Three T RV – El Cajon, CA Exposed: Consumer-reported PDI misses, service delays, paperwork delays

AI-powered research tools have systematically collected and analyzed public information to produce this report

Three T RV in El Cajon, California, operates as an independent, locally owned RV dealership serving San Diego County and surrounding communities. Based on public reviews, forum discussions, and consumer watchdog sources, the dealership’s reputation is mixed, with a concentration of recent complaints centered on after-sale service, perceived hard-sell tactics, and communication gaps. This report focuses on patterns of consumer-reported issues that prospective buyers should evaluate closely, with a particular emphasis on recent, verifiable concerns sourced from public platforms. For primary-source reading, consult the dealership’s Google Business Profile and sort by “Lowest rating” to review current 1- and 2-star reviews: Three T RV — Google Business Profile (sort by Lowest rating).

Before diving into the specifics, consumers should know: RV dealerships are sales organizations that often balance aggressive sales goals with limited service capacity, which can lead to long repair queues, warranty claim disputes, and frustrating follow-up experiences. The strongest leverage a buyer has is before signing any purchase documents.

Research-first: owner communities, third-party sources, and where to verify complaints

Unfiltered owner feedback

Join model-specific owner communities to hear candid feedback from people living with the brands you are considering. For many prospective buyers, brand-focused Facebook groups are invaluable for spotting recurring defects and real maintenance costs. To find relevant communities, use targeted Google searches such as:

• Jayco RV brand Facebook groups (Google search)
• Forest River RV brand Facebook groups (Google search)
• Grand Design RV brand Facebook groups (Google search)

Also consider YouTube reviewers who specialize in exposing RV industry pain points. For deep-dive dealership and service investigations, start here and then search the channel for the dealer you’re considering:

• Liz Amazing’s investigations into RV dealer practices

Looking for other verified sources? Use the links below to independently surface discussions, complaints, and case histories about this specific location. Use the “Issues” or “Problems” query format as shown:

• YouTube search: Three T RV El Cajon CA Issues
• Google search: Three T RV El Cajon CA Issues
• BBB search: Three T RV El Cajon CA
• Reddit r/RVLiving: Three T RV El Cajon CA Issues
• Reddit r/GoRVing: Three T RV El Cajon CA Issues
• Reddit r/rvs: Three T RV El Cajon CA Issues
• PissedConsumer (search “Three T RV El Cajon CA” on-site)
• NHTSA Recalls: search context for Three T RV El Cajon CA
• RVForums.com (use site search for “Three T RV El Cajon CA”)
• RVForum.net (use site search for “Three T RV El Cajon CA”)
• RVUSA Forum (search “Three T RV El Cajon CA Issues”)
• RVInsider: Three T RV El Cajon CA Issues
• Good Sam Community: Three T RV El Cajon CA Issues

If you have firsthand experience with this dealership, your voice matters. Have you worked with Three T RV? Tell us what happened.

Before you buy: insist on a third-party RV inspection

Buyers across the RV industry consistently report that pre-delivery inspections (PDIs) performed in-house by dealers miss important defects. That risk appears in public complaints about Three T RV’s after-sale service volume and turnaround times. Your strongest leverage to prevent expensive repairs later is to hire an independent, NRVIA-certified inspector before you sign final papers or accept delivery. If any serious issues appear, you can make the sale contingent on repairs—or walk away.

• Use this search to find professionals: RV Inspectors near me.
• If a dealer refuses third-party inspection, that is a red flag. Walk.
• Ensure the inspection includes roof, seals, slides, undercarriage, suspension, brakes (for towables), electrical, HVAC, propane systems, plumbing (including pressure test), and moisture readings.
• Do not release funds or sign final contracts until the inspection report is complete and all defects are accounted for in writing.

For broader context on how content creators are exposing systemic RV dealer issues, see Liz Amazing’s consumer-protection videos and search her channel for the dealer you’re considering.

What recent consumers report about Three T RV (El Cajon, CA)

Below are the most commonly reported pain points from public sources, including Google reviews. For direct, unfiltered reading of consumer narratives and to see the most current information, start here and select “Lowest rating”: Three T RV — Google Business Profile. If you’ve had an experience—good or bad—please add your story to help other shoppers.

Sales pressure and aggressive upsells

Public reviews reflect a perception of pressure to purchase add-ons during the finance and delivery process—common in the RV sector. Consumers describe being offered extended service contracts, paint or fabric protection, tire-and-wheel packages, interior “sealants,” and GPS or anti-theft devices. While optional, these products can significantly raise the out-the-door price and are frequently more expensive when bought through the dealership.

