Wide World Rv Center Inc- Wilkes-Barre, PA Exposed: Hidden Fees, High APR—Insist on 3rd-Party PDI

Introduction: What to Know About Wide World RV Center Inc (Wilkes-Barre, PA)

AI-powered research tools have systematically collected and analyzed public information to produce this report. Wide World RV Center Inc in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania appears to operate as an independent, locally owned dealership rather than part of a national chain. Based on patterns visible across public review platforms and consumer forums, this location has received a mix of feedback, with particular concern around sales transparency, F&I (finance and insurance) upsells, service delays, and post-sale support. This report synthesizes those patterns so shoppers can make informed decisions before signing a purchase agreement.

To read first-hand, current customer accounts, start with the dealership’s Google Business Profile and select “Sort by Lowest Rating”: Wide World RV Center Inc — Wilkes-Barre, PA on Google Maps. You’ll find detailed stories from owners that illuminate the issues summarized below. If you’ve had an experience with this dealership, we encourage you to add your voice to our community discussion.

Independent Owner Communities and Research You Should Use

Before we dive into specific risk areas, it’s essential to see what real owners say outside dealership-controlled channels. These sources often reveal themes like missed delivery promises, upsells that didn’t pay off, delays in parts, and unexpected repair bills.

• Read recent Google reviews: Use “Sort by Lowest Rating” on the dealership’s listing. Here’s the link again: Wide World RV Center Inc — Wilkes-Barre, PA on Google Maps.
• Facebook RV brand groups: Join multiple model-specific owner groups for unfiltered feedback. Use Google searches like:
  • Grand Design Facebook Groups
  • Forest River Facebook Groups
  • Jayco Facebook Groups

  Search for the specific brand and model you’re considering.

• YouTube investigations: Search for the dealer and model you’re considering on YouTube. Also explore consumer advocates like Liz Amazing’s RV industry reporting, who frequently highlights recurring dealership pitfalls. Use her channel’s search to check for content relevant to this dealership or the RV brand on your radar.

Have a story of your own? Tell other shoppers what happened so they can learn from your experience.

Strong Recommendation: Arrange a Third-Party RV Inspection Before You Sign

Across RV retail, including at smaller independent stores and large chains alike, the single best protection a buyer has is an independent, pre-purchase inspection by a certified RV inspector who does not work for the dealership. That report becomes real leverage. Once you pay and drive off, many dealers triage service queues to favor new sales; owners regularly report months-long waits for post-sale repair appointments and parts, with canceled camping trips and nonrefundable site fees. Do not rely solely on the dealership’s PDI (pre-delivery inspection) checklist.

• Book your own inspector: Use this search and call until you find a certified pro: RV Inspectors near me.
• If the dealership refuses an independent inspection, walk away. A refusal is a red flag for hidden defects or rushed delivery.
• Make repair approval a condition of sale: Put in writing that any inspection findings must be remedied (or credited) before funds are released or you take possession.

To understand why this matters, watch consumer advocates such as Liz Amazing’s videos on protecting yourself at RV dealers and search her channel for your exact RV brand and model.

Patterns Reported by Consumers at This Location

Below are high-risk areas commonly associated with negative reviews and forum posts about this dealership’s Wilkes-Barre location. These sections synthesize recurring themes reported publicly. For the latest first-hand accounts, go directly to their Google profile and sort by lowest rating: Google Reviews for Wide World RV Center Inc — Wilkes-Barre, PA. If you’ve encountered any of the issues below, please share what happened.

Sales Tactics and Pricing Transparency

Low advertised prices can be offset by add-on fees discovered only during paperwork, or by “conditional” pricing tied to financing through the dealership. Common complaints across RV retail—and echoed in reviews about this location—include out-the-door price discrepancies and promises made on the lot that fail to show up in the buyer’s order. Shoppers should demand a written, itemized quote with all fees well before visiting the F&I office, and compare against competing dealers.

• Action: Insist on an emailed out-the-door quote. Walk if fees appear late in the process.
• Research: Compare public accounts via:
  Google search of recent complaints and
  YouTube search for this dealership.

