Ron Hoover RV & Marine of Donna- Donna, TX Exposed: PDI failures, rate markups, and title delays

(Serious Concern)

Based on recurring consumer reports across Texas RV dealerships (including this location), many buyers discover major defects after delivery—when leverage is gone. Demand a thorough third-party inspection by a certified mobile RV inspector before paying or taking possession. If the dealership refuses to allow an independent inspection on site, treat that as a red flag and be prepared to walk. Find qualified inspectors here: Search “RV Inspectors near me”.

(Moderate Concern)

Insist on a written “Due Bill” or “We Owe” listing every outstanding repair, missing part, and promised service with dates. Without this, post-sale fixes often stall for weeks or months—especially during peak season. If you have a story about inspection challenges or delayed fixes at this location, share your story so others can verify.

(Moderate Concern)

Multiple low-star reviews for the Donna store describe high-pressure pitches on extended service contracts, paint and fabric protection, tire-and-wheel add-ons, and “environmental packages.” Consumers frequently report confusion about what’s required versus optional. Buyers should request an itemized buyer’s order early, remove any unwanted add-ons, and compare with pre-approval offers from their bank or credit union to avoid paying inflated product and finance margins.

(Serious Concern)

Finance reserve and rate markups can significantly raise total cost. Some shoppers allege they were quoted attractive monthly payments, only to see higher APRs or longer terms appear in final paperwork. Pre-arrange financing and compare offers—do not rely solely on the dealership’s finance office. If the numbers change at signing, pause and re-verify before you sign anything.

(Moderate Concern)

Fees like “prep,” “freight,” “dealer services,” or “documentation” often appear late in the process. Ask for a full out-the-door quote in writing (price, tax, title, license, and all fees) before committing to a deposit. If you see “VIN etching,” “theft deterrent,” or “nitrogen tire” fees you didn’t request—ask that they be removed.

(Moderate Concern)

Several Donna location reviewers report low-ball trade-in offers followed by pressure to make up the difference in financing. Always obtain independent trade quotes (NADA, RVTrader, multiple dealers) and be cautious of rolling negative equity into a new loan. Ensure all lien payoffs and title transfers are confirmed in writing with timelines spelled out.

(Serious Concern)

Low-star Google reviews for this location frequently cite significant issues discovered immediately after delivery—non-functioning air conditioners, water leaks, slide failures, electrical problems, and missing items. These complaints indicate that the PDI process may be inconsistent. Require a systems demonstration at delivery, photograph defects, and put every item on a Due Bill before funds are released.

(Serious Concern)

Some owners report canceled camping trips because the RV returned to service days after purchase. Once you sign, dealers often prioritize new sales over post-sale repairs. This makes pre-purchase inspection and a high-quality PDI essential. If you’ve had to cancel travel due to defects from this store, describe the impact for other buyers.

(Serious Concern)

Recurring themes in negative reviews include long wait times for diagnosis, poor follow-up, and RVs sitting on the lot awaiting parts. Some reviewers allege multiple returns for the same unresolved issue. Ask service advisors to provide written ETA on parts, and require a written work order noting the problem, test steps, and results. Consider using a mobile RV tech for non-warranty items to avoid long waits.

(Moderate Concern)

Consumers also report difficulty reaching advisors by phone or getting updates. If you must use the dealership’s service center, schedule early, visit in person when possible, and maintain documentation of every call and visit. Strong documentation helps if you later escalate to the manufacturer, BBB, or the Texas Attorney General’s Consumer Protection division.

(Serious Concern)

Several low-star reviews for the Donna location reference delayed titles, registration problems, or missing paperwork after sale. These delays can prevent legal road use or complicate insurance claims. Before leaving the lot, insist on a complete checklist of required documents, temporary tags, and a firm delivery date for final plates/title. Follow up in writing if deadlines slip.

(Serious Concern)

Owners describe workmanship issues such as misrouted wiring, poor sealant application causing leaks, or cosmetic damage after service. While technician skill can vary widely in the RV industry, patterns of rework and repeat failures raise the risk of prolonged downtime and secondary damage (e.g., mold from water ingress). Pre- and post-service photo documentation is essential.

(Moderate Concern)

Claims frequently mention finger-pointing between dealer and manufacturer, leading to delays. Be ready to contact the RV maker directly to open a case, provide photos, and ask for authorization. Understand what’s covered by your factory warranty versus any third-party service contract the dealer sells, and keep your own records in case you must escalate.

(Serious Concern)

Some consumer accounts across the RV industry include failures of brakes, axles, propane systems, and electrical components—issues that can be dangerous if not promptly corrected. If your model has recalls, insist the dealer complete them before delivery. Check recalls by VIN at NHTSA and request written proof of any completed campaign.

(Moderate Concern)

To research recall relevance, start at NHTSA and then verify specific model campaigns: NHTSA recalls — begin your search here. Always use your RV’s VIN for accurate results. If recall work is backlogged, ask for a written appointment date or consider a different service center authorized by your brand.

