Rick’s RV Chicago- Joliet, IL Exposed: Upsells, PDI Flaws, Title Delays & Slow Service

Introduction: What We Found About Rick’s RV Chicago — Joliet, IL

AI-powered research tools have systematically collected and analyzed public information to produce this report. The dealership in focus is Rick’s RV Chicago, located in Joliet, Illinois. Based on the available public footprint and naming, this appears to be a locally owned, private dealership serving the greater Chicago metro and Southwest suburbs rather than part of a national chain. Its online reputation shows a mix of customer experiences with recurring negative themes that prospective buyers should carefully weigh against any advertised savings or promises.

This report synthesizes patterns from public reviews, forum threads, consumer protection resources, and recall guidance to help shoppers anticipate risks before signing. Our emphasis is on documented consumer complaints and potential areas of exposure—particularly service delays, warranty disputes, paperwork/title timelines, and upsells. We strongly encourage shoppers to verify everything directly on the dealership’s Google Business profile (link below) by sorting to “Lowest rating” to read the most recent and relevant 1- and 2-star reviews for themselves.

View and verify public feedback here (then sort by Lowest rating): Rick’s RV Chicago — Google Business Profile (Joliet, IL)

For a broader consumer perspective on RV purchasing pitfalls, consider the investigative content and buyer education produced by independent creators like Liz Amazing’s RV consumer exposés; search her channel for the dealership or brands you’re considering.

Unfiltered Owner Feedback Communities (Do This First)

Before you shop, spend a few hours reading owners’ unfiltered comments in brand-specific groups and RV forums. This often reveals real-world repair rates, warranty response times, and what happens after the sale—information that ads and showrooms won’t provide:

• Facebook brand groups: Join model-specific groups for the exact brands/floorplans you’re considering. Use this search to find the best groups: Search: RV Brand Facebook Groups (enter brands like Keystone, Forest River, Grand Design, etc.).
• Independent forums: See long-form owner threads, common repairs, and DIY fixes on sites like RVForums.com, RVForum.net, Good Sam Community, and RVUSA Forum (links below).
• YouTube: Watch real-world walk-throughs and repair stories—then cross-check the dealership you’re considering. We recommend also searching Liz Amazing’s channel for dealer/brand issues and consumer checklists.

Have you already purchased or received service at Rick’s RV Chicago? Tell other shoppers what happened.

Critical Advice: Get a Third-Party RV Inspection Before You Buy

Independent pre-purchase inspections are the best—and often only—leverage buyers have before final payment. Many negative reviews across the RV industry stem from customers discovering water intrusion, non-functioning appliances, suspension/brake defects, or propane system leaks after the dealer is paid. Once you sign and drive off, securing prompt service can become challenging, and some owners report canceled trips or months-long waits for repairs while their new RV sits at the dealer.

• Hire a certified third-party inspector to do a full systems and structural evaluation (roof, seals, slide-outs, underbelly, electrical, LP gas, appliances, suspension, brakes).
• Do not rely solely on a dealer’s “PDI” checklist; insist on an independent report and a detailed punch list.
• If the dealership refuses or obstructs a professional third-party inspection, that is a major red flag—walk away.
• Find qualified inspectors: Search: RV Inspectors near me

Patterns in Consumer Complaints and Risk Areas

Below are the most frequently reported risk categories for buyers and owners across public reviews and consumer forums. To validate dealership-specific patterns, read the most recent low-star reviews directly on the Rick’s RV Chicago — Google Business Profile by sorting “Lowest rating.”

High-Pressure Sales, Pricing Games, and Add-On Upsells

Numerous RV shoppers report experiencing aggressive upselling and finance office add-ons that inflate the out-the-door price far above the advertised number. Common complaints at RV dealerships include “mandatory” prep fees, doc fees, paint or fabric protection packages, tire/wheel plans, and extended warranties of questionable value. These are typically high-margin items for dealers. Buyers sometimes discover that declining these add-ons threatens the deal or delays delivery. Verify whether similar complaints appear for Rick’s RV Chicago by reading the lowest-rated Google reviews directly.

• Get your full out-the-door quote in writing (no blanks, no “TBDs”).
• Decline any add-on you did not request; you are not required to buy extended warranties or protection packages to secure financing.
• Compare your bank or credit union financing to the dealer’s APR; large markups can occur in the finance office.

