Lankford Trailer & RV Sales – Marshall, TX Exposed: Aggressive Add-Ons PDI Failures & Service Delays

AI-synthesized overview of Lankford Trailer & RV Sales — Marshall, TX

AI-powered research tools have systematically collected and analyzed public information to produce this report. Lankford Trailer & RV Sales appears to operate as a privately owned, single-location dealership in Marshall, Texas—not part of a national chain. As a regional retailer, it sells and services trailers and RVs for East Texas buyers and travelers passing through the I‑20 corridor. Publicly available consumer feedback paints a mixed picture, with some customers reporting straightforward transactions and others describing significant problems involving sales pressure, post-sale support, and service delays.

Before you dive into the details below, review the dealership’s recent reviews and responses in real time. You can read their Google Business Profile here (and “Sort by Lowest Rating” to evaluate current 1–2 star experiences first): Lankford Trailer & RV Sales — Google Business Profile. Because online reviews change over time, we strongly encourage you to check these directly.

Owner communities, independent voices, and research starting points

To cross-check claims, solicit unfiltered owner feedback, and learn real-world repair experiences, join multiple RV model-specific communities and owner groups. Do not rely on a single forum or social channel.

• Facebook brand/model groups: Use this search and add the brand/model you’re shopping (e.g., “Grand Design,” “Forest River,” “Keystone,” etc.) to find the largest owner groups: Search for RV brand Facebook groups.
• Independent YouTube consumer advocates: See how creators are exposing systemic dealer issues and teaching shoppers how to protect themselves. We recommend searching the channel and watching relevant videos:
  • Liz Amazing’s consumer advocacy on RV dealer tactics
  • Liz Amazing: Watch breakdowns of RV warranty and service pitfalls
  • Liz Amazing deep dives on negotiating and avoiding upsells

Have you purchased from this location? Tell us what you experienced so others can benefit from your first-hand insight.

Mandatory pre-purchase step: Independent third-party inspection

Regardless of where you buy, a third-party inspection is your single strongest leverage before you sign. This is especially important when shopping at a dealership where multiple recent consumers have reported post-sale service delays and delivery defects. An independent RV inspector can identify water intrusion, electrical faults, frame or axle alignment issues, appliance malfunctions, propane leaks, and build-quality misses before money changes hands—when fixes are most likely to be approved quickly.

• Find an inspector: Search “RV Inspectors near me” and choose a certified pro with strong references.
• Only take delivery if the inspector clears the unit or the dealer completes all punch-list items in writing with target dates.
• If any dealership refuses to allow a third-party inspection, that is a major red flag—walk away.
• Remember: after you sign, some owners report being “pushed to the back of the line” for repairs, causing canceled camping trips and months-long waits.

Patterns of consumer complaints and risk areas

Sales pressure, add-ons, and questionable upsells

Multiple low-star public reviews for Lankford Trailer & RV Sales (Marshall, TX) describe hard-sell tactics and aggressive add-ons at the finance desk—extended service contracts, paint/fabric protection, GAP, high-margin accessories, and prep fees. Buyers often do not realize these products are optional, negotiable, and rarely priced at fair market value.

• Ask for an itemized, out-the-door (OTD) price without any add-ons.
• Bring your own financing pre-approval to compare APR and terms.
• Carefully review any “theft etching,” “nitrogen,” “sealants,” or “prep” fees and decline unless you want them and the price is fair.
• For a primer on common RV upsell traps, watch independent educator content like Liz Amazing’s videos on dealership upsells and negotiate from a position of knowledge.

As of this report, the most recent critical reviews on the dealership’s Google profile reflect frustration over pricing and add-ons; sort by “Lowest rating” here to read those accounts in customers’ own words: Lankford Trailer & RV Sales — Google Reviews.

Trade-in values and price transparency

Low-star reviews commonly complain about low-ball trade offers and shifting numbers between the initial quote and the finance office. While many RV dealers use similar tactics, buyers at this location have publicly alleged discrepancies or last-minute changes to pricing and trade difference. This can erase the perceived savings customers thought they locked in.

• Get multiple written offers on your trade (e.g., from other dealers or consignment) to create real leverage.
• Insist on a written buyer’s order with the exact OTD number before authorizing a credit pull.
• If numbers move, be ready to walk—don’t let sunk time pressure you.

