Rangitsch Brothers RV and Manufactured Home Center- Missoula, MT Exposed: Add-on Pressure, Weak PDIs

Introduction and Background

AI-powered research tools have systematically collected and analyzed public information to produce this report on Rangitsch Brothers RV and Manufactured Home Center in Missoula, Montana. The goal is to help RV shoppers understand real-world risks, recurring complaint patterns, and ways to protect themselves prior to purchase or service work.

Rangitsch Brothers appears to be a locally owned, long-standing dealership rather than a national chain, operating an RV sales and service department alongside a manufactured home center. Its overall reputation is mixed. While some buyers report positive experiences and helpful staff, a significant volume of low-rated public feedback points to recurring issues involving upsells and finance pressure, inconsistent pre-delivery inspections, long service backlogs, delayed paperwork (including titles), and communication gaps that leave customers frustrated—sometimes for months.

To verify and read the most current consumer experiences, start with the dealership’s own Google Business Profile and sort by “Lowest rating.” Here is the direct link: Rangitsch Brothers RV and Manufactured Home Center — Google Business Profile. Use the filtering tools to see the most critical recent reviews first, and read the specifics directly from other buyers.

If you’ve purchased here or interacted with their service center, what happened? Add your first-hand experience to help other Montana shoppers.

Community Research: Unfiltered Owner Feedback You Should Consult

Before focusing on the negative patterns, it’s smart to build your own evidence file:

• Model-specific owner groups (Facebook and forums): Join multiple groups for the exact RV brand and floor plan you’re considering for unfiltered owner experiences (search by brand and model). Use this Google query: Search RV Brand Facebook Groups by model and join several before you buy.
• YouTube investigations: Explore watchdog creators exposing common dealer tactics. For example, Liz Amazing’s channel regularly documents RV dealership pitfalls—search her channel for the exact dealership and brands you’re considering.
• Local and national forums: Use the research links further below to search for issues tied to “Rangitsch Brothers RV and Manufactured Home Center Missoula MT.”

Before You Buy: Arrange a Third-Party Inspection (Your Best Leverage)

Regardless of where you shop, insist on a qualified third-party RV inspection before you sign or take possession. Many low-rated reviews across the RV industry stem from defects missed during the dealer’s pre-delivery inspection (PDI), followed by months-long repair queues after the sale. Your only real leverage is before funds transfer and before you drive off the lot. If a dealer refuses an outside inspection, that’s a major red flag—walk.

• Find a certified NRVIA or independent mobile inspector: Search RV Inspectors near me.
• Have the inspector test all appliances, electrical, plumbing, slides, seals, roof, frame, and hitch/axles; photograph and document everything.
• Require all findings to be corrected before signing. If the dealer promises to “get you on the schedule” post-sale, expect delays—some buyers report canceled camping trips and weeks or months of waiting.
• Don’t let urgency or seasonality pressure you into skipping the inspection. A thorough pre-purchase check is cheaper than a major repair later.

To see how common these pitfalls are, watch consumer-focused explainers like this: Liz Amazing’s investigations into dealership practices. Her advice on avoiding unnecessary add-ons and problematic contracts applies broadly across the industry.

Patterns in Consumer Complaints at the Missoula Location

Below are recurring themes reported publicly by low-rated reviews and RV owners discussing their experiences with RV dealers like this one. We strongly encourage you to verify specific details by sorting the dealership’s Google Business page by “Lowest rating” and reading the narratives: Check the most critical recent reviews here. If you’ve experienced similar issues locally, tell other shoppers what happened in Missoula.

Pricing Transparency and Add-On Upsells

Many buyers complain that advertised prices don’t match the “out-the-door” total after finance-and-insurance (F&I) add-ons are layered in. These may include extended service contracts, “platinum” protective coatings, tire/wheel programs, or interior fabric/paint sealants. While some add-ons can be useful, they’re often heavily marked up and sometimes represented as “required” for financing or as vital for warranty coverage—neither is typically true.

