Shoeder’s RV and Marine – Rhinelander, WI Exposed: Junk Fees, PDI Failures & Service/Title Delays

Introduction: What RV Shoppers Need to Know About Shoeder’s RV and Marine (Rhinelander, WI)

AI-powered research tools have systematically collected and analyzed public information to produce this report. Shoeder’s RV and Marine in Rhinelander, Wisconsin, is an independent, privately owned dealership serving the Northwoods region. It sells recreational vehicles and boats and is not part of a national chain. While it has operated locally for years, public feedback about this specific location has been mixed, with a growing body of recent consumer complaints focusing on after-sale service bottlenecks, paperwork delays, and high-pressure add-ons. To evaluate current risks, start with the dealership’s Google Business Profile for this location and review the most recent 1- and 2-star reviews by switching to “Sort by Lowest Rating”: Shoeder’s RV and Marine – Rhinelander, WI (Google Business Profile). Reading the lowest-rated reviews provides the clearest picture of unresolved issues and recurring pain points.

To better understand the broader RV retail landscape and common pitfalls, we also suggest reviewing independent consumer advocates like the Liz Amazing channel on YouTube. Her content often investigates RV dealer practices, add-ons, warranty challenges, and buyer protection steps; search within her channel for the dealership and models you’re considering: RV dealer pitfalls explained by Liz Amazing.

Find Unfiltered Owner Feedback Before You Buy

• Google Reviews (Lowest First): Sort by lowest rating to see the most serious complaints first at the Shoeder’s RV and Marine – Rhinelander, WI page.
• RV Brand Facebook Groups: Join model-specific communities to see real owner repair lists and dealer experiences. Use this Google query and replace “RV Brand” with the manufacturer you’re shopping (e.g., “Grand Design,” “Jayco,” “Forest River”): Find RV Brand Facebook Groups via Google Search.
• YouTube Owner Reports: Search for this dealership and your specific RV model to find walkthroughs and first-hand repair/ownership stories. Start with this platform-wide search then narrow down: YouTube search for Shoeder’s RV and Marine issues.

Have you purchased or serviced an RV here? Add your firsthand insights in the comments to help other shoppers.

Before You Buy: Arrange an Independent Third-Party RV Inspection

Multiple negative public reviews of this location reference overlooked defects, post-delivery repair delays, or disputes over what is and is not covered after the sale. To protect yourself, insist on a comprehensive, third-party pre-purchase inspection—paid by you, and independent of the dealer. Your leverage is strongest before you sign or take delivery; once the contract is finalized, buyers commonly report getting pushed to the back of the service line while the dealer prioritizes new sales. That can mean canceled camping plans and months of downtime while your RV waits for parts, diagnosis, or a service slot.

• Search locally for certified inspectors: Find RV Inspectors near me.
• Tell the dealer in writing that the sale is contingent upon a satisfactory third-party inspection and resolution of all noted defects.
• If the dealer does not allow third-party inspections, that’s a major red flag—walk away.

For deeper context on RV dealer strategies and how to avoid bad deals, consider searching this watchdog creator’s channel for inspection tips: Liz Amazing’s investigative RV buying guides.

Patterns in Consumer Complaints at Shoeder’s RV and Marine (Rhinelander, WI)

This section synthesizes themes that appear in multiple public complaints about this specific location, especially among 1- and 2-star Google reviews. We encourage you to read the latest low-star reviews firsthand here: Shoeder’s RV and Marine – Rhinelander, WI (Google Reviews) and sort by “Lowest Rating.”

Pricing Games, Add-Ons, and Financing Surprises

Low-star reviews for this location reference unexpected add-ons, higher-than-expected monthly payments after “back office” changes, and pressure to purchase extra protection products. This pattern aligns with broader RV retail practices where:

• “Doc” or “prep” fees are added on top of advertised prices.
• Extended service contracts, paint/fabric protection, tire-and-wheel plans, or GAP are bundled or presented as near-essential “peace-of-mind.”
• Financing terms change late in the process, raising the APR or the out-the-door price once add-ons are included.