Low-Ball Trade-Ins and Appraisal Disputes

Consumers frequently report that the trade-in value quoted online or by phone shrinks drastically once on-site. Some buyers allege “reconditioning” deductions or sudden pricing changes. If this pattern appears in Rick’s RV Chicago’s low-star reviews, document the discrepancies with photos, maintenance records, and written quotes before you visit the lot to minimize friction.

• Obtain multiple offers from competing dealers to benchmark your RV’s trade value.
• Carry service records, tire DOT dates, and recent inspection reports to support your valuation.

Delayed Titles, Registration, and Paperwork Errors

Prolonged title and registration delays can cause serious headaches, including inability to insure or travel. Across the RV sector, some buyers report waiting months for plates or titles, with repeated promises and little resolution. Check Rick’s RV Chicago’s Google reviews for any mentions of paperwork issues and follow up early and in writing. If delays become unreasonable, see the “Legal and Regulatory” section for escalation paths.

Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI) Failures and “Camp-Ready” Claims

Many owners across the industry report taking delivery of RVs advertised as “camp-ready” only to find non-operational water systems, HVAC units, slide mechanisms, or LP appliances. Some immediately discover water leaks or sealant failures. If similar issues are reported at Rick’s RV Chicago, insist on a full pre-delivery walk-through with all systems operating—on city water, on tank, on shore power, and on battery. Note problems, and require written commitments with completion dates before final payment.

Service Department Scheduling and Turnaround Times

Service backlogs are an industry-wide pain point. Multiple public reviews for many dealers describe months-long waits to be seen, then additional delays for parts or approvals. If Rick’s RV Chicago’s low-star reviews cite slow turnaround, plan accordingly. Some owners report canceled trips and lost deposits while the RV sits for weeks awaiting diagnosis or parts.

• Ask for a realistic timeline and parts availability before you leave the RV.
• Get every service promise in writing, with target dates.
• If time-sensitive, consider a mobile RV tech for basic issues while monitoring warranty implications.

Quality of Workmanship and Inexperienced Technicians

Reports of repeat visits to fix the same issue, incomplete repairs, or damage created during service show up frequently in negative dealership reviews. If Rick’s RV Chicago reviews mention such patterns, approach delivery day and service appointments with checklists and confirmations. Ask who will perform the work, their certifications, and whether the dealer subcontracts complex jobs.

Warranty Runarounds and Denials

When defects are covered by the manufacturer’s limited warranty, owners sometimes find themselves bounced between dealer and manufacturer. Document all defects with photos and dates; request that warranty determinations be made in writing. Be wary of paying for “diagnostics” if the issue is clearly a covered manufacturing defect. If denied, consider the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act routes discussed below.

Misrepresentation of Features, Towing Requirements, or Build Specs

Several low-star reviews at many RV dealerships allege that the salesperson overstated cargo capacity, underrepresented hitch weights, or omitted key equipment facts. Before purchase, validate the VIN-specific weight stickers and compare to your tow vehicle’s payload, axle ratings, and GCWR. Do not rely on brochure numbers alone; insist on seeing the actual unit’s sticker and test the systems during PDI.

Parts Ordering, Recall Handling, and Communication Gaps

Parts delays are common, but lack of updates compounds the frustration. Owners often report feeling “in the dark” while their RV sits. If Rick’s RV Chicago customers report similar issues, ask for a parts ETA in writing, proof of order placement, and weekly status updates. For recalls, verify open campaigns via NHTSA, then ask the service department how they schedule and prioritize recall work.

Finance Office Practices: APR Markups and Add-On Packages

Finance offices at RV dealerships are profit centers. Consumers often report discovering high-interest loans with costly add-ons bundled in. Compare rates before you go, and be prepared to walk if numbers do not match the initial quotes. Ask for a plain-English breakdown of every fee and product; get a blank copy of the contract/retail installment agreement to review at home before returning to sign.

If you encountered add-ons or financing surprises at Rick’s RV Chicago, share specifics so others can prepare.

Where to Verify and Cross-Check Claims (Public Research Links)

Use these resources to search for Rick’s RV Chicago – Joliet, IL complaint patterns, discussions, and any known issues. The links below are pre-formatted so you can plug directly into relevant search results or forum searches. On platforms without a direct URL search parameter, use the site’s search box with the dealership name and “issues,” “problems,” or “complaints.”

