Ruben’s Mobile Homes & Residential Repair- Des Plaines, IL Exposed: Leaks, Delays & Warranty Denials

(Serious Concern)

Across RV retail and service shops, a recurring theme in low-star reviews is the gap between verbal assurances and the final condition of the unit at delivery. For an operation with “Residential Repair” in its name, some consumers may assume home-repair-grade workmanship that doesn’t always translate cleanly to RV-specific standards. When a unit is represented as “ready to camp,” ensure that readiness is documented, not just promised. Insist on a written Due Bill listing every promised repair, accessory, or add-on with completion dates and, if applicable, the costs reflected line-by-line on your buyer’s order or service estimate.

• Ask for a complete “systems walkthrough” and test each system while you are present (water under pressure, shore power, generator loading, HVAC cycle, slideouts, stabilizers).
• Do not accept “we’ll handle that after you take it home.” If it’s material, get it done before you sign or escrow funds until completion dates are met.

(Serious Concern)

Delayed titles, missing plates, or registration issues can strand your RV and expose you to tickets or towing risks. If you finance, documents must also match the VIN and equipment. Any mismatch can complicate lender relations and insurance claims.

• Require an itemized buyer’s order that precisely matches the VIN, model, and options delivered.
• Ask for a timeline for title processing and temporary registration issuance; put milestone dates in writing.
• Withhold final payment or include a performance clause if paperwork is not delivered by specific dates.

(Moderate Concern)

Some dealerships layer high-margin add-ons into the financing stack—extended warranties, interior/exterior protection, tire-and-wheel plans, gap coverage—without fully explaining costs versus value. The monthly payment may look acceptable while the APR and add-ons dramatically inflate total cost of ownership.

• Ask for a clean, add-on-free quote and compare it to the “with add-ons” version. Decline anything you don’t want; these products are almost always optional.
• Shop your own rate with a credit union to anchor expectations. If the dealer beats it, great—if not, bring your own financing.
• Review the Truth in Lending disclosures; ensure the APR, term, and cash price match your signed buyer’s order.

(Moderate Concern)

Trade valuations can be significantly below market, especially if there’s any reconditioning risk. If this dealer offers trades, protect yourself by gathering third-party offers (e.g., national buyers, classifieds with comps) and bring documentation to support your target number. Be cautious about letting a low trade be offset by a higher new-unit price; insist on transparent, line-item deals.

(Serious Concern)

Post-sale support is a pain point across the RV industry. Even simple fixes can take weeks if there’s a backlog or parts wait. For a smaller, independent shop, capacity constraints can amplify downtime. If you are scheduling roof reseals, slide adjustments, or structural/sealant repairs, ask for realistic turnaround times and a written estimate with start and completion dates.

• Request photo documentation before and after the repair and keep copies of all work orders.
• Confirm parts are on hand before you drop off the RV to avoid unnecessary storage time.

(Moderate Concern)

Leaks, wiring errors, and misaligned doors/slideouts are common complaints industry-wide. A residential-repair skill set may not always overlap with the unique demands of RV systems (12V/120V interplay, flex lines, PEX fittings, RV furnaces/absorption fridges, torsion axles). If you use this shop for service, ask who will perform the work, what certifications they hold (e.g., RVTI/NFPA), and whether they offer workmanship warranties in writing.

(Serious Concern)

Administrative missteps—missing photos, incomplete claim forms, or failure to follow manufacturer diagnostic flowcharts—can jeopardize approvals and leave the consumer paying out-of-pocket. Clarify up front whether the shop is an authorized service center for your specific brand and component makers (Dometic, Lippert, Norcold, Suburban, etc.). If not, ask whether they will coordinate with manufacturers or if you must submit claims yourself.

• Obtain the manufacturer RMA or claim reference number and progress updates in writing.
• Keep serial numbers, diagnostic notes, and technician photos for your records.

(Moderate Concern)

Multiple RV brands and component suppliers issue safety recalls each year (axles, propane regulators, wiring harnesses, brake controllers). Delayed recall fixes can create serious hazards. Ensure the shop verifies all open recalls on your VIN before performing unrelated work. If they are not an authorized recall center for your components, ask for a referral that is.

