Riverwood RV & Auto Inc.- Mandan, ND Exposed: Rate markups, title delays & sloppy PDIs—buyer beware

Serious Concern

Across the RV industry, many of the most expensive problems are discovered after delivery: water intrusion, soft floors, frame issues, appliance failures, roof defects, and electrical shorts. At busy dealerships, pre-delivery inspections (PDIs) can be rushed, and items noted by buyers may be deferred until parts arrive—after you sign and fund. Your leverage is highest before you take possession. Insist on a third-party professional inspection at the Mandan, ND store and make the sale contingent on all findings being corrected in writing. If a dealer refuses an independent inspection, that’s a major red flag. Walk.

• Schedule an independent RV inspector: Search “RV Inspectors near me”.
• Ensure the inspection includes moisture readings, roof membrane condition, slide mechanisms, brakes, tires (date codes), propane system leak checks, and electrical system testing.
• Document every concern in writing and require a signed, itemized “We Owe/ Due Bill” listing repairs and deadlines before funding.

Many buyers who skip this step report cancelled camping trips because their coach sits at the dealer for weeks or months awaiting parts and technician time—after the dealer already has their money. Don’t let delivery day optimism replace due diligence. If you’ve faced delays like this, share your story to warn others.

Moderate Concern

Many RV buyers nationwide report aggressive upsells for paint sealant, fabric protection, nitrogen fills, “theft etch,” alarm systems, and pricey extended service contracts that may duplicate coverage or contain broad exclusions. Before you sign at the Mandan location, ask for a clean buyer’s order without non-essential add-ons. Compare any extended warranty’s cost and coverage terms with third-party plans. In RV retail, “environmental packages” can run four figures while offering little measurable value. Insist that every add-on be optional and fully itemized. To see how upsells have impacted other consumers, scan the lowest-rated reviews on the dealer’s Google profile.

• Ask whether the advertised price is truly “out-the-door” or if fees and packages will be added at signing.
• Refuse any add-on you do not explicitly request or understand.
• Watch consumer education content like Liz Amazing’s RV buyer protection videos for examples of common dealership upsells and how to decline them.

Serious Concern

Dealership-arranged financing can include rate markups where the lender approves a lower “buy rate,” but the contract reflects a higher APR and the dealer keeps the spread. Always shop your own financing first with a credit union and compare. Ask the finance manager in Mandan to disclose the buy rate and whether the dealership is compensated for rate increases or product sales. Double-check Truth in Lending disclosures before you sign. If reviewers mention “high rates,” “hidden fees,” or “packed payments,” dig deeper and ask to see alternative financing options.

• Get 2–3 pre-approvals before you visit the store.
• Compare all lender fees and prepayment penalties.
• Decline bundled products that are automatically included in the loan unless you want them. Search “payment packing in RV financing” for context on how this happens.

Moderate Concern

Customers frequently report shockingly low trade numbers relative to market value. Bring your own data (NADA guides, comparable listings, and written offers from other dealers or online buyers). If online reviews for the Mandan location mention last-minute trade valuation changes, insist on a written trade appraisal that remains valid through delivery. Avoid verbal promises—get everything on the buyer’s order. If your trade payoff changes or your equity shrinks unexpectedly at signing, pause the deal and request a corrected contract.

Serious Concern

Delayed titles and registration can leave buyers unable to legally use or insure their RV for weeks. In lower-rated RV dealer reviews nationwide, customers often cite paperwork mishandling and title delays. If you see similar reports on the Mandan store’s Google page, verify the dealership’s process up front: when will the title be mailed, who processes the plates, and what timelines apply for North Dakota buyers and out-of-state purchases? Obtain a timeline in writing. If timelines slip, escalate promptly and document all communication.

Serious Concern

RV buyers often report receiving units with leaks, non-functioning appliances, slide problems, trim issues, or missing components on delivery day. Multiple 1-star reviews at dealers around the country describe being told “we’ll fix it after delivery.” At the Mandan location, do a full walkthrough and test every system. Do not accept the RV until all promised fixes are completed—or put in writing with firm dates. If you see low-star reviews referencing sloppy PDIs or broken items at delivery, treat that as your cue to slow down and bring your inspector. Watch videos like these from consumer advocates to understand how to structure a proper delivery: Liz Amazing’s RV PDI advice and checklists.

• Run water and check for leaks under sinks and near slide walls.
• Operate the furnace, AC, fridge (LP and electric modes), water heater, and generator.
• Test all slides, awnings, stabilizers, and levelers repeatedly.
• Use moisture meters and infrared thermometers if possible.
• If the dealer refuses an independent inspection, walk away.

Serious Concern

Consumers frequently report long service queues and back-and-forth between dealer and manufacturer over who pays for repairs. If Mandan customers report unresolved warranty items in the dealership’s low-star reviews, take note. Many RV tech departments are swamped during peak months, and parts authorizations can stretch timelines from weeks into months. Request the service department’s current lead time, ask whether the shop will prioritize customers who purchased at this location over others, and have them explain their warranty labor rate and parts ordering process. Get promises in writing.

Moderate Concern

One of the most painful experiences reported by RV owners is having their rig sit for extended periods awaiting parts while trip plans collapse. If you see complaints in the Mandan store’s reviews about extended waits, ask detailed questions before you sign: What’s the average parts ETA for the brands they sell? Are there dedicated bays for urgent warranty issues? Will diagnostics be scheduled quickly, or must you leave the RV until someone can look at it? Clarify whether items discovered within days of delivery will be treated as fast-track PDI misses or ordinary warranty claims.