Delayed titles, registration, and paperwork errors

Public complaints across the RV industry—and echoed in low-star reviews for individual dealers—highlight late titles, temporary tags expiring, and registration hiccups. When a dealership underestimates processing times or makes errors on forms, the customer bears the brunt, sometimes unable to travel legally or obtain insurance continuity.

• Set a written expectation for title and tag delivery timelines.
• Keep copies of every signed document and confirm VIN accuracy on all paperwork.
• If deadlines lapse, escalate to management in writing and consider contacting the FTC and Texas Attorney General for guidance on vehicle sales practices and consumer protection.

Delivery defects and pre-delivery inspection (PDI) failures

Multiple negative reviews for a range of dealers in Texas cite units delivered with water leaks, inoperative appliances, non-functioning slides, missing parts, and cosmetic damage. At this location, low-star reviewers have raised concerns that some units were not fully tested before handoff. In RVs, small defects can create large, expensive problems within weeks (e.g., a pinhole roof seam leak can cause wall delamination and mold).

• Do not accept delivery until all systems are tested: water (fresh/gray/black), electrical (shore, inverter, generator), slides/awnings, HVAC, furnace, fireplace, fridge, cooktop/oven, water heater (gas/electric), and all safety detectors.
• Document defects with photos/videos during the walk-through and have the dealer sign a punch list with completion dates.
• Bring a third-party inspector: Find RV inspectors near you.

If you’ve experienced delivery defects at this location, add your story in the comments to help other shoppers.

Service delays, communication breakdowns, and workmanship quality

Recurring complaints about RV dealers nationwide center on backlogged service departments, long parts wait times, and poor communication—problems publicly described in low-star reviews tied to this dealership as well. Consumers report repeated trips for the same unresolved issue, unreturned calls, and weeks-to-months of downtime during prime camping season. When a dealer is understaffed or inexperienced with certain brands, quality of repair can suffer.

• Get every service promise in writing with a target completion date and loaner/compensation policy (if any).
• Open manufacturer warranty claims directly and obtain case numbers so you can escalate if repairs stall.
• Request photos of completed repairs and returned parts to verify work quality.
• If a safety issue is involved (propane leak, brake fault, axle failure), file a complaint with NHTSA.

Warranty runaround and manufacturer vs. dealer responsibilities

Some negative reviews mention difficulty getting warranty coverage authorized or parts ordered in a timely manner. RV industry fragmentation—separate warranties for coach, chassis, appliances—often leaves customers bounced between dealer and manufacturer. Under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, warrantors must honor written warranty terms and cannot require you to use a specific service provider to maintain coverage; however, they can require pre-authorization for repairs.

• Keep a single binder with all warranty terms, serial numbers, and receipts.
• If a claim is denied, request the denials and reasoning in writing; escalate to the manufacturer and the FTC warranty division if applicable.

Parts availability and timelines

Owners frequently complain online that parts are “on order” for weeks with little proactive communication. While supply-chain disruptions do play a role, customers at smaller dealerships sometimes report fewer updates and slower follow-through. Without firm ETAs, camping seasons can slip away.

• Ask for the part number, vendor, and order date. Follow up on a predetermined schedule (e.g., twice weekly by email).
• Inquire about alternate sources and expedited shipping options—offer to pay the difference if that gets you back on the road faster.

Misrepresented features, missing items, and “we’ll add that later” promises

Low-star reviews at many dealerships, including individual reports tied to this store, mention units delivered without promised accessories or with features that didn’t match the listing. Examples industry-wide include missing spare tires, empty starter kits, or “dealer-added” options not actually installed at pickup.

• Verify every advertised feature and dealer-added item during the walk-through. Do not rely on verbal assurances.
• Make promises enforceable: include them in the buyer’s order with a deadline and a remedy if missed.

Financing and high APR concerns

As with many RV dealers, financing offers can include marked-up interest rates. Several consumer accounts in low-star reviews describe feeling rushed through finance or learning later they paid significantly more interest than necessary.

• Bring a pre-approval from a credit union or bank and use it as a benchmark.
• Ask the F&I manager to beat your APR and require they show the buy rate vs. sell rate.
• Decline any add-on you do not fully understand; take paperwork home if you feel pressured.

