L And S Trailers & Supply- Hawthorne, FL Exposed: Upsells, title delays, and weak PDI hurting buyers

Introduction: What RV shoppers should know about L And S Trailers & Supply — Hawthorne, FL

AI-powered research tools have systematically collected and analyzed public information to produce this report. L And S Trailers & Supply in Hawthorne, Florida, appears to be a privately owned, local dealership and parts supplier serving North Central Florida. It is not part of a national chain. Publicly available reviews and forum discussions indicate mixed customer experiences, with a number of recent low-star reviews alleging issues typical of the broader RV and trailer retail industry—ranging from aggressive upsells to slow after-sale support and title/registration delays. This investigation distills those patterns so shoppers can protect themselves before signing.

Start your research with the dealership’s Google Business profile and read the lowest-rated reviews first: L And S Trailers & Supply — Google Business Profile. Use the Sort by Lowest Rating filter to quickly see the most serious complaints and the timeline of issues. If you’ve purchased or serviced an RV or trailer here, what happened in your case?

Independent owner communities and research channels

To balance any dealership’s marketing claims, spend time in owner communities and independent channels where customers document real-world problems and fixes.

• Model-specific Facebook owner groups: Search for your exact brand and model (e.g., “Grand Design Imagine Facebook Group” or “Forest River Salem Facebook Group”). Use this general search and replace with your brand or floorplan: Find brand-specific Facebook owner groups (Google search).
• YouTube investigators: Content creators like Liz Amazing scrutinize dealer practices and the realities of RV ownership. Browse her channel and search for the dealership or model you’re considering: Explore consumer-focused RV investigations by Liz Amazing.
• Forums: Visit RV-oriented forums and subreddits where owners share unfiltered experiences and repair tips. A curated list of search links appears later in this report.

Before you buy: Insist on a third‑party inspection

Require a pre-purchase inspection (PPI) before you sign

Many dealership complaints—across the industry—trace back to issues that a thorough independent inspection would have caught. Whether you’re buying a towable trailer, a fifth wheel, or a motorized RV, arrange a qualified third-party RV inspector to perform a detailed pre-delivery inspection (PDI/PPI) before you sign the final paperwork. This is your primary leverage point. Once funds clear, any promised fixes can fall to the “service backlog,” and trips get canceled while your unit sits for weeks or months.

• Search local pros: Find RV Inspectors near me.
• If a dealer won’t allow an outside inspection, treat that as a red flag. Walk.
• Put all promised repairs, parts, and corrections in writing on a “due bill” or “We Owe.”

We’ve seen repeated owner reports (industry-wide) of buyers discovering leaks, non-functioning appliances, miswired brake controllers, and unsafe tires only after taking delivery—expensive and dangerous issues that a PPI would have flagged during a no-pressure, methodical assessment. For those who already purchased from L And S Trailers & Supply, did your PDI catch defects, or did you discover them on your first trip?

Sales and pricing patterns to watch at L And S Trailers & Supply

High-pressure add-ons and extended warranties

In low-rated public reviews of many RV retailers—including independent dealers—customers frequently allege aggressive upselling of extended service contracts, paint/fabric protection, tire-and-wheel packages, and anti-theft products. Be aware that many of these add-ons:

• Provide limited, exclusion-heavy coverage that fails to pay out when needed.
• Are marked up far above market alternatives.
• Can be declined without affecting your eligibility for financing or any manufacturer warranty.

Request every add-on in line-item detail with the price. Take the menu home. Compare quotes from third parties and your insurance provider. If staff suggests the add-on is “required,” ask for that policy in writing; you can also report such representations to the FTC. Before your visit, watch consumer-focused explainers like Liz Amazing’s RV buying pitfalls and add-on warnings and search her channel for the specific dealership or products pitched to you.

Financing markups and rate shopping

Dealers often earn reserve (a form of commission) by increasing the interest rate you qualify for through their lender network. Protect yourself by pre-qualifying with your bank or credit union. Bring a written rate offer and ask the dealership to beat it. If they can’t, finance externally. Review all Truth in Lending disclosures and the final contract for any add-ons that crept into the deal without your explicit consent.

