Mike Thompson’s RV Super Store- Colton, CA Exposed: Hard upsells, finance markups, delivery defects

(Serious Concern)

Across negative reviews about the Colton store and similar high-volume dealers, a common thread is delivery-day defects and warranty backlogs that leave buyers stranded with unusable units. Your best leverage is to require an independent, third-party RV inspection before signing any final paperwork or funding. Search for local certified inspectors here: Find “RV Inspectors near me”.

• Make the sale contingent on inspection: Put it in writing that you can walk away or the dealer must fix all noted defects before you fund or take delivery.
• Do not accept “We’ll fix it after you take it home” promises: Once paid, many buyers report being “pushed to the back of the line,” with months-long delays and cancelled trips.
• Red flag: If the dealership refuses a professional third-party inspection on-site, walk away. Legitimate sellers welcome informed buyers and transparent inspections.

For more tactics on protecting yourself at dealerships, see consumer exposés such as Liz Amazing’s RV industry investigations, then search her channel for your target brand or dealer.

(Serious Concern)

Multiple low-star reviews at the Colton location allege aggressive sales tactics and a steady push toward costly, questionable add-ons. Common upsells include extended service contracts, paint or fabric protection, tire and wheel packages, “nitrogen fill,” tracking devices, and anti-theft etching—often pitched as “must-haves.” Shoppers report that declining these add-ons sometimes triggers resistance or delays in delivery and paperwork.

• Pressure to sign same-day: Consumers describe a fast handoff from sales to finance to accelerate closing, with limited time to review line items or shop financing.
• Bundled products: Add-ons may appear as bundled packages that are difficult to remove; request a clean, à la carte breakdown and decline anything you didn’t explicitly request.
• Verbal assurances vs. contracts: Buyers report oral promises about free add-ons or included services that are later absent from the “We Owe” form or retail installment contract.

For outside corroboration, compare patterns that emerge when you scan 1–2 star entries in the Colton store’s Google listing (sort by lowest rating): Verify on Google Reviews. Also review dealership tactics uncovered by Liz Amazing’s buyer-protection videos.

(Serious Concern)

Owner reports frequently mention unexpected finance terms, rate markups relative to pre-qualification quotes, and a raft of line-item fees that inflate the out-the-door price. Watch for:

• Dealer reserve on interest rates: Dealers often add margin to the lender’s buy rate. Have your bank or credit union pre-approve you and bring the offer to compare.
• Non-tax fees and “PDI” charges: Question freight, prep, PDI, and administrative fees. Ask if these are mandatory and request their basis in writing.
• Prepayment penalties or arbitration clauses: Read every page. Watch for clauses that limit your rights, or fees that penalize paying off early.

To see recurring consumer allegations, run these targeted searches: Google: Mike Thompson’s RV Super Store Colton CA Issues and YouTube: Mike Thompson’s RV Super Store Colton CA Issues.

(Moderate Concern)

Critical reviews describe trade-in figures that drop during the paperwork stage, or last-minute “conditional” appraisals that shift once the unit is on-site. Protect yourself by securing written appraisals from multiple dealers, getting a firm number based on VIN and condition, and being willing to sell privately if the spread is wide.

• Document condition: Provide maintenance records, photos, and showings to reduce excuses for devaluations.
• Separate transactions: Negotiate the purchase price of the new RV independently from your trade value to avoid shell-game pricing.

(Serious Concern)

Some buyers report significant delays receiving titles, registration, or plates, which can complicate travel plans and insurance claims. In California, dealers have legal obligations to process paperwork promptly through the DMV. If your title or registration is late, escalate to dealership management and, if needed, the California DMV Investigations or the State Attorney General.

• Don’t accept vague timelines: Ask for specific filing dates and proof of submission.
• Protect your financing: Delayed titles can cause lender problems; warn your lender early and document all dealer communications.

See complaint patterns via: BBB search for Mike Thompson’s RV Super Store Colton.

(Serious Concern)

Low-star reviewers commonly describe discovering water leaks, misaligned slides, firmware faults, non-functioning appliances, or missing parts at delivery or within the first trip. Some allege that promised repairs were either deferred or handled superficially, leading to repeated visits.

• Demand a thorough, checklist-driven PDI: Allocate several hours on-site with shore power and water connected. Test every function.
• Don’t sign for “acceptance” until defects are noted: Require a signed “Due Bill/We Owe” with specific items and completion dates.
• Consider your own inspector: This is the moment to bring in a pro: Search RV inspectors near you.

(Serious Concern)

Many buyers at the Colton store report extended wait times for diagnosis and repair—sometimes weeks to get an appointment and months to receive parts or complete work. Communication on timelines and status updates can be inconsistent, according to multiple critical reviews.

