LAKELAND RV LLC – Lakeland, FL Exposed: Aggressive upsells, title delays, weak PDI, slow repairs—see reviews

(Serious Concern)

Independent inspections are the single best defense against expensive post-purchase surprises. Multiple recent low-star reviews for LAKELAND RV LLC describe units leaving the lot with lingering defects or missing items that should have been caught during a thorough pre-delivery inspection (PDI). A reputable dealership should welcome a professional third-party inspection—if they don’t allow it, that’s a major red flag and you should walk.

• Use this search to find qualified inspectors near Lakeland, FL: Search: RV Inspectors near me.
• Make the inspection a condition of sale. Do not sign final paperwork or take delivery until items are corrected or escrowed with a clear we-owe form and dates.
• Stress-test functions: roof and window seals, slide mechanisms, inverter/converter, propane systems, water/intrusion checks, brakes/axles, GFCI outlets, and all safety alarms.

Why this matters: multiple owners across the industry report canceled camping trips because their brand-new RVs sat at dealerships for months waiting on parts or service queues after delivery-day problems were discovered at home. Your leverage vanishes after you sign.

(Serious Concern)

Several recent low-star reviews describe pushy upsells on add-ons (extended warranties, tire-and-wheel packages, fabric/paint protection, VIN etching, nitrogen, and miscellaneous “prep” fees) that substantially increased the out-the-door price. Reviewers also allege high APR financing compared with pre-approvals they obtained elsewhere, a common dealership tactic known as rate markup. Consumers should treat any “payment-only” sales pitch or refusal to disclose the full cash out-the-door price as a red flag.

• What to do: Secure credit union or bank pre-approval before visiting the store, and request a line-item out-the-door purchase agreement with every add-on listed at $0 unless you explicitly choose it.
• Verify terms: Confirm whether add-ons are optional or bundled, and get the exact cancellation/refund terms in writing.
• Learn from advocates: To understand finance/upsell pitfalls and how to say no, see this explainer: Liz Amazing: Hidden dealership tactics and how to protect yourself.

(Serious Concern)

Multiple low-star reviewers report waiting far longer than expected for titles, tag transfers, or permanent plates. In Florida, unreasonable title delays can impact your ability to travel legally and may violate state requirements. If a dealer allows temporary tags to lapse without proper resolution, consumers can face tickets, canceled trips, and insurance headaches.

• Protections: Florida’s consumer protection laws and DMV title requirements apply. Keep meticulous records of every promise and estimated date supplied by the dealership.
• Escalation plan: If deadlines pass, send a dated written demand for compliance and consider filing with state regulators (see Legal and Regulatory Warnings below).

(Serious Concern)

A frequent theme in lower-rated reviews is the length of time units spend waiting for service, follow-ups, or warranty parts. This includes complaints that repairs took multiple weeks or months, or that communication went dark after drop-off. Florida’s year-round camping is a selling point, but seasonal backlogs are real—buyers must plan for this and document timelines carefully.

• Before purchase: Ask for the current average turnaround time for common repairs, and whether customers who bought there get scheduling priority over those who did not.
• Paper trail: Insist on a repair order with detailed notes, promised timelines, and technician findings at each visit.
• Independent second opinions: When delays stretch, consider a mobile RV technician or a different authorized warranty center after confirming with the manufacturer.

(Serious Concern)

Recent critical reviews allege that units were delivered with defects that should have been caught in PDI: water leaks, non-functioning appliances, loose trim, unsealed roof components, or missing accessories. PDI lapses are costly once the unit leaves the lot; your best leverage is to catch and correct issues before finalizing the sale.

• Action step: Hire a third-party inspector and perform a comprehensive walk-through. Use this to locate a professional: Find RV Inspectors near me.
• Don’t rush delivery: If problems are found, require written remediation with dates, or escrow sufficient funds to ensure completion.

(Moderate Concern)

Some low-star reviewers describe promises made at the point of sale that were not fulfilled (e.g., accessories to be included, small repairs to be completed, or scheduled service follow-ups that slipped without notice). Whenever a salesperson makes a promise, it must be written into the purchase agreement (often called a “we-owe” form) with specific timelines.

• Get it in writing: Verbal assurances do not survive turnover or scheduling changes. Insist on documented commitments.
• Use certified mail: When deadlines pass, a written follow-up letter requesting completion can be critical if you later escalate.