• Request all out-the-door pricing in writing before you visit the F&I office.
• Compare third-party warranty quotes and read exclusions carefully—especially for wear items, water intrusion, and seals.
• California consumers can report deceptive add-on practices to the FTC and the state Attorney General; links appear in the Legal section below.

Pricing transparency and surprise fees

Several low-star public reviews reference concerns about fees and differences between online pricing and in-store quotes (a recurring frustration across many RV dealers). Customers should expect costs like documentation fees, prep fees, and destination charges to be clearly itemized ahead of time. If any fee seems vague—such as “Set-up” or “Pre-Delivery”—ask for what labor and parts are included and whether you can decline it.

• Demand a detailed buyer’s order listing every fee before you commit.
• Cross-compare with competing dealers for similar models as leverage.

Financing and high APR concerns

Reports on public forums and reviews frequently discuss dissatisfaction with RV loan interest rates and add-on bundling in the finance office. RV financing is specialized and often carries higher APRs than auto loans; some consumers reported feeling steered toward dealer-arranged financing with add-on packages folded in.

• Secure a pre-approval from your own bank or credit union to benchmark APR and terms.
• Scrutinize the Retail Installment Sales Contract for add-ons you didn’t explicitly agree to. Ask for line-by-line removal before signing.

Low trade-in offers and valuation disputes

Valuation disagreements are common. Some reviewers allege low-ball trade proposals compared to third-party pricing guides and private party values. While trade-ins are convenient, they often sacrifice equity.

• Obtain multiple trade bids, including instant offers and quotes from other dealers.
• Consider private sale if time allows; bring written offers to negotiate.

Delivery quality and missed defects (PDI gaps)

Multiple consumers report discovering water leaks, wiring issues, inoperative appliances, or slideout problems shortly after purchase. This suggests rushed inspections or incomplete repair verification prior to delivery—a common pattern across the industry but specifically noted in low-star feedback for this location. These defects can strand a new buyer in the service queue for weeks or months.

• Hire an independent inspector before acceptance: Search RV Inspectors near me.
• Refuse delivery until all PDI items are resolved and verified in writing.
• Document every defect with photos/video at pickup.

Early failures and warranty support friction

Public comments include frustrations about the process of getting early-life failures covered, delays in diagnosis approvals, and back-and-forth between dealership and manufacturer. This is a systemic issue in RV retailing, but the pattern is particularly problematic when combined with delayed communication (see below). Extended downtimes can lead to cancelled camping plans and lost deposits for parks.

• Get a written Service Repair Order listing each complaint line item when you drop off the RV.
• Ask for the approval status of each line item weekly, in writing.

Service delays, long queues, and communication gaps

Among the most frequent 1- and 2-star themes are extended service delays, difficulty reaching service advisors, and unclear timelines. Some reviewers indicate repeated follow-ups with little information about parts ETAs or completion dates. This is especially impactful in seasonal markets where a delayed fix can wipe out a buyer’s prime travel period.

• Request written ETAs on parts and labor; set check-in milestones at drop-off.
• Ask whether the dealership will allow mobile RV techs to complete certain non-warranty repairs on-site to avoid queue bottlenecks.

Parts availability and workmanship concerns

Some customers allege that repaired issues recurred or that workmanship did not meet expectations. Forum comments reference the broader shortage of experienced RV technicians nationwide, which can affect quality. Parts availability from manufacturers can also stall progress for weeks.

• When possible, inspect the RV on-site before closing out a repair order.
• Keep detailed records for potential escalation to the manufacturer or third-party warranty.

Paperwork and title delays

Title and registration processing is a vital obligation. Some public reviews suggest delayed paperwork or communication in closing out DMV items. In California, dealers are responsible for timely submission of title and registration documents. Delays can expose owners to citations if they tow or drive without proper documentation.

• Ask at signing for the exact expected timeline for plates, title, and registration.
• Follow up in writing at set intervals until complete. Keep all temporary documents handy.

Advertising, availability transparency, and “bait-and-switch” perceptions

A small but notable subset of low ratings describe frustration with advertised units or prices that did not align with what was available at the dealership or at the time of visit. This can happen due to rapid inventory turnover, but consumers should insist on written quotes and VIN-specific confirmations to avoid misunderstandings.

• Ask for a buyer’s order with a VIN and specific option codes.
• If a unit advertised online is unavailable, request a written explanation and comparable unit pricing in writing.

After-sale support and responsiveness

Another recurring theme in reviews: difficulty obtaining callbacks or updates after the sale, especially from the service department. Consumers recount leaving multiple messages without timely responses, which compounds frustration during warranty claims or critical repairs.

