Rick’s RV Chicago – Joliet, IL Exposed: Alleged Hidden Fees, PDI Misses & Title/Finance Delays

Introduction: What RV Shoppers Should Know About Rick’s RV Chicago (Joliet, IL)

AI-powered research tools have systematically collected and analyzed public information to produce this report. Our aim is simple: help RV shoppers understand the real-world risks and responsibilities when dealing with Rick’s RV Chicago in Joliet, Illinois. Based on aggregated consumer feedback from major review platforms and forums, this appears to be an independent, locally focused dealership rather than part of a national chain. Its reputation, however, is mixed—especially around after-sale service, paperwork delays, and sales/financing practices that consumers say can lead to unexpected costs.

To see firsthand what customers are saying, start by visiting the dealership’s Google Business Profile and sort by Lowest Rating to read the most recent and critical reviews: Google Business Profile for Rick’s RV Chicago (Joliet, IL). Read through those one- and two-star reviews carefully and note any recurring themes. If you’ve bought from this location, what happened during your purchase or service experience?

Start Your Research: Unfiltered Owner Feedback and Independent Voices

Independent community research

• Facebook brand owner groups: Join multiple model-specific or brand-specific owner communities to get unfiltered insights on quality, warranty claims, and dealer support. Use this Google search to find groups for your brand (replace the brand in your search as needed): Search for RV brand owner groups on Facebook via Google.
• YouTube consumer watchdog: Check out Liz Amazing’s consumer advocacy videos, which often spotlight common dealership pitfalls, contract gotchas, and inspection tips. Use her channel’s search to look up the dealership you’re considering.

If you’ve already shopped this lot in Joliet, would you recommend it to other RVers?

Before You Buy: Third-Party RV Inspection Is Your Leverage

Make an inspection non-negotiable

Across dealerships, many buyers discover significant defects only after taking delivery—water leaks, electrical faults, brake or suspension issues, non-functional appliances, or missing parts. Once a dealer has your money, your leverage plummets. Consumers report long waits for warranty repairs and parts, canceled camping trips, and RVs sitting for weeks or months in service queues.

• Hire a professional independent RV inspector—not the dealer—to perform a comprehensive pre-purchase inspection. Start here: Search “RV Inspectors near me”.
• Put defects and remedies in writing with a firm delivery date before you sign or pay in full.
• Walk away if the dealer refuses a third-party inspection. That’s a major red flag.

Consider scheduling the inspection during your final “we-owe” walk-through to confirm everything works before you hand over payment. If you’ve had inspection issues at this Joliet location, what did your inspector find?

What We’re Seeing in Public Complaints

The following categories reflect patterns of concerns frequently raised by consumers in public reviews, social threads, and complaint boards. Verify by reading low-star reviews on the dealership’s Google Business Profile and searching the forums listed later in this report. Because negative outcomes can be costly and time-consuming to fix, assume best case is careful, proactive due diligence on your part.

Sales Tactics and Pricing Transparency

Consumers frequently report dealership experiences where the price on the lot or online differs from the final paperwork due to last-minute add-ons, “mandatory” packages, or fees not disclosed in the initial quote. In similar cases across the RV retail industry, buyers describe being rushed during closing or pressured to accept extras such as protection packages, nitrogen tire fills, paint or fabric sealants, or “lifetime” warranties—often with minimal explanation of real value.

• Watch for add-on packages you didn’t request. Insist on seeing a clean out-the-door price with each line-item explained or removed.
• Confirm in writing that any advertised price already includes dealer fees or document fees. If it doesn’t, make them remove or reduce those fees to match the advertised price.
• Never sign under pressure. Take the contract home if needed. A fair dealership will honor quoted pricing.

Trade-Ins and Financing Markups

Across dealerships, two frequent pain points are low-ball trade offers and financing markups. Reviews often describe valuations far below market, combined with pressure to accept on the spot. On financing, dealers can add reserve (a hidden commission) to your rate. Customers also report aggressive upselling of extended service contracts or GAP products with unclear terms or cooling-off rights.

