Rex & Sons RV- Castle Hayne, NC Exposed: Missed PDIs, Add-Ons, Delayed Titles & Warranty Backlogs

(Serious Concern)

Across the RV industry, buyers report that dealers are quick to “fix after delivery” and slow to schedule warranty work once the sale is finalized. Multiple recent consumer reviews for Rex & Sons RV in Castle Hayne echo these dynamics: defects missed during PDI, units leaving with unresolved issues, and weeks-long waits for parts or service communication. To avoid canceled camping trips and costly downtime, lock in your leverage before you pay. Hire a professional inspector of your choice—someone who works for you, not the dealer—and require that all findings are corrected or monetarily credited before delivery.

• Why this matters: After you pay, many dealers prioritize new sales over warranty service. Buyers frequently report being “pushed to the back of the line.”
• Protect yourself: Put a firm delivery deadline and a detailed “We Owe” list in writing, with penalties or the right to cancel if the unit is not fixed as promised.
• Find qualified inspectors now: Search RV Inspectors near me. If Rex & Sons RV does not allow it, that’s your signal to walk away.

Have you experienced delays, defects, or denied inspections at this location? Tell future buyers what happened.

(Moderate Concern)

Several low-star public reviews describe pressure to commit quickly, limited time pricing, or re-quoted figures that change between initial discussion and closing. These patterns mirror tactics used by other RV retailers and can result in buyers accepting less favorable deals or skipping thorough inspections.

• Action step: Get written, itemized out-the-door (OTD) pricing before you visit and refuse to negotiate without a printed quote.
• Verify fees: Demand a line-item breakdown of dealer add-ons, prep, doc, and “market adjustment” fees prior to running your credit.

For context, scan the most critical recent reviews on their Google profile: Rex & Sons RV — Castle Hayne, NC Reviews (sort by Lowest Rating).

(Moderate Concern)

Multiple 1–2 star reviews mention trade-in bids that felt below market, or values revised late in the deal after buyers believed they had a number. While market conditions vary, last-minute changes can undermine trust and leave buyers stuck between walking away or accepting a poorer deal to “salvage” a day’s effort.

• Action step: Get multiple quotes for your RV using third-party platforms before you visit the dealer. Bring evidence (photos, inspection, comparable listings).
• Don’t rely on verbal promises: Put the exact trade allowance, payoff, and OTD price in writing on a buyer’s order before signing anything else.

(Serious Concern)

Consumers frequently report upsells for extended service contracts, interior/exterior coatings, tire-and-wheel packages, and GAP policies. Some public reviews suggest buyers did not fully understand optional products until payments felt higher than expected. RV F&I (finance and insurance) can be a major profit center, and APRs quoted through dealership lenders can exceed rates available through credit unions or your bank.

• Action step: Arrange preapproved financing before you negotiate. Enter the F&I office knowing your maximum APR and total payment.
• Say “no” to packages you don’t want: Ask for a clean contract without add-ons. If the finance manager insists, be ready to walk.
• Compliance note: Accurate Truth in Lending Act (TILA) disclosures are required. If numbers don’t match, stop and request corrected paperwork.

For a consumer advocate’s take on RV finance upsells, see this overview content and search topics on the channel: Investigative videos on RV buying pitfalls — Liz Amazing.

(Serious Concern)

Low-star public reviews for the Castle Hayne location describe slow title or registration processing and repeated follow-up calls. Delays can create legal and financial risk if your temporary tags expire or insurance invalidates due to incorrect VIN/title data.

• Action step: Confirm title status before paying. Ask for proof the unit is free of liens and that all prior paperwork is complete.
• Set expectations in writing: Add specific deadlines for title, registration, and permanent plates with remedies if missed.
• Keep copies: Photograph every document you sign and collect the full set of forms before leaving the lot.

(Serious Concern)

Several critical reviews claim that the RV had obvious problems on delivery—items that a thorough PDI should catch. Common issues across brands include water leaks, inoperable slides, trim and sealant defects, electrical faults, and non-functioning appliances.

• Demand a full demo: Insist on seeing every system work (AC/heat, water heater, furnace, slides, leveling, propane, awning, lights, water pump) before you accept the unit.
• Bring an inspector: Here’s a quick way to find one: search RV Inspectors near me.
• Don’t take possession with unresolved defects: Keep your leverage; get items corrected or credited in writing first.

For deeper PDI guidance and watch-outs, search buyer checklists on creator channels that dissect dealer prep realities: Liz Amazing’s RV buyer education library.

(Serious Concern)

Several negative reviews cite long wait times for parts, difficulty reaching service staff, or lack of updates once an RV is in the queue. This is a chronic issue across the RV industry, but it becomes especially painful if the dealer sent you home with a unit that wasn’t fully right on day one.

• Action step: Get a ticket number and promised callback schedule in writing. Confirm the manufacturer claim number on warranty repairs.
• Escalation: If deadlines are missed, email the service manager and manufacturer simultaneously, documenting downtime and impacts (e.g., canceled trips).

If you’ve dealt with extended service timelines at this location, share your timeline and outcome for other shoppers.

(Moderate Concern)

Some low-star reports describe repairs not fixing root causes or new damage introduced during service (scratches, trim issues). While any shop can make mistakes, RVs require methodical leak detection, sealant application, electrical troubleshooting, and proper torqueing of mechanical systems.