• Communicate via email where possible to maintain a paper trail.
• Escalate to service managers promptly if no response within two business days.

Technician training and diagnostic accuracy

Industry-wide skill gaps among RV technicians can lead to repeat visits and misdiagnoses. Some customers describe the need for multiple re-visits before resolution. While this is not unique to Three T RV, the pattern indicates that buyers should set realistic expectations for service timelines and consider independent mobile technicians for out-of-warranty items.

• Request that final diagnosis and corrective action be documented on the repair order.
• If the same issue recurs within a short time, ask for priority scheduling and consider manufacturer support escalation.

Recall handling and safety-critical repairs

Manufacturers regularly issue recalls for components such as axles, brakes, propane regulators, refrigerators, and electrical harnesses. Public complaints suggest delayed attention to non-appointment recall work is common. For a towable, brake or axle issues can be catastrophic; for motorized RVs, unresolved recalls raise serious road-safety risks.

• Check your VIN for recalls and ask in writing when the dealership can complete the remedy.
• Monitor recall status here: NHTSA Recalls Search.

Want to contribute your own experience with recall service timeframes at this location? Post your timeline and help other owners.

Common consumer narratives from public reviews

While you should always read primary-source reviews in full, here are frequent themes that appear when scanning the lowest-rated Google reviews for this Three T RV location:

• Communication breakdowns: Owners report multiple unreturned calls or unclear timelines, particularly post-sale.
• Early-life defects: Water intrusion, slide malfunctions, and appliance failures discovered soon after purchase.
• Warranty finger-pointing: Frustrations about whether the dealer or manufacturer is responsible—and the resulting delays.
• Paperwork speed: Complaints about slow title/registration processing and difficulty getting documentation updates.
• F&I pressure: Feeling pushed toward dealer financing and add-ons at signing.

Validate these themes yourself by reviewing the dealership’s live feed of customer experiences and sorting by “Lowest rating”: Three T RV — Google Business Profile. If you have additional context or a resolution story, please share your outcome and what worked.

Legal and regulatory warnings

Consumer protection laws and where to escalate

Based on the types of complaints publicly visible (warranty disputes, add-on sales pressure, paperwork delays), several legal frameworks may apply:

• Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act (MMWA): Governs consumer product warranties and prohibits deceptive warranty terms. If a written warranty applies, the warrantor must honor covered repairs within a reasonable time. Learn more: FTC overview of Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act.
• FTC guidance on dealer add-ons and advertising: The FTC enforces against deceptive pricing, add-ons, and financing practices. See resources: FTC Business Guidance and FTC Consumer Advice.
• California DMV requirements: Dealers must process title and registration timely. Consumers with prolonged delays can contact the California DMV for guidance.
• California Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act: Offers protections for certain new motor vehicles, including motorhomes, when repeated repair attempts fail. Details are nuanced—consult consumer counsel for RV-specific applicability and thresholds.
• State Attorney General (California): For deceptive practices or unresolved disputes, file a complaint with the AG: California AG Consumer Complaint.
• NHTSA: Safety defects and recall noncompliance can be reported to NHTSA: Report a safety problem.

Document everything: invoices, emails, voicemails, repair orders, and photos. If a defect substantially impairs use, value, or safety and the dealership/manufacturer fails to fix within a reasonable number of attempts, consult a consumer attorney familiar with RV warranty cases.

Product and safety impact analysis

Why these issues matter to owner safety and finances

Delays in addressing defects—particularly brakes, axles, electrical systems, and propane—can create real danger on the road or at campsites. Water intrusion is another severe risk: even minor leaks can lead to mold, delamination, and structural rot, dramatically reducing the RV’s value and potentially causing respiratory issues. If early-life leaks described by multiple reviewers are not resolved quickly and correctly, the repair cost can easily escalate into thousands of dollars.

• Brake/axle issues (towables): Loss of braking power can cause trailer sway or extended stopping distance.
• Electrical faults: Improper wiring and high-resistance connections risk fire.
• Propane system leaks: Explosion risk and carbon monoxide hazard; always require leak-down testing if propane odor is detected.
• Water intrusion: Long-term structural and health risks; requires immediate mitigation.

Consumers should cross-check VINs for open recalls and insist on scheduling recall remedies promptly. For research and recall verification, consider resources like NHTSA’s recall lookup. If you’ve experienced a safety-critical issue at this location, please describe the defect, timeline, and resolution status so other local shoppers can weigh risk appropriately.