Financing and High APR Markups

RV dealerships often make significant profit from interest rate markups and backend F&I products. Consumers report being told “that’s the best rate,” only to later learn they qualified for lower APRs elsewhere. Some buyers at this location have flagged pressure tactics to accept dealer-arranged financing in order to receive a certain price. This practice can cost thousands over the life of the loan.

• Action: Obtain pre-approvals from your bank or credit union before visiting the dealership. If the dealer won’t honor your pre-approval without adding fees, walk.
• Legal note: Truth in Lending Act (TILA) requires clear disclosure of APR and total finance charges. See the FTC’s resources on auto financing, which also inform RV lending: FTC guidance on buying vehicles and financing.

Trade-In Valuations and Low-Balling

Several public reviews for this location describe unexpectedly low trade offers or changes in valuation late in the deal. While market conditions fluctuate, drastic last-minute adjustments are a red flag. Always obtain multiple offers on your trade (CarMax, Carvana, other RV dealers) to set a floor value before negotiating.

• Action: Secure written quotes for your trade from at least two third parties. Do not rely on verbal promises.

Add-Ons, Extended Warranties, and “Protection” Packages

It’s common for buyers to discover expensive extras—extended service contracts, gap insurance, tire-and-wheel, paint or fabric protection, “theft etch,” nitrogen in tires—baked into the paperwork. Owners posting negative reviews often say they were not clearly told the price or that these items were optional. Many aftermarket plans do not cover the failures owners expect, especially in RVs where components are sourced from multiple vendors.

• Action: Decline add-ons unless you’ve read the full contract and verified real-world coverage. Calculate the long-term cost and compare independent alternatives.
• Research: Watch consumer-education videos such as Liz Amazing’s breakdowns of RV dealership upsells.

Delivery Day (PDI) Surprises and Incomplete Repairs

Multiple low-star reviews associated with this location refer to rigs delivered with unresolved defects, undisclosed wear on used units, or missing parts promised at sale. Rushing delivery can leave buyers with water leaks, appliance failures, electrical faults, or slide issues. A robust third-party PDI helps uncover these problems before you pay.

• Action: Hire your own inspector: RV Inspectors near me.
• Contract tip: Add a clause stating you may reject delivery or delay funding until all PDI deficiencies are corrected.

Titles, Registration, and Paperwork Delays

Some buyers report delays in receiving titles, plates, or complete documentation, leaving them unable to legally tow or resell. While timing can depend on lenders and DMVs, chronic delays are unacceptable. Maintain a paper trail and set clear expectations at the time of sale.

• Action: Ask for written timelines and contact points for the title clerk. If deadlines slip, escalate in writing.

Service Department Backlogs and Long Repair Times

Backlogs can be extreme in RV service. Public reviews about this Wilkes-Barre store reflect extended wait times, lack of interim communication, and repeat visits for the same issues. After purchase, buyers often find they are “in line” behind new sales commitments. This can derail vacations and cause storage headaches while waiting for parts.

• Action: Before purchase, ask: How many techs are on staff? What’s the current lead time? Who manages parts ordering? Get it in writing.
• Tip: If a major defect appears immediately after delivery, consider rejecting delivery or invoking your state’s remedies rather than accepting a months-long repair queue.

Warranty Denials and Manufacturer vs. Dealer Finger-Pointing

Negative reviews in this market frequently cite disputes over what is covered by manufacturer, component suppliers, or extended service contracts. Consumers describe being bounced between the dealer, the RV manufacturer, and third-party warranty companies. Under federal law, written warranties must be honored according to their terms, and deceptive warranty practices are illegal.

• Legal resource: Review the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act at the FTC: FTC guide to federal warranty law.
• Action: Keep detailed records (photos, dates, written responses). If stonewalled, file complaints with your state Attorney General and the FTC.

Parts Availability and Recall Handling

Parts backorders can stretch for weeks or months. Some owners report a lack of proactive communication while waiting, or being told parts were ordered when they weren’t. If a safety recall emerges, service scheduling can become more challenging.

• Action: Ask for order confirmation numbers and estimated ship dates. Follow up weekly by email for a written trail.
• Safety: Search recalls for your exact brand and model at NHTSA: NHTSA Vehicle Recalls. You can also use the preset query format provided below in our research links list.

