Total Recreation RV- Shohola, PA Exposed: Hidden fees, rate markups, title delays, unsafe PDIs
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Total Recreation RV- Shohola, PA
Location: 973 US-6, Shohola, PA 18458
Contact Info:
• Main: (570) 504-7576
• info@totalrecreationrv.com
• sales@totalrecreationrv.com
Official Report ID: 4234
Introduction: What RV Shoppers Should Know About Total Recreation RV — Shohola, PA
AI-powered research tools have systematically collected and analyzed public information to produce this report. Our objective is to present a clear-eyed, consumer-focused view of Total Recreation RV in Shohola, Pennsylvania, with an emphasis on recent and historical patterns that pose financial and safety risks to shoppers.
Total Recreation RV in Shohola appears to be an independent, single-location dealership rather than a national chain. Based on public listings, it serves the Pike County area and surrounding regions, including travelers from Pennsylvania, New York, and New Jersey. Public reviews show a mix of experiences—some buyers report straightforward transactions, while others describe serious problems involving sales practices, paperwork, service delays, warranty confusion, and post-sale support. To verify the latest feedback from real customers, we strongly encourage shoppers to read and sort the dealership’s Google Business reviews by lowest rating here: Total Recreation RV (Shohola, PA) — Google Business Profile. Look especially for recurring themes, and note dates to focus on the most current issues.
For ongoing industry coverage that calls out problematic dealer behavior, many shoppers consult investigative consumer creators like Liz Amazing. See how she exposes RV industry pitfalls and search her channel for the dealership you’re considering: RV industry pitfalls explained by Liz Amazing.
Where to Find Unfiltered Owner Feedback Before You Buy
To get a far more complete picture of Total Recreation RV (Shohola, PA), combine the Google reviews with model-specific owner groups and independent communities. You will find candid, unedited conversations about dealer experiences, warranty headaches, and real-world repairs.
- Start with the dealership’s own reviews: Total Recreation RV on Google — sort by Lowest Rating.
- Join several RV brand or model Facebook groups to see what owners say about dealer deliveries, service times, and common failures. Use this Google search to find large groups quickly: Find RV brand groups on Facebook (search by your brand). Avoid sharing private info; look for patterns and photo evidence.
- Industry watchdog content: Search this YouTube channel for negotiation tips, dealer pitfalls, and RV delivery checklists: Liz Amazing’s consumer-focused RV videos.
Have you purchased or serviced an RV at this dealership? Add your first-hand insight to help other shoppers.
Pro Tip: Always Secure a Third-Party RV Inspection Before Signing
A third-party, independent inspection is your single best leverage point before funds change hands. An experienced RV inspector can uncover defects that are easy to miss at the dealership—water intrusion, structural concerns, brake imbalances, propane system leaks, delamination, roof damage, slide alignment, inverter/wiring issues, and more. If the dealer will not allow a professional third-party inspection on premises or nearby, that’s a huge red flag—walk away.
- Find a qualified inspector near Shohola: Search “RV Inspectors near me”.
- Bring a written inspection contingency into your purchase agreement, with an exit or repair clause.
- Do not accept “dealer pre-delivery inspection” as a substitute for an independent inspection.
- Inspect again if the RV sits on their lot for weeks or after any repair.
Some owners report months-long delays when they discover problems after taking delivery. Once the dealer has your money, your place in the service queue sometimes moves behind new sales deliveries. Protect yourself up front with a professional inspection and by holding final payment until issues are addressed. For more consumer strategies, see: Independent tips for navigating RV dealers.
Need local options today? Try: Find independent RV inspectors.
Patterns of Consumer Risk Reported at Total Recreation RV (Shohola, PA)
The following risk areas synthesize recurring problem types that consumers often report at RV dealerships and which appear within negative public reviews attributed to Total Recreation RV in Shohola when you sort by lowest rating. We encourage readers to cross-check the dealership’s Google Business Profile and other sources linked later in this report.
Sales Pressure, Add-Ons, and Upsells
(Serious Concern)
Public complaints in the RV industry frequently cite aggressive sales tactics, including pressure to sign quickly, “this deal expires today” pitches, and bundling extras that inflate the out-the-door price. When reading the lowest-rated Google reviews for Total Recreation RV (Shohola), look for patterns that mention:
- Sudden add-ons at signing (prep fees, freight, protection packages, nitrogen, paint/fabric coatings) that were not discussed upfront.
