Swifts Camper Sales- State Road, NC Exposed: PDI Failures, Title Delays & Long Service Backlogs

(Serious Concern)

Many RV dealerships, including small independents, struggle with pre-delivery inspection (PDI) quality control. Consumers commonly report that units are released with leaks, non-functioning appliances, slide issues, missing parts, or cosmetic damage that becomes “your problem” after the paperwork is signed. Before you hand over a deposit or finalize financing, make your purchase contingent upon an independent, third-party inspection performed on the lot. Use: Google search: RV Inspectors near me. If the dealer won’t allow it, that’s a major red flag—walk.

Why this matters: once paid, you lose leverage. If substantial defects appear after you take possession, the dealership’s service queue may push you “to the back of the line,” causing weeks or months of lost use, cancelled trips, and short-term storage or lodging costs. Insist that all defects are corrected before delivery, and document a detailed “We Owe” list signed by a manager.

Pro tip: bring a moisture meter, test every water fixture, run heating/cooling, extend/retract slides multiple times, and test GFCIs. Consider a second opinion inspector if the first is rushed or refuses a roof inspection. You can also compare findings by contacting more than one independent inspector through another search: find another RV inspector near you.

(Moderate Concern)

Reports concerning smaller, independent RV dealers often center on aggressive upsells (extended service contracts, paint protection, interior coatings, etching, or costly add-on packages). Some buyers allege that add-ons are pre-loaded onto paperwork, and that they felt pressured to accept them during a fast-moving closing process.

• Watch for unexpected “protection plan” line items and “market adjustments.” Ask for an out-the-door quote in writing and compare it to your final paperwork.
• Decline any add-ons you don’t fully understand—most third-party warranty products contain exclusions that mirror manufacturer defects, offering less coverage than expected.
• If a salesperson claims “this is mandatory,” ask for the statute or lender requirement in writing.

Learn how upsells work—and what to avoid—by watching investigative pieces on the Liz Amazing channel’s RV dealership videos. Then search her channel for the exact dealer or brand you’re considering.

(Moderate Concern)

Some consumers allege that dealer-arranged financing includes interest rate markups, dealer reserves, and add-on products that inflate the loan without clear disclosure. A reputable dealer will provide the lender name, APR, term length, and a clean itemization of every optional product in the finance menu.

• Get a pre-approval from your own bank or credit union. Use it to compare the dealer’s offer side by side.
• Decline GAP, tire-and-wheel, or extended warranties unless you’ve read the contracts and confirmed coverage is worth the premium.
• Never sign an incomplete buyer’s order. Verify tax, tag, and doc fees are accurate for North Carolina.

(Moderate Concern)

It is common for dealers to present attractive list prices, then recoup margin by offering low trade-in values or by requiring add-ons. Some buyers report discovering substantial gaps between appraisal expectations and final trade figures on signing day.

• Obtain multiple trade offers (Carvana/RV consignment/other dealers) before you negotiate.
• Get the trade allowance in writing early, subject only to inspection, and note any reconditioning fees.
• Consider selling the RV privately to avoid a depressed trade allowance.

(Serious Concern)

Across the industry, delayed titles and registration mistakes are a frequent source of low-star reviews and Attorney General complaints. When buyers cannot obtain plates, they become vulnerable to ticketing, towing, or travel disruptions.

• Before paying, confirm how soon the title and registration will be completed. Ask for an estimated date in writing and a point of contact.
• Inspect every document for VIN accuracy. A one-digit error can delay plates for weeks.
• If delays exceed what’s normal in NC, follow up in writing and escalate promptly to management.

Consumers who believe they were misled may consult the North Carolina Attorney General’s office under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act (for warranty-related claims) and the state’s Unfair and Deceptive Trade Practices statutes. Filing a complaint can prompt faster attention to paperwork issues.

(Serious Concern)

Repeated consumer narratives in the broader RV market describe rigs handed over with leaks, non-functional slide-outs, or inoperative appliances—things a thorough PDI should catch. When this occurs, buyers may lose prime camping time as their “new” RV queues for service repairs.

• Do not accept delivery if material issues remain unresolved. Reschedule instead.
• Photograph and document each defect and ensure there’s a signed “We Owe” list.
• Leverage your right to a pre-purchase, third-party inspection: locate an RV inspector in your area.

(Serious Concern)

Independent service departments often run lean, and parts pipelines for RVs are notorious for delays. Consumers frequently report lengthy downtimes—sometimes measured in months—especially when warranty authorization and parts must come from the manufacturer.

• Ask the service manager for the current average lead time on repairs and whether they prioritize sold-units versus outside work.
• Get an estimated completion date in writing along with escalation contacts.
• Request that your rig remains accessible for inspection if delays persist. Consider moving the unit if progress stalls.

For insight into how service bottlenecks happen and what to do, see investigative coverage on the Liz Amazing channel’s RV service backlog videos.

(Moderate Concern)

Buyers at many dealers report frustration when warranty claims are denied as “wear and tear” or “owner misuse,” or when they’re told to contact the manufacturer directly. While dealerships often must submit photos and diagnostics to manufacturers, poor documentation or lack of follow-up can leave owners in limbo.