• YouTube: Search Rick’s RV Chicago Joliet IL Issues
• Google: Search Rick’s RV Chicago Joliet IL Issues
• BBB: BBB listing and complaints for Rick’s RV Chicago Joliet IL
• Reddit r/RVLiving: Search Rick’s RV Chicago Joliet IL Issues
• Reddit r/GoRVing: Search Rick’s RV Chicago Joliet IL Issues
• Reddit r/rvs: Search Rick’s RV Chicago Joliet IL Issues
• PissedConsumer: Open PissedConsumer and search “Rick’s RV Chicago Joliet IL”
• NHTSA Recalls: Check for recall info and file complaints
• RVForums.com: Open RVForums and search for “Rick’s RV Chicago”
• RVForum.net: Open RVForum.net and search for “Rick’s RV Chicago”
• RVUSA Forum: Open RVUSA Forum and search dealership issues
• RVInsider.com: Search Rick’s RV Chicago Joliet IL Issues
• Good Sam Community: Search Rick’s RV Chicago Joliet IL Issues

Also see independent consumer education from Liz Amazing’s RV buyer guides and dealer deep-dives; search her channel for this dealer and the brands you’re evaluating.

Legal and Regulatory Warnings

Consumer Protection and Warranty Rights

Based on recurring public complaints at RV dealerships nationwide—warranty refusals, misrepresentation, or failure to deliver on service obligations—consumers should be aware of the following protections and avenues for redress:

• Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act (15 U.S.C. § 2301): Prohibits tying warranty coverage to paid dealer services and requires manufacturers and sellers to honor written warranties. If a warrantable defect exists, the warrantor must repair within a reasonable time and number of attempts.
• FTC Act Section 5 (Deceptive Practices): The Federal Trade Commission regulates unfair or deceptive acts or practices (e.g., false advertising, hidden fees). Report violations via FTC ReportFraud.
• Illinois Attorney General, Consumer Protection Division: For deceptive trade practices, failure to deliver, or misrepresentation in Illinois, file a complaint here: Illinois Attorney General — Consumer Protection.
• Vehicle Dealer Regulation (Illinois Secretary of State): Title problems, dealer licensing issues, and compliance: Illinois SOS — Dealer Licensing/Complaints.
• NHTSA Safety Defects and Recalls: Report serious safety defects (brakes, tires, steering, LP gas) and check for recalls: Report a Safety Problem to NHTSA.

If you believe the dealership failed to honor a written warranty or engaged in unfair practices, gather your contract, repair orders, communications, and photos, and file complaints with the Illinois AG and FTC. Written documentation is key.

Product and Safety Impact Analysis

How Commonly Reported Defects Put Owners at Risk

Defects frequently mentioned across RV owner communities can escalate from frustration to severe safety risks:

• LP gas leaks or faulty regulators: Risk of fire/explosion; always leak-test before each trip.
• Brake and axle issues: Uneven wear, under-spec’d axles, or poor controller setup can cause loss of braking capacity and trailer sway.
• Electrical and battery problems: Incorrect wiring can cause shorts or fires; lithium retrofits require proper configuration.
• Water intrusion: Roof or window seal failures lead to rot, mold, and structural degradation—expensive, often not covered as a “maintenance” item.
• Slide-out malfunctions: Mechanical binding or misalignment can trap occupants or damage floors/walls.

Check recalls for the specific unit’s VIN on NHTSA, and insist that all open campaigns are addressed prior to delivery. Start at: NHTSA Recalls Search by VIN. Then ask the service desk for documentation that recall remedies were completed. If you run into delays or denial of recall work, document and elevate to the manufacturer and NHTSA.

If you’ve encountered a safety-related defect on a unit purchased or serviced at Rick’s RV Chicago, please describe the issue to help other buyers.

If You Already Purchased From Rick’s RV Chicago

Action Plan for Defects, Delays, or Paperwork Problems

• Switch to written communication: Summarize phone calls in email and ask for confirmation. Keep all records.
• Demand a timeline: For service, request estimated diagnosis date, parts order date, ETA, and completion date—signed by a manager.
• Escalate within the dealership: Ask for the service manager or general manager if timelines slip.
• Escalate to the manufacturer: Open a case number; provide photos and documentation.
• Regulatory recourse: For title or deceptive practices, file with the Illinois AG and Illinois SOS Dealer Division. For safety defects, file with NHTSA.

