Leatherstocking RV- Oneonta, NY Exposed: Gotcha Fees, High APR, Leaky RVs, Long Service Delays

(Serious Concern)

Multiple public complaints across the RV retail industry revolve around units leaving the lot with water leaks, miswired components, broken seals, bad batteries, or safety-relevant defects that surface during the first trip. The only reliable way to protect yourself is to hire an independent RV inspector before you sign or take delivery. Your leverage disappears once the paperwork is done; if defects are discovered afterwards, dealers often put you at the back of the service line. That leads to canceled camping trips and months-long waits while the RV sits at the dealership awaiting parts or technician time.

• Use this search to find multiple options and compare credentials: Find RV Inspectors near me.
• Insist the dealership allows a thorough inspection on-site with water/electric hookup. If Leatherstocking RV refuses, that’s a huge red flag—walk away.
• Ensure the inspector provides a written report with photos and a punch list. Tie acceptance and final payment to those items being corrected.

For broader context on inspection checklists and common dealership pitfalls, see consumer education videos such as Liz Amazing’s RV buyer guides. And if you’ve used a third-party inspector at this location, tell us how it went.

(Serious Concern)

Recent low-star reviews on the dealership’s Google profile allege pushy sales tactics, misaligned expectations about “out-the-door” pricing, and added fees that appear late in the process. Some consumers also describe feeling rushed through documentation or pressured to sign before all questions are answered.

• Watch for added fees such as prep, freight, “inspection,” or etching fees that weren’t in the advertised price.
• Demand a written, itemized out-the-door quote early, including taxes, tags, doc fee, and any dealer-installed options.
• Never leave a deposit without a deposit agreement that makes it fully refundable if final paperwork changes material terms.

Verify these complaint themes on the dealer’s review page: Leatherstocking RV – Oneonta, NY (Google Business). Use “Sort by Lowest Rating.”

(Serious Concern)

A cross-section of negative reviews for this location mention dissatisfaction with financing terms after “ballpark” figures discussed earlier, along with hard sells for extended service contracts, GAP waivers, tire-and-wheel packages, and paint/fabric protection. Consumers often report that these add-ons were pitched as “must-haves” or framed as required for financing, even though they are optional.

• Secure a pre-approval from your credit union first to benchmark the APR and total cost of credit.
• Decline all add-ons initially. If you choose any, request the full contract and state-by-state coverage map to confirm what’s excluded.
• Extended service contracts rarely cover water intrusion, sealants, cosmetic issues, or aftermarket accessories—get exclusions in writing.
• Compare against independent providers; many consumers save by purchasing coverage later, directly.

For general education on tactics to avoid, see videos exposing F&I pressure across the RV industry on Liz Amazing’s channel. If you encountered aggressive upsells here, post the details so others can prepare.

(Moderate Concern)

Multiple RV buyers at independent dealerships report experiencing wide appraisal swings—sometimes thousands of dollars—between initial trade-in discussions and final paperwork. Negative reviews suggest similar frustrations at this dealership, where final numbers do not always match the tone of earlier conversations.

• Arrive with a recent inspection and multiple written offers (from other dealers or platforms). This makes low-ball shifts easier to spot.
• Keep your trade-in fact sheet handy: VIN, maintenance records, tire date codes, known defects, upgrade list, and all keys/remotes.
• Do not sign a buyer’s order until the trade-in allowance is printed and final.

(Serious Concern)

One of the most common RV dealership problems nationwide is poor pre-delivery inspection (PDI). Low-star reviews for Leatherstocking RV cite issues discovered immediately after purchase or even during walk-throughs: leaks, inoperative appliances, loose trim, slide malfunctions, or missing items promised during sales.

• Bring an independent inspector and run all utilities on-site. Use this to find local pros: RV Inspectors near me.
• Refuse delivery until defects are remedied. Hands-on verification beats verbal assurances.
• Request a water test. Roof and window leaks can cause hidden mold and structural damage.

(Serious Concern)

Some customers allege extended waits for title and registration. Any long delay can impact your ability to legally tow/drive, obtain insurance, or secure financing terms. In New York, dealers are expected to handle documentation in a timely manner and may face state scrutiny over systemic delays or inaccuracies.

• Ask for an estimated timeline in writing for title/registration and get the name of the clerk processing your file.
• Do not leave the lot without temporary tags and proof of sale compliant with your state’s DMV rules.
• If deadlines pass, escalate in writing and copy management. Keep a paper trail.