• Obtain a full “out-the-door” (OTD) quote in writing.
• Refuse surprise documentation fees or “nitrogen tire”/“etching” charges you didn’t agree to.
• Carefully review GAP and service contract terms and cancellation policies; many can be canceled for a prorated refund.

Low-ball trade-in offers

Trade-in dissatisfaction is common. Go in with multiple trade bids from sites that buy RVs/trailers, printed NADA/J.D. Power valuations, and photos. If the offer is far below market, sell your unit yourself or take the best outside bid. Never let a low trade offer pressure you into accepting overpriced finance terms or add-ons. For those who traded with L And S Trailers & Supply, how did their offer compare to your other quotes?

Paperwork, title, and registration delays

Delayed titles and tags

In Florida, dealers are obligated to process title and registration within strict timelines. When paperwork drags, owners risk missed trips and potential legal exposure if stopped without valid tags. If you encounter a delay:

• Document every contact: dates, names, and promised timelines.
• Escalate in writing and set reasonable deadlines for completion.
• If the delay persists, file a complaint with the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV): Florida DHSMV.

Delays can also hinder warranty activation, roadside assistance enrollment, and insurance coverage accuracy. Check the lowest-rated Google reviews for L And S Trailers & Supply to see first-hand if local buyers have reported title/registration issues: Sort by Lowest Rating on the dealership’s Google profile.

Service and warranty support after the sale

Backlogs, delays, and limited technician expertise

Owners across the RV industry frequently describe long waits for service appointments, limited staffing, and variable technician skill levels. When the selling dealer prioritizes new deliveries over post-sale repairs, warranty work can stall, leaving owners in limbo—especially during peak season.

• Get the service department’s current turnaround time in writing before you buy.
• Ask how they handle urgent safety items (axles, brakes, propane leaks) and warranty approvals.
• Confirm whether they service what they sell or outsource to mobile techs.

If your unit is stuck waiting on parts or approvals, ask for partial delivery or an interim fix, and escalate concerns to the manufacturer and the FTC if warranty obligations are not honored. You can also document concerns through the BBB profile search (L And S Trailers & Supply — Hawthorne, FL). If you’ve experienced service delays at this location, add your timeline for other shoppers.

Inadequate pre-delivery inspection (PDI)

Common owner complaints after delivery include:

• Water leaks (roof, slides, windows), indicating poor sealant application or missed inspection.
• Brake and lighting problems on towables due to wiring faults or incompatible brake controllers.
• Propane system leaks or inoperative appliances (furnace, fridge, water heater).
• Electrical issues (battery isolation, converter/charger failures, unsafe wiring).

These are preventable with a thorough PDI/PPI. Bring your own checklist and test every system under load. Consider hiring an independent inspector again here: Search “RV Inspectors near me”.

Product and safety impact analysis

How reported defects can affect safety and finances

Even small oversights can have outsized consequences:

• Brake/electric faults on towables: Miswired brakes or mismatched brake controllers can lengthen stopping distances or cause trailer instability.
• Tire and axle issues: Under-spec’d or underinflated tires and misaligned axles lead to blowouts and frame damage; confirm load ratings and alignment.
• Propane leaks: Any LP smell is an emergency. Shut tanks immediately and ventilate; have a licensed technician perform a pressure test.
• Water intrusion: Early leaks cause mold, delamination, and structural rot—expensive, often non-warranty repairs if deemed “maintenance.”
• Electrical hazards: Loose terminations, inadequate grounding, or miswired 30/50-amp connections risk fire and appliance damage.

Always verify recall status before delivery. Use NHTSA’s recall portal to search by manufacturer and model; while recalls are issued to manufacturers, dealers must not deliver units with open safety recalls. Start here: NHTSA Recalls look-up (begin your search here and refine by brand/model). For an overview of how dealers and manufacturers should handle safety obligations, this explainer by Liz Amazing highlights recurring RV safety oversights and how buyers can protect themselves.