• Manufacturer approvals: Warranty work often requires pre-authorization. Ask service to submit photos and claims promptly and request confirmation numbers.
• Backorders and parts logistics: Get written ETAs from parts suppliers. If delays stretch, ask about alternative sourcing or cross-shipping.
• Escalation path: If stranded, contact the manufacturer’s customer care and request a case manager to coordinate with the dealer.

When assessing whether to buy here, consider the opportunity cost of long service queues—lost vacations, storage costs, and additional travel. If this risk is unacceptable, shop other service centers with stronger turnaround reputations.

(Moderate Concern)

Critical reviews describe uneven workmanship—cosmetic shortcuts, silicone-based “patches” on water leaks rather than permanent solutions, and misdiagnosed electrical faults. These quality shortfalls cost time and confidence, and can mask deeper issues. Before accepting a completed repair, re-check all work, photograph the results, and demand the technician’s notes and replaced parts.

• Post-repair walkthrough: Verify operation of the system that was repaired (retract and extend slides, run the generator under load, pressure test the plumbing, etc.).
• Written warranty: Ensure repairs are warranted and note timelines for comeback coverage.

(Moderate Concern)

Several low-star reviews cite unreturned calls, shifting ETAs, and “we’ll take care of you” assurances that don’t translate into documented commitments. Protect yourself by moving every promise onto the purchase contract or Due Bill, and keep a paper trail of dates, names, and precise statements. If you’ve encountered similar issues at the Colton store, add constructive details for other shoppers.

(Moderate Concern)

RV manufacturers regularly issue recalls for critical systems (axles, propane lines, wiring harnesses, awnings). Some owners report that scheduling recall work at busy dealers can take months. If your VIN has open recalls, ensure the dealer verifies and addresses them prior to delivery, not after.

• Run your VIN: Check the federal database for open recalls: NHTSA recall search.
• Document safety issues: Dangerous defects should be reported to NHTSA; this can help compel manufacturer and dealer action.

(Moderate Concern)

Some shoppers complain that advertised units are unavailable by the time they arrive, followed by attempts to switch them to higher-priced models. While fast-moving inventory is common, patterns of “just sold” listings coupled with higher-cost alternatives raise questions. Confirm VIN-specific availability, out-the-door pricing, and written quotes before visiting.

(Moderate Concern)

Critical reviews frequently point to confusion over freight, prep, and doc fees. Ask for a full, line-item buyer’s order with:

• All non-tax fees itemized: Don’t accept ambiguous lump sums; require detailed descriptions and whether they are optional or mandated by law.
• Removal of unwanted add-ons: If an add-on appears and you didn’t request it, ask for its removal or a price reduction equal to its full cost.
• Finance-independent pricing: Get the same out-the-door price whether you pay cash, use your own lender, or finance through the dealer.

(Serious Concern)

Consumer allegations—if substantiated—carry potential legal and regulatory exposure for any dealer. Here are the protections and agencies relevant to RV buyers in California:

• Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act (MMWA): Federal law requires clear written warranties and prohibits deceptive warranty terms. Denials for covered items or refusals to honor written warranties may violate MMWA. Learn more at the FTC’s primer: FTC: Federal Warranty Law.
• FTC Act and deceptive practices: Misrepresentations in advertising, pricing, or add-ons may trigger FTC scrutiny or state enforcement.
• California DMV and registration obligations: Dealers must process titles/registrations promptly; excessive delays can be escalated to the DMV Investigations Unit.
• California Attorney General: If you suspect unfair or deceptive acts, file a complaint: CA Attorney General Consumer Complaint.
• Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR): For disputes over repair quality or incomplete service, file with BAR: California BAR Consumer Assistance.
• NHTSA Safety Complaints: For safety-related defects, report directly to NHTSA: Report a Vehicle Safety Problem.

If you experienced significant post-sale defects and repeat repair failures, consult an attorney on California’s Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act as applied to motorhomes and towables. Requirements and remedies differ by vehicle type, use, and weight, so individualized advice is essential.

(Serious Concern)

Reported defects and service failures have direct safety and financial consequences for RV owners:

• Electrical faults: Miswired circuits, intermittent shorts, and converter/inverter issues can cause fires, smoke, or sudden loss of power while driving or camping.
• Propane leaks or appliance failures: Gas odors, poorly sealed fittings, or malfunctioning furnaces/water heaters pose explosion and CO poisoning risks. These are not “drive until it’s convenient” items—insist on immediate correction.
• Running gear and chassis concerns: Axle, brake, and tire defects are catastrophic at highway speeds. If your unit exhibits abnormal tire wear, brake fade, or steering pull, park it and demand verified diagnosis.
• Water intrusion: Roof or slide leaks destroy plywood, breed mold, and devalue the RV quickly. Superficial caulking fixes may not address structural issues.

Check for brand-specific recalls and bulletins, and document each safety-related symptom with photos and dated notes. Search NHTSA for your specific make and model, and ask the dealer for a recall printout before any purchase.