RV Connections Panama City- Panama City, FL Exposed: Hidden Fees, Title Delays & PDI Risks to Safety

(Serious Concern)

Across low-star public reviews, shoppers frequently report confusion over advertised versus final “out-the-door” pricing. Allegations include sudden line-item add-ons at signing (e.g., “prep” or “protection” packages) and discrepancies between verbal promises and final contracts. Complaints like these raise basic consumer-protection concerns: if fees and add-ons are not thoroughly disclosed and agreed to in writing before the finance office, customers can end up paying thousands more than expected. These concerns are echoed industry-wide, and the best defense is to obtain a complete signed buyer’s order listing every fee and dealer-installed option in advance, then refuse to sign if anything changes last minute.

(Moderate Concern)

Multiple critical reviews describe fast-paced sales interactions—limited-time price claims and “someone else is on their way to buy” pressure. While urgency is common in the RV industry, consumers should treat any “now or never” script as a tactic. The antidote is to pre-plan your budget and refuse to decide on-the-spot without a complete written quote. Compare written offers with other dealers to see if the “deal” is truly unique.

(Moderate Concern)

Low-star reviews often report frustration over trade-in appraisals that come in below owner expectations, sometimes after a higher verbal number was discussed during initial conversations. Because trade values can swing widely based on condition and market, demand the appraisal in writing, accompanied by an itemized explanation. Take photos, service records, and NADA/J.D. Power references to strengthen your position. If you feel boxed in, get bids from multiple dealers or sell private party to maximize value.

(Serious Concern)

Several complaints in low-star reviews reference surprise add-on products pitched as “required” or “best practice”—fabric protection, GPS trackers, etching, extended service contracts, tire-and-wheel packages, and high-margin gap/etch products. Extended warranties can be useful for some buyers, but only if the terms are transparent and the price is competitive. Finance reserve (rate markup) can also occur. Obtain financing quotes from your credit union before visiting the dealer so you can evaluate the rate you’re offered in F&I. Insist on a clean buyer’s order without unwanted add-ons, and be prepared to walk. For background on dealership tactics, see Liz Amazing’s explanations of common RV finance and warranty upsells, then search her channel for your exact dealer.

(Serious Concern)

Among the most disruptive issues reported in negative reviews are delays in receiving titles, registration, or plates after purchase. Owners describe temporary tags expiring, being unable to travel, or facing uncertainty over legal operation while waiting for paperwork. In Florida, title and registration processes are governed by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. If delays occur, ask the dealership for written proof of submission and a timeline. You can review state guidance here: Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. If delays become unreasonable, consider filing a formal complaint with the Florida Attorney General and local consumer protection offices.

(Moderate Concern)

Buyers in low-star reviews sometimes allege that certain accessories, features, or punch-list repairs promised at signing were not included or were incompletely addressed at delivery (e.g., missing keys, uninstalled options, absent documentation). The fix is procedural: create a written “Due We Owe/We Owe” list signed by both parties specifying every item to be delivered or corrected, with dates. Do not release final payment or sign completion paperwork until every item is verified. If a dealer balks at a clear, written “Due We Owe,” that’s a red flag.

(Serious Concern)

Consistent with broader RV industry trends, critical reviews of this location reference units delivered with unresolved issues that should have been caught during PDI—water leaks, inoperable appliances, electrical gremlins, trim and sealant problems, or slides and awnings needing adjustment. A rushed or superficial PDI shifts the burden to the buyer post-sale. To protect yourself, insist on a multi-hour PDI walkthrough with every system tested under load (water on, propane on, shore power/generator engaged). Bring your own checklist and a third-party inspector: RV Inspectors near me. If the dealer resists independent inspection, that’s a serious signal to walk away.

(Serious Concern)

Many low-star reviews for RV dealers center on long repair timelines and poor status updates, and RV Connections Panama City is no exception in the complaints cited by consumers online. Owners report canceled trips or months-long waits for parts, combined with difficulty obtaining proactive updates. While backlogs are common nationwide, comprehensive communication and accurate ETAs are part of fair dealing. Demand written repair orders listing each concern, diagnostic findings, and estimated turnaround. If you are full-timing or have imminent travel, document your urgency in writing. Consider asking for a loaner or partial accommodation if the delay stems from dealer-caused issues post-sale.

