Overpriced, Uninhabitable RV Sold to Deaf Couple Sparks Outrage

[Byron B]

Most of us here are aware of the business practices of many rv dealerships. I just learned of probably one of the most disgusting examples.
Our rv park manager stopped by to ask for advice. A new tenant has moved in and our manager is excellent in helping newbies get set up. The rig they had just purchased for $30,000, which they tried to set up today is essentially inhabitable. Fridge doesn’t work, heater doesn’t work. Water heater does not work, the black tank valve was stuck but manager was able to get it free and dump the black tank. The rig has a low retail of 14K and a high retail of $17K. These people paid 30K for the rig and signed a note at 18% interest.
Did I mention that this couple are both deaf. These folks, I have not yet met, were in my opinion criminally taken advantage of.
My advise was two things: first, file a co plaintiffs with the Texas Attorney General’s Office. Second, contact the local tv stations to do a “personal story” on this couple.
Our manager wanted to talk to the manager at the rv dealership and I discouraged him from that.

Anyone have any ideas? I don’t think this couple has a lot of $$$.

 

[jsb5717]

It is a sad situation. You might get some traction as you've suggested. The difficulty is that deaf doesn't equal incompetent. It doesn't sound like they did any due diligence or asked for any help before buying an overpriced rig at a ridiculous interest rate.

The dealership may be scum and took full advantage of the "one born every minute". But if they are legal adults of sound mind who signed a legal contract then I don't know what recourse there is. Perhaps something can be done with a lemon law. But I'm guessing that it is used and sold as-is. I do hope you are able to help get some satisfaction. Please keep is informed.

 

[Mikendebbie]

Byron - if you are in Austin, contact “KXAN Investigates”
They have an investigative team that might take it!
Go to KXAN.com…look thru contact us…

What dealership was it?

 

[mlh]

That isn’t the way any respectable person would ever do business. That should be criminal.
I get up every morning and shave. I will not look at a crook. Them dirty SOBs should be in prison.
Lynwood

 

[Byron B]

It is a sad situation. You might get some traction as you've suggested. The difficulty is that deaf doesn't equal incompetent. It doesn't sound like they did any due diligence or asked for any help before buying an overpriced rig at a ridiculous interest rate.

The dealership may be scum and took full advantage of the "one born every minute". But if they are legal adults of sound mind who signed a legal contract then I don't know what recourse there is. Perhaps something can be done with a lemon law. But I'm guessing that it is used and sold as-is. I do hope you are able to help get some satisfaction. Please keep is informed.

I realize all of that. I am just very upset with the lack of ethics today; and realize that the rv business proceeds like P T Barnum.

 

[Byron B]

Byron - if you are in Austin, contact “KXAN Investigates”
They have an investigative team that might take it!
Go to KXAN.com…look thru contact us…

What dealership was it?

Thanks Mike! I haven’t watched local tv in at least a decade. I remembered “7 on your side”.

 

[Mikendebbie]

I watch Fox 7 news most of the time - primarily because they don't constantly lecture on climate change like KXAN. Frankly I have not even noticed the investigative segments on Fox 7...maybe they still do it.
I watch KXAN for weather in the mornings and noon, and I have seen lots of their investigations.

Edit: shortly after the Texas Big Freeze and power outage of Feb 2021, I sent an inquiry into KXAN Investigates about our power from Oncor. We get "power blips" all the time for no reason. Reporter emailed me back asking for an interview and I declined...I don't want to be on TV...but I would LOVE to see YOU on TV!!!

 

[BB_TX]

Actually I think a number of large city news have investigative reporters. I know NBC 5 in the DFW market does.

 

[Artfuldodger]

Most of us here are aware of the business practices of many rv dealerships. I just learned of probably one of the most disgusting examples.
Our rv park manager stopped by to ask for advice. A new tenant has moved in and our manager is excellent in helping newbies get set up. The rig they had just purchased for $30,000, which they tried to set up today is essentially inhabitable. Fridge doesn’t work, heater doesn’t work. Water heater does not work, the black tank valve was stuck but manager was able to get it free and dump the black tank. The rig has a low retail of 14K and a high retail of $17K. These people paid 30K for the rig and signed a note at 18% interest.
Did I mention that this couple are both deaf. These folks, I have not yet met, were in my opinion criminally taken advantage of.
My advise was two things: first, file a co plaintiffs with the Texas Attorney General’s Office. Second, contact the local tv stations to do a “personal story” on this couple.
Our manager wanted to talk to the manager at the rv dealership and I discouraged him from that.

Anyone have any ideas? I don’t think this couple has a lot of $$$.

The recourse I would suggest as an ex finance company employee is to simply stop paying for it until the dealership's only hope is to repossess it. This will do damage to their credit rating but time will eventually repair that. Change phone # whenever the collection agency gets through and ignore all correspondence by mail.

 

[DutchmenSport]

The recourse I would suggest as an ex finance company employee is to simply stop paying for it until the dealership's only hope is to repossess it. This will do damage to their credit rating but time will eventually repair that. Change phone # whenever the collection agency gets through and ignore all correspondence by mail.

Wrong! If the camper is "financed", the dealership has been paid in full for the agreed price. The dealership got their money. The finance company now hold the title.... NOT the dealership. Doing this your way will result in the finance company loosing their money, repossessing the camper, and then having to deal with a faulty camper. Not to mention, doing this will totally mess up the purchaser's credit rating.

The dealership is 100% out of the loop. The ultimate end may be the finance company "can" stop doing future business with this dealership, or scrutinize the units they finance more careful. That's the only recourse that can happen doing it your way.

 

[WhatExit?]

What's the name of the dealership?

 

[AZ Traveler]

Two issues:

1. This story is 3rd hand, there may be more to the story than what was shared with Byron.

2. I certainly feel bad for these folks assuming the story is correct, but being deaf is not an excuse for a poor financial decision. People have a responsibility to look out for their own interests. There are plenty of unscrupulous folks in many different businesses that will take advantage of those using poor judgement.

When you are unfamiliar with a particular product there are many avenues to seek advice or compare different options.

 

[Byron B]

I watch Fox 7 news most of the time - primarily because they don't constantly lecture on climate change like KXAN. Frankly I have not even noticed the investigative segments on Fox 7...maybe they still do it.
I watch KXAN for weather in the mornings and noon, and I have seen lots of their investigations.

Edit: shortly after the Texas Big Freeze and power outage of Feb 2021, I sent an inquiry into KXAN Investigates about our power from Oncor. We get "power blips" all the time for no reason. Reporter emailed me back asking for an interview and I declined...I don't want to be on TV...but I would LOVE to see YOU on TV!!!

Sure, you won’t but hope I will! A few years back I did an on air interview where I was running the carpenter shop at AirVenture. If you want to see me on tv look for that interview!