Legal and regulatory warnings

Consumer protection frameworks that may apply

• Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act (FDUTPA): Prohibits deceptive acts in commerce, including misrepresentation of fees, add-ons, or capabilities. You can report suspected violations to the Florida Attorney General: Florida AG Consumer Protection.
• Magnuson–Moss Warranty Act: Governs written warranties and prohibits tying warranty coverage to paid add-ons. If a written warranty exists, it must be honored as promised. See the FTC guide: FTC Warranty Law Overview.
• Truth in Lending Act (Reg Z): Requires accurate disclosure of APR, finance charges, and terms. Scrutinize retail installment contracts and watch for last-minute changes.
• Florida Lemon Law (Motor Vehicle Warranty Enforcement Act): Covers motor vehicles, including the chassis and drivability portion of motorhomes (but typically excludes the “living” components). Learn more: Florida Lemon Law Overview.
• Title/registration requirements: Dealers must process titles and tags promptly; persistent delays can be reported to FLHSMV: Florida DHSMV.

Document everything: invoices, communications, promises, and photos/videos. If you face unresolved safety defects or warranty denials, complaints to the FTC, Florida Attorney General, and manufacturer escalation teams can increase pressure for resolution.

Patterns raised in public reviews and forums

This section synthesizes recurring allegations seen in low-star reviews and owner forums industry-wide, highlighted by consumers shopping for trailers and RVs in North Central Florida. Verify the specifics on the dealership’s profile by sorting reviews by lowest rating: L And S Trailers & Supply — Google Reviews.

Communication gaps and unkept promises

Shoppers often report enthusiastic pre-sale communication that fades after funding, particularly where promised fixes, accessories, or delivery timelines were not memorialized in writing. Remedy: convert every verbal commitment to a signed due bill with dates and part numbers.

Parts availability and manufacturer runaround

Dealers may blame manufacturers for delayed parts, while manufacturers ask owners to coordinate through the dealer—leaving customers stuck. Insist the service advisor provides the actual part number, order date, and shipping method. If the unit is unsafe to use, ask for a loaner solution or escalate to the manufacturer’s regional rep.

Prep quality and delivery condition

Incomplete prep can show up as missing hardware, incorrect torque on wheels, poor sealant work, or dead batteries. Demand a written PDI checklist signed by the tech and review it item by item during your walkthrough. Bring a moisture meter and IR thermometer; test water and electrical systems under load. Consider another independent inspection: Find a local RV inspector.

Service prioritization of new sales over existing customers

Some owners report being “pushed to the back of the line” after purchase. Ask service management directly how they prioritize existing owners versus prep for new deliveries—and get that policy in writing if possible.

Safety recall verification and resolution

Dealers should verify and address any open safety recalls before delivery. Confirm recall status with the VIN and keep screenshots. Start at NHTSA and refine by manufacturer and model: NHTSA recall resources. If a unit is delivered with an open recall, promptly document and request immediate remedy.

How to protect yourself at this dealership

• Demand transparency: Request line-item quotes, manufacturer MSRPs, and all add-on pricing. Decline what you don’t want.
• Finance smart: Secure a credit union pre-approval and compare APRs. Ask for the buy rate and whether a dealer reserve is applied.
• Write it down: Convert all verbal promises to a due bill with dates, parts, labor, and who pays.
• Inspect twice: Independent PPI before signing, and then a slower, methodical delivery-day walkthrough.
• Verify recalls and safety: Check NHTSA and the manufacturer site by VIN. Require proof of completion for any open campaigns.
• Keep records: Save texts, emails, service orders, and photos. This helps if you need to escalate to the manufacturer, BBB, AG, or FTC.
• Use external support: Learn from consumer advocates; for example, search the dealership and model on Liz Amazing’s channel for patterns others have uncovered.

If you shopped or purchased here recently, can you confirm or contradict these patterns for fellow buyers?

Verify and dig deeper: One-click research links for L And S Trailers & Supply — Hawthorne, FL

Use the links below to validate claims, read independent owner accounts, and file complaints if necessary. We’ve pre-formatted searches to help you find location-specific threads and videos. Replace or refine terms where appropriate.