(Serious Concern)

A cluster of negative reviews for this Oneonta location report long waits for diagnostic appointments, parts arrival, and completion of warranty or post-sale repairs. Customers frequently mention difficulty getting status updates or call-backs, and some describe missing planned trips due to delays.

• When scheduling service, demand a written work order with priority status and an estimated completion window.
• Ask if the dealer will sublet urgent repairs to a mobile RV tech if their bay schedule is backed up.
• If a safety defect is suspected (e.g., brake, propane, axle), stop using the RV and document everything with photos and videos.

If you’ve been stuck waiting on a repair here, share your timeline and lessons learned so neighbors can plan ahead.

(Moderate Concern)

Warranty obligations often run through the manufacturer, but dealers are the front line. Low ratings often mention gray areas—water intrusion denied as “maintenance,” component failures labeled “wear and tear,” and long delays awaiting manufacturer authorization. Extended service contracts are especially complex with exclusions.

• Read the factory warranty booklet and extended contract at home—never at the finance desk.
• Keep a maintenance log. In water intrusion cases, records of roof inspections and resealing help.
• Know your rights: The federal Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act requires warranties be clear and enforceable; deceptive warranty practices fall under FTC scrutiny.

(Moderate Concern)

Several critical repairs depend on meticulous installation—sealants, slide calibration, propane fittings, brake wiring, and weight distribution. Complaints about repeat repairs may indicate rushed work or limited technician bandwidth, a frequent pain point at smaller dealerships.

• Request photos of completed repairs and a walk-through before you pick up the unit from service.
• Inspect high-risk areas yourself: roof terminations, slide corners, underbelly for damp insulation, and any gas/electrical work.
• If major repairs are needed, consider an independent second opinion.

(Moderate Concern)

Even when a defect is acknowledged, parts availability can stretch timelines. Reviews at this location describe long waits and poor communication while parts are on order, especially for less common components or certain model-year changes.

• Ask for ETA documentation from the vendor and request partial delivery if feasible.
• For mission-critical parts, ask if a compatible substitute is available or if the manufacturer will authorize a workaround.
• Document missed trips and out-of-pocket expenses; if delays are excessive, pursue goodwill compensation and escalate to the manufacturer.

(Serious Concern)

Poor PDIs, rushed repairs, or deferred warranty work aren’t just inconveniences. They can create real safety hazards: propane leaks, brake failures, short circuits, tire blowouts from underinflated or aged tires, and water intrusion that rots subfloors or compromises slide mechanisms.

• Propane and electrical: Miswired appliances or loose fittings risk fire or carbon monoxide exposure.
• Chassis and brakes: Axle alignment, hub torque, and brake controller settings must be verified before towing.
• Water intrusion: Early leaks lead to mold, delamination, and structural deterioration that devalues the RV and creates health risks.

Always run the VIN through government databases and confirm no open recalls. While NHTSA recall tools are tied to manufacturers, it’s smart to check whether any unit you’re considering has unresolved safety actions: NHTSA recall search (start here and refine by your exact year/make/model). If a salesperson downplays recalls, insist on written proof they’re remedied before purchase. If you’ve uncovered safety defects at this dealership, document them for other buyers.

(Serious Concern)

Patterns described in public complaints—pricing misrepresentation, warranty misstatements, delayed paperwork, and safety issues—can carry legal consequences.

• Deceptive acts and practices: New York General Business Law § 349 prohibits deceptive business practices. Consumers may seek relief for materially misleading conduct.
• Warranty rights: The Federal Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act requires clarity and prohibits deceptive warranty representations. See the FTC’s guidance: FTC Businessperson’s Guide to Federal Warranty Law.
• Vehicle safety defects: The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) oversees safety recall compliance and defects. Report safety issues here: Report a Safety Problem to NHTSA.
• State assistance and complaints: File documentation with the New York Attorney General’s Consumer Frauds Bureau: NY Attorney General – Consumer Frauds.
• Better Business Bureau (BBB): Review and file complaints for pattern analysis: use our search link below under “Deep-Dive Research Links.”

If you believe a sales or warranty promise at Leatherstocking RV was not honored, preserve all emails, texts, and signed forms. Send a certified letter to the dealer summarizing the issue and desired remedy, and copy the manufacturer and relevant regulators.