Lake Time Marine & RV Center – French Lick, IN Exposed: PDI Failures, Leaks, Slow Service & Upsells

(Serious Concern)

Across the RV industry, a growing number of buyers report receiving units with significant defects that should have been discovered during the dealer’s pre-delivery inspection (PDI). Reports linked to Lake Time Marine & RV Center – French Lick mirror these broader patterns: leaks, electrical issues, slide-out malfunctions, poor sealant, misaligned doors, and non-functioning components. Once you’ve paid and taken delivery, your leverage plummets. If the unit needs warranty work, you can be pushed into a long service queue—often missing planned camping trips while the RV sits for weeks or months awaiting parts and technician time.

• Hire a professional, independent RV inspector before signing. Use this universal search to find certified inspectors near you: RV Inspectors near me.
• If a dealer refuses to allow a third-party inspection, that is a major red flag. Walk away.
• Make the sale “contingent upon inspection” and completion of a documented punch-list before final payment. Do not accept promises to “bring it back and we’ll fix it later.”
• Ask your inspector to pressure-test for leaks, verify all appliances under load, confirm slide operations, check roof and underbelly, and run a thermal camera scan for moisture issues.

If you’ve experienced delays or issues with PDI at this store, can you add your story to the comments?

(Serious Concern)

Customer narratives frequently describe intense upsell attempts, including extended service contracts, paint/fabric protection, chemical sealants, “lifetime” packages, tire-and-wheel plans, GAP coverage, and high-priced add-ons of questionable value. This aligns with broader RV-industry practices, but it is imperative to scrutinize these offers here as well.

• Extended service contracts often contain exclusions and maintenance compliance traps that limit real-world coverage.
• “Dealer prep” or “freight” fees can be double-charged or applied to used units—ask for an itemized invoice and justification.
• Demand a written, line-by-line “out-the-door” price; decline add-ons you don’t want.

Review the lowest-rated comments on the Google profile to see current allegations of high-pressure tactics: Check recent 1-star reviews.

(Moderate Concern)

Dealers commonly add a markup to lender “buy rates.” The result: your final APR may be higher than what your credit union would offer. Several consumer accounts around this location describe financing frustration and payment-centric sales (“what monthly payment works?”) instead of discussing total cost. Before engaging with any dealer F&I office, get pre-approved elsewhere.

• Obtain pre-approvals from your bank or credit union and bring them to the negotiation.
• Focus on total price, not monthly payment; long terms can mask inflated costs.

(Moderate Concern)

Low trade values and last-minute changes at signing are recurring frustrations in RV transactions industry-wide. Consumers around this store have reported dissatisfaction with trade figures or condition disputes when dropping off their unit. Protect yourself by documenting condition in advance.

• Bring multiple written offers (e.g., online RV buyers, classifieds) to set a floor.
• Photograph and video your trade thoroughly; note serial numbers and included accessories.

(Serious Concern)

Some customers allege delayed paperwork/title processing, which can leave buyers unable to register or obtain permanent plates in a timely manner. Delayed titles can expose you to ticketing or trip cancellations. Keep close watch on your temporary tag expiration and follow up in writing with deadlines.

• Confirm the timeline for title and registration in writing. Ask which courier or process is used.
• If deadlines are missed, escalate promptly and consider filing a complaint with the Indiana Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division: Indiana Attorney General.

(Serious Concern)

Low-star public reviews often describe receiving units with obvious defects—indicative of a rushed or incomplete PDI. Complaints include water leaks, inoperative components, battery/charging issues, and misadjusted slides. These problems are expensive and time-consuming once you’ve signed.

• Hire an independent inspector: Find RV inspectors near me.
• Make the sale conditional on fixing all inspection items, verified by a re-inspection.

If you picked up a “not-camp-ready” unit from this location, will you document what failed first?

(Serious Concern)

Recurring reports indicate long waits for service appointments, slow parts sourcing, and back-and-forth with manufacturers on warranty coverage—leading to missed camping trips. This is a systemic RV industry challenge, but it’s critical to plan for it with this store, too.

• Before buying, ask for average lead times for warranty appointments and parts. Get it in writing.
• Clarify whether the dealership services non-purchased units and what priority is given to their own customers.
• Have an alternative service plan in case of long delays; look for mobile RV techs in your region: Find independent RV technicians.

