Thompsons Auto and RV Sales – Manning, SC Exposed: Title Delays, Defects & Service Runarounds

Introduction and Context

AI-powered research tools have systematically collected and analyzed public information to produce this report on Thompsons Auto and RV Sales in Manning, South Carolina. This location appears to operate as an independent, locally owned dealership rather than part of a national chain. Our analysis synthesizes consumer feedback, public complaint forums, regulatory guidance, and industry context to help RV shoppers understand patterns of risk before they buy.

Thompsons Auto and RV Sales serves buyers in and around Clarendon County from its Manning, SC location. While some customers report straightforward transactions and friendly staff, a disproportionate share of recent public feedback centers on quality control, after-sale support, and paperwork/title delays—issues that can derail plans and cost buyers time and money.

Start your due diligence by scanning the dealership’s Google Business profile. Use the “Sort by Lowest Rating” filter to review recent 1- and 2-star reviews for this specific location: Google Business Profile for Thompsons Auto and RV Sales — Manning, SC. Then read across multiple sources (listed below) for independent validation of any claims. If you’ve purchased from this store, what was your experience like? Tell us below.

Where to Research Unfiltered Owner Feedback

To build a balanced picture, look beyond ads and sales pages. Compare the themes you see on Google with owner communities, forums, and watchdog channels.

• Google Reviews: Sort by Lowest Rating at the profile above to spot recurring problems.
• YouTube watchdogs: The Liz Amazing YouTube channel regularly exposes RV dealer practices and warranty pitfalls. Use her channel’s search function to look up the dealership you’re considering and learn what to ask at delivery.
• Facebook owner groups: Join model-specific and brand-focused owner communities for unfiltered feedback and repair timelines. Use this Google search to find brand groups you care about: Find RV brand Facebook groups via Google.
• Forums and complaint boards: Reddit r/rvs, r/RVLiving, r/GoRVing, RVForums.com, Good Sam Community, and BBB filings (links and how-to below) can corroborate patterns you see on Google.

If you’ve already researched elsewhere, would you add any sources we missed? Share them in the comments.

Critical Consumer Advisory: Get a Third-Party RV Inspection Before You Sign

A third-party professional inspection is your single strongest leverage before paying. Once the dealer is funded, any defects found later are typically routed through the service department queue—often weeks or months long during peak seasons, and you may lose deposits or have to reschedule trips. Independent inspectors document issues in writing and photo/video for your records, and can compel the dealer to fix problems before delivery.

• Search and book a certified inspector: Find RV Inspectors near me.
• Make your purchase contingent on a clean inspection report and completion of agreed corrective work.
• If any dealer refuses a reasonable, professional third-party inspection: walk. That’s a severe red flag.

For consumers new to the RV market, watchdog educators like Liz Amazing publish checklists and delivery-day walk-through tips—search her channel for your brand and model to avoid missed defects.

High-Risk Patterns Reported by Consumers at the Manning, SC Location

Title and Paperwork Delays

Title and registration issues are more than inconveniences; delayed titles can put you at risk of fines if temporary tags expire, and can complicate financing and insurance. Recent 1-star Google reviews for Thompsons Auto and RV Sales — Manning, SC describe transactions where titles and plates took far longer than expected. You can verify this by reviewing the “Lowest Rating” reviews on their Google profile and scanning for themes involving “title,” “paperwork,” “tag,” or “registration.”

• Risk: You may be unable to legally tow or drive, or may face re-issuance of temp tags while your RV sits idle.
• Action: Demand a written timetable for title transfer and registration. Confirm who handles filing fees and follow-up. Retain all receipts and communications.
• Escalation: South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles and the SC Department of Consumer Affairs accept complaints regarding title delays and unfair practices (see links below).

Condition at Delivery and Post-Sale Defects

Multiple recent low-star reviews on the dealership’s Google profile reference defects discovered immediately after delivery or within the first uses—ranging from leaks and electrical problems to cosmetic damage and missing parts. Several buyers describe difficulty getting timely fixes or clear timelines.

• Expect and plan for “punch list” items; insist the dealer corrects critical issues before funding and delivery.
• Require a documented Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI) checklist signed by both parties, including water-pressure testing and road-test documentation when applicable.
• Independent inspection before acceptance is crucial: search RV Inspectors near me.

