Liebelt Homes and RVs- Aberdeen, SD Exposed: Inspection refusals, finance markups, delayed titles

(Serious Concern)

Do not take delivery of any RV—new or used—without a comprehensive, third-party inspection completed by a professional inspector you choose. This is your single greatest leverage point. Once funds are transferred and the unit is titled or registered, you may be pushed to the back of the line for warranty fixes. That delay has real-world consequences: canceled camping trips, months-long waits for parts, and storage or loan costs accumulating while your RV sits in the service queue.

• Hire an inspector who uses a written, itemized checklist (roof, seals, slide mechanisms, electrical loads, propane pressure and leak-down, water intrusion, brake operation, frame and axle components, and appliance function).
• Insist your contract allows you to walk away or renegotiate if the inspection reveals defects or missing equipment.
• If the dealership will not allow a third-party inspection on-site prior to signing, that is a major red flag—walk away.

Find an independent professional near you: Search “RV Inspectors near me”.

(Moderate Concern)

Across the RV industry, and in public commentary concerning this Aberdeen dealership, shoppers report pressure to accept add-ons (paint/fabric protection, nitrogen tire fills, VIN etching, “theft protection,” and dealer-installed options) that inflate the out-the-door price. Extended service contracts are often bundled or presented as necessary for loan approval, which should not be the case.

• Politely refuse non-essential add-ons. Ask for an itemized buyer’s order showing the base price and every fee.
• Never accept claims that a warranty is required to get financing. Bring pre-approved financing from your credit union as leverage.
• Compare the total out-the-door price (not monthly payment) across multiple regional dealers.

Verify current consumer experiences by sorting reviews directly on the Google Business Profile: Liebelt Homes and RVs – Aberdeen Reviews, and consult comparison research like Liz Amazing’s RV buyer beware series.

(Serious Concern)

Dealership-arranged financing frequently includes rate markups, reserve payments from lenders, or unnecessary products embedded in the loan. Public complaints in the RV space often mention the surprise of a higher rate at signing than the rate quoted earlier. Protect yourself by comparing the dealer’s APR and term to at least two other lenders before you enter the finance office.

• Secure your own pre-approval from a local credit union or bank to establish a baseline APR and maximum purchase price.
• Decline “payment packing”—when warranties or add-ons are rolled into monthly payments without explicit consent.
• Ask the finance manager to remove any add-on and reprint the contract with a clean out-the-door figure.

For broader context and consumer advocacy around finance office tactics, see Liz Amazing’s channel content on RV F&I pitfalls.

(Moderate Concern)

Low trade valuations are a recurring point of friction at many RV dealerships and are mentioned in shopper feedback tied to this location. If you accept a trade-in significantly below private-party value, your “discount” on the new RV may be illusory.

• Get written appraisals from multiple dealers and consider selling your current RV privately to maximize proceeds.
• Verify your payoff amount directly with your lender; do not rely solely on verbal quotes during appraisal.
• Ensure all agreed trade figures and lien payoffs are listed in writing on the buyer’s order.

To cross-check trends, use these research links and queries: Google search: Liebelt Homes and RVs Aberdeen SD Issues, and browse consumer discussion boards listed later in this report.

(Serious Concern)

Delayed delivery of titles or registration stickers can leave buyers unable to legally tow or drive their RV, even after payment. Consumers across many dealers report months-long waits for plates, incorrect paperwork, or mismatched VINs. Because this can also affect insurance and resale, treat paperwork accuracy as essential.

• Before paying, confirm that the dealership has the title (for used units) and that all VINs match your contract.
• Get estimated timelines for registration and any out-of-state processing in writing, including what temporary permits will be provided.
• Document follow-ups by email to create a paper trail if delays arise.

If you experience delays that affect your ability to use the RV, you may have remedies under state consumer protection law—outlined in the Legal and Regulatory Warnings section below.

(Serious Concern)

A thorough PDI is the number-one method to prevent warranty fights and immediate returns to the service bay. Public complaints in the RV space frequently cite units delivered with water leaks, malfunctioning slide-outs, poorly secured trim, non-functional appliances, or safety-critical issues like propane leaks.

• Do a hands-on PDI with your inspector present: turn on every system, cycle slide-outs, fill and drain tanks, run the furnace and AC, and test every outlet, light, and safety device.
• Refuse delivery until defects are corrected or a signed “We Owe”/Due Bill lists each promised repair with a deadline.
• For used units, ask for a written disclosure of any known defects or prior water intrusion.

Again, if third-party inspectors aren’t allowed, walk away—this is one of the strongest indicators of risk.

(Moderate Concern)

Service backlogs and extended parts wait times affect nearly every RV dealer, including smaller market operations like this Aberdeen location. Customers often report weeks or months without updates, especially when warranty administration requires manufacturer pre-approval.

• Request written estimates for turnaround time and ask whether parts are in stock before you leave the RV.
• For warranty claims, ask the service advisor to send you the documented claim ticket or case number.
• Set calendar reminders to follow up weekly by email; written records help if disputes escalate.

Shoppers often share these experiences in forums and subreddits. You can research patterns by checking the platform list below and searching for the dealership’s name and “service delay” or “warranty” topics.

(Serious Concern)

Extended service contracts vary wildly in quality. Public complaints routinely cite denied claims, exclusions buried in fine print, deductibles per visit, and requirements to perform maintenance exactly as prescribed. Manufacturer warranties can also be limited and carve out exclusions for “wear” and “adjustments.”