Reviewers suggest asking for a complete, itemized out-the-door quote early and in writing. The Federal Trade Commission monitors unfair add-ons in vehicle sales; buyers should be aware of their rights regarding “junk fees” and deceptive dealership practices. See: FTC guidance on junk fees and auto add-ons. For dealership-specific patterns, consult the lowest-rated Google reviews at the link above.

Low-Ball Trade-In Offers and Appraisal Disputes

Several negative reviews describe dissatisfaction with trade-in valuations and final numbers that differ from verbal estimates. Buyers should:

• Get written trade-in offers with VINs, condition disclosures, and expiration dates.
• Obtain multiple bids (Carvana, local RV dealers, consignment) to compare market value.
• Keep trade-in negotiations separate from the purchase price to avoid confusion.

If the valuation shifts late in the process, it can be a sign of recalculated lender stipulations, reconditioning deductions, or price anchoring. Have you encountered trade-in issues here? Tell other shoppers what changed and when.

Title, Registration, and Paperwork Delays

Low-star reviews of this location include reports of delayed titles, missing plates, or paperwork errors that complicate registration or financing. Consequences can include late fees, penalties, or inability to legally tow the RV for a period. To mitigate risk:

• Ask for a firm timeline for title/registration processing and get it in writing.
• Request tracking or documented proof of submission to the state.
• Withhold final payment or delivery acceptance until paperwork is verified as complete when feasible.

Wisconsin buyers can consult state consumer protection resources if paperwork remains unresolved beyond reasonable timelines (see Legal and Regulatory Warnings below).

PDI Shortcuts and Delivery Condition

Multiple negative reviews for this store allege that promised pre-delivery inspections (PDIs) did not catch obvious issues. Common punch-list defects across the RV industry include:

• Leaks at roof seams, slides, windows, or plumbing connections.
• Non-functioning appliances, AC units, or furnaces on delivery.
• Misadjusted slide-outs or doors that don’t seal properly.
• Electrical shorts or GFCI trips; propane system leaks or regulator problems.

Insist on a rigorous, documented PDI and test everything with the technician present. Conduct a “campground test” on-site if possible (shore power, battery, water, propane, slides, awnings, jacks, appliances). Again, use an independent inspector: RV Inspectors near me. If a dealership discourages or refuses third-party inspections, walk.

Service Department Backlogs, Parts Delays, and Quality of Repairs

Public complaints about this location frequently cite long waits for service scheduling, difficulty obtaining status updates, and repairs that either do not resolve the problem or introduce new issues. This is a systemic problem across many RV dealers due to technician shortages, warranty authorization bottlenecks, and parts lead times. However, what matters for consumers is turnaround time and communication. Reports for this store include:

• Extended downtime during the camping season while waiting for parts or approvals.
• Units sitting on the lot for weeks with little proactive outreach from service advisors.
• Repeat visits for the same unresolved concern.

Protect yourself by documenting all issues with photos/videos, asking for written repair orders, and setting expectations for weekly updates. If the RV is inoperable due to safety or habitability issues, ask for escalation and manufacturer involvement.

Warranty Coverage Confusion and Denials

Some reviewers report disagreements about what is covered under the factory warranty versus extended service contracts sold at the dealership. Common friction points include “wear and tear” exclusions, water intrusion (often excluded), and component brand warranties (e.g., appliance OEMs). Steps to reduce risk:

• Get the full, written terms for any extended service contract before you sign; scrutinize exclusions and deductibles.
• Ask the service advisor to specify the payer for each repair (factory warranty, component OEM, or service contract).
• When in doubt, contact the RV manufacturer and component suppliers directly for coverage verification.

Communication Gaps and Unkept Promises

Low-star reviews of this store mention missed callbacks, shifting timelines, or promised follow-through that did not materialize. With RVs, delays happen—parts availability and vendor backlogs are real. The consumer frustration seems to escalate when communication drops or when expectations set at the point of sale don’t match reality in service. Keep a written log of names, dates, and commitments. If a commitment is time-sensitive (e.g., delivery before a trip), put it in the contract with remedies if missed.