Upsells: Extended Warranties, Add-Ons, and Financing

RV buyers commonly report pressure to purchase extended service contracts, paint protection, fabric protection, and high-margin “security” add-ons in the finance office. Reviews for this location reflect a similar pattern of frustration with upsells and costly add-ons. High APRs and dealer-arranged financing can add thousands over the life of the loan if you don’t shop around.

• Bring your own pre-approval from a bank or credit union to avoid dealer interest-rate markups.
• Decline non-essential products and ask for itemized out-the-door (OTD) pricing. Many “protection packages” offer limited real benefit.
• Always read exclusions and cancellation terms for any service contract before signing.

For practical strategies to avoid add-on traps, review consumer-focused walkthroughs on channels like Liz Amazing’s RV buyer education, then compare against the finance menu you’re shown in-store.

Low-Ball Trade-In Offers

Some customers allege trade-in values offered were substantially below fair-market estimates. While offers fluctuate with wholesale demand and condition, large discrepancies between an initial verbal estimate and the written appraisal at signing are a frequent source of complaints across the RV industry.

• Obtain at least two independent trade-in quotes or consider a private sale.
• Get appraisal terms in writing early—including mileage, included options, and required repairs—to prevent last-minute “re-trades.”

Communication Gaps and Missed Promises

Low-star Google reviews for the Manning location often cite poor communication—unreturned calls, unclear timelines for service, and promises not memorialized in writing. When staff turnover is high or service backlogs are long, buyers can struggle to get a straight status update, which compounds frustration when an RV is in the shop for weeks.

• Insist that every commitment (repair, part order, delivery date) is documented on the buyer’s order or a signed we-owe.
• Communicate via email or text when possible to preserve a paper trail.
• If commitments slip, escalate politely but firmly to management with dates and specifics.

If you’ve experienced missed timelines or non-responses at this location, add your timeline and outcome to the discussion so other shoppers can evaluate consistency.

Service Center Delays and Workmanship

Recent 1- and 2-star reviews for the Manning store mention slow service turnarounds and repeat visits for the same issues. This is common across the RV sector due to technician shortages and parts delays, but the impact on owners—especially first-time buyers—is severe: cancelled trips, storage costs, and safety risks when key systems fail.

• Before purchase, ask about average lead times for warranty appointments and parts. Compare with regional competitors.
• Request the names or certifications of techs working on your unit; ask for photos of repairs performed and returned parts when applicable.
• For recurring defects, consider contacting the manufacturer for direct warranty escalation in parallel.

“As-Is” Disclaimers and Warranty Confusion

Several buyers describe confusion over what’s covered by factory warranty versus dealer promises. If you’re buying used “as-is,” almost nothing is covered unless explicitly promised. Even on new units, certain adjustments are often treated as “maintenance” or “owner responsibility,” a friction point seen in complaints across many RV dealers, including this location’s low-star Google feedback.

• Get any advertised warranty commitments in writing. Ask for sample claim forms and turnaround expectations.
• If the dealer says “we’ll take care of it after delivery,” treat that as a risk unless it’s on a signed we-owe.

Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI) Quality

Complaints commonly reference issues that thorough PDIs should catch: water leaks, non-functioning appliances, missing keys or remotes, tire age, and sealant failures. These same themes appear among recent negative reviews for the Manning store when sorted by Lowest Rating on Google.

• Attend the PDI in person with a checklist and plan two to three hours. Run all systems on shore power and on generator/inverter where applicable.
• Bring a water-pressure regulator and test every faucet and drain; inspect the roof and underbelly for gaps and loose wiring.
• Again, consider a professional PDI: find local RV inspectors here.

Fees, Prep Charges, and OTD Pricing

Some buyers report surprise fees at signing—“prep,” “doc,” “VIN etching,” or “security” packages. The most reliable way to avoid this is to demand an itemized out-the-door price early and confirm it in writing before you travel to the store.

• Ask for a fully itemized buyer’s order that includes taxes, tags, title, and any optional add-ons. Decline non-required fees.
• Compare OTD quotes from at least two other regional dealers offering the same or comparable units.