• Ask for an itemized, written out-the-door price without any add-ons.
• Decline non-essential packages. If the finance office pressures you, pause the deal.
• Extended warranties may have strict exclusions and deductibles; compare third-party policies to pricing from the dealer, or skip entirely and self-insure.

High Interest Rates and F&I Pressure

Reports indicate that some buyers feel steered into higher APR loans or told financing “requires” certain products. Consumers should know they can pre-approve through a credit union or bank and bring their own financing. If the dealer can’t beat the rate, keep your external loan. The Truth in Lending Act requires disclosure of APR and terms—don’t sign unless everything aligns with your expectations and no unauthorized products appear on the contract.

• Bring a pre-approval from your credit union to maintain leverage.
• Beware of packed payments. Read every line item before e-signing.
• Refuse to sign on a tablet without a printed copy to review and keep.

Low-Ball Trade-In Offers and Appraisal Disputes

Trade-in values may come in far below NADA/market comps, especially if buyers don’t present maintenance records or recent independent appraisals. Some reviews describe shock at last-minute value changes or additional deductions at signing.

• Obtain written offers from multiple dealers.
• Price your unit for a private-sale alternative; bring printouts of market comps.
• Walk away if the deal changes at the last minute or if “as-is” deductions aren’t documented with photos.

Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI) Issues Missed

Common complaints involve new or recent-purchase RVs leaving the lot with water leaks, non-functioning appliances, slide malfunctions, electrical gremlins, and cosmetic damage that “should have been caught” before delivery. Weak PDIs create costly, time-consuming warranty return visits.

• Make the PDI a hands-on event: run every system with your technician or inspector present.
• Refuse delivery until all punch-list items are fixed and signed off. Don’t accept “we’ll order parts” unless defects are minor and you have a written “We Owe” with firm dates.

Service Backlogs and Long Delays for Repairs

A frequent frustration is the length of time units sit in the service queue, especially for warranty claims. Owners describe weeks or months of downtime waiting on diagnostics, approvals, or parts. This is an industry-wide stressor that many local shops face, but buyers can mitigate the risk by getting issues fixed before purchase and confirming parts availability in advance.

• Ask for the current service backlog in writing and a realistic ETA.
• For warranty items, insist the shop open a case with the manufacturer immediately and share the case number with you.
• Don’t plan a major trip until you’ve camped locally for a few nights and verified repairs hold.

Warranty Coverage Disputes and “Normal” Defect Minimization

Owners sometimes report being told that leaks, inconsistent seals, cabinetry misalignment, or smaller electrical issues are “normal” and not covered. While some quirks are indeed common on towables and motorhomes, warranty coverage should apply to legitimate defects within the manufacturer’s policy.

• Request warranty coverage in writing and ask for the specific policy or bulletin being cited.
• Contact the RV manufacturer’s customer service directly to escalate if needed.
• Document all defects with dated photos and video.

Delayed Titles, Registration, and Paperwork Errors

Several consumers across the RV sector report delayed titles and registration that prevent them from legally using or reselling their RV. Paperwork errors can also lead to tax, lienholder, or insurance complications. If you’re purchasing a manufactured home, documentation and installation certifications are equally critical.

• Confirm the dealer has your title (or can secure it) before you finalize payment.
• Ask for a specific timeline for paperwork processing and a point of contact for status updates.
• Don’t leave without copies of all signed documents and a receipt showing paid-in-full terms.

Communication Gaps and Missed Callbacks

Some low-rated reviews express difficulty reaching the right person or securing updates on parts and repairs. Communication gaps amplify frustration when the RV is already out of service.

• Establish a single service advisor with written weekly updates via email or text.
• After any call, send a summary email to create a time-stamped paper trail.

Aftermarket Installations and Quality Control

Complaints sometimes involve sloppy add-on installs (solar, inverters, hitches, Wi-Fi boosters) or missing components on delivery. Poor workmanship can create safety risks (battery wiring, propane quick-connects, brake controllers).