- Extended service contracts or “lifetime” warranties presented as mandatory or deeply discounted only if financed through the dealership.
- Promises of included accessories or campsite-ready gear that later appear as separate charges.
Consumers should insist on a written, line-item purchase order that states “no other products or fees will be added” and keep screenshots of ads. If a negative review at this dealer mentions changed numbers, compare the final contract against the original quote and ad copy before signing.
Financing: High APRs, Payment Packing, and Disclosure Gaps
(Serious Concern)
RV dealers often arrange financing and can mark up interest rates beyond a buyer’s qualified rate, sometimes adding backend products into the loan without clear consent. In lower-rated reviews for this location, watch for claims about:
- APR higher than expected despite strong credit, with pressure to “sign now or lose the RV.”
- “Payment packing” where extras are rolled into a monthly figure without explicit disclosure.
- Difficulty removing unwanted products (gap, tire/wheel, roadside, service contracts) after the fact.
Best practice: walk in with a pre-approval from your own lender, then compare offers line by line. Refuse any product you don’t want and ensure the finance menu shows “declined” next to each add-on. Document everything.
Low-Ball Trade-In Offers
(Moderate Concern)
Buyers frequently report trade valuations far below market. If negative reviews for Total Recreation RV (Shohola) highlight unexpectedly low offers or “we can only do that number if you buy today,” it fits a broader pattern. To protect yourself:
- Get multiple written offers (including instant cash offers online) to benchmark your trade.
- Request a separate cash value for your trade (not blended into a monthly payment).
- Be ready to sell privately if offers are too low.
Paperwork, Titles, and Registration Delays
(Serious Concern)
Negative RV dealer reviews often detail months-long waits for titles, plates, or registration corrections. This can prevent legal towing or travel plans and may impact insurance claims. When reviewing the lowest-rated Google feedback for this Shohola dealership, note any references to:
- Repeated promises that paperwork is “in the mail” or “held up with the state.”
- Clerical errors on contracts or MSO that delay registration.
- Title delays that impact financing or trade-in schedules.
If you encounter this, set clear, written deadlines and escalate early to management. If necessary, contact the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Bureau of Consumer Protection for assistance.
Delivery Prep and PDI Quality
(Serious Concern)
Many 1-star RV dealer reviews cite poor pre-delivery inspection (PDI), where obvious defects go unaddressed. Issues commonly reported across the industry include:
- Water leaks at roofs, windows, or slide seals detected on first campout.
- Electrical problems: dead batteries, faulty converters, miswired outlets, tripped GFCI, inverters not configured.
- Plumbing: pump leaks, cross-threaded fittings, non-functioning water heaters.
- Slides and leveling systems out of spec, causing binding or error codes.
At this dealership, read the lowest-rated Google reviews and note any references to “should have been caught before delivery.” Insist on a slow, thorough walkthrough and test every system yourself—water, heat, AC, slides, jacks, awnings, appliances—before finalizing the deal. Bring your inspector and your own checklist.
Service Delays and Parts Backlogs
(Serious Concern)
Service capacity at RV dealerships is often strained, and parts lead times can be long. Numerous negative reviews across the industry describe multi-week or multi-month waits, sometimes with the RV held on the lot. When evaluating Total Recreation RV (Shohola), look for recent reports of:
- Extended wait times just to get on the schedule.
- Multiple trips for the same unresolved issue.
- Insufficient updates or unreturned calls while the unit sits.
To protect your time and travel plans, avoid leaving the RV unless there’s a firm diagnostic and parts ETA. Get timelines in writing and ask for your unit to be returned to you while parts are on order, if safe to do so.
Warranty Confusion and Denied Claims
(Moderate Concern)
Conflicts arise when a dealer blames the manufacturer and vice versa, leaving the owner in limbo. Adverse reviews frequently mention:
- Being told a problem is “normal” or “within spec” and therefore not covered.
- Extended service contracts that exclude common failures or require burdensome hoops.
- Out-of-pocket charges for diagnostics on warranty claims.
