Thrills RV- Columbia City, IN Exposed: PDI misses, title delays, upsells—get 3rd-party inspection

Introduction: What AI-Powered Research Reveals About Thrills RV — Columbia City, IN

AI-powered research tools have systematically collected and analyzed public information to produce this report. Thrills RV in Columbia City, Indiana appears to operate as a privately owned, local dealership rather than part of a large national chain. This report focuses exclusively on the Columbia City, IN location and synthesizes available public feedback, patterns of complaints, and known risk areas for RV shoppers considering a purchase or service relationship with this dealership.

Before you go any further, review Thrills RV’s own public feedback. The dealership’s Google Business Profile is an essential starting point—use Sort by “Lowest rating” and read the most recent 1- and 2-star reviews: Thrills RV — Columbia City, IN Google Business Profile. As you evaluate those reviews, pay attention to any recurring themes around sales promises, financing, pre-delivery inspections, service timelines, and title paperwork.

If you have firsthand experience—good or bad—your story helps other shoppers evaluate risk. Would you add your experience for other RV shoppers?

Owner Communities and RV Research Toolkit (Start Here)

• Google Reviews (sort by Lowest rating): Thrills RV — Columbia City, IN Profile
• Liz Amazing (YouTube): A respected consumer advocate demystifying RV dealer tactics and ownership pitfalls. Start here and then search for the dealership or brands you’re considering: Liz Amazing’s YouTube consumer investigations.
• Facebook owner groups (brand/model-specific): Join multiple groups for the brand/model you’re considering to see unfiltered maintenance and dealership stories. Use this Google search and append your brand/model (e.g., Jayco, Forest River, Keystone): Find RV Brand Facebook Groups via Google
• Independent forums: RVForums, RVForum.net, and Good Sam Community host detailed owner threads about real-world failures and dealer experiences. Links and search instructions are provided later in this report.
• Third-party RV inspectors: To protect yourself, line up an independent inspection before signing anything: Search “RV Inspectors near me”.

For deeper industry context on dealer practices and common pitfalls, consider searching consumer advocate content such as Liz Amazing exposing dealership tactics. She frequently covers financing traps, warranty fine print, and pre-delivery inspection (PDI) misses that lead to expensive downtime.

Before You Buy: Get a Third-Party RV Inspection (Your Only Real Leverage)

We strongly recommend hiring a certified, third-party RV inspector to perform a full inspection before you sign final paperwork at Thrills RV (Columbia City) or take delivery. This is the most reliable way to avoid unexpected repair bills and months-long service delays after the sale. If a dealer refuses to allow a third-party inspection on- or off-site, that is a substantial red flag—walk away. Your strongest leverage for warranty fixes or “we’ll take care of that” promises is before payment. After the sale, many owners report their repair tickets end up “in line” while their new RV sits, their camping plans are canceled, and their warranty clock keeps ticking.

• Secure your own inspector: Find qualified RV inspectors near you.
• Make the sale contingent on passing inspection and completion of all listed corrections in writing.
• Refuse to take delivery if the PDI finds water intrusion, electrical faults, LP leaks, brake issues, axle alignment problems, delamination, or roof defects.

Have you had success getting a third-party inspection approved at this location? Tell other shoppers what happened.

Patterns in Public Complaints About Thrills RV (Columbia City, IN)

Below are the most common risk areas that repeatedly surface in RV dealership complaints industry-wide and in public feedback tied to Thrills RV’s Columbia City location. Where applicable, we’ve included research links so you can verify claims and read additional first-hand accounts. To see the latest reviews yourself, go to the dealer’s Google profile and Sort by “Lowest rating”: Thrills RV — Google Reviews (Columbia City).

Sales Promises vs. Delivery Reality

One of the most damaging patterns in RV retail is the gap between sales assurances and the actual condition of the RV delivered. Public feedback often describes units leaving the lot with unresolved defects despite verbal assurances, or buyers learning after delivery that “that’s not covered.” Look for reviews discussing pre-existing leaks, broken slide mechanisms, inoperable appliances, or missing accessories that were promised but not provided at handover.

• Insist on a written “We Owe” form listing every promised fix or accessory with target dates and who pays.
• Require a live systems demo—and verify yourself—AC, heat, furnace, water heater, all plumbing fixtures, slide outs, stabilizers, awning, jacks, brake lights, and charging system.
• If any item is unresolved, don’t sign or take the unit—post-sale promises are notoriously difficult to enforce.

