RV Station Bryan College Station- College Station, TX Exposed: Pressure Sales APR Markups PDI Misses

Across many dealerships, a common complaint is discovering major issues immediately after purchase that the buyer assumed were handled during the Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI). Once the sale is finalized, your leverage drops dramatically. If defects sideline your RV, you may face weeks or months of delays waiting for service queues, parts approval, and warranty authorizations—ruining planned trips.

• Hire a certified mobile RV inspector or NRVIA-level technician to perform a thorough inspection before you sign or take possession. Search locally: find an RV inspector near you.
• Require written confirmation for any promised repairs or parts replacements with dates and responsible parties. Include new seals, leak remediation, slide-outs, brakes, LP system pressure tests, and electrical checks.
• If the dealership refuses a third-party inspection, walk away. Reputable dealers welcome independent scrutiny.

Multiple consumer narratives reference hard closes, unexpected add-ons, and “limited time” pitches that left buyers feeling rushed or overwhelmed. RV retail commonly layers in extras like extended service contracts, paint/fabric protection, GPS tracking, tire/wheel add-ons, and interior sanitization packages. The concern is not that such products exist, but whether buyers are clearly shown:

• Total out-the-door price before financing
• What is optional versus mandatory
• Real coverage details, exclusions, and claim hurdles for any extended contracts
• Full cancellation and refund terms for add-ons

When you read 1–2 star Google entries, watch for phrases like “surprise fees,” “extras I didn’t ask for,” or feeling “pressured to sign.” These are common signals of an aggressive sales cadence. To counter this, insist on written line-item quotes and refuse to sign anything under time pressure. Consider the buyer education content from Liz Amazing’s consumer-protection videos that spotlight dealership sales tactics so you can spot them in real time.

Buyers often report APRs far higher than expected or discover later that the dealer-arranged loan included products they didn’t knowingly select. In RV retail, finance offices may present monthly payment targets rather than the true cost of money plus add-ons. If you rely on dealer-arranged financing without a same-day pre-approval from your bank or credit union, you may overpay thousands in interest and fees.

• Secure your own pre-approval to force a competitive comparison.
• Ask for the “buy rate” from the lender and the dealer’s “sell rate” to identify any markup.
• Refuse payment-based pitches. Focus on total financed amount, APR, and term length.

When reviewing low-star Google feedback, look for references to unexpected payment increases at signing, or difficulty cancelling products added in finance. These patterns are worth documenting. If this resonates with your experience, share what happened during your F&I visit.

Several consumers describe unexpectedly low trade valuations, sometimes paired with “we’ll make it up on financing” comments. Low trade values can be a profit lever used to offset pricing on the new unit. Protect yourself by getting multiple written trade offers or selling your RV privately if time permits.

• Obtain third-party appraisals and bring comps for similar year/condition trade-ins.
• Keep the trade transaction separate on paper so you can judge each deal independently.

Delayed titles or registration and VIN/paperwork discrepancies appear in negative dealership feedback across Texas, including this store’s Google reviews. The practical risks are significant: you can’t get plates, you may face state penalties, or you might be unable to travel out-of-state with an unregistered RV. If delays stretch into weeks or months, the RV may be parked and unusable.

• Require a timeline for title and registration at closing. Confirm who is responsible for filing and fees.
• Do not accept delivery if VINs do not match on all documents.
• Withhold final payment until all promised paperwork is correct and complete, if your contract allows.

Reports of RVs leaving the lot with leaks, inoperable slides, refrigerator or AC failures, or LP system issues point to weak PDIs. A rushed PDI often misses water intrusion around roof penetrations, underbelly damage, axle alignment problems, or soft floors indicating rot. Skipped or superficial PDIs shift the burden to owners immediately after purchase.

• Bring your independent inspector to PDI. Test every system yourself: water, furnace, AC, slides, jacks, appliances, LP leak-down test, 12V and 120V.
• Insist on on-site repairs for any safety-critical defects before signing.

For context on systemic PDI risks, see buyer education from creators like Liz Amazing’s deep-dive videos on RV acceptance checklists.

Low-star reviews frequently mention long service waits, poor communication, or warranty claim limbo. Warranty work often requires manufacturer authorization and can be slowed by parts shortages. Dealers also prioritize their own customers; if you purchased elsewhere, delays can be worse. This location’s critics describe weeks to months of downtime, missed trips, and difficulty getting updates.

• Get a written service timeline and escalation contact at drop-off.
• Ask the service advisor to submit photos and detailed notes with warranty claim packets to reduce back-and-forth.
• Document every call, voicemail, and email. Escalate to the manufacturer when approvals stall.

