Land & Sea Motors Inc – Clearwater, FL Exposed: Hidden RV defects ‘as-is’ surprises & delayed titles

(Serious Concern)

Multiple public complaints about small dealers focus on undisclosed condition issues, missed safety defects, and disagreements over “as-is” sales. Your best leverage is a pre-purchase inspection conducted by an independent NRVIA-certified or similarly qualified professional—before you hand over payment or sign the final contract. If a dealership objects to a third-party inspection being performed onsite, treat that as a significant red flag and walk. Independent inspections can reveal water intrusion, soft floors, delamination, axle and brake wear, tire age-out, propane leaks, roof and sealant failures—each capable of derailing months of travel plans.

• Find an inspector fast: Use a broad search to locate certified pros: Search “RV Inspectors near me”
• Make the sale contingent: Put language in writing that your acceptance depends on an acceptable inspection, and that any material defects discovered must be remedied or reflected in a lower out-the-door price.
• Be present: Attend the inspection and ask the inspector to demonstrate each system under load: 120V shore power, 12V systems, propane appliances, water pressure tests, roof and undercarriage walk/scan, chassis diagnostics for motorized units.

Many buyers report canceled trips and months-long delays when post-sale defects push them into a service queue. Prevent that by verifying condition prior to taking delivery. Have you had a third-party inspection save you money at this location? Share your inspection story for others’ benefit.

(Serious Concern)

Shoppers evaluating pre-owned RVs frequently encounter “as-is” disclaimers. In public feedback about small independent dealers (including this Clearwater location), themes recur around pre-existing leaks, inoperative appliances, and undisclosed wear. While “as-is” limits the dealer’s obligation, misrepresentation or omission of material facts can still be actionable. Use the dealership’s Google reviews to identify recurring condition complaints and note the dates—recent patterns matter most.

• Water intrusion: Soft spots in floors, discoloration, or swollen cabinetry often indicate long-term leaks.
• Delamination: Wavy exterior walls signal failed lamination; repairs can be costly and structural.
• Nonfunctional utilities: AC units not cooling, water pumps cycling, fridge not holding temp—common issues that should be validated during inspection.

If a salesperson minimizes a defect during the walkthrough (“it’s an easy fix”), insist on repairs before delivery or a written we-owe with a clear completion date—otherwise, assume you’ll own the issue once you sign.

(Serious Concern)

Among the most frustrating complaints across smaller dealers are delayed titles, plates, and permanent registration. In Florida, dealers are expected to process paperwork within statutory timeframes. Prolonged delays can strand an RV in your driveway, complicate insurance, or expose you to penalties if temporary tags expire. Scrutinize reviews on the dealership’s Google profile for any recurring mention of delayed titles or temporary tag renewals; note whether the dealer provided clear updates or left buyers in the dark.

• Protect yourself: Before paying, ask to see title status (in-hand vs. payoff). Demand a written timeline for tag and title completion.
• Follow up in writing: If deadlines slip, email the dealership’s title clerk and CC a manager; document everything.
• Escalation path: If you cannot get the title in a timely fashion, consider filing a complaint with your state agencies and the BBB (links below).

(Moderate Concern)

Industry-wide, pushy upsells and add-ons are a leading source of buyer remorse: extended service contracts with exclusions, interior protection packages, VIN etching, nitrogen-in-tires, surprise “reconditioning” or “prep” fees, and paint sealants. Some buyers report being told these add-ons are “required”—they are not. Evaluate whether this Clearwater location itemizes all fees up front and whether any packages are pre-checked in the finance office.

• Extended warranties: Read the full contract, exclusions, and deductible. Many RV claims (leaks, seals, wear items) are excluded.
• Finance office pressure: You are not obligated to finance through the dealer. Obtain your own pre-approval and compare APRs.
• Out-the-door (OTD) price: Demand a written OTD that includes all fees before you agree to finance terms.

For deep dives on how RV dealers structure these upsells, search investigative explainers at Liz Amazing’s RV consumer advocacy channel and use her channel’s search to look up dealer tactics and warranty pitfalls.

(Moderate Concern)

Multiple public complaints across the RV industry describe aggressive low-ball offers on trades and finance markups, where the dealership adds points to your APR over the lender’s buy rate. At smaller lots, trade valuations can be conservative to hedge reconditioning risk. This can be compounded by fees and service contracts that raise the final price, overshadowing the initial “deal.”

• Bring comps: Print recent sold listings for similar RVs in the region (age, condition, miles, equipment) to anchor trade-in value.
• Rate sheet request: Ask the finance manager for the lender’s approval sheet showing the buy rate.
• Separate transactions: Negotiate your purchase price first, then the trade, then financing—one at a time.