Moderate Concern

Frustrated owners often cite unanswered calls, delayed responses, or promises made by sales that service can’t fulfill. Pay attention to such claims in the Google lowest-rated reviews and document everything during your purchase at the Mandan location. If a manager says “we’ll make it right,” ask them to sign a dated addendum detailing responsibilities and timelines. Emails are better than phone calls—create a paper trail. And if you encounter communication gaps, escalate to a manager immediately and schedule face-to-face follow ups.

Serious Concern

Consumers who encounter deceptive practices or warranty obstacles may have recourse under federal and state law. While every case is fact-specific, these frameworks commonly apply to RV retail:

• FTC Act (Section 5): Prohibits unfair or deceptive acts or practices in commerce. Misrepresenting pricing, coverage, or required add-ons can trigger enforcement. Learn more at the FTC: Federal Trade Commission.
• Truth in Lending Act (TILA): Requires clear disclosure of APR, finance charges, and loan terms. Hidden rate markups or undisclosed add-on financing can be problematic. Overview: CFPB: Truth in Lending Act.
• Magnuson–Moss Warranty Act: Governs written warranties and prohibits tying arrangements that force consumers to buy a product/service to maintain coverage. Primer: FTC Warranty Law Guide.
• Vehicle/Equipment Recalls (NHTSA): If a unit has an open safety recall, the manufacturer and dealer have obligations tied to remedy availability. Check recalls: NHTSA Recall Database.
• State Unfair/Deceptive Acts and Practices (UDAP): North Dakota’s consumer protection laws are enforced by the Attorney General. If you believe you were misled, consider filing a complaint: North Dakota AG Consumer Complaint.

If reviews at the Mandan dealership mention warranty denials, misrepresentation of coverage, or post-sale indifference to safety issues, those accounts may implicate the above protections. Document everything and consider a written demand letter if needed.

Serious Concern

Reported defects and slow repairs carry real safety and financial risks. Typical hazards include:

• Water intrusion: Leads to rot, mold, electrical shorts, and delamination—expensive, sometimes unrepairable.
• LP system leaks or appliance malfunctions: Fire and carbon monoxide risks demand immediate attention.
• Brake, axle, or tire defects: Blowouts and brake failures can be catastrophic when towing at highway speeds.
• Electrical faults: Shorts can damage converters, inverters, or batteries, creating fire risk.
• Slide-out and leveling failures: Can cause injuries or make the RV unusable during a trip.

Before purchasing at the Mandan location, check the specific VIN for open recalls and verify any recent manufacturer service bulletins for the model you’re considering. Search NHTSA by year/make/model: NHTSA recall lookup. If a Google review indicates an unaddressed safety defect or a delayed recall repair, consider walking until the remedy is completed and documented. If you’ve encountered a safety-related delay at this dealership, report it to inform other buyers.

Moderate Concern

RV dealers can vary significantly in technician training and capacity. Ask the Mandan service manager:

• How many full-time RV technicians are RVIA/RVDA certified?
• What is the current average wait time for diagnostic appointments and warranty repairs?
• Do they prioritize repairs for units bought at this dealership?
• Will they install customer-supplied parts or accessories?
• What is their warranty labor rate vs. customer-pay rate?

If low-star reviews mention missed appointments, repeated returns for the same issue, or incomplete repairs, those are warnings to get specifics in writing before purchase. Consider a pre-purchase inspection: Find a local RV inspector.

Moderate Concern

Demand a fully itemized buyer’s order from the Mandan store showing the unit price, doc fees, tags/title estimates, and any add-ons. Ask explicitly for an “Out The Door” price that includes everything. Watch for:

• “Market adjustments” or dealer addendum stickers not advertised online.
• High dealer doc fees that weren’t disclosed until signing.
• Mandatory “protection packages” or prep fees—insist they be optional.
• Verbal promises (“we’ll include weight distribution hitch,” “first-year service is free”) that never appear on the contract.

Bring a financing pre-approval and compare the APR and loan terms offered by the dealership. If you see reviews mentioning numbers changing at signing, slow down and verify every line before you sign.

Serious Concern

• Will you allow a third-party inspection on-site before purchase? If not, why?
• What is your current service backlog for retail and for warranty? Average days to diagnose and to complete?
• Do you prioritize customers who purchased here over others?
• What is included in your PDI, and can I see the completed PDI checklist with technician notes?
• Will you itemize all fees and optional products and provide an out-the-door price in writing?
• What is the lender “buy rate” and are there any rate markups in my contract?
• How long will title and registration take, and who handles out-of-state paperwork?
• What happens if defects are discovered within seven days of delivery? Are those expedited as PDI misses?

Serious Concern

• Bring your own financing and compare the APR and fees with the dealer’s offer.
• Demand full itemization and remove any add-ons you didn’t request.
• Get a third-party inspection before funding: Find a local RV inspector.
• Do a slow, methodical PDI with systems testing and moisture checks. Refuse delivery until critical items are fixed.
• Verify recall status by VIN and ensure remedies are complete or scheduled with parts in hand.
• Get all promises in writing, including due bills with dates and responsible parties.
• Document everything: save emails, take photos/video at delivery, and maintain a service log.