• Have a third-party electrician or RV tech inspect upgrades, especially 12V/120V work.
• Demand before/after photos of any behind-the-panel work.

Manufactured Home Center: Delivery, Setup, and Punch Lists

For customers buying manufactured homes, frustrations commonly center on delivery windows, setup quality, leveling, tiedowns, and punch-list timing. Warranty coordination between the dealer, factory, and contractors can be slow—particularly in peak seasons.

• Get a written schedule for delivery and setup milestones with contingency plans.
• Perform a rigorous walk-through upon delivery; document everything that needs correction.
• Hold back a portion of payment until punch-list completion, if your contract allows.

Have you run into any of the above issues at the Missoula location? Share the details in the comments so other local buyers can prepare accordingly.

Product and Safety Impact Analysis

Reported defects—especially leaks, electrical faults, slide malfunctions, suspension/brake issues, propane system problems, and improper installations—can pose real safety hazards and financial risk. Water intrusion can lead to rot, mold, and structural damage that quickly devalues the RV. Electrical miswiring may cause fires; propane leaks can be dangerous and must be fixed immediately. Slide failures can trap belongings or damage walls. Axle, brake, or tire problems can result in catastrophic highway incidents.

• Check open recalls for your VIN before purchase and after any service. Use the NHTSA recall tool: NHTSA Vehicle Safety Recalls. You can also research brand-level recall trends and file safety complaints here: Report a Safety Problem to NHTSA.
• Test all life-safety gear (CO/propane detectors, smoke alarms, emergency exits) during your PDI and again during your first shakedown trip.
• Verify torque specs and suspension health (u-bolts, shackles, equalizers) on towables and check for alignment wear. Consider an independent inspection: find RV inspectors near you.

For consumers new to the process, industry watchdog content like Liz Amazing’s channel offers practical safety checklists and buying pitfalls that can reduce your risk.

Legal and Regulatory Warnings

Public complaints that describe misrepresentations, warranty denials, or delayed titles raise potential legal concerns. While this report does not make legal determinations, the following laws and regulators are relevant:

• Montana Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Act (UTPCPA): Prohibits deceptive or unfair practices in consumer transactions. Complaints can be filed with the Montana Office of Consumer Protection: Montana DOJ Consumer Protection.
• Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act: Governs written warranties; requires clear disclosures and prevents tying warranty coverage to paid add-ons. See resources at the Federal Trade Commission (FTC): FTC.
• Truth in Lending Act (TILA) and Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA): Require clear disclosure of finance terms and prohibit discrimination in credit. If you feel financing was misrepresented, document all communications and contract pages.
• NHTSA: Safety recalls and defect investigations. File a complaint if your RV exhibits a safety-related defect: Report to NHTSA.

If you believe you were harmed by deceptive practices or warranty violations, consider consulting a consumer law attorney. Keep detailed records of all interactions, contracts, invoices, work orders, and correspondence. Report patterns to state and federal regulators, and consider notifying the BBB and your RV’s manufacturer support channels.

How to Protect Yourself at This Dealer (Step-by-Step)

• Do your homework on pricing: Demand a written out-the-door quote. Remove add-ons you don’t want. Compare with other dealers.
• Bring your own financing: Get a pre-approval so you can walk if APR or terms don’t match what you’re promised.
• Third-party inspection is non-negotiable: If a dealer won’t allow it, walk. Use: Google search: RV Inspectors near me.
• Extended warranties and service contracts: Read the fine print, exclusions, deductibles, and caps. Compare third-party alternatives. You are not obligated to buy these to get financing.
• Demand a complete PDI checklist: Operate every appliance and system while you watch. Photograph defects; get a signed “We Owe” listing fixes and dates.
• Check for open recalls: Use the VIN at NHTSA Recalls and request written confirmation of recall status before delivery.
• Titles and paperwork: Confirm title availability and exact processing timeline. Don’t leave empty-handed—get copies of everything, including any lien releases and manufacturer’s certificates of origin (if applicable).
• Service scheduling: Ask for the real queue length and parts ETA. If it’s long, get minor issues fixed before buying or negotiate price concessions.
• Keep a paper trail: After every call, email a summary. Save all texts and photos.