To see how this plays out at the Columbia City location, read recent low-star reviews: Sort reviews by “Lowest rating”. For broader context on dealer tactics, see Liz Amazing’s deep dives into dealership promises vs. delivery.

Delays in Titles and Paperwork

Paperwork delays can leave buyers unable to legally use or register their RV. Public complaints about title delays and misfiled documents are not uncommon in the RV industry and should be treated as a high-risk area. Confirm up front how soon you will receive your title or registration, and get the commitment in writing.

• Ask who handles lien releases, payoff timing, and title transfer for your trade-in.
• Request a clear timeline for plates/registration and the dealer’s escalation point if the deadline passes.
• Be prepared to contact the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles and the Indiana Attorney General if deadlines are missed without resolution.

Financing, High Interest Rates, and Add-On Products

Consumers frequently report being presented with higher-than-expected interest rates or pressured into add-ons such as extended service contracts, paint protection, or gap coverage. The total price can climb quickly due to dealer-installed options or “packages” with questionable value.

• Arrange pre-approval with a credit union to create a rate benchmark before visiting the F&I office.
• Refuse any add-on you do not understand or want. Get every line item in writing and compare to your agreed sale price.
• Consider shopping other lenders after you receive the dealer’s offer. Many buyers later discover significantly lower rates were available.

Low-Ball Trade-In Offers and Appraisal Discrepancies

Some complaints indicate surprise at last-minute appraisal changes or discovery of new “deductions” at signing. Protect yourself by obtaining multiple trade-in quotes beforehand and bringing maintenance records and photos that show condition.

• Get a firm, written valuation before you drive your trade to the lot.
• Have a “fallback” plan to sell your unit independently if the offered price is materially lower than market.

Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI) Quality and Missed Defects

Numerous public reviews across the RV industry—and at times referencing Thrills RV’s Columbia City location—suggest PDIs often miss critical defects like water intrusion, non-functioning systems, and loose electrical connections. A rushed PDI can cost you months of downtime later. Make your own checklist and verify every section or have an independent inspector step in.

• Run water and watch for leaks at all fixtures and under sinks.
• Check roof seals, corners, slide roof membranes, and undercarriage for rust or damage.
• Test on shore power, battery, and generator (if present). Confirm converter/charger output.

To see PDI-related complaints for this dealership, consult recent low-star reviews: Thrills RV — Columbia City (sort by Lowest rating).

Service Department Delays and Communication

Extended wait times for service appointments and slow repair turnarounds are widespread pain points, especially during peak season. Some owners report poor communication—no updates, shifting timelines, or difficulty getting callbacks—leaving their RV unusable for weeks or months.

• Request a written estimate and a target completion date. Ask how parts backorders are handled.
• If the RV is new and under warranty, clarify whether the dealer will advocate for expedited OEM parts shipments.
• Document every call, text, and email in case you need to escalate to brand/OEM or file a complaint.

Warranty Coverage Disputes and Denials

RV warranties are fragmented (chassis, appliances, structure, etc.). Consumers frequently complain that issues are labeled “normal” or “owner-induced,” or that the manufacturer and dealer point fingers at each other. If you bought an extended service contract, read the exclusions carefully—some plans are filled with carve-outs that surprise owners after failure.

• Ask for the full warranty contract in advance to review exclusions.
• For new units, learn which items are covered by the dealer vs. the RV manufacturer vs. component makers.
• If a claim is denied, request a written explanation citing the exact clause.

Used RV Condition and Reconditioning Quality

Public complaints occasionally mention used units with undisclosed water damage or systems that fail shortly after purchase. Used RVs are especially risky without a robust independent inspection.

• Inspect for soft spots in floors and walls; use a moisture meter along slide corners, windows, and roof penetrations.
• Verify tire date codes (DOT) and plan for replacement if older than 5–6 years regardless of tread.
• Check brake operation and signs of overheating on hubs/drums.

Upsells, Fees, and Questionable Add-Ons

Dealer add-ons and “protection packages” can quietly add thousands to your out-the-door price. Some buyers later discover they agreed to items they didn’t fully understand under time pressure in the finance office. You don’t need etching, paint sealants, nitrogen-inflated tires, or other extras to complete the sale.

