, inverters miswired, and propane leaks discovered only after taking delivery.
• Real-world consequence: After the dealer is paid, your unit can sit for weeks or months waiting for service or warranty authorization. That delay can cancel trips and cost you deposit money at campgrounds.
• Inspection scope: Roof membrane and penetrations, wall moisture readings, LP leak test, GFCI/120V load checks, 12V systems, slide timing, axle alignment, tire date codes, bearing/ brake temperatures on test drive, and documentation of cosmetic and functional defects.

(Serious Concern)

Many RV buyers—not just at this store—describe surprise fees and last-minute paperwork changes. Public complaints for Kilgore’s RVs in Creston similarly reference issues like out-the-door price shifts, unclear doc/prep fees, and verbal promises not reflected on contracts. Always request a line-item buyer’s order and refuse to sign anything with blanks. If an advertised price is lower than the paperwork, insist on corrections in writing before proceeding.

• Demand an all-in, out-the-door quote including taxes, title, doc, prep, freight, and any “mandatory” packages.
• Bring your own financing offer to neutralize high-pressure rate discussions (local credit unions often beat dealer rates).
• Double-check VIN, MSRP, and option codes match the unit you’re buying.

(Serious Concern)

Buyers often report being steered toward higher-interest loans or unnecessary products. Extended service contracts, paint/fabric protection, and “theft etch” or nitrogen tire packages often carry large markups with limited value. Several public reviews for this location describe pressure to accept add-ons during closing.

• Ask for the base APR buy-rate and compare it to your pre-approval. Dealers may “mark up” a lender’s buy-rate without disclosing it.
• Politely decline “protection packages” unless you’ve researched their coverage, claim friction, and exclusions—most are not worth the cost.
• Read the cancellation policy and prorated refund language for any service contracts in case you change your mind later.

(Moderate Concern)

Low trade valuations are common industry-wide. Reviewers frequently allege undervalued trades compared to private-sale pricing. Get multiple trade bids or consider selling your RV privately to maximize equity. If trading at the dealership, bring third-party valuations and comparable listings to strengthen your position.

(Serious Concern)

Public reviews of this location reference delayed title processing and paperwork discrepancies, which can prevent registration, plate issuance, or insurance activation. These delays create legal and financial exposure if you’re stopped while towing or if an accident occurs.

• Don’t leave the lot without a dated, signed purchase agreement and a clear title timeline in writing.
• Ask for tracking or written confirmation of title submission and registration steps, especially if you’re from out of state.
• If deadlines slip, escalate in writing to the general manager and request status updates every 48 hours.

(Serious Concern)

Complaints for this dealership location include arriving at delivery to find items inoperable or cosmetic defects not disclosed prior to pickup. This is a hallmark of a rushed or incomplete PDI.

• Insist on a full systems walkthrough: water, electrical, propane, slides, awnings, jacks/levelers, appliances, and roof inspection.
• Run ACs on a 90-degree day and test the furnace in heat mode; confirm GFCI function and inverter transfer.
• Document defects with photos/video and add them to a “Due Bills” list signed by management before you take possession.

(Serious Concern)

Multiple one- and two-star public reviews reference long waits for callbacks, difficulty getting status updates, and extended repair timelines. Parts backlogs are common across the industry, but strong service departments communicate realistic ETAs and offer temporary workarounds when possible.

• Request a repair order with complaint details, diagnostic findings, parts ordered, and the promised completion date.
• Ask whether the dealership will triage safety issues (propane or brake problems) ahead of cosmetic items.
• If your RV is down for weeks, request documentation so you can pursue travel loss claims or manufacturer assistance directly.

(Moderate Concern)

Owners often report being bounced between the dealer and the manufacturer over responsibility for defects. Under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, warrantors must honor written warranties; dealers must also honor any written promises they make. Keep communications in writing and escalate quickly if you hit a stalemate.

(Moderate Concern)

Reviews for this location and many others frequently mention prolonged parts waits. While nationwide supply issues are real, the dealership’s job is to communicate transparently and seek alternate sources when possible. Ask for part numbers, availability checks, and whether you can self-source to speed repair (with manufacturer approval).

(Moderate Concern)

Several low-rated reviews for Kilgore’s RVs in Creston cite difficulty getting updates post-sale. Well-run stores provide a single point of contact, callback deadlines, and written commitments. If that’s missing, escalate to store leadership and capture everything in email.

(Serious Concern)

Reported issues such as roof or slide leaks, misaligned axles, brake faults, gas leaks, and electrical shorts pose real safety risks and can create costly collateral damage (rot, mold, tire blowouts, or fires). When PDIs are rushed or repairs are delayed, families tow and camp in unsafe conditions without realizing it. Lessons from owner communities and inspection reports consistently highlight:

• Water intrusion: Soft floors, wall delamination, mold risk; can total an RV if undetected.
• Axle/brake problems: Premature tire wear or blowouts, brake fade; perform a loaded test drive if possible.
• LP system leaks: Use a manometer or bubble solution; ensure CO/LP detectors are fresh and functional.
• Electrical hazards: Hot neutrals, miswired inverters, GFCIs that don’t trip; test every receptacle.

Check your specific VIN for recalls and service bulletins. Start here and then search by manufacturer/brand/VIN: NHTSA Recalls and Safety Issues. Also search the brand-specific owner groups and forums for recurring defects on your model year. For deeper context on how these failures play out in the real world, see: Liz Amazing’s safety and quality spotlights.

(Serious Concern)

Consumer complaints about misrepresented condition, warranty refusal, or paperwork delays can implicate several laws and regulators:

• Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act (MMWA): Requires disclosure and adherence to written warranties and bars tying warranty coverage to paid services. Overview: FTC Guide to Federal Warranty Law.
• Unfair and Deceptive Acts and Practices (UDAP): Iowa’s consumer protection laws prohibit deceptive sales practices. File with the Iowa Attorney General: Iowa AG Consumer Complaint.
• Truth in Lending Act (TILA): Requires proper disclosure of APR, amount financed, and finance charges on credit transactions.
• FTC Holder Rule: If you finance through the dealer, the lender may be subject to the claims and defenses you have against the seller.
• NHTSA: Safety defects and unaddressed recalls can be reported via NHTSA’s complaint portal.

Potential consequences for dealerships that violate these rules include chargebacks, civil penalties, mandatory rescission, and enforcement actions. If you believe your rights were violated, document everything, send a certified demand letter, and file complaints with the Iowa AG and the FTC.

(Moderate Concern)

Extended service contracts and other add-ons are a profit center at many dealerships. These plans can help in limited cases, but exclusions and claim hurdles catch many owners off guard. Before buying:

• Request a sample contract and read what’s excluded (seals/caulking, wear items, diagnostic time, water damage from leaks).
• Ask about deductible structure, caps, and whether you can seek reimbursement from independent shops while traveling.
• Compare with third-party contracts and check cancellation/refund terms.

For a candid look at what these products do (and don’t) cover, search investigative content here: Liz Amazing’s RV consumer education videos.

(Moderate Concern)

Some customers at many regional dealerships report good experiences—responsive communication, clean deliveries, and fast warranty turnarounds. At any store, the following are green flags:

• Encouraging you to use a third-party inspector and fixing everything on the report before closing.
• Accurate, consistent pricing from ad to buyer’s order to contract.
• Proactive service updates with documented ETAs and a clear RO.
• Professional, trained technicians with certifications and ongoing education.

When you see these practices consistently, problems still happen, but they are usually resolved faster and with less stress.