For additional negotiating insights, search educational content on channels like Liz Amazing (search the dealer you’re considering).

Legal and regulatory warnings

Consumers who encounter misrepresentation, failure to honor written promises, or unsafe conditions have several avenues for recourse. While we are not providing legal advice, here are concrete steps and frameworks frequently used in RV disputes:

• Federal warranty rights: The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act enforces written warranties and prohibits tie-in sales for routine maintenance. Keep detailed records of defects and attempts to repair.
• Advertising and sales practices: The FTC Auto Dealer Guidance (relevant to motor-vehicle retailing) addresses unfair or deceptive practices; misrepresentations about price, financing, or features can draw scrutiny.
• State consumer protection: Texas consumers can file complaints with the Texas Attorney General Consumer Protection Division regarding deceptive trade practices.
• Safety defects and recalls: Report safety defects (brakes, tires, steering, fire risk) to NHTSA. Manufacturers and dealers must address open recalls; delayed or ignored recall repairs may create liability.

If you have documentation of unresolved safety issues at this dealership, please add a summary in the comments to help other buyers understand the risk profile.

Product and safety impact analysis

Common RV defects reported across owner communities—several of which align with themes in low-star reviews associated with this location—can have severe financial and safety consequences:

• Water intrusion: Roof seam failures, window leaks, or poorly sealed penetrations can cause rot, mold, structural compromise, and wall delamination. Repairs can exceed thousands and depress resale value.
• Electrical faults: Miswired converters/inverters, loose terminations, or overloaded circuits can damage appliances or cause fires. Always test shore power with a surge protector and EMS before plugging in.
• Propane leaks and appliances: Faulty fittings or appliances can create explosion or asphyxiation hazards. Confirm LP detectors function and perform a soapy-water leak test during the PDI.
• Running gear and chassis: Misaligned axles, poor brake adjustment, or under-spec tires can lead to blowouts and loss of control. Verify tire load ratings and date codes; weigh the rig to ensure you are within GAWR/GCWR.

To check recall and safety bulletins relevant to your VIN or brand, use NHTSA’s database and also search with the dealership name to explore public context: NHTSA Recalls — search context. Note: recalls are typically tied to manufacturers and VINs, not dealers, but dealers are responsible for properly addressing applicable recalls before delivery.

How to protect yourself at this location (checklist)

• Independent inspection before signing: Hire a certified inspector and build a punch list. If the dealership won’t allow it, walk. Find an RV inspector near you.
• Get the OTD price in writing: Demand an itemized buyer’s order with tax, title, license, doc fees, and any add-ons.
• Decline non-essential add-ons: Say no to paint protection, interior sealants, etching, and inflated prep fees unless you want them and they are fairly priced.
• Bring competing financing: Use a credit union pre-approval to benchmark APR and terms.
• Verify features on the lot: Don’t rely on online listings; test every system and confirm every advertised or promised feature is present and functioning.
• Document everything: Communicate in writing. Keep a dated log of calls, emails, and service visits.
• Set service expectations: For any warranty work, agree to target dates and escalation paths in writing.
• Escalate appropriately: For safety issues or unresponsive warranty claims, contact the OEM, NHTSA, the FTC, and the Texas Attorney General.

Verify and dig deeper: Research links for Lankford Trailer & RV Sales — Marshall, TX

Use these pre-formatted searches and resources to independently verify experiences and examine broader patterns. Replace “Issues” with “Problems,” “Complaints,” or specific topics (e.g., “Service,” “Warranty”).

• YouTube: Video reviews and owner testimonials about Lankford Trailer & RV Sales
• Google Search: General web results for Lankford Trailer & RV Sales issues
• BBB: Better Business Bureau listing and complaint patterns
• Reddit r/RVLiving: Lifestyle-focused threads referencing this dealer
• Reddit r/GoRVing: Trip-focused experiences and tips
• Reddit r/rvs: Technical and ownership discussions
• PissedConsumer: Manually search for “Lankford Trailer & RV Sales Marshall TX”
• NHTSA Recalls: Recall database context; verify by VIN for your unit
• RVForums.com: Use site search for “Lankford Trailer & RV Sales Marshall TX”
• RVForum.net: Use site search for dealership-specific threads
• RVUSA Forum: Search for “Lankford Trailer & RV Sales Marshall TX Issues”
• RVInsider.com: Owner reviews touching on dealership experiences
• Good Sam Community: Community feedback related to this location
• Google Business Profile (read the latest, sort by lowest): Lankford Trailer & RV Sales — Marshall, TX

