Ron Hoover RV & Marine of South Houston- Houston, TX Exposed: Hidden Fees, PDI Flaws & Repair Delays

(Serious Concern)

Across multiple dealerships nationwide, a common theme is that buyers discover major defects only after taking delivery, then wait weeks or months for warranty work. To reduce the risk of expensive surprises, insist on hiring an independent, certified RV inspector to perform a comprehensive pre-delivery inspection (PDI) before you sign anything or fund the deal. This is your strongest leverage point; once you’ve paid, your RV may be pushed to the back of the service line. Cancelled camping trips, lost deposits, and lengthy downtime are common aftermaths reported by owners when problems surface after the sale.

• Search locally for a certified inspector: RV Inspectors near me.
• Make the sale contingent on a clean third-party inspection report and completion of all punch-list items in writing.
• If the dealer refuses to allow a third-party professional inspection, treat that as a major red flag and walk away.
• Don’t accept “We already did our PDI” as a substitute for an independent inspection.

Need help lining one up? Try again here: Find an RV inspector nearby. And again if you’re comparing multiple units: Independent RV inspectors near me.

(Serious Concern)

Multiple buyers describe frustration with shifting numbers and extras that inflate the final “out-the-door” price late in the process. Allegations include unexpected doc fees, high-cost “protection” packages, and extended service contracts that weren’t clearly explained. On the dealership’s Google profile, several 1–2 star reviews recount experiences of feeling pressured or rushed through stacks of paperwork, only to find add-ons they didn’t intend to purchase. Protect yourself by demanding a written, all-in quote (including taxes, title, dealer fees, prep, freight, and any add-ons) before committing. If you spot unauthorized add-ons at delivery, refuse to sign until they’re removed.

• Ask for an itemized buyer’s order with every fee listed and an explicit opt-in/opt-out for any extras.
• Decline paint/fabric “protection,” nitrogen, VIN etch, or tracking add-ons unless you truly want them. Many consumers report minimal value.
• Review the finance menu carefully and say no to anything you do not fully understand.

Confirm these patterns by sorting negative reviews here: Google Reviews: Sort by “Lowest rating”.

(Moderate Concern)

In low-star reviews of this store and the broader RV retail market, finance office upsells are a recurring theme. Consumers report being quoted higher rates unless they accept extended warranties, GAP, or other add-ons—sometimes called “payment packing.” Even if the F&I manager is friendly, insist on seeing the buy rate from the lender and compare with your own pre-approval from a credit union or bank. If you’re told the rate depends on buying add-ons, call it out and be prepared to walk.

• Bring a pre-approval so you can compare rates on the spot.
• Demand a no-add-on financing option and an itemized menu of products, costs, and terms.
• Be cautious with “lifetime” warranties that require strict service intervals; they can be voided easily.

For perspective on common traps, see consumer-education pieces by creators like Liz Amazing’s channel, which exposes dealership add-on tactics. Did you encounter financing pressure at this store? Report your experience to help others.

(Moderate Concern)

Some buyers at the South Houston location allege that trade offers came in thousands below expectations, or that values changed between initial conversation and the signing desk. This is a common friction point across the RV industry. The best countermeasure is to secure written offers from multiple outlets (including non-RV platforms and wholesale bids) and bring documented comps (NADA, RV Trader listings, recent sold prices) to force a transparent appraisal.

• Get multiple competing appraisals before you visit the dealership.
• Insist on a written trade offer valid for a set number of days.
• Watch for fees deducted from trade value on the buyer’s order.

(Serious Concern)

Negative reviews for this location include accounts of delayed titles and registration issues. In Texas, dealers must process titles within statutory timeframes; delays can expose buyers to legal and financial risks, including difficulty obtaining plates and insurance complications. If your paperwork stalls beyond the promised window, elevate immediately to dealership management and the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV).

• Set a written deadline for title transfer and registration processing in your purchase agreement.
• Request proof of submission to county/TxDMV when available.
• Escalate to TxDMV if statutory deadlines are missed.

(Serious Concern)

South Houston buyers reporting 1-star experiences often describe punch-lists of defects found immediately after signing—water leaks, non-functioning appliances, trim falling off, slide conflicts, and missing items like remotes, hoses, or keys. Several claim that items promised at delivery (“we owe” sheets) took weeks or months, if ever, to fulfill. Insist that every deficiency is corrected before funding, and never accept a unit without a completed, signed, and dated punch-list.

• Do your own multi-hour walkthrough with water pressure, 120V shore power, and propane running.
• Photograph and document every issue and require sign-off from a manager.
• Hold back final payment until all “we owe” items are completed or escrowed in writing.