(Moderate Concern)

Several buyers report frustration with trade-in valuations and sudden changes between initial figures and final offers. While market adjustments are normal, late-stage “reappraisals” can pressure consumers to accept less favorable terms after investing time in the deal.

• Protect yourself: Get multiple bids (including instant-buy offers) on your trade before visiting the dealer. Bring printed offers to strengthen your negotiating position.
• No surprises: Require a written, time-limited appraisal before leaving your RV for trade-in.

(Moderate Concern)

Critics frequently mention confusion around warranty coverage and third-party service contracts. Extended service contracts are not factory warranties; they come with exclusions, claim limits, and sometimes difficult approval processes. Know exactly what you’re buying, how to file claims, and whether pre-authorization is required.

• Cost-benefit check: Compare extended service contract costs against self-insuring in a savings account.
• Coverage reality: Ask for a sample contract and read the exclusions carefully before signing.

(Serious Concern)

Patterns of delayed titles, misrepresented warranty coverage, or failure to honor written promises can trigger state and federal consumer protections. Here are key frameworks applicable to Florida RV buyers:

• Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act (federal): Governs written warranties and prohibits deceptive warranty practices. Overview here: FTC Guide to Federal Warranty Law.
• FTC Act (Section 5): Prohibits unfair or deceptive acts or practices, including misrepresentations in sales and finance. Report suspected violations to the FTC.
• Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act (FDUTPA): Addresses deceptive or unfair business practices in Florida. Consumers can seek help through the Florida Attorney General’s Office: Florida Attorney General – Consumer Protection.
• Safety and Recall Compliance: RV manufacturers and component makers must address recalls; if a dealer fails to inform you about known, open recalls, that may create safety risks. Check for recalls tied to your VIN and major components on NHTSA: NHTSA Recalls Search (enter your actual VIN/brand for precise results).

If you suspect violations, preserve all documents and communications, including texts and emails with sales or service staff. Clear documentation is often decisive if you seek restitution or regulatory assistance.

(Serious Concern)

Reported delivery defects and slow service turnaround can create immediate safety and financial risks:

• Water intrusion: Unsealed roofs, windows, or plumbing leaks can lead to mold, soft floors, electrical shorts, and structural rot—problems that often worsen quickly and can be expensive to remediate.
• Propane and electrical: LP system leaks, improperly wired outlets, or malfunctioning converters/inverters are serious hazards. These must be tested and verified by a qualified technician prior to travel.
• Brakes and axles: Wheel bearing service, brake function, and proper torque on lug nuts are critical for towable RVs; skipped checks can cause catastrophic on-road failures.
• Recall coordination: Some major component recalls (e.g., refrigerators, furnaces, suspension parts) require timely action. Delayed appointments can prolong exposure to safety risks. Always check your VIN with the manufacturer and NHTSA.

To reduce exposure, demand complete PDI records, test every system before signing, and escalate immediately if safety-critical defects are found.

(Moderate Concern)

Whether you purchase from LAKELAND RV LLC or another dealership, take these steps to reduce exposure to the most common pitfalls reported in critical reviews:

• Get pre-approved financing from a bank or credit union to compare APRs and terms against the dealership’s offer.
• Request an out-the-door price sheet that lists every fee and option. Cross out anything you did not agree to buy.
• Insist on a robust, documented PDI and hire a third-party professional inspector: Find an RV inspector near you.
• We-owe form: Every promise (repairs, parts, accessories) must be written with deadlines. No verbal assurances.
• Title and registration timing: Ask for expected delivery dates and who to contact for status updates; calendar these dates and follow up in writing.
• Service scheduling commitments: If buying here, ask whether purchases get priority service access and what current backlogs are.

(Serious Concern)

• Independent inspection: Make the sale contingent on a third-party inspection and correction of material defects. Find inspectors: Search local RV inspectors. If the dealer refuses, walk away.
• Water intrusion checks: Roof, slide seals, windows, basement, water heater bay; run a hose test for leaks. Moisture meter readings documented.
• Safety systems: LP leak test, CO/smoke alarms, GFCI outlets, brake controller function, emergency exit windows.
• Appliances and electrical: ACs on shore power and generator (if equipped), refrigerator on AC/propane, inverter/converter load tests.
• Chassis and running gear: Lug torque, bearing service records, tire date codes, suspension visual inspection.
• Contracts and fees: Review all add-ons; decline anything you don’t want; ensure you can cancel optional protection products.
• Title and tags: Obtain promised timelines in writing; verify lien payoff process (if trading in) to avoid paperwork limbo.