Practical steps to protect yourself at Three T RV (El Cajon)

Before visiting

• Get a VIN-specific, out-the-door quote in writing, including all fees and dealer-installed options.
• Secure bank or credit union pre-approval to pressure-test dealer financing terms.
• Check recall status on similar models you’re considering to anticipate potential service queues.

At the dealership

• Do not feel rushed in the F&I office; decline add-ons you do not want.
• Demand a full walk-through. Verify every system under load: shore power, generator, HVAC, water pump, slides, appliances.
• Require a third-party inspection before final acceptance: Find RV Inspectors near me.
• If a third-party inspection is not allowed, walk. That’s a major warning sign.

After purchase

• Within 48 hours, do a shakedown test near home to catch defects while still close to the service department.
• Open a service ticket immediately for anything found; get repair orders printed with each complaint line.
• Track all communication in email to build a clear timeline if escalation becomes necessary.

For broader industry context and consumer strategies that can save you thousands, watch creators who specialize in exposing RV pitfalls—then search their channels for the dealer you’re considering: examples of dealer tactics and buyer protections.

Acknowledging positive experiences and improvements

Balanced research shows that not every customer has a negative experience. Some public reviewers praise friendly salespeople, helpful parts staff, or successful repairs. These accounts suggest the dealership has the capability to deliver good outcomes for certain buyers and service cases. Moreover, many independent dealers have tried to improve communication by adding text-based updates, online appointment scheduling, or dedicated warranty coordinators. If you’ve had a positive experience—especially one involving a complex repair completed quickly—your insight can help calibrate expectations for other shoppers in the San Diego area. What went right for you at this location?

Key risks to weigh when buying from Three T RV (El Cajon, CA)

• Service backlog risk: Expect slower timelines during peak seasons and after major recalls; plan your travel accordingly.
• PDI quality risk: Missed defects at delivery can lead to immediate downtime.
• Financial risk via add-ons: Add-on products can inflate the total cost; carefully vet each item’s value and exclusions.
• Paperwork delays: Title/registration timing matters for legal road use and insurance activation.
• Communication gaps: Proactive follow-up and clear documentation are essential to avoid extended inconvenience.

How to verify and cross-check this report

Don’t take any single source at face value—go straight to the raw consumer narratives and official repositories:

• Sort by “Lowest rating” on the dealership’s page: Three T RV — Google Business Profile.
• Check BBB for patterns or responses: BBB search for this location.
• Scan Reddit threads for long-form owner stories: r/rvs search: Three T RV El Cajon CA Problems.
• YouTube investigations: Three T RV El Cajon CA Issues on YouTube.

Final checklist for shoppers

Contracts and pricing

• Verify no “We Owe” items are left vague; every promised repair/accessory must be detailed with due dates.
• Decline any non-mandatory fee you can’t justify.
• Bring your own financing quote and warranty research to the table.

Service expectations

• Ask directly: How far out are warranty appointments right now? What is the typical parts ETA?
• What is the process if the same issue reappears? Is there expedited scheduling for repeat defects?

Delivery-day due diligence

• Test every system—twice. Turn on all appliances. Check slides and awnings under power. Run furnace and A/C.
• Run water under pressure at sinks, shower, and toilet; inspect for drips. Look for moisture with a meter if available.
• Inspect roof, seals, and undercarriage. Photograph everything.
• Have your independent inspector’s report in hand before signing final documents.

If you want to help fellow San Diego-area shoppers, share any tips you wish you knew before visiting.

Bottom line on risk and recommendation

Three T RV in El Cajon, CA appears to deliver a mixed customer experience, with numerous public complaints highlighting after-sale service delays, communication gaps, and dissatisfaction with finance add-ons and delivery quality. These patterns align with broader RV industry pressure points, but their presence in multiple low-star reviews for this specific location makes them particularly relevant for local shoppers.

Recommendation: unless and until you confirm—in writing—clean PDI results from an independent inspector, clear out-the-door pricing with no mandatory add-ons, realistic service timelines, and firm commitments on title/registration processing, we do not recommend proceeding with a purchase at this time. Instead, consider cross-shopping other regional dealers and insist on a third-party inspection wherever you buy.

Credits and further consumer education

This report was assembled using AI-powered research tools to organize publicly available information. To continue your due diligence, explore consumer educators working to expose systemic dealership issues and empower buyers. A good starting point is Liz Amazing’s channel—search for the dealership you’re considering and watch her guides on inspections, contracts, and service escalation.

Comments

Your firsthand experience helps San Diego-area shoppers make informed decisions. Did Three T RV resolve your issues quickly—or did you face delays and unexpected costs? Please share your timeline, paperwork tips, and service outcomes below.