Roots RV & Sales Inc.- Mitchell, IN Exposed: Title Delays, Shoddy Delivery, Warranty Runaround

(Serious Concern)

Independent, pre-purchase inspections are your strongest leverage. Many negative RV reviews across the industry—especially from first-time buyers—stem from avoidable defects that a qualified inspector could have caught before delivery. Schedule a third-party RV inspection (you choose the inspector) and make your purchase contingent on the inspector’s written findings and the dealer’s completion of all punch-list items. Search here to find qualified professionals: RV Inspectors near me.

Important: If any dealership refuses to allow a bona fide third-party inspection before you sign, that is a major red flag. Walk away. Once your funds are transferred and the unit is titled, your leverage drops dramatically—and you may be pushed to the back of the service line if anything breaks during your first trips.

We repeatedly see reports across the RV space of cancelled camping trips, lost deposits, and months-long delays waiting for warranty work. An up-front inspection greatly reduces the risk of inheriting someone else’s problems. If Roots RV & Sales Inc. agrees to repairs based on your inspection, insist on written commitments, parts ETAs, and a delivery date.

Consider a second search and ask for sample reports: Find local RV inspectors. And if you’re unsure what to have checked, creators like Liz Amazing offer practical walkthroughs of common failure points: RV inspection tips and buyer guides on Liz Amazing’s channel.

(Moderate Concern)

Industry-wide, shoppers report feeling rushed at signing and overloaded with add-ons like paint protection, fabric protection, nitrogen tire packages, and extended service contracts. It’s smart to ask for an out-the-door breakdown to identify any non-essential products. Compare the price of third-party warranties and roadside assistance against dealer offerings; they are often significantly cheaper when purchased independently.

• Ask for a line-item quote before stepping into the finance office.
• Decline anything you didn’t request or don’t understand.
• Verify that any “lifetime” or “premium” coverage is backed by a reputable administrator and honored nationwide.

For broader context on upsells and finance room tactics, creators like Liz Amazing have covered common pitfalls and how to push back politely: Watch consumer-backed RV buying advice.

(Moderate Concern)

Another frequent pain point across dealer reviews involves unexpectedly low trade-in appraisals that shrink further at signing due to “reconditioning” or “market shift” claims. Bring offers from multiple dealers and online marketplaces. Obtain a pre-inspection on your trade-in to document its true condition and maintenance history, which can help counter sudden valuation drops at the table.

(Moderate Concern)

Finance offices typically earn through interest rate spreads and add-on products. Get a pre-approval from your own bank or credit union and compare APR, term, and fees carefully. Read every numbered item on the Retail Installment Sales Contract. Under the Truth in Lending Act (TILA), lenders must disclose the APR and total finance charge. If terms change at signing, you’re free to walk.

(Serious Concern)

Title and paperwork delays are more than inconveniences—they can legally prevent you from registering and insuring your RV properly. When scanning the 1- and 2-star Google reviews, pay special attention to any accounts describing weeks without plates, missing MSOs (Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin), or a lack of status updates. Before paying in full, ask for guaranteed delivery dates for all documents and a named contact for follow-up. If you’ve experienced title or paperwork delays with this dealership, please document your timeline for other readers.

(Serious Concern)

Public RV reviews often cite issues discovered at delivery: water leaks, non-functioning appliances, poor sealant work, damaged trim, slide malfunctions, and misaligned doors. The safest approach is a thorough pre-delivery inspection (PDI) conducted by you and an independent professional before final payment. Test every system: water pump, water heater (gas and electric), 12V and 120V circuits, GFCIs, slides, stabilizers, roof seals, awning, HVAC, refrigerator (gas and electric), oven/igniter, and LP system leak checks. Document defects with photos and insist they are corrected before signing.

(Serious Concern)

Many low-star dealership reviews across the industry describe long waits for parts and warranty authorizations. While manufacturers share some blame, proactive dealers can communicate clearly, source parts efficiently, and offer temporary workarounds. Look for Google reviews that describe turnaround times in weeks or months, whether loaners were offered, and whether promises were met. If you depend on the RV for trips or work, delays can derail plans and rack up out-of-pocket costs.

(Moderate Concern)

Unreturned calls, missed appointment windows, and non-specific timelines are common themes in negative consumer reports. If you shop at Roots RV & Sales Inc., establish a single point of contact in sales and service, request written ETAs and commitments, and follow up in writing (email) after each conversation. Keep a dated log of every interaction to avoid “he said/she said” disputes later.

(Moderate Concern)

It’s not unusual for dealers to attribute failures to “owner misuse” or “wear and tear” when systems fail early. Learn your factory warranty and any third-party service contract terms before you sign. File claims promptly, ask what diagnostic steps were taken, and request documentation in writing if a claim is denied. Under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, consumers have certain protections regarding warranty coverage and disclosures.

(Moderate Concern)

Supply chain constraints have contributed to parts delays across the RV industry. However, consumers should expect transparent timelines, proactive updates, and accurate expectations. Ask for estimated ship dates, tracking numbers when available, and clear alternatives (e.g., temporary repairs) if delays stretch past promised windows.

