Portland Metro Dealers RV Show- Portland, OR Exposed: High-Pressure Sales, Hidden Fees, PDI Failures

(Serious Concern)

Independent inspections are your best leverage. At high-volume show events, multiple customers are moving through finance and delivery at the same time, and that pressure can shortchange quality control. Protect yourself by hiring a certified RV inspector—before you hand over final payment or accept delivery. Ask for a full pre-purchase inspection (not just a quick walk-through), including roof, seals, slide mechanisms, water intrusion tests, propane system checks, brake/axle inspections, and full operation of every appliance and system under load. If the dealer or show staff will not allow a third-party inspection, that is a major red flag—walk away.

• Find local pros: Google search: RV Inspectors near me
• Schedule the inspection before you sign finance paperwork or accept delivery.
• Make delivery contingent on resolving inspection findings in writing, with a hard completion date.

Many low-star reviews across show-style events recount cancelled camping plans and RVs that end up parked for months waiting on repairs. An inspection is your best defense against missing, broken, or improperly installed components that can cost thousands later.

High-Pressure Sales and “Today Only” Pricing

(Serious Concern)

Limited-time discounts, countdowns, or “this unit will be gone in minutes” pressure can lead to snap decisions before you verify key details like VIN-specific equipment, “out-the-door” totals, and warranty coverage. Numerous consumers at multi-dealer shows describe feeling rushed through signatures—or told they can “deal with it later” if issues surface after delivery. Do not proceed unless every figure and promise is fully itemized in writing.

• Ask for a written “no surprises” out-the-door price including all fees.
• Refuse verbal promises; require line-itemized, signed documents.
• Sleep on it—no legitimate offer should evaporate for asking to verify details.

Pricing Ambiguity and Fee Creep

(Serious Concern)

Consumers often report that an “at-show” price blossoms with add-on fees (prep, freight, setup, doc, “mandatory” accessory bundles) once they transition from the show floor to the paperwork desk. Because you actually buy from a specific dealer, fees can change when the deal is moved to the dealership’s DMS. Insist on a signed buyer’s order with every fee listed, tied to a specific VIN, and demand that the dealer honor it without last-minute additions.

• Highlight any line labeled “market adjustment,” “protection package,” or “mandatory kit.”
• Remove items you don’t want; if they refuse, consider walking.
• Compare against written OTD quotes from non-show dealers to maintain leverage.

Low-Ball Trade-In Offers at the Last Minute

(Moderate Concern)

Reports indicate some buyers receive optimistic trade valuations during initial talks that drop when the contract is finalized, sometimes citing reconditioning surprises or “book value” changes. Bring current written appraisals from multiple dealers and online platforms to keep the trade honest. If the trade number changes materially at signing, pause the deal until you can reassess.

Financing Upsells, High Interest Rates, and Add-On Products

(Serious Concern)

At show events, finance managers may present “payment-based” sales tactics that bury add-ons like extended service contracts, paint/fabric protection, tire-and-wheel, GAP, and tracking devices. These can add thousands to the amount financed and increase interest costs. Pre-qualify with your own bank or credit union before you go, compare APRs, and decline any add-ons you don’t want. If your APR jumps at the last minute “due to lender changes,” stop and verify.

• Get a written “cash price” and a “no add-ons” finance quote to compare fairly.
• Under federal law (Truth in Lending Act), your finance terms must be accurate and clearly disclosed.
• Ask whether add-ons are optional and get the “without add-ons” payment in writing.

Title and Paperwork Delays After the Show

(Serious Concern)

Some buyers report slow-arriving titles, plates, or registration documents after show purchases. In Oregon, dealers must process title and registration paperwork promptly. Extended delays can disrupt your travel plans and, in some cases, may violate state rules. Tie funding and delivery to clear deadlines for paperwork and temporary permits to avoid being stranded with an unregistered unit.

• Oregon DMV dealer info: Oregon DMV – Dealers
• Document every follow-up in writing with dates and names.

Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI) Shortfalls and Immediate Defects

(Serious Concern)

Multiple consumers across show settings say their “new” RV had leaks, non-functioning appliances, misaligned slides, dead batteries, or missing parts upon pickup. High sales volume can mean rushed PDIs. Your independent inspection should expose these issues before the unit leaves the lot, when you still have leverage to demand fixes.

• Schedule a systems test under power and water, including a roof inspection.
• Do a shakedown overnight at a local campground before a long trip to surface hidden defects while help is nearby.
• If defects are major, pause delivery until completed repairs are verified.

