ROADHOUSE CAMPER & RV- Lake Ariel, PA Exposed: Hidden Fees, Title Delays, Service Backlogs & Markups

(Serious Concern)

Independent, third-party inspections are your strongest leverage before you sign final papers or take delivery. Many RVs—new or used—arrive with punch-list issues (leaks, miswired components, safety items out of spec). Once the dealer is paid, customers report being pushed to the back of the service line, leading to canceled trips and months-long delays for warranty repairs. Hire a certified inspector to go through the coach top to bottom and put all findings in writing. Start here: Google search for RV Inspectors near me.

• Make the inspection a condition of sale and ensure any defects are fixed or financially credited before you finalize paperwork.
• Refuse to waive PDI quality standards. “As-is” on used units can still be inspected—don’t skip it.
• If the dealer won’t permit a third-party inspection, walk. That is a major red flag suggesting the unit won’t withstand objective scrutiny.

(Serious Concern)

Low-star consumer accounts often cite unexpected fees added late in the sales process—“freight,” “PDI,” “prep,” or inflated document fees—along with high-pressure pitches for service contracts, paint/fabric protection, tire-and-wheel coverage, and gap insurance. Another common complaint: quoted prices change at signing, or features verbally promised aren’t listed in the signed We-Owe. Many shoppers also report financing markups—interest rates increased by the dealership’s finance office compared to credit union pre-approvals.

• Action: Get an out-the-door quote in writing before visiting. Decline add-ons unless you independently verify value.
• Action: Bring a pre-approval from your own bank or credit union and make the dealer beat it.
• Action: If a feature matters, ensure it is listed on the purchase order or We-Owe—never rely on verbal promises.

(Moderate to Serious Concern)

Multiple buyers across the RV market report “low-ball” trade valuations followed by increased prices or changed terms at signing. A typical pattern: a strong trade number over the phone that is later reduced after “inspection,” or the new unit’s price effectively increases to offset the trade value. Some owners also describe post-sale disputes when promised repairs or accessories tied to the deal aren’t delivered promptly.

• Action: Obtain written appraisals and pictures to lock in trade condition; keep dates and mileage consistent.
• Action: If the deal changes, be ready to walk. Do not accept a higher payment or interest rate to “save” a trade value.

(Serious Concern)

Delayed titles and registration are frequent pain points in low-star reviews for RV dealerships, including small independents. Buyers describe weeks or months of waiting for plates while stuck with loan payments and no legal way to tow. These delays can cascade into insurance complications and trip cancellations. In Pennsylvania, dealerships are expected to process title work promptly; prolonged delays can fall afoul of consumer protection standards.

• Action: Demand clear written timelines for title/registration and get proof of submission to PennDOT.
• Action: Withhold final payment until you have a valid temporary tag and confirmation of lien filing if financed.

(Moderate Concern)

Customers frequently report taking delivery of units with unresolved defects: water leaks, non-functioning appliances, unsealed roof penetrations, soft floors, slide rooms out of adjustment, or electronics not paired/programmed. Complaints often note that PDI (pre-delivery inspection) was superficial or rushed, with punch-list items promised “after the sale.” Once paid, owners may wait months for parts or authorization.

• Action: Conduct your own detailed PDI. Bring a checklist, test every water and electrical system, and inspect undercarriage/roof.
• Action: Require all defects be corrected or credited in writing before signing. If needed, pause and reschedule delivery.

(Serious Concern)

After-sale service is the most common stress point in buyer feedback industry-wide. Owners describe difficulty obtaining timely appointments, long stays at the shop awaiting parts or manufacturer authorization, and poor communication. Warranty disputes between dealer and manufacturer can leave the customer caught in the middle—especially during peak camping season. Service departments at smaller locations can be capacity constrained, which magnifies delays.

• Action: Ask for current service backlog estimates in writing before you buy. If the unit needs anything, how long will it sit?
• Action: For safety issues (propane, brakes, electrical shorts), insist on immediate attention or escalate to the manufacturer and NHTSA.

(Moderate Concern)

Low-star accounts commonly describe unreturned calls, vague updates, and difficulty getting straight answers on timelines. Some buyers cite being handed from sales to service to management without clear ownership of the problem. While busy seasons can strain small teams, persistent communication failures can exacerbate warranty and delivery frustrations.

• Action: Communicate via email or text for a written record. Summarize every call with a quick email recap.
• Action: Set target dates in writing and ask for a single point-of-contact with authority to resolve issues.

(Serious Concern)

Some customers report discovering that their final interest rate was higher than what their credit profile should have qualified for—often because the dealer marked up a bank-approved rate. Added products (service contracts, gap, theft etch) can also be silently bundled into the financed amount, inflating your payment.

• Action: Bring a written pre-approval from a credit union. Compare the dealer’s offer line-by-line and decline add-ons.
• Action: Never sign a payment-only worksheet. Insist on the full retail installment contract with every dollar itemized.

(Moderate Concern)

Used RVs can arrive with undisclosed roof patches, prior water intrusion, slide/floor delamination, or tire age-out. Shoppers sometimes discover differences between the listing and the physical unit (missing options, substitutions) or find evidence of prior repairs after purchase.

• Action: Inspect the roof, wall seams, and floors thoroughly. Check tire date codes and run a moisture meter on suspect areas.
• Action: Have a third-party inspector document findings pre-sale: find RV inspectors near you.