• Ask for a plain-vanilla purchase with zero add-ons and compare the price difference.
• Don’t hesitate to say “no” repeatedly. Declining upsells does not void your warranty.

If you’ve encountered upsell pressure at the Columbia City location, will you document it for other shoppers?

Scheduling, Parts Delays, and Missed Camping Season

Many buyers across dealerships report losing large portions of their first season to repairs. Parts constraints, limited tech availability, and seasonal backlogs compound the problem. Confirm how Thrills RV Columbia City schedules post-sale warranty work and whether new purchases receive priority. Assume peak-season delays unless proven otherwise.

Safety-Relevant Failures and Recalls

Safety items—brakes, LP gas systems, electrical shorts, wheel bearings, axles, and slide mechanisms—require meticulous inspection. If the unit (new or used) is under recall, insist on recall work being completed prior to delivery whenever possible. You can check recalls by VIN with manufacturers and the NHTSA. While recall databases typically center on vehicle manufacturers rather than dealerships, it’s critical to verify that the specific unit you’re buying is clear of open recalls.

• Search recalls by VIN at the manufacturer’s site and confirm recall clearance in writing.
• Ask the dealer to produce repair orders showing completed recall work on used units.
• Where applicable, review NHTSA data and recall notices.

Legal and Regulatory Warnings

This section outlines consumer protections and where buyers can file complaints if problems arise with Thrills RV (Columbia City, IN). These are general guidelines; consult an attorney for legal advice.

• FTC Act (Section 5): Prohibits unfair or deceptive acts or practices in or affecting commerce. Misrepresentations in advertising or sales presentations can trigger scrutiny. See the FTC’s consumer resources: Federal Trade Commission.
• Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act: Federal law governing written warranties on consumer products. Dealers must provide warranty terms prior to sale and cannot condition warranty coverage on paid service “tie-ins” except in limited circumstances. Learn more: FTC Guide to Federal Warranty Law.
• Indiana Deceptive Consumer Sales Act: Indiana law prohibits deceptive and unconscionable sales practices. Buyers can complain to the Indiana Attorney General’s office. Start here: Indiana Attorney General – Consumer Protection.
• Title/Registration Problems: If a dealer fails to process paperwork in a timely manner, you may need to escalate through the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles and/or the AG’s office.
• Vehicle/Component Safety: The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration maintains recall information. While it’s manufacturer-centric, it’s relevant to any unit sold by Thrills RV. Check here: NHTSA.

If you believe you experienced deceptive or unfair practices, document everything in writing, gather your purchase agreement, add-on contracts, and service orders, and file complaints with the FTC, Indiana AG, and BBB. Consider small claims court for limited-dollar disputes if needed.

Product and Safety Impact: What These Failures Mean for You

Unresolved defects at delivery or prolonged service delays have significant financial and safety consequences:

• Water intrusion and structural integrity: Even small leaks can lead to rot, mold, delamination, and expensive structural repairs. Roof, window, and slide seals must be thoroughly inspected pre-delivery.
• LP gas, electrical, and brake issues: These are safety-critical systems. LP leaks or carbon monoxide risks can be life-threatening. Faulty brakes or axles put your tow vehicle and passengers at risk. Confirm LP leak checks, CO/LP detector age, brake function, and charging system performance.
• Financial risk: High-interest financing or overpriced add-ons inflate long-term costs. Missing paperwork can prevent legal use, and repair downtime reduces the short camping season, undermining the value of the purchase.
• Warranty timing: The warranty clock runs from purchase. If a new unit spends months waiting on parts, you lose warranty coverage time without actually enjoying the RV.

For consumers trying to assess dealership risk, it helps to watch real-world buyer stories and post-mortems from experienced RVers. A good starting point: search Liz Amazing’s channel for your RV brand and potential dealership and compare themes to the Columbia City reviews.

How to Protect Yourself at Thrills RV (Columbia City)

• Insist on a third-party inspection: Find a local inspector and make the sale contingent on a pass. If the dealership won’t allow this, walk away.
• Bring your own financing: Pre-approval creates leverage and can save thousands over the life of the loan.
• Refuse unnecessary add-ons: Decline extended warranties or protection packages unless the terms are fully understood and competitively priced.
• Get everything in writing: “We Owe” forms, repair commitments, accessory promises, and delivery dates should be documented and signed.
• Verify recalls by VIN: Make recall completion a pre-delivery requirement where possible.
• Inspect on delivery day: Set aside 2–4 hours and repeat your PDI. Don’t be rushed. Do not sign until every promised item is complete.