(Serious Concern)

Low-star Google reviews for the South Houston store frequently describe long wait times for diagnostics and repairs, difficulties getting status updates, and warranty claims that linger because parts are “on backorder.” While parts delays can originate with manufacturers, buyers often feel stranded without proactive communication. If you depend on the RV for travel or living, ask the service department to commit to a weekly update and provide written ETA windows for parts. If your unit sits for weeks without progress, escalate to the store’s general manager and the manufacturer.

• Get a repair order (RO) with specifics every time you drop off the RV, including promised timelines.
• Ask about their parts tracking process and who will contact you with ETAs.
• Document every interaction for potential warranty or legal escalation later.

(Moderate Concern)

Consumer complaints often blur manufacturer defects with dealer obligations. Dealers typically submit and perform warranty repairs authorized by the OEM, but the experience can vary widely by location. Several negative reviews for this store mention frustration getting warranty work scheduled or approved. When buying a new RV, get clarity in writing on the dealership’s role, average lead times for appointments, and whether mobile repair or reimbursements are available for urgent issues.

• Call the manufacturer to verify the dealer’s standing and typical approval timelines.
• Confirm warranty procedures in writing at delivery, including what’s covered and what’s not.
• Keep your own file with photos, defect lists, dated communications, and receipts.

(Moderate Concern)

Low-star reviews often cite unanswered calls or emails and difficulty obtaining parts quotes or order confirmations. Even when a specific advisor provides solid help, the experience appears inconsistent. Best practice: communicate in writing where possible, ask for a ticket number and written ETAs, and escalate to the service manager if promised callbacks slip.

(Serious Concern)

RV defects reported by consumers at delivery or shortly after—failed brakes, under-torqued lug nuts, propane leaks, inoperable safety detectors, or shore power issues—can pose real danger. Even if the manufacturer is ultimately responsible for a defect, a thorough pre-delivery inspection at the dealership should catch obvious hazards. Insist that your independent inspector explicitly tests LP system integrity, brake actuation, tire age/date codes, and detector operation before you take possession.

(Serious Concern)

Allegations in consumer reviews—such as undisclosed add-ons, deceptive pricing, or refusal to honor promised repairs—can implicate state and federal laws:

• Magnuson–Moss Warranty Act (federal) governs written warranties and prohibits tying warranties to paid services. Complaints about denied or delayed warranty work should be documented for potential claims.
• Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act (DTPA) protects consumers against false, misleading, or deceptive acts (e.g., bait-and-switch pricing or misrepresentation of goods/services). Consider consulting an attorney if you believe you were misled.
• FTC oversight of dealer add-ons addresses junk fees and deceptive add-on sales. See FTC actions and guidance regarding vehicle dealers: Federal Trade Commission.
• Title and registration requirements are enforced by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles; dealers must process titles promptly. Delays can be reported to TxDMV.

If you escalate, include your signed buyer’s order, itemized add-ons, communications, repair orders, and any “we owe” documents. Filing complaints with the BBB and your State Attorney General can also build pressure for resolution.

(Moderate Concern)

Recalls are issued by manufacturers through NHTSA; dealers should check for open recalls at sale and during service. If your VIN shows open safety recalls that weren’t disclosed at delivery, contact the manufacturer and NHTSA. Use this recall portal and search your model: NHTSA Vehicle Safety. You can also launch a generic query here per the research workflow: NHTSA recalls search template.

(Serious Concern)

Delivery defects that linger can snowball into large out-of-pocket costs and lost RV use. Water intrusions lead to rot, mold, electrical shorts, and delamination; suspension or brake issues cause uneven wear and dangerous handling; miswired 120V systems damage appliances. If you accept the RV before defects are resolved, you lose leverage and may face months-long waits. This is why independent pre-delivery inspections are essential—not only to catch issues, but to formalize a punch-list tied to sale funding.

(Serious Concern)

LP leaks, inoperative CO/smoke detectors, failed emergency exits, tire age defects, or brake malfunctions are immediately dangerous. If you detect propane odor, shut off gas, ventilate, and do not operate appliances. For electrical anomalies (hot skin, tripping breakers), disconnect shore power and have a qualified tech test the system. Always verify: tire DOT date codes, brake actuation with a manual override, LP detector operation, and GFCI/AFCI performance before your first trip.

(Moderate Concern)

RV manufacturing can be inconsistent, and dealers act as both retailers and service centers. When store volume is high, service bays get backlogged. Combined with parts shortages and warranty authorization hurdles, buyers may experience long delays and mixed communication. This dynamic appears repeatedly in negative reviews for the South Houston location, and it mirrors larger systemic issues in the RV industry.

(Moderate Concern)

Reviewers occasionally describe inexperienced salespeople or service advisors who offer conflicting answers. High turnover and limited OEM training access can fuel inconsistency. As a buyer, neutralize the risk by getting everything in writing and asking for a senior technician to walk through critical systems before delivery.