• Get multiple trade estimates in writing and bring comps from sources like NADA/J.D. Power.
• Arrive pre-approved from your bank or credit union. Compare APRs and total loan cost; ask the dealer point-blank if the quoted APR includes a dealer reserve.
• Scrutinize “warranty” products. Many are third-party service contracts with deductibles, exclusions, and claim hurdles. Ask for the full contract and time to review it.

Title, Registration, and Paperwork Delays

Multiple low-star reviews at RV dealerships often cite delayed titles, registration issues, or temporary tags expiring before plates arrive. These problems can leave you unable to tow legally or travel as planned. When titles or MSOs are delayed, buyers can be stuck making payments on an RV they cannot use—or cannot legally transfer if they need to sell.

• Get firm dates in writing for title, MSO, and registration processing.
• Confirm lienholder accuracy and your name/VIN details on all documents before leaving the lot.
• Follow up quickly if deadlines slip; escalate to state regulators if needed.

Pre-Delivery Quality and PDI (Pre-Delivery Inspection)

Customers across the industry routinely report discovering water intrusion, non-functioning slides, miswired outlets, broken seals, or missing parts post-delivery—issues a thorough PDI should catch. Complaints around PDI at dealerships often include rushed walk-throughs, missing owner manuals, and neglect of basic functional tests (water, propane, electrical, slides, leveling, awnings).

• Use a third-party checklist and a pro inspector. Start with: Find an RV inspector near you.
• Water test the roof and slides, run the furnace and A/C under load, test every outlet/GFCI, and examine for soft floors or staining.
• Document all defects with photos/video and a “we-owe” document signed by management.

Service Delays and Parts Availability

Post-sale service is where many dealer relationships falter. Public complaints often mention months-long waits for appointments, slow or stalled parts orders, limited communication, and repairs that don’t resolve the underlying issue. Some reviews allege that units must return multiple times for the same failure, or that warranty claims are denied as “owner damage.”

• Ask for timelines in writing. Request realistic ETAs for parts and completion dates before authorizing work.
• Escalate to OEM support when a dealer is unresponsive or refuses a legitimate warranty claim.
• Use an independent shop for out-of-warranty items if the dealer’s backlog is severe.

Warranties and Add-On Coverage

Extended service contracts are commonly sold at RV dealerships but may not deliver the peace of mind you expect. Disclosures often come late in the sales process, and contracts can exclude pre-existing conditions, water intrusion, or routine wear. Filing claims may require onerous pre-authorizations and specific maintenance proof. Consumers sometimes report cancelation difficulties and pro-rated refunds that are lower than expected.

• Read the contract in full before buying and verify who administers claims (the dealer or a third party).
• Confirm deductibles, labor rate caps, claim limits, and covered systems in writing.
• Decline on the spot if you’re unsure. You can usually add a service contract later after researching alternatives.

Communication and Follow-Through

Unreturned calls, missed delivery dates, and vague updates about parts or paperwork are recurring themes in many low-star dealership reviews. Buyers describe feeling abandoned after the sale, particularly when a repair becomes complex or requires OEM involvement.

• Require a single point-of-contact in writing with their direct phone and email.
• Set update expectations (e.g., weekly updates) and hold the dealership accountable.
• Escalate politely but firmly to service managers or the general manager if timelines slip.

Have you experienced communication issues at the Joliet store? Add your timeline and outcome so future shoppers learn from it.

Legal and Regulatory Warnings

Know your rights—and how to use them

If you encounter misrepresentations, defective repairs, or warranty denials, several laws and agencies may be relevant:

• Federal warranty law: The Magnuson–Moss Warranty Act governs written warranties and prohibits deceptive practices. Learn more at the FTC’s guide: FTC Businessperson’s Guide to Federal Warranty Law.
• Deceptive practices and financing: Misleading pricing, hidden add-ons, or unfair financing practices can draw scrutiny from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). File complaints here: ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
• State consumer protection: For unresolved disputes regarding Illinois transactions, contact the Illinois Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division: Illinois Attorney General – Protecting Consumers.
• Safety defects and recalls: Vehicle safety issues can be reported to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Check for open recalls and submit safety complaints here: NHTSA Recalls.