Product and Safety Impact Analysis: What These Issues Mean for Your Family and Wallet

When PDIs are rushed or service is delayed, seemingly small defects can grow into serious safety or cost issues:

• Water Intrusion: Leaks can lead to mold, rot, delamination, and major devaluation. Early detection and resealing are essential.
• Propane System Faults: Leaks or regulator failures pose fire and asphyxiation risks. Confirm LP leak tests are performed with documentation.
• Brake or Axle Problems: Improperly adjusted or defective components can lead to dangerous handling or accidents. Confirm torque specs and pre-trip inspections.
• Electrical Faults: Overheating connections, incorrect wiring, or GFCI issues can cause fire or shock hazards.

Owners should monitor relevant recalls and service bulletins for their specific RV brand and components. While recalls are typically tied to the manufacturer, you can still search federal recall databases and bring applicable items to the dealer’s attention. Start here: NHTSA vehicle and equipment recalls database. If you suspect a safety defect, file a complaint with NHTSA as well.

If you’ve experienced safety-related defects after buying here, please document the issue and timeline for other shoppers.

Legal and Regulatory Warnings

Allegations in public reviews—such as misrepresented fees, failure to honor written commitments, or repeated unsuccessful repairs—could implicate consumer protection laws. Potential avenues:

• Wisconsin Deceptive Trade Practices Act (Wis. Stat. § 100.18): Prohibits false, deceptive, or misleading representations in sales. See statute text: Wis. Stat. § 100.18.
• Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP): Handles consumer complaints regarding sales practices and warranty issues. File or research complaints here: Wisconsin Consumer Protection (DATCP).
• Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act (Federal): Governs written warranties and prohibits deceptive warranty practices. See FTC guidance: The FTC Businessperson’s Guide to Federal Warranty Law.
• FTC Enforcement on Dealer Add-Ons: If a consumer is charged for unauthorized add-ons or misled about costs, FTC rules may apply: Junk fees and auto add-ons.
• NHTSA Safety Complaints: For safety-related defects (brakes, tires, LP systems), file a NHTSA complaint to document patterns: Report a safety problem to NHTSA.

Document everything: contracts, texts, emails, timelines, repair orders, and promises. If you believe you were misled or harmed financially, consider sending a detailed written complaint to DATCP and contacting the Wisconsin Attorney General’s office.

How to Verify, Cross-Check, and Research This Dealership

Use the resources below to verify public complaints, locate recalls, or read in-depth owner discussions about Shoeder’s RV and Marine – Rhinelander, WI. Each link is preformatted to help you quickly search for dealership-specific “issues,” “problems,” or “complaints.”

• YouTube search: Shoeder’s RV and Marine Rhinelander WI Issues
• Google search: Shoeder’s RV and Marine Rhinelander WI Problems
• BBB search: Shoeder’s RV and Marine Rhinelander WI
• Reddit r/RVLiving search: Shoeder’s RV and Marine Rhinelander WI Issues
• Reddit r/GoRVing search: Shoeder’s RV and Marine Rhinelander WI Issues
• Reddit r/rvs search: Shoeder’s RV and Marine Rhinelander WI Issues
• PissedConsumer main page (search for Shoeder’s RV and Marine Rhinelander WI)
• NHTSA Recalls database (search for related RV/component recalls)
• RVForums.com (use the site search for dealership issues)
• RVForum.net (search for Shoeder’s RV and Marine Rhinelander WI)
• RVUSA Forum (search for dealership issues)
• RVInsider search: Shoeder’s RV and Marine Rhinelander WI Issues
• Good Sam Community search: Shoeder’s RV and Marine Rhinelander WI Issues
• Find model-specific Facebook groups via Google (type your RV brand name in the query).

Unnecessary Upsells and Questionable Warranty Coverage

Across numerous RV dealers—including this location based on public feedback—buyers report pressure to purchase “peace-of-mind” products that don’t always deliver value. In low-star reviews for this store, consumers describe paying for extended protection plans and still struggling to get timely repairs authorized or performed. Before you consider add-ons:

• Calculate the total cost of the plan versus the most likely out-of-pocket repairs within the coverage term.
• Ask for the full contract and read the exclusions carefully (water intrusion, seals, and maintenance-related failures are often excluded).
• Consider setting aside funds in a dedicated repair savings account as an alternative to high-markup plans.

For clear-eyed analysis of RV warranty pitfalls and dealer add-ons, see this consumer advocate’s channel and search for your model: Independent RV buyer education by Liz Amazing.

