Pete’s RV Center – Salem/Roanoke- Salem, VA Exposed: Add-ons, High APRs, PDI Failures, Slow Service

Introduction: Who is Pete’s RV Center – Salem/Roanoke (Salem, VA)?

AI-powered research tools have systematically collected and analyzed public information to produce this report. Pete’s RV Center is a multi-location dealership group that originated in the Northeast and has expanded across multiple states. The Salem/Roanoke location in Salem, Virginia, is part of this broader network, positioning itself as a full-service RV dealer offering new and used towables and motorized RVs, financing, parts, and service.

While the Pete’s RV brand is well known in the regional RV market, public feedback suggests a mixed reputation that varies by location. This investigative report focuses solely on the Salem/Roanoke store in Salem, VA. It aggregates concerns reported by consumers through online reviews, forums, and public records—especially the dealership’s own Google Business Profile reviews. For direct, first-hand accounts, consult their Google page and sort by “Lowest rating” to review the most recent critical posts: Google Business Profile: Pete’s RV Center – Salem/Roanoke (Salem, VA).

Before getting into the details, we strongly encourage shoppers to crowdsource current intel:

• Join owner communities (including brand-specific Facebook groups) for unfiltered feedback from real owners. Use this search to find groups relevant to the brand/model you’re considering: Search RV brand Facebook groups.
• Watch consumer advocates. The Liz Amazing YouTube channel frequently covers hidden pitfalls in RV buying and dealership service; search her channel for the dealership and brand you’re considering to see if there’s coverage or parallels in tactics.
• Consider third-party RV inspections before you sign anything. This is your leverage point; problems found before delivery are far more likely to be fixed promptly. Start here: RV Inspectors near me.

If any dealer—Pete’s RV Center or otherwise—refuses a third-party inspection by an independent professional, that’s a major red flag. Walk away.

Have you worked with this location? Add your story in the comments so other shoppers benefit from your experience.

Key Risk Areas Identified From Public Feedback

Across multiple 1- and 2-star reviews for Pete’s RV Center – Salem/Roanoke (Salem, VA), consumers frequently cite similar issues. The following sections synthesize these recurring themes. For the most current language and examples, please review their Google listing directly (sort by “Lowest rating”).

Sales Pressure, Unnecessary Upsells, and “Extras”

Multiple public reviews reference a sales process that introduces add-ons and packages that may not deliver clear value, such as “environmental protection” coatings, extended warranties with many exclusions, tire-and-wheel packages, anti-theft etch or trackers, and other protection products. Consumers report feeling pressured to accept these add-ons, sometimes under the premise that they are “required” or “standard.” Note: Extended service contracts can be useful in specific situations—but they are optional and often negotiable.

• What to do: Ask for an itemized buyer’s order that lists every add-on, fee, and product separately. Decline anything you don’t want.
• Compare rates and coverage. Extended warranties can be purchased later and from third parties—often for less with clearer terms.
• Consumer tip: Watch industry breakdowns of upsell tactics from independent creators like Liz Amazing, then search her channel for the dealer or brand you’re considering.

High Interest Rates and Aggressive Finance Tactics

Public accounts frequently mention higher-than-expected APRs or pressure to finance in-house. Dealership finance offices sometimes “pack” deals with add-ons or use the monthly payment focus to obscure the true cost. Virginia shoppers can and should seek pre-approvals from their own bank or credit union and present those offers to the dealer to compare.

• What to do: Obtain pre-approval from your bank/credit union before visiting the dealer. Compare APR and term apples-to-apples.
• Review all products included in your financial contract before you sign (GAP, service contracts, protection coatings). Ask for each to be removed if not desired.
• Know your rights: The federal Truth in Lending Act requires clear disclosure of APR and finance charges; report suspected deception to the FTC and Virginia authorities.

Low-Ball Trade-In Offers vs. Promised Values

Some reviewers describe trade-in values that came in lower than initially discussed or that changed late in the process. This is not unique to one dealership; it’s a common consumer complaint across the industry. However, transparency about appraisal methodology and any deductions for condition is essential.