• Read the actual warranty booklet—don’t rely on a trifold flyer. Confirm coverage for slide systems, seals, and electronics in writing.
• Never assume a third-party “warranty” covers water intrusion, trim failures, or alignment/axle problems; many do not.
• Keep detailed maintenance records—dates, mileage, receipts—to avoid denial for “lack of maintenance.”

For education on protections and pitfalls, see the FTC’s warranty resources linked in the Legal section and browse consumer advocacy content like Liz Amazing’s RV consumer advocacy channel.

(Serious Concern)

Consumers who experience misrepresentation, delayed paperwork, or warranty denials have rights under federal and state law. Key frameworks include:

• Federal Trade Commission (FTC) – Prohibits unfair or deceptive acts and enforces advertising and warranty rules. Reference: FTC Consumer Protection and Magnuson–Moss Warranty Act overview.
• State Consumer Protection – In South Dakota, the Attorney General’s Office of Consumer Protection handles complaints about deceptive practices or failure to deliver contracted goods/services. Reference: South Dakota Consumer Protection.
• UCC and Contract Law – Your buyer’s order, due bill/We-Owe, and any written promises form the basis of enforceable obligations. Get all promises in writing.

If you encounter any of the following, consider filing a complaint with the South Dakota AG, the FTC, and (if safety-related) NHTSA:

• Material omissions or false statements about condition, features, or prior damage.
• Failure to provide title in a reasonable timeframe after payment.
• Refusal to honor warranty commitments without legitimate grounds.

(Serious Concern)

Safety defects—such as brake failures, axle issues, propane leaks, or electrical shorts—must be addressed promptly. Use your RV’s VIN to check for safety recalls via NHTSA: NHTSA Official Recall Lookup. If you suspect a defect the dealer or manufacturer won’t correct, file a complaint: Report a Safety Problem to NHTSA.

Dealers are legally prohibited from selling new vehicles with open recalls without disclosure or remedy. For used RVs, disclosure standards vary—ask for a written statement of recall status for your exact VIN and keep the response with your records.

(Serious Concern)

A small roof or window seal leak can create widespread delamination, subfloor rot, and mold within weeks. This isn’t just a quality-of-life issue—it’s a major health and depreciation risk. Many owners only discover moisture once soft floors or wall bubbles appear, long after delivery.

• Demand a moisture meter scan during the PDI and document all readings.
• Ask for proof of roof inspection and sealant maintenance history on used units.
• Confirm whether your warranty excludes “maintenance-related leaks.” Many do—get clarity up front.

(Serious Concern)

LP systems can pose acute safety hazards if not tested correctly. Gas leak-down tests, regulator checks, and appliance function checks should be part of your pre-delivery inspection and any post-sale service. A faulty furnace, cooktop, or water heater can create fire or asphyxiation risks.

• Have your inspector perform a timed LP leak-down test and bubble-test all fittings.
• Verify CO and LP detectors are installed, within date codes, and functioning.
• Run LP appliances for sustained periods during PDI to detect intermittent failures.

(Moderate Concern)

Axle alignment, brake adjustment, and tire condition are critical for towable RV safety. Issues here can lead to blowouts, poor braking performance, and dangerous sway. Inspect before you sign, because post-sale repairs can be slow and contested under warranty.

• Inspect tire date codes and get photos; ask for brand upgrades if the OEM tires are known for issues.
• Have brakes pulled and inspected for wear and proper adjustment on used units.
• Use a certified scale to confirm real-world weights and tongue weight before taking long trips.

(Moderate Concern)

Many complaints across dealerships come from buyers focusing on monthly payments rather than total cash price. With interest rate markups and add-ons, you may pay thousands more over the life of the loan.

• Negotiate an out-the-door price with zero add-ons. Get it in writing before you meet finance.
• Decline paint/fabric packages, etchings, and “nitrogen tires”—if you do not want them, they should be removable from the deal.
• Price third-party service contracts independently; they are often negotiable or unnecessary.

(Moderate Concern)

Third-party “warranty” coverage can be valuable in limited circumstances but is frequently oversold. Verify exclusions, caps, and labor rates. Ensure the administrator is reputable and that you can use any licensed repair facility—not just the selling dealer.

• Ask for a sample policy to read at home before you buy. Watch for per-component limits and per-visit deductibles.
• Confirm cancellation rights and pro-rated refunds, including who receives them if you sell the RV.
• Consider putting the equivalent cost into a dedicated repair fund instead.

(Moderate Concern)

Public feedback tied to this Aberdeen location, similar to many small dealerships, references challenges getting updates during busy seasons. Without scheduled callbacks and documented ETAs, customers can feel left in the dark when parts are on order or factory approvals are pending.

• Before you leave your RV, request a written work order with clear descriptions and an estimated completion date.
• Ask who your service advisor is and the best way to reach them (email is preferable for records).
• Escalate politely in writing if timelines slip without explanation.

(Moderate Concern)

Warranty claims usually require photos, diagnostics, and manufacturer approval. That adds time—sometimes weeks. To avoid repeat visits, ask the dealer to fully diagnose before ordering parts, and to verify all related components are addressed at once.

• Request the warranty claim number and copies of communication with the manufacturer.
• For critical safety issues, ask whether a temporary fix or alternate arrangement can be provided.
• If delays are excessive, consider using another authorized service center closer to your travels.

In especially complex cases, a second opinion from an independent RV inspector can be invaluable: Find local RV inspectors.