Optimum RV St. Louis- Festus, MO Exposed: Surprise fees, high-APR pressure, PDI misses, tag delays

(Serious Concern)

Across many RV dealerships—including this location—buyers report delivery-day surprises: non-functioning systems, water intrusion, slide issues, propane leaks, or electrical gremlins discovered only after taking possession. Service departments often operate at capacity, and once the sale is complete, you may find yourself waiting weeks or months for warranty diagnosis and parts. That can result in canceled camping trips and a new unit sitting at the dealership, unusable, while your first payment comes due.

• Hire an independent NRVIA-certified or seasoned third-party inspector before you sign. Search locally: RV Inspectors near me.
• Make purchase contingent on the inspector’s punch list being addressed to your satisfaction before delivery.
• If the dealership refuses a third-party inspection, that’s a major red flag—walk away.

Do not rely solely on the dealer’s PDI (pre-delivery inspection). Your independent report is leverage before money changes hands. Have you used an independent inspector? Tell shoppers what you learned.

(Serious Concern)

Multiple recent low-star reviews of Optimum RV St. Louis (Festus) describe out-the-door pricing that grew late in the process, unexpected fees surfacing during paperwork, or add-ons the buyer didn’t anticipate. Some shoppers report being quoted one figure by sales, then encountering new items in F&I such as “prep,” “protection packages,” or doc fees that weren’t clearly communicated upfront.

• Insist on a line-item buyer’s order with all fees disclosed before you travel or apply for credit.
• Politely decline non-mandatory add-ons and be prepared to walk.
• Compare out-the-door quotes with other dealers for the same VIN.

To see first-hand what Festus customers are reporting now, go here and sort by lowest rating: Optimum RV St. Louis (Festus) Google Reviews.

(Serious Concern)

Owner narratives often mention being steered into high APR loans, with the pitch that “bank rates have changed” or that extended warranties and gap insurance will “protect your investment.” Some customers report they didn’t fully understand the true cost of F&I products until they reviewed the contract later.

• Secure your own pre-approval with your bank or credit union before stepping into the F&I office.
• Extended warranties are optional; request policy contracts in advance and compare third-party options.
• Check the exact APR on your retail installment contract and confirm there’s no prepayment penalty.

For in-depth consumer education on RV dealership tactics, search Liz Amazing’s channel for F&I and warranty discussions: Watch RV finance and warranty breakdowns.

(Moderate Concern)

Several consumers report receiving a decent trade-in number verbally, only to see it reduced during closing due to “reconditioning” or appraisal “mistakes.” While valuation adjustments can happen, last-minute changes erode trust.

• Get written, VIN-specific trade numbers with condition notes and photo records.
• Solicit trade bids from multiple buyers, including consignment or direct-sale options.
• Be ready to pause the deal if trade figures change unexpectedly.

(Serious Concern)

One of the most disruptive complaints for buyers is waiting beyond reasonable timeframes for plates or titles. In Missouri, prolonged delays can complicate registration and taxes and may violate state requirements. Reviewers for this location allege slow communication about paperwork status or errors requiring multiple trips.

• Ask for a firm timeline and confirmation of title status before paying.
• Keep copies of every document; track temporary tag expiration closely.
• If delays persist without explanation, consider a complaint to the Missouri Attorney General or Department of Revenue.

(Serious Concern)

It’s common to see complaints of RVs parked for weeks awaiting diagnosis, factory authorization, or parts. Some Festus buyers report canceled trips and months-long waits with limited status updates. This issue is industry-wide but is frequently cited in low-star reviews for this store.

• Get the service timeline in writing, ask for a priority path for DOA defects, and request a single point of contact.
• Document every defect with photos and video at delivery. Submit issues immediately via email.
• If you must leave the RV, inventory your belongings and get a written estimate for timing.

Consumer advocates like Liz Amazing regularly highlight these patterns and how to plan around them: Learn how to avoid post-sale service traps.

(Moderate Concern)

Reports include delivery-day discoveries such as non-functioning slide motors, water leaks, loose trim, miswired outlets, and inoperable appliances—issues a thorough PDI should catch. While some defects originate with the manufacturer, the dealer’s PDI is meant to screen and resolve them before handoff.

• Bring your own checklist and test every system with the service tech present.
• Do not sign final paperwork or take delivery if critical issues remain unresolved.
• Again, hire your own inspector: Find a local RV inspector.

(Moderate Concern)

Several buyers complain of unanswered calls, unreturned voicemails, or difficulty obtaining updates on parts. Even when a manufacturer is slow, updates and realistic timelines are part of fair customer service.

• Ask for a weekly written update schedule with an estimated ETA for each part.
• Escalate politely but firmly if your point of contact goes silent for more than a few business days.

Did communication challenges cost you trips or money? Tell other shoppers.

(Moderate Concern)

Common stories include verbal assurances that “we’ll take care of that after the sale,” only to find the promise was not documented and therefore not honored. This is a preventable issue if buyers insist everything is on the buyer’s order or a signed due bill.

• Never rely on verbal promises—add every commitment to a signed due bill with deadlines.
• Withhold final payment until deliverables are complete or escrowed.

(Serious Concern)

Reports of “environmental” or “paint/fabric protection,” tire and wheel packages, nitrogen fills, and other add-ons with high markups appear frequently in low-star reviews across the RV retail sector, including this location. Many customers discover these on their contracts late in the process or do not realize they are optional.

• Request the exact product names and written coverage terms in advance.
• Decline non-essential add-ons—these rarely improve resale value.
• Calculate total cost over the life of the loan, including financed add-ons.