• What to do: Get multiple written offers for your RV (including instant-buy platforms), and bring competing quotes.
• Photograph and document your trade-in’s condition and maintenance history to reduce surprises.
• Clarify in writing whether your trade offer is contingent on a later inspection; if so, agree on a clear adjustment formula.

Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI) Misses and Delivery-Day Surprises

1-star reviews often describe defects discovered at or immediately after delivery—leaks, non-functioning appliances, trim falling off, electrical issues, and items on “we-owe” lists that are not completed. This indicates PDIs may be rushed, incomplete, or performed by inexperienced techs. RVs are complex, and quality control from the factory can be inconsistent; however, the dealership’s PDI is supposed to catch obvious issues before the customer takes possession.

• Insist on a third-party inspection before you sign or pay in full. Start with: Find an RV inspector near me.
• Plan a half-day systems demo and test everything with shore power, city water, and propane connected. Record video.
• Do not accept the unit until all critical items are repaired and documented on a signed “due bill” (we-owe) with dates.

Service Delays After Purchase, Long Waits for Parts, and Scheduling Problems

Reviewers frequently complain about long wait times to get service appointments, delays waiting for parts, and prolonged back-and-forth to resolve even straightforward defects. Accounts also mention periods when the RV sits at the dealership for weeks or months with limited communication, forcing owners to cancel trips and lose prepaid campground reservations. These patterns matter because they determine your real-world ownership experience, not just the purchase moment.

• Document everything: when you dropped off the RV, promised dates, what was diagnosed, and who you spoke with.
• Ask for service triage for safety-critical issues (brakes, LP gas leaks, electrical shorts, axle/structural issues) and get those prioritized in writing.
• If you can’t get timely service post-sale at this location, request warranty authorization to use an independent mobile technician or another dealer.
• Consumer reminder: If your RV sits for weeks after purchase due to unresolved issues, you lose leverage and time. A pre-purchase inspection remains your best protection. If you’ve faced long delays here, tell future buyers what happened.

Communication Gaps and Missed Callbacks

Public reviews commonly cite difficulty reaching the right person, unreturned messages, or contradictory updates between sales, finance, and service. These gaps exacerbate already stressful repair situations. While some staff are reported as friendly and helpful, consistency remains a recurring pain point noted in low-star feedback.

• What to do: Establish a single point of contact and ask for weekly updates by email so you have a written record.
• Escalate to a manager if promised callbacks don’t occur. Keep communications brief, factual, and documented.

Title, Registration, and Paperwork Delays

Some negative reviews mention delayed titles and paperwork processing, which can leave owners in limbo and unable to register, insure, or legally use their RV. In Virginia, dealers are generally expected to submit titling and registration promptly (often within 30 days). Extended delays increase risk of temporary tags expiring and can create insurance or travel complications.

• What to do: Before you leave the lot, confirm the date your paperwork will be submitted and when plates/title are expected.
• Follow up in writing if you approach 30 days without confirmation. Keep copies of all documents.
• If temp tags expire due to dealer delays, contact the Virginia DMV and consider filing a complaint with the Virginia Motor Vehicle Dealer Board.

Why a Third-Party Inspection at This Location Is Critical

Based on the patterns summarized above, a professional third-party inspection before you take delivery offers the best chance to avoid months of frustration. RVs have complex systems—electrical, plumbing, HVAC, slide mechanisms, seals, roof components, appliances—and even minor factory oversights can become major problems if not addressed immediately. A qualified inspector will test for water intrusion, component failures, propane leaks, brake and axle issues, and safety hazards.

• Insist on the inspection before final payment or signing. If the dealership does not allow it, walk away.
• Get a written punch list of all discrepancies and timelines for completion, signed by a manager.
• Inspectors near you: Find local RV inspectors. Ask for sample reports and proof of insurance.

Want to help others make an informed decision? Share what you found during your PDI or inspection.

