Mid America RV- Carthage, MO Exposed: Hidden Fees, Finance Pressure, PDI Failures, Warranty Delays

Serious Concern

Across U.S. RV dealerships, a consistent pattern emerges: once the contract is signed and funds clear, the buyer’s leverage evaporates. If quality issues surface afterward, some dealers triage post-sale customers behind new sales and deliveries. This is how family trips get canceled, with units stuck for weeks or months awaiting parts or technician time.

Protect yourself by arranging a professional third-party RV inspection before you sign and before you take possession. The inspection should include roof and sealant integrity, slide mechanisms, appliances, HVAC, plumbing under pressure, 120V and 12V systems, brakes, axles, tires (DOT date codes), frame, and a full water intrusion check. Schedule your inspector to meet you at the Carthage, MO lot on delivery day for a live shakedown. If the dealership declines to allow an independent inspection, that is a major red flag—walk away. To find local inspectors: Search “RV Inspectors near me”.

Put any needed fixes in writing as a We-Owe or “Due Bill,” with specific parts, labor, and completion dates. Don’t accept “we’ll take care of it” verbal assurances. If possible, hold final payment until the inspector confirms all critical defects are corrected.

Serious Concern

Multiple dealerships nationwide have been flagged for adding undisclosed fees late in the process (prep fees, freight, “mandatory” protection packages). Public reviews for Mid America RV’s Carthage location include complaints about price changes or unexpected add-ons that altered the agreed number at signing. Always obtain a written, line-item “out-the-door” quote before you drive in, including taxes, title, registration, documentation fees, any dealer-installed options, and prep/freight charges. If the numbers change at the finance desk, walk.

• Ask for a breakdown of every fee and reject “non-optional” accessories you didn’t authorize.
• Bring your own financing pre-approval so you’re not forced to accept higher APRs to “make the deal work.”

Moderate Concern

Public complaints about F&I pressure are common in the RV industry and appear in low-star reviews at this location as well. Consumers describe being pushed into extended service contracts, paint/fabric protection, tire-and-wheel packages, and gap coverage. These products are often highly profitable for the dealer and can be redundant or poor value.

• Compare bank or credit union rates to any dealer APR offer. A rate markup adds thousands over the life of the loan.
• Request all F&I product contracts ahead of time and read the exclusions. Many RV “warranties” deny claims for wear-and-tear or maintenance-related issues.
• If the monthly payment “won’t work” unless you buy add-ons, this is a sign of payment packing—decline and recalc the loan without extras.

For an overview of how dealers upsell add-ons, see independent coverage like investigations by Liz Amazing on YouTube.

Moderate Concern

Several consumers across RV dealerships report an initial “sight-unseen” trade valuation that drops dramatically during in-person appraisal. At this location, low-star comments have described unexpected deductions for cosmetic items or maintenance that weren’t clearly discussed up front. Come prepared:

• Get competing offers for your trade (e.g., consignment dealers, online buyers). Bring proof.
• Document your RV’s condition with photos, maintenance receipts, and a list of upgrades.
• Separate the new-unit price from the trade-in negotiation—don’t let figures be shuffled to confuse actual value.

Serious Concern

Public reviews at this store, like many RV dealers, include reports of multiple defects noted at delivery or shortly after first use—non-functioning slides, leaks, missing parts, broken trim, alignment issues, and appliances that fail under load. A proper PDI takes several hours and includes a full systems shakedown.

• Plan a minimum 2–3 hour PDI with a checklist. Turn on the AC/heat, fill and pressurize water, test all appliances, retract and extend slides multiple times, and verify all doors, latches, awnings, and seals.
• Ensure “We-Owe” items are documented and signed by the dealership; don’t accept a promise alone.
• Bring a third-party inspector if possible: Find RV inspectors near you.

Serious Concern

Long service turnarounds and difficulty securing timely warranty authorization are among the most persistent consumer frustrations reported at this location and across the industry. Reviews reference months-long waits for parts, repeated return visits for the same unresolved issue, and inconsistent status updates.

• Ask before purchase: what is the current service backlog? What is the average time-to-diagnose and time-to-complete for warranty jobs?
• Request written commitment for priority scheduling on early-life defects (within 30–90 days of delivery).
• If you are traveling and need mobile service, confirm whether the manufacturer will authorize out-of-network warranty work and how reimbursements are handled.

If you’ve encountered extended delays at this service department, could you describe your timeline to help other shoppers?

Moderate Concern

Industry-wide technician shortages mean some units return with recurring issues. Several low-star comments about this location mention fixes that did not hold or repeated callbacks for the same defect. Ask pointed questions:

• How many certified RV technicians are on staff? What certifications are current?
• Will the dealership road-test towables/motorized after repairs? How is quality control verified before release?
• What is the process for escalating repeat defects to manufacturer field reps?

Serious Concern

Some customers report delayed titles, incorrect paperwork, or difficulties with out-of-state registration. Problems like these can prevent lawful road use or complicate insurance claims. Before you leave the lot:

• Verify the VIN on the contract matches the unit’s actual VIN plate.
• Confirm the title application, lien filings, and temporary tag expiration dates in writing. Know who handles your state’s paperwork and how long it will take.
• Get a copy of every signed document and the MSO (Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin) handling details if applicable.