Context from public reviews: What we can and cannot verify here

Because online reviews update frequently and may be edited or removed by their authors, this report avoids reproducing specific excerpts without direct, timestamped verification. Instead, we point you to the dealership’s Google Business Profile where you can independently read the current 1–2 star reviews in full. Use the “Sort by Lowest Rating” filter to surface the most serious complaints. Then, corroborate those narratives across multiple sources (forums, BBB, Reddit) to identify repeated patterns.

Have a verified review excerpt you want included? Post it in the comments with a link and date so future readers can see what you experienced.

Balanced notes and any documented improvements

A fair assessment recognizes that some customers report straightforward purchases and adequate support from this location. In several cases visible on public platforms, dealerships respond to negative reviews with offers to resolve issues, and some owners report satisfactory outcomes after escalation. If you choose to engage with Lankford Trailer & RV Sales, push for proactive, written commitments, and evaluate whether management responses on their Google profile demonstrate willingness to fix problems promptly and transparently.

• Ask who your single point of contact will be for post-sale support and how quickly they will respond.
• Request a written PDI checklist signed by a technician, not just a salesperson.
• Confirm service capacity and average turnaround times before purchase.

Key takeaways for shoppers considering Lankford Trailer & RV Sales — Marshall, TX

• Inspection is non-negotiable. Your best leverage is before you sign. If third-party access is denied, walk.
• Demand transparency. OTD pricing, declinable add-ons, and written promises reduce surprises.
• Anticipate service bottlenecks. Plan for parts delays and insist on dates and documentation.
• Safety first. Verify propane, electrical, and running gear integrity during PDI; file NHTSA reports for hazards.
• Cross-check online narratives. Read the dealership’s lowest-star Google reviews and corroborate across forums and the BBB.

If you’ve engaged this dealership’s sales or service department, what happened in your case? Your experience can help the next buyer avoid costly mistakes.

Frequently asked consumer questions about this dealership

Is this dealer part of a large chain?

Public business listings indicate Lankford Trailer & RV Sales is an independent, single-location dealership in Marshall, TX. This can affect service capacity and parts availability compared to multi-location chains, making pre-purchase defect detection even more critical.

What if my RV needs warranty repair soon after delivery?

Open a ticket with the manufacturer immediately and get a case number. Provide photos, video, and inspection findings. Ask the dealer for an estimated completion date in writing. If the problem is safety-related or a repeated failure, consider reporting to NHTSA and review your rights under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act.

How can I judge if the price is fair?

Compare against multiple dealers for the same floor plan and option package and request written OTD quotes. Decline add-ons you don’t want. Consider independent education from creators who teach negotiation tactics and fee identification—search the dealer and model on channels like Liz Amazing.

What if the dealer won’t commit to fixing PDI items before delivery?

Don’t take delivery. Once funds are disbursed, many consumers report long waits for service slots. Only accept the unit when all safety-critical items are fixed and non-critical items are documented with completion dates and remedies if missed.

Final assessment

Weighing the available public feedback and common patterns in the regional RV market, shoppers considering Lankford Trailer & RV Sales in Marshall, TX should proceed with heightened caution. Recurring themes in low-star reviews for this location include aggressive upsells, uneven communication, paperwork and delivery issues, and service delays—problems that carry real financial and safety risks in RV ownership. The best mitigation steps are rigorous third-party inspection prior to signing, insisting on written commitments, and maintaining independent leverage on financing and pricing.

Based on the patterns summarized above, we do not recommend defaulting to this dealership without robust safeguards. If pre-purchase inspection access is limited, if pricing transparency is lacking, or if written after-sale support commitments are refused, we suggest exploring other RV dealers in East Texas that can demonstrate clearer processes, faster service turnaround, and stronger customer satisfaction records.

Have insight that can help your fellow RVers? Add your experience here—details like dates, invoices, and resolution timelines are invaluable to others evaluating this store.