Before purchase, obtain a copy of the base warranty and any extended plan booklet, and read the exclusions. Confirm in writing who pays for diagnostics, mobile tech visits, and shipping on covered repairs. Keep a paper trail of all service requests and outcomes.
Workmanship and Technician Experience
(Moderate Concern)
Some reviews at RV dealerships describe rushed or incomplete repairs: silicone smeared over leaks instead of proper reseal, misrouted cabling, or trim reattached poorly. Watch for similar concerns in negative feedback for this Shohola location. When retrieving your RV, conduct a detailed inspection of repair quality before accepting the unit. Photograph everything.
Post-Sale Follow-Up and Customer Communication
(Moderate Concern)
Poor communication often compounds the frustration of defects and delays. Lower-star reviews commonly mention calls and emails going unanswered, with owners feeling stranded between departments. If you sense this pattern at Total Recreation RV, demand a single point of contact who owns your case and requires updates from service or finance by set deadlines.
Misrepresentation of Features or Condition
(Moderate Concern)
In RV sales, advertised features or “like-new” condition claims sometimes do not match reality at delivery. To guard against this risk at any dealership:
- Match each advertised amenity to a hands-on demonstration (solar wattage, inverter capacity, tow rating, tank sizes, heated underbelly claims, etc.).
- Get promises in writing (we-owe/due-bill) with dates and dollar amounts.
- Do not sign if any promised item is not present or installed to spec.
Did you experience any of the above at this store? Tell future buyers what happened.
Research It Yourself: Evidence and Watchdog Links
Use these curated sources and search formats to verify issues and find owner-to-owner experiences specific to Total Recreation RV (Shohola, PA). We’ve pre-formatted the dealership name for consistency. Replace “Issues” with “Problems,” “Complaints,” or a specific topic as needed.
- YouTube search: Total Recreation RV Shohola PA Issues — YouTube
- Google search: Total Recreation RV Shohola PA Issues — Google
- BBB lookup: Total Recreation RV Shohola PA — BBB
- Reddit r/RVLiving: Search r/RVLiving for this dealer
- Reddit r/GoRVing: Search r/GoRVing for this dealer
- Reddit r/rvs: Search r/rvs for this dealer
- PissedConsumer: Open site and search “Total Recreation RV Shohola PA”
- NHTSA recalls: Check recall database (search by VIN and component)
- RVForums: Use forum search for “Total Recreation RV Shohola PA”
- RVForum.net: Search for dealer threads
- RVUSA Forum: Search “Total Recreation RV Shohola PA Issues”
- RVInsider: Owner reviews mentioning this dealer
- Good Sam Community: Community discussions on this dealer
- Facebook RV brand groups via Google: Find brand-specific owner groups
For broader industry context and how to avoid dealer traps, consider searching the Liz Amazing channel for your exact dealer and model: Search Liz Amazing for your dealer/model.
Legal and Regulatory Warnings
Consumer complaints about sales misrepresentations, warranty handling, and safety defects can carry legal implications for dealerships. Shoppers at Total Recreation RV (Shohola, PA) should know the following:
- Federal warranty rights: The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act requires clear written warranties and restricts tying warranty coverage to a specific service center. Learn more at the FTC: FTC guide to the federal warranty law.
- Unfair or deceptive acts: The FTC Act prohibits unfair or deceptive acts or practices. Misrepresenting prices, mandatory fees, or warranty coverage can trigger enforcement: FTC Act overview.
- Pennsylvania consumer protection: The Pennsylvania Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law (UTPCPL) addresses deceptive practices in sales and services. File a complaint or learn your rights here: PA Attorney General — Consumer Protection.
- Dealer licensing oversight: Pennsylvania regulates vehicle dealers and salespersons via the State Board. Buyers can verify licensing or file complaints: PA State Board of Vehicle Manufacturers, Dealers, and Salespersons.
- Vehicle safety defects and recalls: Safety issues should be reported to NHTSA. You can search open recalls by VIN and submit complaints: NHTSA Vehicle Safety and Recalls.
If you encounter persistent title delays, undisclosed add-ons, or warranty refusals at this or any dealer, preserve written evidence (texts, emails, invoices). Clear documentation is critical if you need to pursue resolution through the PA Attorney General, small claims court, or private counsel.
