Lazydays RV of Tampa at Seffner- Seffner, FL Exposed: Hidden fees, APR markups, title delays-beware

(Serious Concern)

Across the RV industry—and repeatedly reported at high-volume dealerships like Lazydays RV of Tampa at Seffner—buyers describe defects found only after signing, followed by long waits for service. Your strongest leverage is to make the sale contingent on a thorough, independent inspection by a certified RV inspector before you sign any final papers or take possession. Search locally: RV Inspectors near me. If the dealership will not allow a third‑party inspection on site, that is a major red flag—walk away.

We recommend you:

• Hire a third-party inspector to perform a multi-hour, systems-on inspection and water test.
• Get a written punch list with photos; require all items to be corrected with written sign-off before closing.
• Document the unit’s VIN, mileage/odometer (if motorized), tire DOT codes, and generator hours during the inspection.

If you skip this step, you risk losing leverage. Multiple consumers report cancelled trips and months-long delays while their “new” RV sits in the service queue. Protect yourself up front. You can also contact a second inspector if the first finds many issues: Search again for RV inspectors in your area.

For ongoing education about dealer tactics and how to inspect RVs, see: Liz Amazing’s guidance on vetting RV dealers.

(Serious Concern)

In lower-star public reviews for this location, buyers frequently describe discrepancies between the initially quoted or advertised price and their final paperwork at closing. Themes include non-optional “packages,” high doc fees, prep fees, and dealer-installed add-ons appearing late in the process. We encourage you to review recent 1- and 2-star comments by sorting “Lowest rating” on the dealership’s page: Google reviews for Lazydays RV of Tampa at Seffner.

• Get a line-item buyer’s order early; refuse to proceed until the dealership produces a complete, written out-the-door price with all fees.
• Decline any add-ons you do not want; require the dealer to remove line items you did not authorize.
• Compare the signed buyer’s order to the final finance contract word-for-word; do not accept “it’s the same, just different formatting.”

(Moderate Concern)

Several consumers allege steeply reduced trade values at the last minute, especially after they have invested time and travel to the Seffner campus. This is common across high-volume RV stores, but it’s important to anticipate. Protect yourself by obtaining binding online cash offers (from multiple sources) on your current RV before your dealership visit. If the offer changes on site, show competing offers and be ready to walk.

• Secure multiple trade or buyout bids in writing.
• Avoid putting down a non-refundable deposit until appraisal is final and in writing.
• Document condition thoroughly (photos, recent repairs, maintenance records) to defend your value.

(Serious Concern)

Public complaints commonly describe higher-than-expected APRs and the discovery of add-ons folded into monthly payments without clear consent. RV finance offices can legally mark up interest rates above the lender’s buy rate. It’s crucial to arrive pre-approved by your bank or credit union and to compare the dealership’s APR and fees to your pre-approval before agreeing to anything.

• Request the lender’s name, the buy rate, and the final APR; compare to your pre-approval.
• Decline any product you do not understand; insist that non-essential line items be removed.
• If pressured to “sign now or lose the unit,” step away. Scarcity pressure is a known sales tactic.

Misrepresenting APR or hiding financed add-ons can implicate federal law. Learn your rights under the Truth in Lending Act (TILA) via the CFPB: CFPB: Auto loan disclosures and your rights.

(Moderate Concern)

Consumers often report heavy pressure to buy extended service contracts, fabric/paint coatings, tire/wheel plans, and other products with limited real-world value compared to their cost. Some buyers later discover coverage exclusions that leave them paying for major repairs anyway. Consider an independent reserve fund instead of high-margin plans unless you have read the entire contract for coverage, exclusions, deductibles, and transfer/claim rules.

• Ask for full contracts in advance; do not rely on brochures or verbal descriptions.
• Confirm whether the plan pays retail or reduced labor, OEM vs. aftermarket parts, and whether mobile repairs are covered.
• Decline coatings and “etch” products; results are rarely worth the premium.

For candid consumer discussions on add-ons, search owner groups and channels such as Liz Amazing’s channel and use the internal search to find “warranty,” “finance,” or “dealer add-ons.”

(Serious Concern)

Some owners report waiting weeks or months for titles, plates, or corrected paperwork—risking fines or rendering the RV unusable. In Florida, dealers are obligated to process title applications promptly. Florida Statute 319.23 requires proper application for certificate of title; significant delays can be actionable. Review your rights: Florida Statute 319.23 (Application for certificate of title).

• Refuse delivery until you confirm the title status, payoff of any prior lien, and accurate registration details.
• Get hard copies of the signed buyer’s order, odometer disclosure (motorized), and all addendum pages before you leave.
• If delays occur, escalate in writing to dealership management and copy the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles: FLHSMV.

(Moderate Concern)

Recurring complaints mention promised items (e.g., missing accessories, incorrect hitch equipment, or specific options) not being present on delivery day, followed by difficulty getting follow-through. Secure all promises in writing on the buyer’s order or a signed “We Owe/You Owe” form with due dates. If it’s not in writing, it may never happen.

• Document promises with names, dates, and screenshots of text or email confirmations.
• Do a full walk-through with utilities connected. Test every appliance and system.
• Do not sign final acknowledgments until all items are present and functioning.

(Serious Concern)

Public narratives include buyers discovering leaks, non-functional appliances, damaged seals, slide issues, and electronics not configured at delivery—problems that an adequate PDI should catch. This is where a third-party inspector pays for itself. If defects surface after closing, you could be stuck at the back of the service line. Book your inspection before signing: Find a local RV inspector.