If a dealer refuses to honor written promises, fails to deliver title in a reasonable time, or sells a unit with significant undisclosed defects, you may have contract and consumer law remedies. Keep meticulous records: emails, texts, photos, videos, estimates, and repair orders. If you have taken legal action or filed a complaint regarding the Joliet location, what was the outcome?

Product and Safety Impact Analysis

Why these issues matter to your wallet—and your safety

Some defects reported by RV buyers can create serious safety hazards if left unaddressed:

• Water intrusion can rot subflooring, compromise structural integrity, and lead to mold.
• Electrical faults can cause shorts or fires, especially if GFCI/AFCI protection is miswired or absent.
• Propane system leaks can lead to explosions or carbon monoxide poisoning if detectors are missing, expired, or malfunctioning.
• Brake, axle, and tire issues cause handling problems and blowouts, especially if the RV is overloaded or mis-weighted.
• Slide and leveling failures can strand you on travel days or damage the structure.

Before you sign, run the VIN through recall and service bulletins. You can start with a broad search and then check the manufacturer’s site: NHTSA Recall Lookup. When shopping specifically at Rick’s RV Chicago, ask the service department to certify in writing that all open recalls are remedied before delivery—and verify yourself. Also consider watching industry deep dives like Liz Amazing’s YouTube channel exposing RV industry issues and searching her videos for topics relevant to your RV brand or dealership.

How to Research Rick’s RV Chicago (Joliet, IL) Further

Use the following links to see discussions, complaints, and videos related to this dealership. Each link runs a search for “Ricks RV Chicago Joliet IL” joined with “Issues” or a similar keyword. Adjust keywords to “problems,” “complaints,” or the exact topic you want to explore.

• YouTube search: Ricks RV Chicago Joliet IL Issues
• Google search: Ricks RV Chicago Joliet IL Issues
• BBB search: Ricks RV Chicago Joliet IL
• Reddit r/RVLiving: Ricks RV Chicago Joliet IL Issues
• Reddit r/GoRVing: Ricks RV Chicago Joliet IL Issues
• Reddit r/rvs: Ricks RV Chicago Joliet IL Issues
• PissedConsumer (browse and search for “Ricks RV Chicago Joliet IL”)
• NHTSA recalls (broad search): Ricks RV Chicago Joliet IL
• RVForums.com (use onsite search: “Ricks RV Chicago Joliet IL”)
• RVForum.net (onsite search)
• RVUSA Forum (onsite search)
• RVInsider: Ricks RV Chicago Joliet IL Issues
• Good Sam Community: Ricks RV Chicago Joliet IL Issues

While researching, also watch independent content creators like Liz Amazing’s channel spotlighting dealership pitfalls and search for the specific store you’re considering to see if she or her community has discussed it.

Practical Buyer’s Checklist for the Joliet Lot

What to do before you sign

• Independent inspection: Bring a certified third-party inspector. Start here: RV inspectors near me.
• Full systems check: Wet test roof and slides; run A/C and furnace under load; check water heater in both gas and electric modes; verify CO/LP detectors and fire extinguishers.
• Recall clearance: Ask for written confirmation that all open recalls are complete, then verify via VIN at NHTSA and the OEM’s site.
• Document defects: Get a detailed “we-owe” signed by a manager, with delivery dates for parts and labor.
• Out-the-door price: Line-item every fee. Decline unwanted packages. Compare with your pre-approval.
• Title/registration timeline: Secure a firm date for title/MSO and plates; add remedies if delayed.
• Trade-in proof: Use market comps and get written offers from multiple sources.
• Review warranty contracts: Obtain full service-contract documents; verify exclusions, deductibles, labor caps, and cancellation terms.

If the dealership resists or rushes this process, consider shopping elsewhere. For extra background on dealer pitfalls and how to protect yourself, browse the investigations on Liz Amazing’s YouTube channel and search her content for the dealer and RV brand you’re considering.