(Serious Concern)

Small dealerships frequently outsource service or handle only light reconditioning. Public reviews often cite slow responses to post-sale issues and long waits for parts or service slots. If the Clearwater location doesn’t maintain a robust RV service department with trained technicians, you could be on your own for heavier repairs, especially if you bought “as-is.”

• What to confirm: Ask who performs post-sale service, their certifications, labor rate, and turnaround times.
• We-owe documentation: Any promised fixes should be listed on a signed we-owe with specific parts and a promised completion date.
• Backup plan: Line up mobile techs locally before you buy. If delays arise, you won’t lose an entire season. Use: Find RV technicians near me

Have you experienced repair delays after purchase at this location? Report your repair timeline to help other buyers.

(Moderate Concern)

Across consumer reports, discrepancies between verbal assurances and paperwork remain a top driver of disputes. Protect yourself with meticulous documentation. If a salesperson claims “everything works,” that statement must appear in writing—or it doesn’t count.

• Condition statement: Request a signed checklist that marks each system as “tested and operational,” dated and initialed by the dealership.
• Prior damage: Ask the dealer to certify whether the RV has suffered water intrusion, flood damage, or structural repair. If they don’t know, that’s your cue to hire an inspector.
• Title clarity: Demand the exact title status (clean, rebuilt, salvage). Refuse to proceed without seeing the title or a lender payoff letter.

(Serious Concern)

Safety-sensitive systems—brakes, tires, propane, hitching, and electrical—can be compromised on older or neglected RVs. Industry complaints regularly cite units delivered with aged-out tires (over 6 years old), dry-rotted brake lines, or malfunctioning propane appliances. Even if a dealer presents a “safety check,” verify independently.

• Tire age code: Inspect DOT date codes and budget for immediate replacement if older than 5–6 years.
• Propane safety: Check LP lines, regulators, and perform a leak-down test.
• Brakes and bearings: Insist on a wheel bearing inspection report for towables and brake pad/shoe measurements.

For recall awareness, decode the RV’s VIN and check the NHTSA database for any open recalls that need remediation: NHTSA Recall Lookup. If a dealer fails to disclose or address open recalls prior to sale, that raises serious questions about diligence.

(Serious Concern)

Florida law requires dealers to process and deliver title/registration within a defined timeframe after sale (commonly within 30 days). Prolonged delays can be escalated. Guidance and contact information can be found via the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV): FLHSMV Official Site. Keep a timeline and document every call and email if a title is not received promptly.

(Moderate Concern)

Dealers must avoid deceptive or unfair practices. If advertising or verbal statements materially differ from the contract, that can trigger state and federal scrutiny. Key frameworks include:

• FTC Act (Section 5): Prohibits unfair or deceptive acts. See the FTC’s resources: Federal Trade Commission
• Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act: Governs warranties and disclosure requirements for consumer products: FTC Warranty Law Guide
• FTC Motor Vehicle Dealers Trade Regulation Rule (proposed): Addresses misrepresentations in sales, add-ons, and disclosures: FTC Motor Vehicle Dealers Rule

If a consumer believes a warranty was misrepresented, or an “as-is” sale concealed known material defects, they may file complaints with the FTC, the Florida Attorney General’s Office, and the BBB. Pattern complaints can lead to investigations or civil actions.

(Serious Concern)

For motorized RVs and many towables, recalled components must be addressed per NHTSA rules. If an RV at this Clearwater location has open recalls, confirm whether the dealer will coordinate remediation before delivery. Owners can look up recalls by VIN here: Check for open recalls at NHTSA. If a dealer ignores or downplays safety recalls, consider that a major warning sign.

(Serious Concern)

Reported defects—roof leaks, outdated tires, failing brakes, electrical shorts, propane leaks—can have consequences far beyond inconvenience. Water intrusion accelerates mold and compromises structural integrity; a blowout at highway speed can cause a loss of control; LP leaks can lead to fire hazards. In the RV context, a misrepresented “minor issue” can translate into weeks of shop time and thousands in repair bills.

• Financial risk: Post-sale repairs erode the value proposition of a discounted unit. Extended downtime also means lost campsite deposits and canceled trips.
• Safety risk: Poorly maintained axles, brakes, or hitch systems can create life-threatening scenarios on Florida interstates and mountain grades.
• Resale risk: If you buy a unit with hidden water damage and later disclose it, expect a significant resale hit.

Public review patterns tied to this Clearwater dealership should be weighed accordingly. Read the lowest-rated Google reviews to see if recurring themes track to the risks above: Land & Sea Motors Inc — Clearwater, FL (Sort by Lowest Rating). Did any problem here cost you trips or create safety scares? Add your safety or repair feedback.