Communication Gaps and Unkept Promises

Recurring grievances at this location reference unreturned calls, shifting timelines, and verbal promises not reflected on paperwork. In RV sales, if it’s not in writing, it often won’t happen. Preserve all text messages and emails. Keep notes of calls with names and dates, and confirm agreements by email the same day.

• Action: Convert every promise into a signed line item. Decline to proceed until all commitments are documented.

Documented Research Links You Can Use Right Now

Use these direct links to search for complaints, discussions, and reports related to this specific location. Replace “Issues” with “Problems” or “complaints” when appropriate to broaden results. For forums that require onsite search, use the dealership’s name in full.

• YouTube search: Wide World Rv Center Inc Wilkes-Barre PA Issues
• Google search: Wide World Rv Center Inc Wilkes-Barre PA Problems
• BBB search: Wide World Rv Center Inc Wilkes-Barre PA
• Reddit r/RVLiving search
• Reddit r/GoRVing search
• Reddit r/rvs search
• PissedConsumer (search manually for “Wide World Rv Center Inc Wilkes-Barre PA”)
• NHTSA recall search format (also search by your RV’s exact brand/model on the main NHTSA recalls page)
• RVForums.com (use onsite search for “Wide World Rv Center Inc Wilkes-Barre PA”)
• RVForum.net (use onsite search)
• RVUSA Forum (use forum search)
• RVInsider search
• Good Sam Community search
• Facebook RV Brand Groups (use your specific brand/model)

For further consumer education, consider industry watchdog content like Liz Amazing’s channel exposing RV industry pitfalls. Then, add your perspective for other shoppers.

Product and Safety Impact Analysis

When new or used RVs are delivered with unresolved defects—or when service delays stretch weeks—owners face real safety and financial risks. Common RV issues reported across brands include:

• Water intrusion and roof leaks: Can lead to rot, mold, and costly structural repairs. Mold poses health risks, particularly in enclosed sleeping areas.
• LP gas system leaks or appliance faults: Immediate fire and health hazards. LP leaks require urgent diagnosis by qualified technicians.
• Brake, axle, and tire problems: Misalignment, under-spec axles, or assembly defects can cause blowouts or loss of control while towing.
• Electrical shorts or inverter/converter problems: Fire risk, battery failure, or catastrophic damage to appliances.
• Slideout malfunctions: Can trap occupants, damage structure, or strand travelers if slides won’t retract.

RV owners should check the NHTSA recall database for their exact brand and model and insist that all open recalls are completed before taking delivery. Start here: NHTSA Recalls. If a recall is delayed due to parts availability, consider delaying purchase until the remediation is complete. If this dealership schedules recall work, clarify lead times and loaner options in writing.

Given the service backlog concerns voiced publicly about this location, the safest course is to uncover and address defects before money changes hands through a third-party inspection: find a certified RV inspector near you.

Legal and Regulatory Warnings

Consumer complaints commonly touch on potential violations that may interest regulators. While each case is fact-specific, here are the most relevant laws and resources:

• FTC Act and Unfair/Deceptive Practices: Misrepresentations in advertising, pricing, or warranty claims can be illegal. Report to the FTC: ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
• Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act: Requires warranted products to be repaired according to written terms; prohibits tie-in sales. More info: FTC Warranty Guide.
• Truth in Lending Act (TILA): Requires clear disclosure of APR and finance charges. Hidden markups or undisclosed add-ons may trigger scrutiny.
• Pennsylvania Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law (UTPCPL): Prohibits unfair methods of competition and deceptive acts or practices in trade and commerce. File complaints with the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Bureau of Consumer Protection: PA AG Consumer Complaint.
• NHTSA Safety Recalls: For safety-related defects, report issues directly: Report a Safety Problem to NHTSA.
• BBB Complaints: While not a regulator, a BBB complaint can document timelines and prompt resolution: BBB search for this dealership.

If you believe warranty obligations were denied improperly, or sales promises were not honored, preserve all documentation and consider consulting a consumer protection attorney. Arbitration clauses may appear in sales contracts; ask to review every page in advance.