• Action step: Ask for technician certifications and whether specific systems (e.g., slide mechanisms, leveling, absorption refrigerators, solar) will be assigned to appropriately trained techs.
• Before you leave: After service, do a full systems check with the advisor present and photograph any areas addressed.

(Moderate Concern)

Customers sometimes report prolonged waits for parts and little insight into ETA. If the issue involves a safety recall, delays can create genuine hazards (propane leaks, brake or axle defects, electrical shorts).

• Action step: Check your VIN for open recalls and service bulletins and bring documentation to the appointment.
• Resource: NHTSA recall database: NHTSA Recalls Lookup (search your brand/VIN).

(Serious Concern)

Multiple negative reviewers across the industry report that once a dealer has their money, warranty scheduling becomes slow, forcing owners to cancel trips while units sit on a lot awaiting evaluation or parts. Castle Hayne reviewers allege similar experiences. It’s critical to adjust expectations and plan carefully around seasonality and service capacity.

• Action step: Book service dates far in advance; request a written timeline with penalties if the dealer fails to evaluate by a set date.
• Have a backup plan: If a critical safety defect is present, ask the manufacturer for authorization to use another authorized service center to prevent losing a season.

(Serious Concern)

Potential legal exposure tied to common complaints

While we do not allege violations in any specific case, the patterns described in public reviews raise several legal risk areas that consumers should understand:

• Warranty rights under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act: Warrantors must honor terms and cannot require you to buy specific products for coverage. If your RV is repeatedly not repaired within a reasonable number of attempts or time, you may have claims. Learn more: FTC Guide to Federal Warranty Law.
• Truth in Lending Act (TILA): Finance disclosures must be accurate and clear; add-ons should not be packed without consent. Overview: CFPB: What is TILA?.
• Unfair and Deceptive Acts and Practices (UDAP): North Carolina law prohibits misleading sales tactics. If you believe you’ve been deceived, contact the North Carolina Attorney General: NC Department of Justice — Consumer Protection.
• Vehicle safety defects and recalls: Report unresolved safety issues to NHTSA: Report a Vehicle Safety Problem (NHTSA).

Document everything: photos/videos of defects, all text/email threads, dates promised, and the impact (lost use, costs, cancellations). If you escalate to regulators or seek legal counsel, this record is critical.

(Serious Concern)

Defects missed at delivery or during service can carry real-world safety and financial consequences. Reports of leaks, miswired electrical components, brake/axle issues, and propane system faults are not mere inconveniences—each has a plausible pathway to serious damage or injury.

• Water intrusion: Can rot subfloors, delaminate walls, mold interiors, and lead to five-figure repairs if not caught early.
• Electrical faults: Risk of shorts, fire, or inverter/battery damage. Always test GFCIs, shore power, and battery charging functions before leaving the lot.
• Brake/axle issues: Poorly adjusted brakes or axle defects can cause catastrophic failure at highway speeds.
• LP gas leaks: Use a gas detector and soapy water test; verify regulator function and appliance operation during PDI.

Always run a VIN recall check and require recall remedy documentation prior to delivery. Use NHTSA’s lookup and search by your brand/VIN: NHTSA Safety Recalls. If a dealer delays a safety recall fix, ask the manufacturer to authorize an alternative service center to keep you safe and mobile.

(Serious Concern)

• Bring your own inspector: Schedule an independent PDI at the lot, and don’t take possession until findings are corrected or credited. Use this to find a pro: RV Inspectors near me.
• Use a written PDI checklist: Verify roof sealants, window/compartment seals, plumbing under pressure, slide alignment, chassis torque, tire DOT dates and pressures, electrical systems on shore power and on battery, LP leak test, and appliance function.
• Get everything in writing: “We Owe” form with deadlines; who pays for mobile tech if the unit is inoperable after delivery; parts ETA commitments; loaner or reimbursement terms if out of service for extended time.
• Preapproved financing: Walk in with a credit union approval. Decline high-margin add-ons you don’t want; request a clean contract.
• Out-the-door pricing only: No verbal promises. Ask for a printed, itemized quote including taxes, fees, add-ons, and trade allowance.
• Check title status: Confirm lien release and clean title before paying. Add delivery and title deadlines to the buyer’s order.
• Inspect again on pick-up day: Re-test every system. If anything doesn’t work, don’t sign—fix first or reschedule.
• Keep leverage: Consider withholding final payment until defects are corrected. If paying cash, use an escrow arrangement with clear release conditions.
• Know your recourse: If you encounter repeated failures to repair, consult state UDAP statutes and the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act resources linked above.

Have practical tips that helped you at this location? Share your tactics so others benefit.

(Moderate Concern)

To maintain balance, there are satisfied Rex & Sons RV customers who report friendly sales staff, helpful parts personnel, or fair transactions. Management responses appear under some reviews, indicating attempts to resolve issues. It’s also true that many defects originate at the factory, and dealer service departments often bear the brunt of manufacturer parts delays—especially during peak seasons. That said, the weight of recent low-star reviews for the Castle Hayne store—centered on pre-delivery quality, paperwork timeliness, and post-sale communication—signals risk that buyers should not ignore.

When you research any RV dealer, supplement your due diligence with independent education so you know what “good” looks like in the showroom and service bay. For example, search educational breakdowns on negotiation tactics, PDI, and warranty loops here: Liz Amazing — RV buyer education and dealer accountability.