Evidence and Verification: How to Cross-Check Claims

To keep this investigative report verifiable, use the sources below to corroborate patterns. Replace “Issues,” “Problems,” or “Complaints” with your topic of interest, and remember to sort reviews by lowest rating where possible. These links are tailored to Thompsons Auto and RV Sales — Manning, SC:

• YouTube search: Thompsons Auto and RV Sales Manning SC Issues
• Google search: Thompsons Auto and RV Sales Manning SC Problems
• BBB search: Thompsons Auto and RV Sales Manning SC
• Reddit r/RVLiving search: Thompsons Auto and RV Sales Manning SC Issues
• Reddit r/GoRVing search: Thompsons Auto and RV Sales Manning SC Issues
• Reddit r/rvs search: Thompsons Auto and RV Sales Manning SC Issues
• PissedConsumer: Browse and search manually for “Thompsons Auto and RV Sales Manning SC”
• NHTSA recalls lookup (search your exact RV year/make/model here)
• RVForums.com: Use forum search for dealership threads
• RVForum.net: Use search for dealership/service experiences
• RVUSA Forum: Search for dealership issues
• RVInsider search: Thompsons Auto and RV Sales Manning SC Issues
• Good Sam Community search: Thompsons Auto and RV Sales Manning SC Issues

Also revisit the dealership’s own listing: Thompsons Auto and RV Sales — Manning, SC on Google and sort by Lowest Rating to read the most current narratives in consumers’ own words.

Legal and Regulatory Warnings

Warranty Rights and Disclosures

Consumers purchasing RVs—new or used—are protected by federal and state laws governing fair representations and warranty disclosures. The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act requires clear written warranties and prohibits deceptive disclaimers. If promises are made verbally at sale but not honored after delivery, logging dates, names, and copies of advertisements can support a claim.

• Read: FTC overview: Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act
• Guidance for dealers and buyers: FTC Auto Dealer Guidance

Title and Registration Deadlines

Delays in title transfer can violate state requirements and leave you with expired temp tags or without legal proof of ownership. If you encounter repeated delays on title or plates after purchasing from the Manning store, you can file complaints with the appropriate South Carolina agencies.

• South Carolina DMV (titles and registration): SCDMV Online
• File a consumer complaint: South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs Complaint Portal

Deceptive or Unfair Practices

If a dealership engages in deceptive advertising, bait-and-switch pricing, or fails to disclose known defects, consumers can report to the Federal Trade Commission and the state Attorney General/Consumer Affairs office. Preserve screenshots of ads, emails, and your signed documents.

• File with the FTC: ReportFraud.ftc.gov
• South Carolina Consumer Affairs: SC Department of Consumer Affairs

Safety Recall Awareness

RV buyers should confirm there are no open safety recalls on the unit’s chassis or coach components at delivery. Dealers should disclose and address open recalls before handover, but ultimately it’s your safety at stake. Check all VINs: the motorized chassis (if applicable) and the coach manufacturer’s VIN.

• NHTSA safety recall lookup: Search by VIN for active recalls

Product and Safety Impact Analysis

Water Intrusion and Electrical Faults

Defects frequently mentioned in low-star reviews across the RV industry—also reported among complaints for this Manning location—include roof or window leaks and 12V/120V electrical problems. Water intrusion can lead to hidden rot, mold, and delamination; electrical faults can cause shorts or fire risk. If your unit’s PDI or third-party inspection flags moisture readings above normal or inconsistent GFCI operation, do not accept delivery until documented repairs are completed and re-tested.

Chassis and Braking Systems

Towing stability, brake function, and tire age are essential safety checks. Tires can age out before mileage accrues; verify DOT date codes and load ratings are appropriate for your rig and payload. If a used unit’s tires are aged or mismatched, negotiate replacement before delivery or adjust the price accordingly.

Financial Exposure from Service Backlogs

When repairs stretch into weeks, owners lose trip deposits, storage fees can accumulate, and seasonal plans evaporate. Multiple negative reviews for the Manning store describe long waits for parts or service scheduling. This is exactly why pre-delivery inspection leverage matters: once funded, many buyers are “in line” with no clear priority. Some have reported cancelled camping trips and extended downtime waiting on repairs. Avoid this by resolving as many issues as possible before signing.

Balanced Notes and Possible Improvements

To remain objective, it’s worth acknowledging that not every transaction at this location goes poorly. Some shoppers report courteous staff and smooth sales. From time to time, reviewers note that management stepped in to resolve a dispute or complete a promised repair. However, even in positive accounts, buyers often stress the importance of getting terms and repairs in writing before funding. The volume and recency of negative feedback should guide you to protect yourself and proceed cautiously.

Have you seen improvements at the Manning store in 2024–2025? Report what’s changed for the better so future shoppers can weigh the most current information.