Product and Safety Impact Analysis

Defects reported by customers—such as leaks, electrical faults, brake and axle issues, and propane system problems—carry real safety and financial implications:

• Water intrusion: Can lead to structural rot, delamination, mold, and massive depreciation. Early detection is key.
• Electrical issues: Miswired transfer switches, shorts, or converter/charger problems can damage batteries or cause fire hazards.
• LP gas leaks: Immediate safety risk; always demand leak-down tests and appliance functionality checks before delivery.
• Axle/brake problems: Longer stopping distances, uneven tire wear, blowouts—especially dangerous on mountain grades.
• Slide mechanisms and seals: Failure can trap you inside/outside, cause leaks, or misalignments that worsen over time.

Check for active recalls on your unit with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration: NHTSA recall search. Delayed recall fixes can keep your RV sidelined for weeks—plan accordingly and coordinate with the service department early.

Legal and Regulatory Warnings

Consumer complaints for this location tend to center on warranty fulfillment, paperwork timing, and service delays—areas with potential legal implications.

• Magnuson–Moss Warranty Act (federal): Prohibits tying warranty coverage to dealer-only service and requires clear disclosure of warranty terms. If you’re told you must buy specific products or only service with the dealer to maintain coverage, that is a red flag. Learn more via the Federal Trade Commission.
• Truth in Lending Act (TILA): Requires accurate disclosure of APR, total finance charges, and key terms in finance contracts. Hidden add-ons or misrepresented rates can constitute violations. Report issues to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and the FTC.
• Virginia title and registration timelines: Excessive delays in submitting paperwork may violate state requirements. Contact the Virginia DMV and the Virginia Motor Vehicle Dealer Board if you experience prolonged delays.
• Virginia Lemon Law (Motor Vehicle Warranty Enforcement Act): Generally geared toward new motor vehicles. Many non-motorized RV trailers may not be fully covered, and motorhomes are often only partially covered (chassis vs. “house” systems). Consult an attorney to assess your eligibility.
• Arbitration clauses: Some sales contracts include arbitration agreements that limit your court options. Review carefully and consider opting out if allowed.

If you believe a dealership has violated laws or engaged in deceptive practices, file complaints with the FTC, the Virginia Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Section, your local BBB, and document everything in writing.

Patterns Visible in 1–2 Star Google Reviews

While this report avoids quoting individuals verbatim to prevent misattribution and outdated citations, recurring allegations in low-star Google reviews for Pete’s RV Center – Salem/Roanoke (Salem, VA) include:

• Units delivered with unresolved defects discovered immediately post-sale.
• Delays getting service appointments and extended time-in-shop without resolution.
• Insufficient communication between departments and with customers.
• Unreturned calls and difficulty obtaining status updates.
• Surprise fees, add-ons, and confusion around optional versus required products.
• Paperwork/title/temporary tag delays beyond customer expectations.

To see the raw accounts in context and the dealership’s responses where applicable, go directly to their listing and sort by “Lowest rating”: Pete’s RV Center – Salem/Roanoke (Salem, VA) Google Reviews.

If you experienced similar issues at this location, tell us what happened so others can prepare.

Where to Verify Claims and Research Further

Use these pre-formatted searches and platforms to dive deeper into Pete’s RV Center – Salem/Roanoke (Salem, VA) specific feedback. Replace “Issues” with “Problems” or “Complaints” if you want to broaden results:

• YouTube search: Petes RV Center Salem VA Issues (also review insights from Liz Amazing and search her channel for relevant topics)
• Google search: Petes RV Center Salem VA Issues
• BBB search: Petes RV Center Salem VA
• Reddit r/RVLiving: Petes RV Center Salem VA Issues
• Reddit r/GoRVing: Petes RV Center Salem VA Issues
• Reddit r/rvs: Petes RV Center Salem VA Issues
• PissedConsumer main page (search “Petes RV Center Salem VA” on-site)
• NHTSA recalls search placeholder (check recalls for your RV’s specific year, make, model)
• RVForums.com (use the site search for “Petes RV Center Salem VA”)
• RVForum.net (site search for dealership and brand)
• RVUSA Forum (search “Petes RV Center Salem VA Issues”)
• RVInsider.com search: Petes RV Center Salem VA Issues
• Good Sam Community search: Petes RV Center Salem VA Issues

Note: Always filter by date to focus on the most recent feedback, as management and staffing changes can impact results over time.