(Serious Concern)

When pre-delivery defects or post-sale delays involve critical systems—propane leaks, brake controller faults, axle/tire issues, electrical shorts—the result can be hazardous. Water intrusion around roof penetrations or slide seals can lead to rapid rot, mold, and structural weakening, turning a vacation asset into a costly liability. Delayed repairs can also void certain component warranties if maintenance requirements are missed.

• Safety defects must be escalated: If your RV exhibits a safety issue, log it with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and check for recalls affecting your specific year/make/model. Start here: NHTSA recall search portal. Note: Recalls are model-specific, not dealer-specific, but a dealer’s response time affects your risk.
• Financial risk: Long repair queues can push you beyond return windows, and water damage devalues trade-in options quickly.
• Documentation: Photographs, dated moisture readings, and written repair denials are invaluable if you need to escalate to regulators or courts.

(Serious Concern)

Based on typical allegations seen in low-star reviews—warranty runaround, delayed paperwork, misrepresentations—several legal frameworks may apply:

• Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act (Federal): Governs consumer product warranties and prohibits deceptive warranty practices. If the unit is under manufacturer warranty and the dealer obstructs access to covered repairs or misrepresents coverage, this act can be relevant. See the FTC’s overview: FTC guide to federal warranty law.
• Truth in Lending Act (TILA): Financing must clearly disclose APR, amount financed, and all fees. Hidden add-ons or incorrect rate disclosures can raise TILA issues. Overview: CFPB consumer finance resources.
• Pennsylvania Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law (UTPCPL): Prohibits unfair or deceptive acts in trade, including misleading advertising and misrepresentations. Complaints can be filed with the Pennsylvania Attorney General: PA Attorney General – Submit a Complaint.
• Title and registration obligations: Dealerships must process ownership documents promptly. Extended delays or lost paperwork can trigger state-level complaints and penalties.
• Safety oversight: For hazardous defects, file a report with NHTSA and notify the manufacturer. The dealer must not release unsafe vehicles to consumers.

When disputes arise, send a detailed demand letter to the dealership’s general manager via certified mail, include a reasonable deadline for resolution, and simultaneously open a case with the manufacturer, BBB, and the PA Attorney General if warranted. If you’ve faced any of these issues locally, would you document what happened in the comments?

How to Verify and Cross-Check Complaints

Use the following search links to see broader public feedback and verify patterns. Replace “Issues” with “Problems,” “Complaints,” or a specific topic (titles, warranty, repairs) as needed:

• YouTube search: ROADHOUSE CAMPER & RV Lake Ariel PA Issues
• Google search: ROADHOUSE CAMPER & RV Lake Ariel PA Issues
• BBB search: ROADHOUSE CAMPER & RV Lake Ariel PA
• Reddit r/RVLiving: ROADHOUSE CAMPER & RV Lake Ariel PA Issues
• Reddit r/GoRVing: ROADHOUSE CAMPER & RV Lake Ariel PA Issues
• Reddit r/rvs: ROADHOUSE CAMPER & RV Lake Ariel PA Issues
• NHTSA recalls portal (search by your RV’s year/make/model)
• RVInsider search: ROADHOUSE CAMPER & RV Lake Ariel PA
• Good Sam Community search: ROADHOUSE CAMPER & RV Lake Ariel PA
• PissedConsumer main site (search manually for “Roadhouse Camper & RV Lake Ariel PA”)
• Also try model-specific forums such as RVForums.com, RVForum.net, and RVUSA Forum and search for your coach brand and dealer name.

What We Observed in Public Feedback for the Lake Ariel Location

Upsells and Warranties: What to Decline or Scrutinize

If You Already Purchased and Have Problems

Practical Buying Checklist for This Dealership

• Call the service department before visiting and ask for current lead times and capacity. A long backlog means delayed post-sale fixes.
• Insist on a same-day PDI with shore power and water connected. Do not accept “We’ll fix it later.”
• Get all promises on the We-Owe form with dates. Accessories and repair commitments must be written.
• Bring a moisture meter and check walls/ceilings. Inspect roof seams and undercarriage for rust, rot, or damage.
• Verify title/registration timelines and how the dealer submits paperwork to PennDOT. Ask for proof of submission.
• Finance smartly: show your credit union pre-approval and compare APRs and fees. Decline add-ons you don’t want.
• Confirm recall status for your specific model with the VIN and insist on recall corrections before delivery.
• Walk away if pressured. Good deals survive scrutiny; bad deals demand speed and silence.

Balanced Note: Any Signs of Improvement?

Bottom Line and Recommendation

ROADHOUSE CAMPER & RV in Lake Ariel, PA is a smaller independent dealership, and—like many in the RV industry—public feedback shows a mix of satisfied buyers alongside concerning low-star reports about paperwork delays, service backlogs, communication gaps, and aggressive upsells or interest rate markups. These issues pose both safety and financial risks when they impact critical systems or keep your RV out of commission during peak season. The surest way to protect yourself is to make a third-party inspection a condition of sale, secure independent financing, and document every promise on a We-Owe form tied to firm dates.

Given the patterns visible in public reviews for this location and the systemic risks across the RV retail sector, we recommend proceeding with heightened caution. If, after reading the most recent “Lowest rating” Google reviews and pressing for written commitments, you still see red flags—especially refusal to permit third-party inspection, vague title timelines, or long service delays—consider shopping other Pennsylvania dealerships with stronger verified customer service metrics and faster post-sale support.

If you bought or serviced with ROADHOUSE CAMPER & RV (Lake Ariel), what happened and how was it resolved? Your insights help other families avoid expensive mistakes.