(Serious Concern)

Multiple reviewers describe long lead times for both warranty and non-warranty work, especially during peak seasons. After purchase, some owners report their coaches sitting at the service center for weeks with limited updates. To avoid trip cancellations, plan around service seasonality and secure written timelines. If a part is on national backorder, ask the manufacturer directly about alternatives or authorized substitutions.

• Get a documented estimate with promised start and completion dates.
• Ask for weekly status updates in writing and the parts order confirmation showing order date, ETA, and vendor.
• If your RV is immobile due to a covered defect, ask the plan or manufacturer to approve mobile service when feasible.

(Serious Concern)

Consumers commonly report repeat visits for the same issue, “parts swapping,” or cosmetic damage from rushed work. When a dealership handles extremely high volumes, training and QC variance can creep in. Ask whether your technician is RVIA/RVDA certified and request photos of the repair process. If the issue requires brand expertise (e.g., hydronic heat, leveling systems, multiplex wiring), insist on a technician with direct experience in that subsystem or consider a specialty shop.

• Request before/after photos and keep old parts.
• Test all systems while still on the service lot. Do not assume “fixed” means fixed.
• Escalate persistent defects to the manufacturer if the dealer cannot resolve after a reasonable number of attempts.

(Moderate Concern)

Owners report friction around warranty coverage—what’s covered vs. “wear and tear,” labor time allowances, and the need for pre-authorization. Some service contracts pay reduced labor/time, slowing or complicating repairs. Request your plan’s labor matrix, coverage terms, and claim process in writing. If a claim is denied, ask for the specific contract clause cited for denial.

• Open your own claim with the warranty administrator and document every call.
• Ask the manufacturer or plan whether alternate parts sources are authorized to speed completion.
• If you believe a claim denial violates warranty law, consider filing with the FTC and Florida Attorney General.

(Serious Concern)

Leaking LP lines, inoperative brake controllers, failing slide mechanisms, delamination near structural points, faulty GFCIs, and miswired inverters are not mere inconveniences—they are safety risks. When PDI defects slip through, owners can end up towing or driving an unsafe RV. Document safety-related issues immediately and avoid traveling until repaired. For motorized units, request a road-test verification after any chassis or brake work.

• Use a torque wrench to re-check lug nuts after service; verify tire pressures and DOT code age before a long trip.
• Test smoke/CO/LP detectors, emergency exits, and fire extinguishers at delivery and after service.
• If a safety concern is ignored or delayed, file a report with NHTSA: Report a safety problem to NHTSA.

(Moderate Concern)

RVs contain components from many suppliers; recall responsibility may fall on the coach maker or part vendor. Verify recall status by VIN with the manufacturer and NHTSA. Do not accept delivery until required recall work is done, and collect documentation proving completion.

• Search recalls by VIN on NHTSA; use the manufacturer’s site for your brand.
• Ask the dealer for a printout showing all open campaigns and their status.
• Read about recall processes here: NHTSA Recalls Overview. For dealership-targeted searching, you can also run: NHTSA recall search (dealership keyword).

(Serious Concern)

Patterns described in public complaints—such as misrepresented pricing/APR, failing to honor written promises, delayed titles, and poor warranty handling—can implicate consumer-protection laws. Know your recourse:

• Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act (FDUTPA): Prohibits unfair or deceptive acts in commerce. If pricing, features, or fees were misrepresented, FDUTPA may apply. Learn more via the Florida Attorney General: Florida Attorney General – Consumer Protection.
• Florida title and registration law: Dealers must properly process title applications. See F.S. 319.23 and contact FLHSMV if deadlines are missed.
• Truth in Lending Act (TILA): Misstating APRs, amounts financed, or payment terms can violate federal law. See CFPB guidance: CFPB Auto Loan Resources.
• Magnuson–Moss Warranty Act: Governs written warranties; failure to honor reasonable warranty obligations, or misleading warranty terms, may be actionable. Overview: FTC guide to federal warranty law.
• Florida Motor Vehicle Repair Act: Requires written repair estimates, disclosures, and authorization for additional charges. Enforcement via FDACS: Florida Motor Vehicle Repair requirements.

If you believe you’ve been harmed, file detailed complaints—attach contracts, invoices, and email threads—with the FTC: ReportFraud.FTC.gov, the Florida Attorney General: MyFloridaLegal, and the BBB (for a public record and response): BBB.org.

(Moderate Concern)

Seffner is one of the largest RV campuses in the country, moving high unit volumes across many brands. High velocity can strain PDIs, service bays, parts channels, and paperwork departments. Sales teams often work from aggressive monthly targets; finance offices are profit centers for add-ons. This environment rewards speed and volume—yet RVs are hand-built and require slow, meticulous inspection and fit-and-finish corrections. The mismatch produces the patterns consumers report: advertised value vs. reality, service delays, and communication gaps.

(Moderate Concern)

It’s fair to note that some customers report satisfactory purchases, responsive sales reps, and ultimately resolved service issues at the Seffner campus. High-volume dealers sometimes mobilize traveling techs, prioritize safety-related defects, or coordinate directly with manufacturers for escalations. If you experience helpful and timely resolution, document it—names, dates, work orders—and consider leaving a factual review to help balance the public record. Your detailed feedback helps other shoppers calibrate expectations for this specific location.

If you had a great or poor experience, tell us what stood out.