(Moderate Concern)

Some buyers report being told that certain items are “not covered” or must be handled by the manufacturer directly, leading to finger-pointing. While manufacturers do set warranty rules, dealers are often the gateway for authorization and repairs.

• Read the manufacturer warranty and any extended service contract thoroughly.
• Ask the dealer to submit claims on your behalf and provide claim numbers.
• If denied, request the denial in writing and escalate to the manufacturer’s customer relations team.

(Serious Concern)

RV defects aren’t just inconvenient; they can be hazardous. Recurrent issues reported by RV owners industry-wide include propane leaks, brake and axle failures, tire blowouts, water intrusion leading to mold, and 12V electrical shorts. When service backlogs delay repairs, families may unknowingly operate unsafe equipment.

• Ask the dealer to check the VIN for open recalls before you sign the buyer’s order.
• Use NHTSA’s database to search recalls. Although recall searches are VIN- or vehicle-specific (not dealer-specific), it’s a core safety step: NHTSA Recalls lookup.
• Document any safety-related defect and cease operation until repaired.

If your family’s safety or health was affected by a defect discovered post-sale, your voice can help others avoid the same fate. Will you share what happened and how it was resolved?

(Serious Concern)

Consumers frustrated by misleading pricing, delayed titles, or denied warranty service have options. Relevant laws and regulators include:

• Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act: Protects consumers from deceptive warranty practices. If a warranty is promised, limitations must be clear and honored.
• Federal Trade Commission (FTC): Oversees deceptive or unfair practices in advertising, pricing, and financing. More info: Federal Trade Commission.
• Truth in Lending Act (TILA): Requires clear disclosure of APR, finance charges, and loan terms. Verify that your retail installment contract reflects your agreed APR and fees.
• State consumer protection laws (Missouri): Misrepresentations, bait-and-switch tactics, or failure to deliver title/registration within required timeframes can trigger state action. Consider contacting the Missouri Attorney General for guidance and complaint filing.
• Vehicle title and registration rules: Dealers must process paperwork promptly; extended delays can become violations. Keep records and escalate unresolved issues.
• NHTSA for safety defects: File a complaint if a defect poses a risk: NHTSA.

If you believe you experienced an unfair or deceptive act, document everything: texts, emails, voicemails, signed due bills, buyer’s orders, and repair orders. These build the foundation of a strong complaint or potential legal claim.

(Moderate Concern)

• Get it in writing:
  • Insist on a detailed, line-item out-the-door price before visiting.
  • Capture every promise in a signed due bill with deadlines.
• Finance smart:
  • Bring an outside pre-approval; compare APRs and fees.
  • Decline optional F&I products unless they make clear financial sense.
• Inspect thoroughly:
  • Hire an independent inspector: Find an RV inspector. Make the sale contingent on repairs.
  • Test every system with shore power and water on; run furnace, AC, slides, and all appliances.
• Paperwork discipline:
  • Confirm title availability and plate processing timelines.
  • Snap photos of the odometer/usage hours at delivery.
• Be ready to walk:
  • If numbers change or inspection finds major defects, pause or leave.

For a deeper dive into how buyers can maintain leverage, consumer advocates offer practical walkthroughs—search the topic on channels like Liz Amazing. And yes, if you’ve navigated a tricky deal at this location, could you leave your best tips below for others?

(Serious Concern)

When you open the Festus store’s Google profile—and sort by “Lowest rating”—you’ll find recent 1–2 star accounts that commonly allege:

• Price quotes that increased late in the process due to surprise fees.
• Extended warranty or protection plans presented as “must-have,” significantly increasing the total financed amount.
• Post-sale defects and long repair queues, with scarce updates.
• Paperwork errors or delays on titles/registration leading to tag issues.
• Trade-in values lowered at the last minute or during signing.

To examine the latest comments yourself, visit: Google Reviews for Optimum RV St. Louis (Festus). Then decide how to structure your negotiation and inspection plan. Did you see the same patterns? Add your findings.

(Moderate Concern)

Optimum RV operates multiple locations under a common brand. Across the chain, public reviews feature a similar set of concerns about pricing transparency, F&I upsells, service delays, and quality-control misses. While every store has its own management and service capacity, the Festus location’s low-star reviews mirror these themes—making it essential to approach with a rigorous checklist and clear expectations.

• Call ahead and get everything in writing before traveling.
• Schedule your independent inspection the same day as your PDI so issues are found early.
• Bring witness support or record your PDI walkthrough (where allowed by law) for your records.

(Moderate Concern)

To maintain balance, we note that not all reviews are negative. Some buyers cite helpful salespeople, fair pricing on specific units, and satisfactory delivery. In certain cases, customers report that management resolved issues after escalation. However, the consistency and volume of negative themes in the lowest-star reviews indicate patterns prospective buyers should not ignore. This is less about one-off problems and more about the risk profile if things don’t go smoothly.

(Serious Concern)

• Research the exact VIN:
  • Ask for build sheets, recall status, and a written PDI checklist with timestamps.
• Demand complete transparency:
  • Line-item fees, OTD price, and all add-ons disclosed in writing.
• Control the financing:
  • Bring outside pre-approval and calculate total cost with/without add-ons.
• Independent inspection:
  • Make the sale contingent on a satisfactory, third-party inspection: Find local RV inspectors.
• Protect your time:
  • Set deadlines for repairs and paperwork; don’t accept vague timelines.
• Be willing to leave:
  • If any piece feels off—numbers, promises, or inspection—pause or walk.

Consumer advocates repeatedly stress: your leverage ends once you sign. A careful, prepared approach is your best defense. You can learn more tactics by searching for your dealership on advocacy channels like Liz Amazing’s YouTube.