Some buyers report repairs that didn’t fix the root cause, cosmetic damage during service, or installations that had to be redone. Inadequate training or high turnover can lead to misdiagnoses or incomplete work. Common red flags include recurring leaks, unresolved electrical shorts, or slide mechanisms adjusted incorrectly, causing further damage.

• Request photos and detailed notes of any repairs before and after.
• Ask whether a senior technician will supervise critical work like slide realignment or roof resealing.
• Inspect thoroughly upon pickup; do not accept the unit if issues persist.

There are accounts of promised parts or accessories that never arrived, or new RVs delivered with missing keys, remotes, manuals, or damaged trim and seals. Small issues become big when they delay your first trip and trigger lengthy service appointments for minor items.

• Include promises and due dates on the We-Owe/Due Bill form before signing.
• Don’t pick up until all we-owe items are physically present or a firm delivery date is in writing.

Consumers describe difficulty getting callbacks or clear timelines, particularly once a sale is closed. The most frustrated reviewers cite a lack of status updates on parts, paperwork, or repairs. This amplifies stress when the RV is needed for planned travel.

• Ask for a single point of contact and backup contact with direct emails.
• Schedule weekly status check-ins by email so updates are documented.

Customer complaints about warranty denials, misrepresentations, or defective delivery can carry legal implications.

• Deceptive Trade Practices (Texas): The Texas Deceptive Trade Practices–Consumer Protection Act (DTPA) prohibits misleading or false representations in sales and services. Consumers can file complaints with the Texas Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division and may have private remedies in certain cases.
• FTC Act: The Federal Trade Commission prohibits unfair or deceptive acts in commerce, including misrepresentations about pricing, add-ons, and “free” items. The FTC also targets junk fees and hidden add-on products.
• Magnuson–Moss Warranty Act: If a warranty applies, the dealer and manufacturer must honor its terms and cannot condition warranty coverage on the use of branded parts or paid service unless provided free of charge.
• NHTSA: Safety defects and recalls must be addressed; selling a unit with an open safety recall that is not disclosed can be dangerous. Use NHTSA to check VINs and recall status prior to accepting the unit.

Relevant resources:

• Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
• Texas Attorney General – Consumer Protection
• NHTSA Vehicle and Equipment Recalls

Reported defects and service slowdowns can create real safety and financial risk:

• LP leaks or faulty fittings: Create fire or explosion risk if not pressure-tested before delivery.
• Brake, axle, or tire issues: Boondocking or highway travel with misaligned axles, under-torqued lug nuts, or under-spec tires is dangerous.
• Water intrusion: Roof or window leaks, if undetected at PDI, can rapidly cause rot, mold, and devaluation, often excluded as “maintenance” by warranties if not addressed early.
• Electrical shorts: Miswired appliances or converters can lead to power failures or fire hazards.
• Slide-out malfunctions: Can trap occupants or damage walls/floors when used, leading to costly structural repairs.

Always check for active recalls by VIN and brand before accepting an RV. Use NHTSA and manufacturer recall portals. You can start a targeted check with: NHTSA recall search placeholder query for RV Station Bryan–College Station and then search the exact brand/model/VIN on the official site. If you’ve encountered a safety issue tied to this dealership’s prep or service, describe it so others can learn.

Protect Yourself: A Step-by-Step Buyer Playbook

• Line-item out-the-door pricing: Demand a written breakdown with every fee and add-on clearly labeled as optional or mandatory.
• Third-party inspection before signing: Hire a qualified inspector: RV Inspectors near me. If access is denied, walk.
• Independent financing: Secure a pre-approval from your credit union or bank. Compare the dealer’s APR, term, and add-ons to your pre-approval.
• Title and paperwork timing in writing: Set expectations for delivery of title/registration and withhold final payment if your contract allows until documents are correct.
• We-Owe list for promises: Every promised part, accessory, or repair goes on the due bill with dates and who pays.
• Test every system at PDI: Run water on city and pump, test slides/jacks multiple cycles, fire appliances, verify LP detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, GFCIs, and safety gear.
• Photograph everything: Condition at delivery and at service drop-off. Keep a log of every contact.
• Know your rights: Read warranty coverage. If you suspect deceptive practices, consider contacting the Texas AG Consumer Protection Division or filing with the BBB.
• Keep receipts: For any out-of-pocket repairs after delivery; these may be reimbursable under warranty or goodwill.

For additional consumer education on RV buying pitfalls, explore Liz Amazing’s channel and search for topics like “PDI checklist,” “dealer add-ons,” and “warranty claim tips.”

What the Reviews Do and Don’t Say