Warning: Ongoing Issues and Registration Violation – My Experience with Sundance RV Shelton, WA
I’m sharing this in hopes of helping other RVers avoid the headache I’ve experienced. In May 2025, I purchased a fifth wheel (toy hauler) from Sundance RV in Shelton, WA. Before finalizing the sale, I hired a certified third-party RV inspector. Based on that inspection, the dealership agreed to complete several repairs as part of our purchase contract, including: A full roof reseal and resealing of exterior caulking and loose trim (for which I was charged $1,000) Repairing a broken drawer Replacing a non-functioning front LED light strip Repairing a motion-activated exterior light and the central vacuum Fixing the rear entry door, which would not close and latch properly without force Unfortunately, most of these items were not completed prior to delivery—including the roof reseal I paid for. I had to camp at the dealership for 5 days while they attempted to complete the work. During that time: Their technician made the patio sliding doors worse; they eventually came off the track entirely. The front LED light strip was never actually replaced. They initially tried to "repair" the existing one, which only illuminated at about 50% brightness. They later ordered a replacement strip but failed to secure it properly, and it has since detached and is now hanging by the wire. The drawer broke again after one day of use and had to be repaired a second time. The central vacuum and rear entry door were never addressed. Despite “fixing” the sliding patio doors, they quickly deteriorated—ball bearings began falling out daily, and both doors later detached from the upper track. Worst of all, the rear awning completely detached while I was parked with the patio down, nearly injuring my dog who was sunbathing underneath. A certified RV technician later confirmed it had been mounted to the wrong track, a dangerous and preventable installation error. I reported all of these issues to the dealership. While they acknowledged some and re-did the roof reseal after I returned, they ultimately refused to accept responsibility for any further repairs. I received an email stating they “would not be covering any of the requested repairs” and that any future communication would need to go through legal channels. I understand I did not purchase an extended warranty, but that does not excuse the dealership from completing promised repairs or ensuring the unit was safe and functional upon delivery. There still must be basic accountability for agreed-upon work and obvious failures in workmanship. Then came the most serious issue: vehicle registration. I was repeatedly told it had been submitted and that I would receive my plates in the mail. Weeks later, while traveling out of state, I contacted the Washington Department of Licensing and discovered that no registration or title transfer had ever been filed. I was unknowingly driving with expired temporary tags, putting me at risk for legal penalties, impoundment, or worse. Sundance later admitted they had submitted the wrong paperwork and had still not obtained the title from the prior lienholder. They recently offered to send me a new temporary tag—but this does not resolve the months of misinformation or legal noncompliance. I’ve since filed formal complaints with: The WA Department of Licensing The WA Attorney General Consumer Protection Division The Better Business Bureau I’ve also shared this story across RV forums to warn others. While I’m new to RVing, I understand that repairs and unexpected issues happen. But a dealership that refuses to honor its written agreements and fails to meet even legal obligations is where I draw the line. If you’re considering doing business with Sundance RV, I strongly recommend getting everything in writing, keeping detailed records, and hiring your own technician for a full inspection. And if you’ve already had a similar experience, I’d be happy to share the steps I’ve taken to file complaints.