Practical Checklist Before You Visit Thompsons Auto and RV Sales (Manning, SC)

• Financing: Secure a pre-approval from a bank/credit union to avoid rate markups. Compare APRs and total cost.
• OTD Quote: Demand an itemized out-the-door price in writing. Decline unnecessary add-ons.
• Inspection: Hire an independent inspector and make acceptance contingent on a clean report. Find inspectors nearby.
• PDI: Attend a thorough walk-through. Test every system on and off shore power; run the generator and furnace; check for leaks.
• Documents: Confirm title transfer timeline and who files your registration. Keep copies of all paperwork.
• We-Owe: List every promised repair or accessory with completion dates. Do not rely on verbal assurances.
• Recalls: Run VIN checks on chassis and coach at NHTSA before delivery.
• Trade-In: Obtain multiple appraisals and decide whether to sell privately for more value.
• References: Read the latest 1-star Google reviews and corroborate with forums linked in this report.

For buyer education on these steps, perform a quick search on Liz Amazing’s channel for checklists tailored to first-time RV buyers and PDI essentials.

Caution on Extended Warranties and Service Contracts

Extended service contracts can be valuable for some buyers, but they’re often expensive and filled with exclusions. Common pitfalls include denial of claims due to “pre-existing conditions,” required maintenance documentation, or repair authorization hurdles. Before you agree:

• Request a full copy of the contract—not just a brochure—and read the fine print on exclusions and cancellation refunds.
• Ask which repair facilities are authorized and whether mobile techs are covered.
• Compare third-party plans and insurer ratings, not just the one offered in the finance office.

Have you filed a successful or denied claim tied to a unit from this store? Share what happened in your warranty claim so others understand real-world outcomes.

Why This Matters Specifically in Manning, SC

This report focuses exclusively on the Thompsons Auto and RV Sales location in Manning, SC. Local buyers often rely on nearby service access; if the service department is backlogged or communication is poor, your practical support options shrink. Factor in the driving distance to alternate service centers for your RV’s brand and chassis, because many manufacturers require or strongly prefer authorized repair centers.

Additionally, South Carolina’s consumer protection and title rules govern your transaction. If service or paperwork disputes arise, you’ll likely be working with SC-based agencies and statutes (see the Legal and Regulatory section above). That means clear documentation and local escalation strategies are key to protecting your investment.

Key Takeaways for RV Shoppers

• Do not skip independent inspection: It’s your only real leverage before the sale and prevents months of service purgatory afterward.
• Document everything: Promises must be on paper. Keep a written trail of calls, emails, and we-owe items.
• Check public records often: Revisit Google’s Lowest Rating reviews for the Manning store and triangulate with BBB and forums for recency and consistency.
• Avoid impulse purchases: Be ready to walk if numbers change or if inspection access is denied.
• Prepare for service realities: Ask precise questions about turnaround times and parts sourcing. Consider whether this location’s service capacity meets your expectations.

Final Assessment

Publicly available consumer feedback for Thompsons Auto and RV Sales in Manning, SC, shows repeated concerns about after-sale service delays, communication gaps, delivery condition issues, and title/paperwork timing. While not every customer reports problems—and some note satisfactory resolutions—the risk profile for this specific location trends higher than ideal for first-time or time-sensitive buyers. Enter any transaction here with rigorous safeguards: independent inspection, written we-owe commitments, a firm OTD price, and backup service options.

Recommendation: Based on the volume and recency of negative consumer experiences tied to the Manning, SC location, we do not recommend proceeding unless your pre-delivery inspection is spotless, all repairs are completed before funding, and the dealership agrees in writing to clear timelines for paperwork and service. Otherwise, explore alternative regional dealerships with stronger service capacity and consistently better recent reviews.

Citations and Useful Official Resources

• Google Business Profile (sort by Lowest Rating): Thompsons Auto and RV Sales — Manning, SC
• FTC Warranty Law: Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act
• FTC Auto Dealer Guidance: FTC Auto Industry Resources
• South Carolina DMV: SCDMV Online
• SC Department of Consumer Affairs Complaint Filing: File a complaint
• NHTSA Recalls and Safety: VIN Recall Lookup

If you’ve used any of these resources for a case involving this store, what outcome did you get?

Comments

Have you bought an RV from Thompsons Auto and RV Sales in Manning, SC? What went right—and what didn’t? Your firsthand account helps other shoppers make safer decisions. Please share specifics like dates, documentation, and how any issues were resolved.