(Serious Concern)

The most compelling evidence of consumer experience is the wording of the actual 1- and 2-star Google reviews. To avoid misquoting or taking private individuals out of context, this report does not reprint full names or partial excerpts; instead, we urge you to verify the themes above by browsing the reviews directly and reading multiple accounts end-to-end: Roots RV & Sales Inc. Google Reviews (sort by Lowest rating). If you’ve faced similar issues—whether with sales pressure, delayed repairs, or paperwork—add your story for fellow shoppers.

(Serious Concern)

Consumer complaints around titles, financing, and warranty handling can implicate state and federal protections. Here are key frameworks and agencies to know if you encounter disputes with any RV dealership:

• Truth in Lending Act (TILA): Requires clear disclosure of APR, finance charges, and key credit terms in retail installment contracts.
• Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act: Governs written warranties; prohibits deceptive warranty terms and provides remedies for breach.
• Federal Trade Commission (FTC): Enforces against unfair or deceptive practices in advertising, pricing, financing, and add-ons. File complaints here: ReportFraud.ftc.gov and review auto sales guidance here: FTC Auto Sales & Finance Guidance.
• Indiana Attorney General: For state-level consumer complaints, including auto/RV purchase issues, titles, and unfair practices. Start here: Indiana AG Consumer Protection.
• National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA): For safety-related defects and recalls; you can file a safety complaint or verify recalls related to your RV’s make/model: Report a safety problem.

If you encounter issues like repeated repair failures under warranty, withheld titles, or material misrepresentations, consult a consumer law attorney. Keep a clean paper trail (emails, signed forms, texts, photos) and document every step. The more organized your evidence, the stronger your case with regulators or in civil actions.

(Serious Concern)

Common defects—leaking roofs or windows, electrical shorts, brake or axle issues, slide malfunctions, LP gas leaks—can create safety hazards ranging from mold exposure to fire risk and roadside breakdowns. If service departments delay essential repairs or deliver incomplete work, customers may unwittingly tow unsafe rigs or lose their cooling, heating, or refrigeration on trips.

• Water intrusion can lead to structural rot, delamination, and mold within weeks.
• LP gas leaks are acute hazards; request a leak-down test before delivery.
• Brake/axle irregularities can cause blowouts or loss of control—demand documentation of pre-delivery safety checks.
• 12V/120V short circuits or poor grounds can damage appliances and pose a fire risk.

For recall awareness, always look up your specific make, model, and model year on NHTSA; recalls are tied to the vehicle, not the dealer. Still, a dealer’s promptness in identifying and handling recall work matters. Use this search format to explore recall items while you shop: NHTSA recall search (use your RV’s year/make/model). If a dealership delivers a unit with open safety recalls unaddressed, consider that a serious red flag and document everything. If you’ve encountered unresolved safety items at delivery, let others know what you found.

(Moderate Concern)

Review complaints across the RV industry and you’ll see a pattern: “doc fees,” “prep fees,” “delivery fees,” and “protection packages” can inflate the out-the-door price by thousands. Negotiate each line. If the dealer claims something is mandatory, ask for the statute that requires it or request removal. For extended service contracts and tire/wheel plans, insist on reading the actual policy booklet—not just the glossy brochure—and look up the administrator’s reputation.

• Get competing quotes for extended warranties and roadside assistance from third parties before visiting finance.
• Ask whether add-ons are refundable and what the cancellation window is.
• Verify deductible amounts and covered components in writing.

A straightforward way to avoid surprises is to ask for an “out-the-door” purchase agreement early in negotiations and to bring your own financing offer as an anchor for APR and terms. If numbers move at signing, pause the process and request a corrected, final sheet. If that isn’t provided, walk away.

(Serious Concern)

• Full PDI with water connected, 12V and 120V power on, LP tanks filled, and all appliances tested under both power sources.
• Printed, signed punch list of any defects found—plus written commitment for dates, parts orders, and a no-charge correction plan.
• Proof of clean title/MSO and accurate VIN on all documents.
• Owner’s manuals, warranty booklets, and dealer sign-off that slides, stabilizers, awnings, and seals have been inspected and function properly.
• Photographs of roof, seals, and undercarriage. Ask for torque specs confirmation on wheels and hitch hardware.

If any item is “we’ll fix it later,” pause the transaction. Your leverage is highest before the final signature and funding. When in doubt, reschedule the delivery after repairs are completed and inspected by your independent professional. If you’ve had a delivery experience here—good or bad—help the next buyer by describing it.

(Moderate Concern)

• Schedule your own inspection and make the sale contingent on repairs: Find nearby RV inspectors.
• Bring competing financing and warranty quotes; decline add-ons you don’t want.
• Get an out-the-door price early; reject surprise “prep,” “delivery,” or “protection” fees.
• Photograph the unit at every stage; keep all communications in writing.
• Check recalls for your exact model and have the dealer document status before delivery.
• If you encounter unfair practices, file with the Indiana Attorney General and the FTC and consider consulting a consumer attorney.