If you’ve navigated a purchase or repair here, what worked and what didn’t? Post your practical tips for fellow shoppers.

Where to Verify and Research Rangitsch Brothers RV — Missoula, MT

Use these links to search for issues, complaints, and owner discussions related to this specific location. Replace “Issues” with “Problems,” “Complaints,” or a specific topic as needed; and use each site’s sorting tools to find the most recent and relevant results. When a site doesn’t support direct query links, use its search bar.

• YouTube search: Rangitsch Brothers RV and Manufactured Home Center Missoula MT Issues
• Google search: Rangitsch Brothers RV and Manufactured Home Center Missoula MT Issues
• BBB search: Rangitsch Brothers RV and Manufactured Home Center Missoula MT
• Reddit r/RVLiving: Rangitsch Brothers RV and Manufactured Home Center Missoula MT Issues
• Reddit r/GoRVing: Rangitsch Brothers RV and Manufactured Home Center Missoula MT Issues
• Reddit r/rvs: Rangitsch Brothers RV and Manufactured Home Center Missoula MT Issues
• PissedConsumer main directory (search dealership name on site)
• NHTSA recalls (use VIN or brand/model for best results)
• RVForums.com (use forum search for dealership name)
• RVForum.net (search dealership name and issues)
• RVUSA Forum (use the header search for dealership issues)
• RVInsider search: Rangitsch Brothers RV and Manufactured Home Center Missoula MT Issues
• Good Sam Community: Rangitsch Brothers RV and Manufactured Home Center Missoula MT Issues
• Google search for RV brand Facebook groups (enter your brand/model)

Also, for first-hand buyer stories and industry trend breakdowns, search your target dealership and model on independent consumer channels like Liz Amazing’s YouTube channel.

Balanced Notes and Any Reported Resolutions

To be fair, not every interaction at this store is negative. Public reviews also mention friendly salespeople, prompt fixes in some cases, and fair treatment on trade-ins for certain buyers. Occasionally, management responses to complaints indicate efforts to resolve miscommunications or accelerate parts orders. The challenge—and the reason for caution—is consistency. RV buyers need predictable processes for financing, PDI thoroughness, documentation accuracy, and timely service. When these break down, the consequences are costly and disruptive.

Prospective customers should read a deep sample of low-rated reviews on the Google Business page and note the dealership’s responses and any trends in resolution. You can do this here by sorting for “Lowest rating”: Rangitsch Brothers RV and Manufactured Home Center — Google Reviews.

Have you seen improvements recently at the Missoula location—better PDI, faster repairs, transparent pricing? Help fellow shoppers by reporting what’s changed.

Final Recommendation for Missoula RV Shoppers

Rangitsch Brothers RV and Manufactured Home Center is a locally run operation that serves many Montana RVers and homebuyers. However, public complaints highlight persistent risks: aggressive add-ons, inconsistent PDIs, service delays, and paperwork timing issues. Each buyer’s experience varies, but the recurring nature of these themes suggests heightened caution is warranted.

Based on the patterns of complaints, we do not recommend proceeding with a purchase or major service here unless you can (1) secure a third-party inspection before paying, (2) obtain a clean, itemized out-the-door quote with unwanted add-ons removed, (3) verify title and paperwork timelines in writing, and (4) confirm service capacity and parts availability ahead of time. If the dealership cannot meet these safeguards, it’s wise to consider other dealerships in Montana or the wider region with stronger records on transparency, inspection quality, and post-sale support.

Have a first-hand story that can help others? Contribute your experience now.

Comments and Community Experiences

Your insight helps Montana RV buyers make safer, smarter decisions. What happened in your sales or service interaction at Rangitsch Brothers RV and Manufactured Home Center in Missoula? Were promised timelines met? Did the final price match the quote? How did the service department handle warranty claims? Please share the details to help others navigate this market.