If deadlines lapse, contact your state’s motor vehicle department and consider a complaint with the state Attorney General’s consumer protection division. The Federal Trade Commission also accepts complaints related to unfair or deceptive practices: ReportFraud.FTC.gov.

Moderate Concern

Reports at this location include buyers who expected certain accessories, repairs, or configuration changes that did not materialize. The fix is procedural: if it is not printed on the buyer’s order or a signed We-Owe with specific deadlines, it often doesn’t happen. Verbal promises are not enforceable.

• Use email to confirm every promise before signing.
• Refuse to sign if the We-Owe is blank or vague. “We’ll take care of that” should become a line item with a date.

Moderate Concern

Dealers routinely offer paint sealants, fabric protections, GPS, “nitrogen-filled tires,” and extended service contracts at significant markups. Consumers often misunderstand coverage and face claim denials for exclusions, maintenance lapses, or “wear and tear.”

• Ask for the actual contract for any service plan and read the exclusions page.
• Shop third-party extended service plans and compare prices—don’t assume dealer’s plan is required for financing.
• Decline appearance add-ons unless you’ve researched their real value.

To understand how these add-ons are pitched and what to watch for, see independent buyer education like Liz Amazing’s consumer-focused RV content.

Serious Concern

Reported defects and slow service resolution can have serious safety and financial consequences:

• Roadworthiness risks: Brake, axle, tire, or suspension problems—left unresolved—can lead to blowouts or loss of control. Water leaks can compromise subfloor and wall structure, risking mold and structural failure.
• Electrical hazards: Faulty transfer switches, inverters, or miswired circuits can cause fires or appliance damage.
• LP gas safety: Leaks from poorly installed fittings or untested appliances pose explosion risks.
• Financial fallout: Extended downtime can cause missed trips, storage fees, and double payments (loan plus repair) if the issue is later deemed non-warranty.

Before purchase, run the VIN through recall databases and insist all recalls are completed before delivery. While recalls are manufacturer-specific and not dealership-created, a proactive dealership should identify and resolve them ahead of handoff. You can search for recalls and bulletins and then ask the dealer to confirm the status in writing.

• Check recalls and service bulletins for your intended model by searching official databases and forums. Start here: NHTSA official recall portal and this dealership-focused query: NHTSA search template (enter RV brand/VIN for accuracy).
• Ask the dealer for a printed recall status report tied to your exact VIN at the time of sale.

Serious Concern

Consumer complaints—if accurate—could implicate multiple laws and regulators:

• Deceptive or unfair practices (pricing, add-ons, promises): The Federal Trade Commission enforces prohibitions on unfair or deceptive acts. Consumers can report suspected violations at ReportFraud.FTC.gov. The FTC has also proposed rules on dealership transparency, which reflect longstanding concerns about F&I add-ons and bait-and-switch pricing.
• Warranty handling: The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act requires clear disclosure of warranty terms and prohibits tying requirements. Misrepresentations about what is “required” to keep warranty coverage or refusal to honor eligible repairs can invite scrutiny. Learn more at the FTC’s warranty guidance: Understanding Warranties (FTC).
• Title and paperwork delays: State-specific laws govern timely delivery of title and registration documents. Consumers experiencing delays that render the RV unlawfully operable should document everything and file complaints with their state Attorney General’s consumer protection unit.
• Safety defects and recalls: Safety-related defects should be addressed promptly. If a manufacturer or dealer fails to remedy a known safety defect, contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to file a complaint: Report a Safety Problem (NHTSA).

If you encounter unresolved issues at this location, preserve written evidence (emails, texts, work orders, time-stamped photos) and escalate in writing to dealership management and the manufacturer. If necessary, consult legal counsel experienced in automotive/RV consumer law.

Moderate Concern

RV retailing often separates sales operations from service operations. Sales teams push volume and F&I products, while service capacity (technicians, bays, and parts pipelines) lags behind. When a newly purchased unit needs repairs, the dealer may have to obtain manufacturer authorization, order parts with long lead times, and juggle limited technician schedules. This creates the months-long delays seen across reviews.

What you can do:

• Ask for the service manager’s written estimate for turnaround on typical warranty defects.
• Confirm whether the dealership will prioritize warranty work for buyers who purchased there versus others—and what that means for you.
• Keep a time-stamped log of every service contact and promised date. If deadlines slip repeatedly, escalate to the manufacturer and consider filing complaints with the BBB and your state AG.

Moderate Concern

To be fair, some buyers report acceptable experiences: transparent pricing, quick delivery, and responsive post-sale help. If you choose to proceed with Mid America RV in Carthage, aim for these markers of a safe transaction:

• All pricing and fees are confirmed in writing before you travel; no last-minute add-ons appear at signing.
• PDI is thorough, with all defects corrected before you take possession; no “bring it back later” on safety items.
• Any additional accessories or work are clearly listed with completion dates on a signed We-Owe.
• Title, registration, temp tag, and lien documents are complete and copies provided on delivery day.
• The first 30 days post-sale show consistent communication and timely resolution of minor issues.

If you’ve had a strong experience here—what worked? Share any best practices buyers should follow.