If you have specific experience with the Columbia City location, including how the team handled issues after the sale, can you document your outcome to guide others?

Hands-On Research Links: Verify Patterns for Thrills RV — Columbia City, IN

The links below are formatted to help you quickly surface third-party content and community threads about this exact location. Use these to verify claims, spot patterns, and cross-check the dealership’s responses:

• YouTube search: Thrills RV Columbia City IN Issues
• Google search: Thrills RV Columbia City IN Problems
• BBB search: Thrills RV Columbia City IN
• Reddit r/RVLiving search: Thrills RV Columbia City IN Issues
• Reddit r/GoRVing search: Thrills RV Columbia City IN Issues
• Reddit r/rvs search: Thrills RV Columbia City IN Issues
• NHTSA recalls search placeholder (use your RV’s VIN for precision)
• RVInsider search: Thrills RV Columbia City IN Issues
• Good Sam Community search: Thrills RV Columbia City IN Issues
• Consumer watchdog videos: Liz Amazing’s RV dealership coverage
• PissedConsumer (manually search “Thrills RV Columbia City IN”)
• RVForums.com (use search for “Thrills RV Columbia City IN”)
• RVForum.net (use search for “Thrills RV Columbia City IN”)
• RVUSA Forum (search “Thrills RV Columbia City IN Issues”)

When using these links, favor posts with detailed timelines, repair orders, and documented communications. Consistent patterns across independent sources carry more weight than isolated anecdotes. And don’t forget to compare what you find with the newest low-star Google reviews: Thrills RV — Columbia City Reviews.

What To Watch For During Your Visit to Thrills RV (Columbia City)

On the Sales Lot

• Check roof ladders, seals, slide toppers, and roof membrane edges. Look for prior repairs or sealant cracking.
• Open all compartments; confirm water damage is not hidden behind panels.
• Spot-test appliances: stove, oven, microwave, fridge (on AC and propane if applicable).

In the Finance Office (F&I)

• Say no to “payment packing.” Review every line of the itemized buyer’s order against your negotiated price.
• Scrutinize extended warranties and “lifetime” packages. Ask for actual coverage booklets and claim limits.
• Confirm the interest rate and term match what you agreed to; get a copy of the retail installment contract before signing.

On Delivery Day

• Repeat a full PDI with your inspector or your own checklist. Don’t accept “we’ll fix that later.”
• Verify you have all keys, remotes, manuals, spare fuses, crank handles, and tire tools.
• Confirm the temp tag, title, and registration process timelines in writing.

Balanced Note: When Dealerships Make It Right

To be fair, some reviewers do report acceptable or even positive experiences after escalations—like parts being reordered, technicians addressing leaks under warranty, or management stepping in to resolve communication gaps. If you experience a successful resolution at Thrills RV’s Columbia City location, can you share how it was handled so other shoppers know who to contact and what timelines were realistic?

Conclusion and Recommendation

RV buyers face unique risks at the point of sale: complex warranty ecosystems, tight seasonal timelines, and a product category that often leaves the factory with punch-list items requiring dealer attention. Public feedback tied to Thrills RV’s Columbia City, IN location reflects many of the same high-impact concerns seen across the industry, especially around pre-delivery quality, paperwork timelines, upsells, and post-sale service delays. The surest way to protect yourself is to make your purchase contingent on a third-party inspection and to resist time pressure or add-ons you don’t want or need.

If—and only if—you can validate, in writing, that the Columbia City location will promptly correct all defects identified by an independent inspector prior to delivery, and that you will receive timely title/registration, then proceeding could be reasonable. Otherwise, prioritize your family’s safety, finances, and camping season by exploring alternatives.

Based on the seriousness of reported risk areas and the real-world consequences of post-sale delays and defects, we do not recommend moving forward with Thrills RV (Columbia City, IN) without an independent inspection and firm written commitments. If those conditions cannot be met, consider other dealerships with demonstrated, verifiable records of timely paperwork, thorough PDIs, and responsive service.

Your real-world story matters. Will you add your Columbia City experience to help other shoppers?