(Moderate Concern)

Several complaints mention repeat visits for the same issues, implying misdiagnosis or rushed, incomplete repairs. RVs are complex: plumbing, electrical, propane, and structural systems all require methodical troubleshooting.

• Ask how many certified technicians are on staff and request their certifications to be shown or explained.
• Request before/after photos of repairs and returned parts with work orders for your records.

(Moderate Concern)

Customers sometimes report that advertised features were missing, incompatible, or not as described (e.g., “solar ready” without controller, mis-stated tank sizes, or incompatible hitch equipment). This can add hundreds to thousands in unexpected upgrades or rework.

• Cross-check the VIN build sheet against the physical unit. Don’t rely solely on brochure language.
• Test every feature yourself before signing.

(Moderate Concern)

Reports in the lowest reviews mention unexpected line items at signing—“doc,” “dealer prep,” “freight,” “etching,” and other add-ons. Some may be legitimate, others negotiable or unnecessary. Watch for fees on used units that don’t make sense, and require detailed explanations in writing.

• Request a signed buyer’s order with all fees itemized before you visit the finance office.
• Decline any add-ons you didn’t request. Remember: you can walk away until you sign.

(Moderate Concern)

Public reviews at this store include complaints of unreturned calls, patchy updates, or inconsistent timelines for ordered parts and repairs. Maintain a documented paper trail.

• Communicate via email whenever possible. Summarize phone calls in follow-up emails.
• Set clear expectations for status updates and ETAs, and escalate respectfully if deadlines slip.

(Serious Concern)

RVs frequently carry open recalls from their manufacturers. Dealers cannot sell new units with open safety recalls unaddressed, but used units sometimes slip through. Water leaks, propane leaks, brake or axle problems, and electrical faults can create safety hazards on the road and at the campsite.

• Run the VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup before you buy: NHTSA Recall Lookup.
• Get written confirmation from the dealer that all open recalls are remedied prior to delivery.

If you discovered a recall after purchase from this location, what was your resolution timeline like?

(Serious Concern)

Patterns of reported issues at this location—such as misrepresentation, failure to disclose defects, delayed paperwork, and warranty denials—can trigger state and federal consumer protection scrutiny. If you encounter these problems, document everything and consider escalating.

• Indiana Attorney General: The Consumer Protection Division accepts complaints of unfair or deceptive sales practices. Filing a complaint can compel a response and document a pattern: Indiana Attorney General — Consumer Protection.
• FTC Act and Auto/RV Sales Practices: The Federal Trade Commission prohibits unfair or deceptive acts or practices (UDAP). False promises, hidden fees, or deceptive financing could lead to FTC action: Federal Trade Commission.
• Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act: If a warranted defect isn’t fixed within a reasonable number of attempts or time, federal warranty law may provide remedies. Keep detailed service records: FTC Guide to Federal Warranty Law.
• NHTSA Safety Recalls: Selling a new unit with an open safety recall can violate federal law. Used units with unresolved recalls may not be illegal to sell but present significant safety risks. Check your VIN: NHTSA Recall Lookup.

If you believe you’ve faced deceptive practices or safety-related neglect at this dealership, consider filing formal complaints with the AG and FTC, and report safety defects to NHTSA. This record helps protect other consumers and can encourage faster resolutions.

(Serious Concern)

Defects frequently mentioned by RV buyers—water leaks, electrical faults, propane system issues, slide malfunctions, brake/axle concerns—carry real-world safety and financial consequences:

• Water intrusion: Can rapidly damage floors and walls, foster mold, and lead to thousands in structural repairs if not addressed immediately.
• Electrical failures: Risk fire hazards and damage to appliances/batteries; improper charging can strand you off-grid.
• Propane leaks: Represent a serious explosion and carbon monoxide hazard. Always carry a CO detector and verify LP system tests at delivery.
• Brake/axle issues: Affect stopping distance, tire wear, and stability—especially dangerous at highway speeds.
• Slide-out malfunctions: Can trap you at a campsite, damage seals, and exacerbate leaks.

When these issues occur post-sale, delays in service/parts at the dealership level can compound risks and costs—turning a seasonal purchase into a year-round repair project. The most reliable way to mitigate these risks is to verify condition before purchase and keep all promises in writing with deadlines.