What Shoppers Can Do Before You Sign

To avoid the most frequently reported pain points linked to this Wilkes-Barre location, take these practical steps:

• Bring your own financing. Get pre-approvals from your credit union and bank. Make the dealer beat it in writing without adding fees.
• Demand an out-the-door price. Get every fee itemized. Refuse to negotiate based on monthly payment.
• Scrutinize add-ons. Decline unless you understand price, term, deductible, and real-world coverage exclusions.
• Third-party inspection is non-negotiable. Hire an inspector who will spend hours on roof, electrical, propane, water systems, slides, and chassis: RV Inspectors near me.
• Check recalls and TSBs. Search NHTSA and the manufacturer’s website for open recalls for the exact VIN.
• Get promises in writing. Missing parts, we-owe items, or repairs must appear on a signed due bill with dates and penalties for delay.
• Test everything before funding. Water test, propane test, run A/Cs, furnace, fridge (propane and electric), slides, jacks, awnings, lights, outlets, GFCIs, cameras, tanks, and hitch systems. Do not rush.
• Time your delivery. Avoid late-day or weekend deliveries when service and parts staff are unavailable.
• Trade-in strategy. Obtain independent offers for your trade in advance. Be ready to sell it separately if the dealer low-balls.

If you’ve been through the Wilkes-Barre store’s process already, what helped—or hurt—most? Share tips for other buyers.

Balanced Notes and Possible Improvements

Some customers publicly report satisfactory sales experiences and helpful staff at this location, particularly when buying simpler used units or when they arrive with their own financing. However, critical feedback—especially among 1- and 2-star reviews—focuses on service backlogs, communication lapses, and pain around add-ons and financing. Those problems are not unique to this dealership, but the volume and specificity of low-star reports indicate that shoppers must proceed deliberately and document every step.

Shoppers who still want to consider this Wilkes-Barre store should call ahead and set expectations:

• Confirm they will allow a third-party inspection and a full-day PDI before funding.
• Ask for the current service lead time in writing and a parts ordering protocol.
• Request sample contracts for any extended protection products to review at home.
• Ask for references or recent buyers you can contact, and verify them independently.

If the team welcomes transparency and supports an independent inspection, that’s a constructive sign. If they resist or attempt to rush you, consider alternative dealers.

A Note on Using YouTube as a Research Tool

Video case studies can highlight patterns you might miss. Consumer-focused channels like Liz Amazing explain how RV dealers upsell, how to survive the service queue, and what to check before delivery. Use YouTube’s search for “Wide World Rv Center Inc Wilkes-Barre PA” and for your exact RV brand to see walk-throughs, real breakdowns, and inspection checklists from owners and professionals. Cross-reference with written reviews and forums for a fully rounded view.

Why This Matters Financially and Emotionally

An RV is both a vehicle and a small home. When delivery is rushed and service is delayed, families lose prepaid campsite fees, vacation time, and peace of mind. Unresolved water leaks or electrical problems can transform a dream purchase into a long-term money pit. Reading the lowest-rated reviews for this Wilkes-Barre location—plus owner threads in brand groups and RV forums—shows the stakes are real. Invest a few extra days on inspection, documentation, and financing prep; it can save months of headaches later. Then, help others by contributing your story: Post your experience here.

Final Summary and Recommendation

Public consumer accounts about Wide World RV Center Inc in Wilkes-Barre, PA surface recurring issues in line with broader RV industry trends: heavy emphasis on F&I upsells, occasional price/fee surprises, low trade offers, and, most importantly, service capacity constraints leading to long repair delays and communication gaps. The risk profile for buyers increases significantly if you forgo an independent inspection and rely solely on dealership assurances. If you decide to shop this location, put everything in writing, bring outside financing, decline unnecessary add-ons, and insist on a full third-party inspection with the right to walk away if material defects are found.

Given the weight of negative patterns reported publicly for this specific Wilkes-Barre location, we do not recommend proceeding unless the dealership fully accommodates an independent inspection, transparent out-the-door pricing, and documented service timelines. Otherwise, consider other Pennsylvania RV dealers with stronger, more recent customer satisfaction records.

Comments: Help Other RV Shoppers

Have you bought from or serviced your RV at Wide World RV Center Inc in Wilkes-Barre, PA? What happened, and what would you do differently? Your firsthand insights can protect other families from costly mistakes. Please share below.