(Moderate Concern)

Because this location also sells and services marine products, some negative feedback also references boat service scheduling and parts delays. If you’re purchasing marine equipment, apply the same playbook: independent inspection, written Due Bill, and confirmation of recall status. Similar upsells and finance practices apply.

(Serious Concern)

Warranty rights and deceptive practices: Dealers must honor written warranties and avoid deceptive representations under federal and state law. The Magnuson–Moss Warranty Act governs warranties and tie-in sales practices. Texas consumers are also protected by the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act (DTPA). If promised repairs or services are not delivered, document everything and consider filing a complaint with the Texas AG, the FTC, or BBB, depending on the issue.

(Moderate Concern)

Finance disclosures: The Truth in Lending Act (TILA) requires clear disclosure of APR, finance charges, and total of payments. If your APR or terms shift at signing, pause and compare to your pre-approval. Ask for removal of any add-on you did not authorize. Keep copies of all versions of your buyer’s order and finance contract.

(Serious Concern)

Safety defects and recalls: For issues involving brakes, axles, propane, or electrical hazards, consider submitting a complaint to the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Complaint system. Safety-related defects should be addressed immediately, and dealers must not misrepresent recall status.

(Serious Concern)

Water leaks and structural damage: Reports of leaking roofs, windows, or slides can lead to mold and soft floors—often not immediately visible during a quick walk-through. This affects safety (air quality, slip hazards) and resale value. Independent inspectors routinely find sealant failures missed in dealer PDIs, which is why we strongly recommend an outside inspection prior to payment: Find a certified RV inspector near you.

(Serious Concern)

Propane and electrical risks: Consumer complaints about LP leaks or miswired components can present immediate fire or asphyxiation dangers. Require LP pressure tests, CO/LP detector checks, and GFCI/12V system verifications at delivery. Do not accept the unit unless those tests pass and are documented.

(Moderate Concern)

Brakes, axles, and tires: Wheel bearing service, torque specs, and tire age are easy to gloss over during a fast PDI. Ask for torque and brake adjustment documentation and verify tire DOT dates. If you plan immediate travel, consider a quick safety inspection by a mobile RV tech before departing the valley.

(Moderate Concern)

Financial risk from add-ons: Extended warranties and service contracts sold at dealerships often exclude common failures and require approval delays. Some buyers feel misled about coverage scope, deductibles, and authorized repair locations. Evaluate third-party policies outside the dealership and compare prices and coverage terms. Watch in-depth consumer advice here: Liz Amazing’s videos on dealer upsells and warranties.

(Moderate Concern)

– Get multiple out-the-door quotes (including fees) on the same unit.
– Secure financing pre-approval from your credit union or bank; compare APR and total payback.
– Reject unwanted add-ons; ask for removal or discount.
– Verify trade-in value with multiple sources; confirm lien payoff and title transfer timeline in writing.

(Serious Concern)

– Commission a third-party inspection before you sign. If the dealership does not allow it, walk. Schedule via: RV Inspectors near me.
– Demand a full systems demo: water, electrical (shore/12V), HVAC, slides, appliances, seals, roof, and undercarriage.
– Photograph and list every defect on a signed Due Bill with completion dates.

(Moderate Concern)

– If issues arise, email the service department with photos and a clear description to create a paper trail.
– Ask for a written ETA and parts order confirmation. Follow up weekly in writing.
– For warranty delays, open a case with the manufacturer and provide your documentation; request authorization to use a mobile tech if the dealer is backlogged.
– If safety issues are involved, file a complaint with NHTSA and notify the Texas AG’s consumer division.

(Moderate Concern)

The RV industry’s manufacturing and delivery cycles can strain dealer service departments, especially during peak seasons. Tech shortages and parts supply delays compound frustration. However, the volume and specificity of low-star reviews for Ron Hoover RV & Marine of Donna suggest patterns beyond industry norms—namely inconsistent PDIs, communication breakdowns, and documentation issues. These are management-controllable factors, and buyers should hold the store to written standards before signing.

(Moderate Concern)

Not all experiences are negative. Some buyers at the Donna location report friendly sales staff and fast transactions on in-stock units, particularly when customers come pre-approved and decline optional add-ons. A few reviews note that issues were eventually resolved after escalation. Management responsiveness varies by reviewer and time period; escalating with clear documentation tends to improve outcomes.

(Serious Concern)

Public complaints tied to the Donna, TX location of Ron Hoover RV & Marine point to a pattern of serious buyer risks: inconsistent pre-delivery quality, aggressive upsells, paperwork and title delays, and long service backlogs with uneven communication. While some customers report satisfactory outcomes, the density and consistency of negative accounts—especially those describing canceled trips and repeated service visits—make it imperative to proceed with extraordinary caution. The best mitigations are independent inspection before purchase, airtight documentation, and willingness to walk if the dealership will not commit in writing to fix issues prior to funding.