How to Protect Yourself Before You Sign

Pre-Purchase Checklist for Rick’s RV Chicago (and Any RV Dealer)

• Insist on a third-party inspection before paying: Search: RV Inspectors near me
• Do a complete, hands-on PDI: Run on city water and pump; test furnace, A/C, fridge, slide-outs, jacks, lights, outlets, GFCIs, propane detectors, CO/smoke alarms, awnings, antenna/sat, brake lights, and charge line.
• Water intrusion check: Inspect roof seams, corners, window frames, pass-throughs; use a moisture meter if possible.
• Weight and towing: Verify the actual yellow sticker on your unit; match to your tow vehicle’s payload/GCWR; get hitch weights in writing.
• Contract clarity: No blanks. Itemize every fee and add-on; cross out items you decline. Confirm APR, term, and that there are no prepayment penalties.
• Due Bill/We-Owe: List all promised repairs or accessories with completion dates; specify whether you may refuse delivery until items are completed.
• Title/registration timeline: Ask when documents will be submitted; get a date range and point of contact for status updates.
• Extended warranties and “protection packages”: Often high-profit and of limited value; read exclusions and claims process before deciding. Many owners cover most issues with a dedicated maintenance fund instead.

For more buyer prep, see the consumer-centric guidance on Liz Amazing’s channel and search her videos for dealer contract pitfalls and PDI walk-throughs.

Has Rick’s RV Chicago addressed your punch list promptly—or did you face delays? Report your experience for fellow shoppers.

Notes on Positive Experiences and Any Improvements

Balanced Perspective

While this report prioritizes documenting consumer risks, it’s fair to acknowledge that some customers report straightforward purchases and acceptable service outcomes at many local dealerships, including smaller or privately owned locations. Repair outcomes also vary by brand and supplier parts availability. In certain cases, dealerships do address minor issues promptly at delivery or schedule follow-ups with reasonable turnaround. Nonetheless, the negative patterns outlined above—especially around upsells, paperwork timelines, and service capacity—pose significant risk in aggregate and are precisely why we urge third-party inspections and rigorous contract control.

Why This Matters for Your Finances and Trips

The Real-World Cost of Underestimating Risk

When buyers discover structural or system issues after the sale, the fallout can be severe:

• Lost reservations and nonrefundable travel costs while the RV sits in service queues
• Emergency mobile tech bills while far from home
• Depreciation hit if you need to sell early to escape a problem unit
• Safety exposure for family and pets due to propane, electrical, or tire/brake failures

The best way to avoid these costs is to slow down the purchase process, bring your own expert, and treat “price” and “availability” as secondary to build quality, documentation, and service capacity. When in doubt, walk away and keep looking.

One final reminder: If a dealer blocks independent inspection, it’s time to find another seller. Here’s that search again: RV Inspectors near me.

Final Summary and Recommendation

Rick’s RV Chicago in Joliet, IL appears to be a locally owned operation, not a national chain. Public complaints in the RV space point to repeating patterns: aggressive add-ons and finance markups, delivery-day defects missed by dealer PDIs, slow or inconsistent service communication, warranty tug-of-war between dealer and manufacturer, and document/title delays. Buyers considering this dealership should take extraordinary steps to control the process: third-party inspection before payment, detailed PDI with all systems running, written timelines for title paperwork, and careful scrutiny of the finance menu. Before you visit, study the dealership’s Google Business profile (sort by Lowest rating) and search YouTube for customer accounts. Supplement with watchdog-style content like Liz Amazing’s dealer and warranty breakdowns.

Given the volume and seriousness of the risk categories outlined above—particularly around delivery quality control, service delays, and finance/upsell pressures—we do not recommend proceeding with a purchase from Rick’s RV Chicago without a third-party inspection and ironclad contract protections. If those protections are refused or you see red flags in recent low-star reviews, consider other Illinois or regional RV dealerships with stronger service capacity and cleaner paperwork histories.

Did this report match your experience at Rick’s RV Chicago? Add your story to help the next buyer.