RV Bait and Switch - A Public Service Announcement

We have served hundreds of clients with RV inspection services and we have noticed an increase in frequency of questionable RV sales practices, that although they are a small percentage relatively speaking when compared to the whole, they are nonetheless bothersome and give a black eye to the RV industry.

Bait and Switch

What I am talking about is a practice commonly known as 'bait and switch' and it is not isolated to questionable social media RV sales sources. We have seen it occur with established national dealerships - people that engender trust simply because of their size and presence. Here are some examples:

1) Our client purchased a two-year old Class A Diesel Pusher. When she looked at the RV she swears that it had a washer and dryer installed. Our inspection indicated that there was a washer and dryer prep only. The dealer denied that the washer and dryer were ever installed and offered to sell her the upgrade option.

2) Our client purchased a pre-owned Class C motorhome and scheduled our inspection service. The motorhome had an Onan Generator installed when he first looked at the RV. It did not when we inspected it. The dealer offered to sell him a generator.

3) Our client purchased a new Class C Motorhome, placed a deposit, and scheduled our inspection services. We inspected the RV with the corresponding VIN that was on his purchase contract. The RV had serious issues that our client was surprised that he had not seen when he toured the RV prior to agreeing to the purchase. Upon investigation, it was determined that the VIN was not for the RV that they had toured and agreed to purchase.

4) Our client purchased a new Fifth Wheel RV after viewing it at the dealership and scheduled our inspection service. They provided the VIN from their purchase agreement. We inspected the RV that was staged with the matching VIN and this RV had significant rust and other serious safety issues which our client was surprised that they had not noticed when they toured it. Upon investigation, it was determined that the RV they had seen was transferred to another facility and the one with the VIN recorded on their purchase agreement was brought in from another facility.

5) The dealer indicates that they are willing to allow you to have an independent NRVIA Inspection completed only to find out later that your 'deposit' is classified as a 'PDI service' and as such is not refundable if you decide not to purchase the RV based upon the inspection results. There may also be restrictions placed on the inspector that hinder and/or prevent a full inspection. Some hindrances are: The inspector must supply their own generator, propane, or water source. The inspector cannot operate the slides or awning. The inspector is not allowed sufficient time for the inspection. The inspector is not allowed on the dealership site to conduct the inspection. Sounds ridiculous, doesn't it? But it has happened.

Protect Yourself

Are these simply honest clerical errors in recording the VIN on the purchase agreement? Perhaps. Perhaps not. Are the restrictions and deposit classification simply unstated or fine print policy? Regardless, they are things that you should take proactive precautionary steps to protect yourself against in the purchase process. The following are some best practices:

Trust, but Verify

1) Take pictures of the RV inside and out when touring it to establish a record of installed options and appliances.

2) Bracket (First photo and last photo) the pictures taken in item 1) with pictures of the manufacturer's VIN data label, not just the dealer sticker with a stock number. This will keep the configuration linked to the VIN in case you look at multiple RVs.

3) Verify that the VIN on your purchase agreement matches the manufacturer's VIN from the photo taken when you toured the RV you decided to purchase.

4) Contact an NRVIA inspector beforehand and obtain a list of inspection requirements to share with the dealer before making your RV purchase agreement. Have the dealer sign or initial that they can meet the inspection requirements without unreasonable restrictions.

5) Have the dealer provide, in writing, that your deposit is fully refundable based upon an acceptable to you inspection report.

Summary:

I hope you have found this blog informative and useful to you. The RV purchase process should be enjoyable and without angst. Most dealerships create an enjoyable purchase experience and I am sure that they frown upon the questionable sales practices by the few that view you as a wallet to be picked. I have inspected numerous RVs from 20+ years of age to newly manufactured, both motorhomes and towables. They all have issues whether from age and abuse or poor manufacturing Quality Control. An independent NRVIA Certified RV Inspection will save you money and frustration by identifying these issues so that you can have them corrected before taking possession of the RV.

If you are buying a new or preowned RV, be sure to hire an independent NRVIA Certified Inspector to give you the knowledge of the true condition of the RV before you buy. You can find an NRVIA Certified Inspector near you through the NRVIA web site locator.

http://www.RVHELP.COM

Our primary objective at Sherlock RV Inspection Service, LLC is to serve you by making sure your RV is safe to occupy and all major systems and appliances are functioning as intended.

We are a mobile RV Inspection Service and will travel throughout the Southeast and beyond as needed. (subject to travel and per diem costs) Check out our web site to get to know us better and to preview inspection details and sample reports.

www.rvinspectpro.com

Safe Travels!

Ron Francoeur

Sherlock RV Inspection Service, LLC

Office: 352 – 224 – 9477

Cell/Text: 678 – 360 - 6883