• Check recalls directly: NHTSA Vehicle Safety Recalls.
• Request part numbers and lead times in writing; avoid leaving the RV until parts have arrived.

(Moderate Concern)

Another source of frustration in negative reviews industry-wide is poor communication: unanswered calls, missed updates, or unexpected change orders. Protect yourself with clear written scopes and approval protocols. Require the shop to secure your written authorization for any cost increases or additional work, and set agreed-upon communication intervals.

(Serious Concern)

Add-ons like roof accessories, awnings, solar, or satellite mounts pose significant leak risks if not sealed correctly with RV-grade products. Electrical add-ons can create parasitic draws or overload circuits if not fused and routed properly. Before taking delivery of add-on work, ask for a tour of all penetrations, sealant types used (e.g., Dicor, Sikaflex), and wire paths with grommets, clamps, and fuses shown.

(Moderate Concern)

The business name emphasizes “Mobile Homes & Residential Repair.” While many skills overlap, RVs impose unique requirements around frame flex, lightweight materials, and 12V/propane safety that differ from residential codes. If you choose this shop for RV-specific work, qualify their RV experience, training, and references for the exact scope (e.g., slideout mechanisms vs. residential doors; RV roof membranes vs. home shingles).

(Serious Concern)

Dealers and repair facilities must honor express warranties and cannot misrepresent material facts about an RV. If you encounter warranty denials or misleading claims, you may have recourse under federal and Illinois law.

• Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act (MMWA): Prohibits deceptive warranty practices and requires clear terms. If a covered component fails and the warrantor doesn’t fix it within a reasonable time, you may be entitled to remedies including attorney’s fees. Learn more at the FTC’s warranty law page.
• FTC Act (Section 5): Prohibits unfair or deceptive acts or practices, including false advertising or misrepresentation of repairs or costs. See the FTC’s consumer protection resources.
• Illinois Attorney General: Handles consumer complaints, including auto/RV sales and repair disputes. Filing a complaint records the issue and can prompt mediation. Visit the Illinois AG’s consumer assistance pages to file a complaint.

(Moderate Concern)

If you finance, the dealer must provide Truth in Lending disclosures (APR, amount financed, total of payments) and cannot discriminate in credit terms under the Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA). Ensure all figures match your signed buyer’s order and that any add-ons are voluntary and fully itemized.

(Serious Concern)

Serious defects involving brakes, propane, tires, or wiring should be addressed immediately. If you encounter a safety defect and can’t obtain a timely repair, report it to NHTSA. Consumers can search open recalls and submit safety complaints via NHTSA’s recall portal.

(Serious Concern)

Even small roof or window leaks can lead to delamination, mold, and soft floors. Improper sealants, missed butyl tape on windows, or poor prep can transform a minor drip into a multi-thousand-dollar repair. For shops installing roof accessories or repairing seams, insist on RV-grade sealants and documented prep/primer steps, with dated photos before, during, and after the job.

(Serious Concern)

Miswired inverters, loose grounds, undersized conductors, or un-fused circuits can start fires. Propane leaks from improperly torqued fittings or damaged regulators pose explosion risks. Demand a leak-down test and electrical function test report on any related work; if the shop won’t provide it, hire a third-party inspector. Start here: find an RV inspector near you.

(Moderate Concern)

Poorly adjusted brakes, worn bearings, or misaligned axles can cause blowouts or loss of control. When buying used units or commissioning suspension/brake work, require hub inspections, brake adjustment documentation, and tire date codes. If your repairs involve critical running gear, consider a follow-up inspection by a chassis specialist before any highway trip.

(Serious Concern)

Consumers frequently report canceled vacations and prolonged storage fees when service timelines slip. To reduce risk, don’t prepay in full for service, avoid leaving the unit until parts arrive, and build performance deadlines into your work order. If you must leave the RV, get the unit’s storage policy, indoor/outdoor storage terms, and insurance coverage in writing.