What Rick’s RV Chicago (Joliet) Seems to Get Right

Balanced perspective

Amid negative reviews, you may also find positive remarks about an individual salesperson, a quick delivery when inventory aligned, or a repair that was completed on schedule. Objectively, RV retail is a complex ecosystem—many problems trace back to manufacturer defects or parts shortages. The best dealerships acknowledge this and proactively advocate for customers with OEMs, show transparent timelines, and follow through on promises in writing. If you receive standout service at this Joliet location, what made it work well?

Why the Google Reviews Matter—and How to Read Them

Separate one-off complaints from patterns

Focus on clusters of similar issues over time. When multiple reviewers report delayed titles, incomplete PDIs, or service backlogs, that pattern carries more weight. Read detailed narratives that provide dates, names, and repair orders—these often indicate higher reliability. Begin with the source material here and sort by Lowest Rating: Rick’s RV Chicago (Joliet, IL) on Google. If you’ve posted a review about the Joliet store, what key facts should other shoppers know?

If Things Go Wrong: Escalation Paths

Step-by-step escalation

• Document everything: Emails, texts, photos, video, and repair invoices. Keep a timeline.
• Write a formal request to the general manager for remedy with a firm deadline.
• Contact the OEM: Open a case number for warranty issues; ask for goodwill participation if out-of-warranty.
• Regulatory complaints: File with the FTC and Illinois AG if misrepresentation, unfair practices, or warranty violations are involved.
• Safety defects: Report to NHTSA and include photos and incident details.
• Consider small claims or counsel if contractual promises were not met.

Common Money Pits: Upsells and “Protection” Plans

Know the real value—often far less than the price

Dealers often promote paint protection, interior coatings, tire-and-wheel, GAP, and extended service plans. Many of these are heavily marked up relative to their underlying cost, and actual claims paid can be low relative to premiums. If you do want coverage, price it competitively through multiple providers and verify that your preferred repair shops accept the plan. Never feel obligated to buy any add-on to secure the sales price—tying add-ons to price can be an unfair practice.

• Ask for the cost of each add-on individually and its cash value if you decline.
• Request sample claims data or coverage examples in writing.
• Decline anything you don’t fully understand or want.

Key Takeaways for Shoppers at the Joliet, IL Location

Risk factors and how to control them

• Independent inspection is essential. It’s your single best lever before you pay.
• Demand written clarity on price, add-ons, we-owe items, and delivery timelines.
• Verify title/registration status and hold back a portion of funds until documents are confirmed, where feasible.
• Prepare financing options before you visit to avoid rate markups.
• Research service capacity and parts timelines if warranty work is needed post-sale.

For more context on dealership pitfalls and consumer strategies, search for the store and related topics on Liz Amazing’s dealership-exposé videos.

Final Assessment

Should you buy from Rick’s RV Chicago (Joliet, IL)?

Public complaints about RV dealerships often cluster around the same themes: high-pressure sales, add-on fees, low-ball trade offers, rushed PDIs, paperwork delays, and slow or ineffective service follow-through. The reviews on the Joliet location’s Google profile—especially when sorted by Lowest Rating—appear to echo several of these industry-wide patterns. None of this means every transaction will go poorly, but it does mean you should protect yourself with rigorous due diligence, insist on third-party inspections, and refuse to sign until everything promised is in writing.

Ultimately, weigh your risk tolerance. If this store offers the RV you want at a strong price and agrees to your buyer-protection steps—independent inspection, transparent pricing, written timelines—your outcome can be better. If you encounter resistance on these basics, consider shopping elsewhere. For a sense of recent customer experiences, review the source material: Google Business Profile for Rick’s RV Chicago (Joliet, IL).

Based on the patterns of complaints and the potential financial and safety risks highlighted above, we do not currently recommend moving forward with Rick’s RV Chicago in Joliet, IL unless the dealership agrees—upfront and in writing—to an independent inspection, full price transparency, firm title and repair timelines, and the removal of any unwanted add-ons. If they will not meet those conditions, broaden your search to other dealers.

If you’ve purchased or serviced an RV at this Joliet location, please add your detailed experience to help other shoppers make informed decisions.