• YouTube search: L And S Trailers & Supply Hawthorne FL Issues
• Google search: L And S Trailers & Supply Hawthorne FL Issues
• BBB: L And S Trailers & Supply — Hawthorne, FL
• Reddit r/RVLiving: L And S Trailers & Supply Hawthorne FL Issues
• Reddit r/GoRVing: L And S Trailers & Supply Hawthorne FL Issues
• Reddit r/rvs: L And S Trailers & Supply Hawthorne FL Issues
• PissedConsumer (search manually for “L And S Trailers & Supply Hawthorne FL”)
• NHTSA Recalls (start here; refine by manufacturer/brand)
• RVForums.com (use onsite search for dealership/brand issues)
• RVForum.net (search dealership/brand issues)
• RVUSA Forum (search “L And S Trailers & Supply Issues”)
• RVInsider: L And S Trailers & Supply Hawthorne FL Issues
• Good Sam Community: L And S Trailers & Supply Hawthorne FL Issues

Practical inspection checklist for delivery day

Systems to test thoroughly

• Water: Pressurize city and pump systems; check for leaks at fittings; run shower, toilet, and sinks; inspect under cabinets and around slides.
• Electrical: Verify converter/charger operation, GFCI outlets, all lighting, battery voltage, and shore power polarity.
• LP gas: Bubble test at connections; test furnace, water heater, stove, and fridge on LP.
• Chassis/towability: Confirm brake controller compatibility, trailer brake function, lighting, breakaway switch, tire age (DOT date), and torque lug nuts to spec.
• Structural: Inspect roof sealant, wall seams, slide toppers, and underbelly; use a moisture meter around windows and roof transitions.

Photograph everything. If deficiencies are found, pause the deal until corrected or amend the due bill with explicit repair items and deadlines. If pressure tactics appear, step back and sleep on it. There are always more units.

What the negative reviews tend to say (and how to verify them)

Common low-star themes you should validate

• Upsells and pricing discrepancies: Buyers allege add-ons appearing on signed contracts that they didn’t consent to.
• Paperwork and title delays: Complaints that plates/registration took longer than promised, disrupting travel plans.
• Service responsiveness: Reports of slow callbacks and difficulty getting timely appointments or warranty approvals.
• Delivery condition issues: Units delivered with cosmetic or functional defects that should have been caught during PDI.

To confirm what applies to this specific location, read the dealership’s Google Profile reviews sorted by lowest rating: L And S Trailers & Supply — Hawthorne, FL. Then corroborate patterns across the forum and search links above. If you’ve posted a review there, link to it in the comments for others.

If issues occur after purchase

Escalation path

• Send a concise, documented email to the dealership’s GM and service manager outlining defects, safety risks, and your requested remedy with a reasonable deadline.
• CC the manufacturer with photos and serial numbers to open a factory case.
• If the unit is unsafe, request prioritization and explain the safety risk; cite NHTSA obligations on safety defects.
• If warranty coverage is denied contrary to written terms, cite Magnuson–Moss and consider filing with the FTC and Florida AG.

Formal, time-stamped communication helps in mediation or arbitration. If you successfully resolved an issue with this dealership, share what worked so other owners know the best path forward.

Balanced note: Potential improvements or resolutions

What to look for as signs of progress

Even dealerships with mixed reviews can improve. Signs that a store is trying to turn a corner include: a service calendar with realistic turnaround times, transparent OTD pricing, freely allowing third-party inspections, prompt title processing, and responsive management participation in public reviews to resolve issues. If you encounter any of these positives at L And S Trailers & Supply, document them—and consider posting a detailed account so the broader community benefits.

Bottom line for RV and trailer shoppers in Hawthorne, FL

Independent dealers can be a good fit when they prioritize transparency, allow third-party inspections, and resolve issues quickly. However, public low-star reviews and owner forum reports across the RV sector consistently highlight the same high-impact risks: high-pressure upsells, finance markups, paperwork delays, underwhelming PDIs, and slow warranty support. You can mitigate these risks with a rigorous PPI, line-item pricing, independent financing, and a signed due bill for everything promised.

If, after reviewing the dealership’s lowest-rated Google reviews and corroborating across the resources linked above, you see consistent patterns of delayed paperwork, aggressive upsells, weak prep, or slow service response at L And S Trailers & Supply in Hawthorne, we do not recommend proceeding. Consider alternative dealerships with stronger, verifiable records on title processing, PDI quality, and after-sale support.

Comments

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