Product and Safety Impact Analysis
Service failures and poor pre-delivery inspections can have serious real-world consequences. The risks are not just financial—they can be safety-critical for families towing heavy trailers or relying on RV systems in remote areas. Common high-impact scenarios include:
- Brake or bearing issues: Improperly torqued lug nuts, misadjusted brakes, or degraded bearings can lead to wheel-off incidents or braking failure. Pre-delivery torque verification and a thorough road test are essential.
- Propane system leaks: Loose fittings or poor regulator installation can create explosion or fire risk. A third-party leak-down test is a must before camping.
- Electrical hazards: Inverters or converters wired incorrectly, undersized cabling, poorly crimped lugs, or reverse polarity outlets can cause fires or appliance damage. Inspectors catch this more often than dealer PDIs.
- Water intrusion and mold: Roof, slide, or window leaks can rot structural components quickly. Delamination and soft floors may appear within months if not addressed promptly and properly.
- Suspension and frame: Axle alignment, spring hangers, and weld integrity are critical. A misaligned axle can destroy tires over a weekend trip.
When dealers delay repairs or argue over warranty coverage, owners sometimes keep using an unsafe RV, increasing risk on the road. If you suspect a safety defect, file a complaint with NHTSA and the Pennsylvania Attorney General, and consider hiring a mobile RV technician to assess immediate hazards while you pursue formal repairs.
If you’ve faced a safety-critical issue at this dealership, report what happened so others can avoid it.
How to Shop Smarter at Total Recreation RV (Shohola, PA)
The best defense is a structured, methodical approach. Use this checklist to minimize risk:
- Pricing transparency
- Get a written, out-the-door price with taxes and fees itemized. Strike any “market adjustment,” “reconditioning,” or duplicate prep fees that lack justification.
- Refuse “mandatory” add-ons. Everything is negotiable; most add-ons are optional.
- Financing and contracts
- Arrive with a credit union or bank pre-approval. Use it to compare the dealer’s rate.
- Demand a menu that shows every add-on with a price box and a “declined” line where applicable.
- Take the contract home to review if pressured. Good deals survive 24 hours of scrutiny.
- Inspection and delivery
- Hire a third-party inspector: Find RV inspectors near Shohola.
- Test every system during PDI with water connected, tanks partially filled, shore power connected, and generator running if equipped.
- Do not accept delivery with open we-owe items unless dates and remedies are in writing.
- Trade-in management
- Collect offers from multiple dealers and instant-buy services to anchor your trade value.
- Request the trade value in cash terms, separate from the new unit price.
- Service planning
- Ask for written service timelines and a named point of contact.
- Keep your RV until parts arrive when possible; don’t surrender the unit prematurely.
Already bought from Total Recreation RV (Shohola) and have lessons learned? Share your lessons for future shoppers.
Brief Acknowledgment of Positive Experiences
For balance, it’s fair to note that not all outcomes at this dealership are negative. Some customers publicly report smooth transactions or successful repairs. Occasionally, management appears to step in and resolve disputes or expedite fixes. Nevertheless, because even a single major defect can be extremely expensive and time-consuming in the RV world, it’s vital to prepare for the worst and verify everything up front. The risk profile—driven by the sector’s systemic problems and reflected in low-star public reviews—warrants heightened caution here.
Key Takeaways and Final Recommendation
- Sort by “Lowest Rating” on the dealership’s Google profile to see problems most likely to affect you: Total Recreation RV — Reviews.
- Do not skip a third-party inspection. This is your best and sometimes only leverage before payment.
- Get every promise on a signed we-owe/due-bill with dates and dollar amounts.
- Keep power over financing: bring pre-approval, refuse packed payments, and decline unwanted add-ons.
- If this dealer refuses independent inspections or won’t guarantee timelines in writing, walk. There are other options.
If you’ve recently bought, serviced, or traded at this store, what was your experience? Post your candid account for others.
Based on the patterns of consumer risk that appear in low-star public reviews and the broader RV industry’s persistent issues with inspections, paperwork, upsells, and service delays, we do not recommend proceeding with a purchase at Total Recreation RV (Shohola, PA) unless you secure an independent inspection, lock in transparent pricing, and obtain all commitments in writing. If these conditions cannot be met, consider other dealerships with stronger verified service capacity and clearer documentation practices.
Comments: Help Fellow RV Shoppers
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