The RV lifestyle is an exciting adventure that many people dream of pursuing. However, like any major purchase, buying an RV can come with its fair share of risks and potential scams. As the popularity of RVing continues to grow, so does the number of unscrupulous individuals looking to take advantage of unsuspecting buyers.
It’s crucial to be well-informed and vigilant when embarking on your RV journey. Recognizing common scams can save you from costly mistakes and heartache.
We found a great video that covers this topic in detail. Below are the highlights from the video, but make sure to watch the entire video at the bottom of this article for more in-depth information.
Unnecessary Fees
One of the most common scams in the RV industry involves dealerships padding the final price with unnecessary fees. As the video explains, “A lot of dealers will have very, very low price of the RV but then start to pad it a little bit with a lot of extra fees.” These can include doc fees, prep fees, paint fees, and even ridiculous charges like “special remover” fees.
To avoid falling victim to this scam, focus on the out-the-door price and be wary of dealerships that seem to have an endless list of additional charges. Remember, if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is – unless you’re buying a unicorn RV that poops rainbow marshmallows!
Misleading Warranties
Another prevalent scam involves misleading warranties that promise full coverage but fall short when you need them most. The video warns, “A lot of warranties will say full coverage, but again, you have to read the fine print. Nobody likes reading fine print, but you’ve got to read the fine print.”
To protect yourself, carefully review the warranty terms and consider opting for a reputable third-party extended warranty. Just remember, warranties are like underwear – they’re essential, but you hope you never have to use them!
Selling Faulty or Lemon RVs
Some unscrupulous dealerships may try to offload defective RVs onto unsuspecting buyers. As the video points out, “Unfortunately, many customers won’t find these issues until after the purchase, after they’ve taken delivery of the RV.”
To avoid this scam, consider hiring a qualified third-party inspector or RV technician to thoroughly examine the vehicle before purchase. Think of it as a pre-marriage counseling session for you and your potential RV – it might save you from a messy and expensive divorce down the road!
Fake Online Listings
The internet has made RV shopping more accessible, but it has also opened the door for scammers to create fake listings. The video warns, “Be very wary of online listings. Again, it goes back to really doing your due diligence, researching a dealership, and go with your gut too.”
When browsing online listings, be cautious of deals that seem too good to be true and always verify the legitimacy of the seller. Remember, if an RV listing promises you’ll meet your soulmate and win the lottery while camping, it’s probably fake – unless you’re secretly living in a Hallmark movie!
Dubious Extended Service Plans
Extended service plans can be beneficial, but some may not provide the coverage you expect. The video advises, “You want to read the fine print. We would suggest if you’re going to get an extended service plan that is exclusionary, which means that everything that is not included is clearly spelled out in that plan.”
Be cautious of plans that seem too comprehensive or too cheap to be true. And remember, if a service plan promises to cover acts of God, alien abductions, and sasquatch encounters, it’s probably not legit – unless you’re camping in the Twilight Zone!