• Request pre-approval documentation for each warranty repair and ask to be copied on communications with the manufacturer.
• Keep maintenance logs and photos to counter claims of misuse.
• If a third-party service contract is involved, ask for the coverage matrix and exclusions in writing; escalate denials with the contract administrator.

(Moderate Concern)

Parts bottlenecks are an industry-wide pain point. Consumers sometimes allege poor communication about part ETAs or that a unit with an open safety recall wasn’t flagged prior to delivery. While federal law primarily restricts the sale of new vehicles with open safety recalls, any unit (new or used) with unresolved safety defects poses risk.

• Ask the dealer to check for open recalls by VIN for every chassis and component brand involved in your RV.
• Set follow-up intervals for parts ETAs and request tracking information when possible.
• Consult the NHTSA database to understand recall scope and remedies: NHTSA recall search (contextual).

(Moderate Concern)

Some buyers across the RV market report discovering that certain advertised features were missing or not configured as described (e.g., solar-prep capabilities, towing capacities, winterization claims). Misunderstandings can stem from inexperienced sales staff or inaccurate online listings.

• Cross-check the exact VIN’s build sheet and options list. Don’t rely on generic model descriptions.
• Verify capacities (GVWR, CCC, tow rating) on the actual unit label and owner’s manual.
• Confirm that any promised add-ons are installed and functional before final payment.

(Moderate Concern)

One of the most common triggers for 1- and 2-star reviews industry-wide is feeling “ghosted” after the sale—calls not returned, status updates missed, or warranty paperwork left unsubmitted. Smaller operations can be especially vulnerable to staff turnover and scheduling gaps.

• Establish a single point of contact and ask for backup contacts (service manager, title clerk, GM).
• Summarize key requests and deadlines via email so there’s a time-stamped trail.
• Escalate promptly if promised timelines slip, and consider in-person visits for stalled cases.

If you’ve experienced communication gaps here, record your timeline in the comments so other shoppers can learn from it.

(Moderate Concern)

When consumers allege misrepresentation, failure to disclose known defects, or unfair sales practices, several laws may be relevant:

• Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act: Federal law governing written warranties on consumer products. If a warranty is promised or sold, the dealer and manufacturer must comply with its terms. Learn more: FTC: Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act.
• FTC Act and FTC Auto-related enforcement: Deceptive or unfair practices are prohibited. While targeted at motor vehicle dealers, similar principles apply to RVs. Overview: Federal Trade Commission.
• North Carolina Unfair and Deceptive Trade Practices Act (UDTPA): Prohibits deceptive or unfair acts in commerce. Consumers may seek relief for proven violations through the NC Attorney General.
• NHTSA Safety Recalls: Dealerships should assist owners in addressing recall remedies and avoid delivering new units with known open safety recalls. Recall guidance: NHTSA Recalls portal.

If you believe a promise made at Swifts Camper Sales (State Road, NC) was not honored, document everything. Send a certified letter demanding performance (e.g., title delivery, promised repairs) and file a complaint with appropriate regulators if needed.

(Serious Concern)

Undetected leaks can lead to rot, delamination, mold exposure, and electrical shorts—safety and health hazards that escalate quickly. Even “new” RVs may have seam, slide, or roof defects from the factory. If PDI is weak, the owner inherits these risks.

• Carry a moisture meter during the walk-through and inspect under-bay and ceiling areas.
• Check soft spots on flooring and bubbles in sidewalls (possible delamination).
• Insist on resealing or repair before delivery if any moisture is detected.

(Serious Concern)

Misadjusted brakes, worn tires, or axle alignment problems can lead to catastrophic failure on the road. Many low-star reviews in the wider RV market cite poor handling or premature tire wear shortly after purchase.

• Ask for a documented brake adjustment and torque check prior to delivery.
• Confirm tire date codes; older “new” tires can be unsafe.
• Have a third-party shop verify axle alignment if you note uneven tire wear.

(Serious Concern)

Improperly connected propane lines or defective regulators can leak, while loose battery connections can spark. A thorough PDI should include leak tests and electrical checks. Encourage the dealer to demonstrate LP leak tests and GFCI operation.

• Carry a handheld LP detector during your inspection.
• Test all 120V outlets with a polarity tester and ensure GFCIs trip and reset.
• Confirm that a licensed tech has inspected gas appliances with documentation.

(Moderate Concern)

• Request an out-the-door price with all fees in writing.
• Have the salesperson list every included accessory and option on the buyer’s order.
• Require a written “We Owe” for any post-delivery items or repairs.

(Serious Concern)

• Schedule a third-party inspection at the dealer’s lot before signing. If they refuse outside inspectors, consider it a deal-breaker.
• Ask the service manager to attend your PDI and sign off on discovered defects and completion dates.
• Record your walk-through on video and photograph any pre-existing damage.
• Search for owner reports by VIN or model on forums and YouTube. Start with: YouTube search for this dealership’s issues and explore consumer education videos by Liz Amazing.

(Moderate Concern)

• Write a concise timeline with dates, names, and attachments (photos, invoices).
• Email the service manager and CC the general manager, requesting a completion timeline.
• For warranty concerns, request copies of submissions to the manufacturer, including claim numbers.
• If deadlines slip repeatedly, consider a certified demand letter and file complaints with the BBB and state regulators.
• Share factual updates with owner communities to crowdsource advice. You can also post an update here.