(Moderate Concern)

Owners occasionally allege that warranty repairs were delayed due to back-and-forth with manufacturers, or that dealers deemed certain defects “customer damage” and out-of-warranty. Because RVs incorporate components from many suppliers (refrigerator, AC, awning, slide mechanisms), you may encounter multiple warranty pathways. Learn the warranty terms for your specific brand and subcomponents. When a claim is denied, request the denial reason in writing and escalate to the manufacturer. Keep a paper trail with dated photos, video evidence, and written communications. If a paid extended service contract is involved, contact the administrator directly and ask for the policy and claim notes.

(Moderate Concern)

Critical reviews point to workmanship issues—repairs that didn’t hold, water intrusion not properly sealed, or fixes requiring multiple returns. While any service department can have misses, patterns of rework multiply costs and downtime for owners. Ask the service advisor about technician certifications for RV systems (e.g., RVTI, manufacturer-specific training) and request that the technician’s notes and parts codes be included on your invoice. If you suspect work is subpar, seek a second opinion from an independent mobile tech and document everything.

(Serious Concern)

Many low-star reviews of RV dealerships nationwide share a painful theme: after the sale, your leverage disappears. If your unit requires extensive repairs immediately after delivery, your RV can sit for weeks or months in a service queue. This has led some owners to cancel prepaid camping trips and rearrange life plans. Your best defense is to hire an independent inspector before signing final paperwork. Ask for time on-site with full hookups to test every system, photograph defects, and obtain a written report. If the dealership refuses third-party inspections, that alone is sufficient reason to walk away. Secure an inspector via: RV Inspectors near me.

(Serious Concern)

Water leaks, electrical faults, brake issues, improper propane setups, and slide/awning malfunctions are not mere inconveniences. Water intrusion can lead to structural rot and mold. Electrical defects can cause fire hazards. Misadjusted brakes or under-torqued components threaten road safety. Because RVs combine residential systems with a mobile chassis, the compounding risk from multiple minor defects can be serious. Before you tow or travel, confirm critical systems are inspected, torqued to spec, and tested under load.

(Moderate Concern)

Many RV brands and their suppliers issue recalls or service bulletins. Dealers should check your VIN and address open recalls before delivery. Owners should independently verify recalls by searching the VIN with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA): NHTSA recall lookup. You can also review recall news generally and search for issues using the dealership name to see discussions: NHTSA recalls search prompt (use your VIN for accuracy). If a recall is ignored or delayed post-sale, document timelines and escalate to the manufacturer and NHTSA.

(Serious Concern)

Based on patterns described in public complaints—pricing discrepancies, delayed paperwork, and warranty conflicts—consumers should be aware of the following legal frameworks:

• Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act: Federal law governing warranties on consumer products; prohibits deceptive warranty practices and requires clarity in terms. Learn more: FTC Businessperson’s Guide to the Federal Warranty Law.
• FTC Enforcement Against Deceptive Practices: The Federal Trade Commission can investigate unfair or deceptive acts affecting consumers. Complaints can be filed here: ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
• Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act (FDUTPA): Prohibits unfair or deceptive acts and practices in trade or commerce. You can contact the Florida Attorney General’s office: Florida Attorney General.
• Title and Registration Compliance: Florida law requires timely processing. Delays can be addressed with the state: FLHSMV.

Keep meticulous records: buyer’s orders, emails, texts, photos, PDI checklists, and repair orders. If unresolved, consider mediation, small claims court, or consulting an attorney specializing in consumer protection or warranty law. If you have pursued legal remedies related to this dealer, describe what worked and what didn’t to help others.

(Moderate Concern)

Unexpected add-ons, rate markups, duplicate “prep” fees, and early post-delivery repairs can easily add thousands to the total cost of ownership. For towables, also consider the impact of returning to the dealer for repeat repairs—fuel, time off work, canceled reservations. A robust pre-delivery process and clean paperwork reduce these downstream costs substantially.

(Serious Concern)

Brakes, wheel bearings, torque specs, propane leak checks, and electrical systems aren’t optional—these are life-safety issues. If the PDI is rushed or repairs are not performed correctly, your risk rises on the highway and at the campsite. Do a tire, lug nut torque, brake, and propane check before your first trip. If anything feels off, stop and re-check before continuing.