Warranty Service Delays and Parts Backlogs

(Serious Concern)

A persistent grievance is months-long waits for service appointments or parts after show purchases. Once the sale is closed, some buyers report they are “de-prioritized,” and peak season waits compound the problem. Demand a written plan for how warranty claims will be handled, where you’ll be serviced, and expected turnaround times if parts have to be ordered.

• Ask how long current backlogs are at the selling dealer’s service center.
• Clarify whether you can use a closer service center and who approves the claim.
• Consider a holdback clause withholding a portion of payment until punch-list items are resolved.

Confusion About Who Is Responsible: The Show vs. The Selling Dealer

(Moderate Concern)

Shoppers sometimes feel bounced between “the show” and the dealership when issues arise. Remember: the dealer named on your contract is responsible for your sale, title work, warranty registration, and most post-sale support. Make sure that dealership’s name, address, and service commitments are explicit in your paperwork.

Discrepancies Between What Was Promised and What Was Delivered

(Moderate Concern)

Reports from show events include missing accessories, substitutions on options, or different equipment packages than expected. To avoid this, tie your purchase to a specific VIN and include a detailed addendum listing every promised accessory and feature, with brand and model numbers where applicable. Require signatures on that addendum.

Deposit Refund Disputes and Cancellations

(Moderate Concern)

Some buyers say refundable deposits turned sticky, or that cancellations met resistance. If you leave a deposit, the receipt should explicitly state under what conditions it is refundable, how quickly it will be returned, and by which entity (the show group or the dealer). When in doubt, use a credit card rather than cash for clearer dispute rights.

Truth in Advertising and Add-Ons

(Serious Concern)

Advertising a low price while withholding mandatory add-ons or fees can raise concerns under federal and state consumer protection laws prohibiting unfair or deceptive acts or practices. If you encounter “mandatory protection packages” or undisclosed fees added at signing, document it. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) enforces federal consumer protection laws; you can learn more about deceptive practices here: FTC Act Section 5 (Unfair or Deceptive Acts or Practices).

Financing Disclosures

(Moderate Concern)

Under the Truth in Lending Act (TILA), lenders and dealers must provide clear disclosures of APR, finance charges, and total of payments. If your APR or payments differ from what was quoted, ask for a corrected, itemized Truth-in-Lending disclosure and decline optional products that pad the amount financed.

Warranty Rights

(Moderate Concern)

The Magnuson–Moss Warranty Act protects consumers when written warranties are provided. If the unit has repeat failures or extended out-of-service times for warranty work, keep detailed records of repair attempts, dates, and communications. Guidance: FTC – Businessperson’s Guide to Federal Warranty Law.

Oregon-Specific Title and Dealer Rules

(Serious Concern)

Dealers in Oregon must process title and registration promptly. If your paperwork is delayed excessively, contact the selling dealer in writing and escalate to the Oregon Department of Justice Consumer Protection section if needed: Oregon DOJ – Consumer Protection. The Oregon DMV’s dealer resources are here: Oregon DMV – Dealers.

Safety Recalls and NHTSA

(Serious Concern)

Safety recalls on chassis, tires, brakes, propane systems, or appliances can create serious hazards. Check your exact VIN for open recalls before delivery. The selling dealer should not deliver a vehicle with unresolved safety recalls. Research recalls via the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA): NHTSA Recall Lookup. If you want to search by dealership context as a supplemental step, use this formatted query: NHTSA search placeholder for show-related issues, then narrow to your brand and VIN.

Real-World Consequences of Poor PDIs and Rushed Deliveries

(Serious Concern)

Leaks, miswired appliances, gas leaks, nonfunctional slide mechanisms, or unbalanced axles are not mere inconveniences. Water intrusion can cause structural rot and mold, electrical faults can spark fires, and brake or tire issues can lead to catastrophic highway incidents. Fuel-burning appliances and propane systems demand meticulous testing. A third-party inspector can identify many of these failures before you’re stuck in a months-long service queue.

• Water intrusion and seal failures can compromise the unit’s value rapidly.
• Axle, suspension, or brake issues pose direct safety hazards.
• Propane leaks and carbon monoxide risks require immediate attention and working detectors.

Warranty Backlogs and Seasonal Risks

(Moderate Concern)

If service centers are overloaded after show season, new owners may lose prime camping months. Document promises about repair timelines at the time of sale and consider negotiating a written loaner or campsite reimbursement if substantial defects immobilize your RV early in ownership.