Service Department Capacity, Training, and Quality Control

Low-star reviews for the Salem/Roanoke location often suggest the service department is capacity constrained or inconsistent in execution. Owners report repeat visits for the same issue, incomplete multi-point checks, and insufficient follow-up. While nearly all RV dealers face parts delays from manufacturers, strong service operations mitigate this with transparent timelines, clear triage for safety issues, and proactive communication—areas where reviewers suggest improvement is needed.

• Ask specific questions: How many certified techs? Average lead time for appointments? Average time-to-completion for warranty work?
• Demand documentation: Get a detailed service write-up with each line item: diagnosis, parts ordered, ETA, and next steps.
• Consider alternatives: If delays persist, request authorization to use a qualified mobile tech or another dealer for warranty work.

For a reality check on how dealers handle service across the industry, explore consumer watchdog content like Liz Amazing’s RV service deep dives and compare tactics to what you experience locally.

Paperwork, Temp Tags, and “We-Owe” Items

Multiple public accounts highlight frustration with paperwork timelines and unfulfilled “we-owe” promises post-sale. Whether it’s missing accessories, unresolved punch lists, or delayed title and registration, these lapses can sour the ownership experience and potentially put you in a legal bind if tags expire.

• Get a signed we-owe form listing every item promised after delivery, with due dates and escalation contacts.
• Follow up weekly in writing until all items are fulfilled. Keep a running log with dates and names.
• If deadlines slip repeatedly consider formal written demand letters and escalate to state regulators if needed.

What Shoppers Can Do Right Now

Given the concentration of complaints about post-sale service and communication at the Salem/Roanoke store, proactive prevention is your best strategy:

• Hire a third-party inspector before signing. Start here: RV Inspectors near me. If declined, walk away.
• Pre-approve financing elsewhere. Present your best offer to the dealer and refuse unwanted add-ons.
• Demand full utility hookup testing during your walkthrough (shore, city water, propane). Verify roof, slides, seals, and all appliances.
• Refuse to take delivery until critical issues are fixed and documented.
• Use email for all follow-ups and keep an organized timeline of commitments and responses.

Seen something not covered here at this exact location? Post your advice for fellow shoppers.

Balanced Notes: Any Indications of Improvement?

Among the critical feedback, some reviewers mention courteous sales staff or successful resolutions after escalation. It’s also common for management to reply publicly to negative reviews, indicating willingness to address complaints. Still, the volume and consistency of issues described by low-star reviewers point to systemic process problems rather than isolated missteps. Shoppers should proceed with caution, verify promises in writing, and monitor deliverables closely.

Final Assessment and Recommendation

The Salem/Roanoke (Salem, VA) location of Pete’s RV Center sits within a well-known multi-state chain. Yet, recent public feedback for this specific store raises material concerns for buyers: pressure to accept add-ons, higher-than-expected financing, trade-in friction, pre-delivery inspection misses, post-sale service delays, and paperwork problems. In practical terms, these patterns translate to canceled trips, mounting costs, and long periods without the RV you just purchased.

Shoppers can mitigate risk by arranging an independent pre-purchase inspection, refusing non-essential add-ons, securing outside financing, and getting every post-delivery promise in writing with explicit due dates. If those safeguards are not welcomed or you encounter resistance on third-party inspections, consider it a warning sign.

Ultimately, this report encourages rigorous due diligence. Start by reading the most recent 1-star reviews and the dealership’s responses here: Google Reviews for Pete’s RV Center – Salem/Roanoke (Salem, VA), and supplement with independent research sources listed above. If you have first-hand experience with this location, please contribute your story below to help other buyers.

Given the volume and nature of recent negative consumer reports specific to Pete’s RV Center – Salem/Roanoke (Salem, VA), we do not recommend proceeding with a purchase here without a thorough independent inspection and strong contingency protections. If you cannot secure those terms—or if early interactions hint at the patterns described above—consider alternative dealerships with stronger service reputations and cleaner paperwork timelines.