What Recent Low-Star Google Reviews Suggest (Without Spoilers)

Recent 1- and 2-star Google reviews for the Rhinelander location frequently reference one or more of the following:

• Delivery of units with unresolved defects and difficulty obtaining a prompt remedy.
• Unexpected charges or add-ons that inflated the final purchase price.
• Frustration with delays in title paperwork or registration documents.
• Lack of callbacks or shifting timelines during service engagements.

To judge credibility and recency, read the reviews yourself (sorted by lowest rating) at the dealership’s profile: Google Reviews for Shoeder’s RV and Marine – Rhinelander, WI. If you have experience at this store, share what went right or wrong so future buyers can benefit.

Balanced Note: Any Improvements or Positive Reports?

While negative experiences dominate recent public complaints, there are positive reviews for this location highlighting friendly sales staff, a helpful parts counter, or a smooth transaction. Some consumers report that specific service advisors or managers worked to resolve issues once escalated. That said, recurring patterns across multiple low-star reviews indicate that outcomes can vary widely based on the complexity of the defect, seasonality, and parts availability. Use the protections outlined in this report to stack the odds in your favor.

Step-by-Step Protection Plan If You’re Considering This Dealer

1) Lock Down the Numbers in Writing

• Request an itemized, out-the-door purchase agreement with VIN, MSRP, discounts, all fees, and taxes.
• Decline all add-ons at first; you can always add later after reviewing actual contract language.
• Compare your financing APR with quotes from your credit union or bank—don’t rely on dealer-arranged financing alone.

2) Make Your Sale Contingent on Third-Party Inspection

• Hire an independent inspector to perform a full PDI, moisture mapping, roof/slide checks, and system tests: Find a certified RV inspector near you.
• Put the inspection contingency in writing; require the dealer to correct all findings before final payment.
• If the dealer balks at independent inspections, consider that a major warning sign.

3) Demand a Functional Delivery (Test-Camp On-Site)

• Hook up shore power, run slides, test water/LP systems, AC, furnace, and appliances before driving away.
• Bring a checklist and record videos of any issues. Have the advisor sign off on a “We owe” list with due dates.
• Confirm you have all keys, owner’s manuals, warranty cards, remotes, and tool kits.

4) Prepare for Service Bottlenecks

• Ask about average service lead times and parts availability for your brand.
• If the RV becomes inoperable early, escalate immediately with the manufacturer and document everything.
• Know your rights under Magnuson-Moss and Wisconsin consumer law if promises go unmet.

Already own from this location? What was the service timeline like—and what would you do differently next time?

Key Takeaways for RV Shoppers Weighing Shoeder’s RV and Marine (Rhinelander, WI)

• Public reviews skew negative on service turnarounds and communication: Read the Google reviews sorted by lowest rating to see current pain points.
• Expect add-ons and plan to say “no” until you vet the contracts: Only choose extras that present clear value for your usage pattern.
• Inspections are your leverage: Use an independent inspector and make the sale contingent on defect resolution.
• Document every promise in writing: For delivery condition, timelines, and title processing.
• Know your rights: Wisconsin DATCP, the FTC, and NHTSA are avenues for recourse on deceptive practices and safety defects.

Final Assessment

Based on the weight of recent public feedback and recurring complaint themes tied to the Rhinelander, WI location, shoppers should approach this dealership with a high degree of caution. The most common risks described by consumers include inspection oversights at delivery, unexpected add-on charges, paperwork delays, and long service turnarounds with inconsistent communication. These issues are not unique to this dealer, but the volume and recency of negative reports warrant a disciplined, protection-first buying approach if you decide to proceed.

Our consumer-focused recommendation: Unless you can secure a thorough third-party inspection, a fully itemized out-the-door price without pressure add-ons, and strong written commitments on delivery condition and paperwork timelines, consider shopping other RV dealerships with stronger, more consistent service track records. Proceed here only with robust contingencies and documented safeguards.

If you’ve had direct experience with Shoeder’s RV and Marine in Rhinelander—positive or negative—your insights can meaningfully help other buyers. Contribute your detailed story here so others can make better-informed decisions.