Brand New Rubicon

Oronoco, Minnesota Camping World

This was a brand new Coleman Rubicon. I wanted it for traveling in the mountains and for off-road camping. This is the second camper that I currently own.
The price was $2,000 above advertised but I was told I would get the balance returned. In addition, I was told there were extra benefits for financing. This ended up being another money grab that lowered my credit rating after three hard checks that I was unaware of.
I could have paid cash but Camping World talked me out of it, but that’s on me. After two trips for supposedly warranted and simple vent repair that took three months, it ultimately wasn’t covered. I was constantly lied to about everything regarding warranty and when it was to be fixed.
Camping World has zero accountability and treated me like a criminal. They wouldn’t bring the camper out from the secured area until I agreed to pay. I got off cheap compared to a lot of people so I consider myself lucky. I’ve been full-time camping for three years and will be upgrading my second camper, a 2018 Sonic Venture. I will not be dealing with Camping World.

CAMPINGWORLDSUCKS.NET

Subsequently, I have added this site name, campingworldsucks.net, in three-inch bold letters on the back of my camper along with their Better Business Bureau rating of F. I’ll be advertising for them from Wisconsin down to Texas and Arizona.
The specific place is Camping World in Oronoco, Minnesota. Thank you for giving me someplace to vent.
— Scott

We at CampingWorldSucks.net are grateful!

CampingWorldSucks.com Contributions

CampingWorldSucks.net welcomes contributors, click here. In addition, we recommend the Facebook group Camping World: The Awful Experience to share your experiences. Our goal is to warn consumers to avoid this company, by any name.

An option for complaints is Camping World corporate headquarters. Please report how that works out for you.

CampingWorldSucks.net is an informational website only. We do not allow advertising; no profit is received.

KeystoneRVSucks.net

In addition, check out KeystoneRVsucks.net. Camping World (aka Gander Mountain) is the largest retailer of Keystone RV. Along with Camping World, Keystone has built a reputation for terrible workmanship and equally awful customer service. Consequently, our experience is available to read at keystonervsucks.net. In addition, share your own experiences with Keystone products and/or services click here to submit.

If your complaint involves a Keystone unit, by all means, e-mail customer service here. Please report your results. Positive experiences are unfortunately few and far between.

Keystone’s parent company is Thor; customer support form and phone number, (877) 855-2867.

Karma Awaits!

Senior Scammed at Camping World in Missouri

I purchased 2017 toy hauler in June of 2021 in Missouri. Camping World cleaned it up to look nice. They were asked to check it over thoroughly before delivery. You would think that they would disclose any previous problems. They did not.

I am a senior citizen, but they didn’t care. Take the money and run! After four short trips, the roof started to fall in. Their answer was, “IT’S YOUR TRAILER NOW!” My insurance company did a background check and found that this trailer had previous extensive damage and therefore refused to pay for any damage.

Camping World said, “TO BAD!” I wrote several letters to Markus Lemonus and NEVER received a reply.

Months of Frustration

Finally, my insurance company put it in writing that this unit had previous damage and refused to pay for it. The bank refused to get involved, and the Missouri Attorney General, Eric Schmitt, also refused to get involved. So, the only thing that saved me was the letter from my insurance company.

After eight months of arguing with Camping World, they finally said they would repair the trailer at their cost. Four months and several letters later to Lemonus, all unanswered, I got my trailer back.

The value on my trailer went way down as the decals could not be retrieved anywhere. First, this trailer never should have been resold. Second, the work to put this unit back to its original condition was SHODDY at best.

Lemonus doesn’t care who he cheats. He just makes the sale. He doesn’t care about who he is selling to or how they make their payments. Just make the sale!

CW has a bad reputation. You would think they would be trying to fix it but no. Apparently, they don’t care because misinformed people keep buying from them. I personally will NEVER buy ANYTHING from them again. If I needed a box of matches I would not get them there.

SPREAD THE WORD!

Camping world sucks. Mr. Lemonus is not a man of his word and he refuses to talk to the people who buys his product. Karma awaits!!

CampingWorldSucks.com Contributions

CampingWorldSucks.net welcomes contributors, click here. In addition, we recommend the Facebook group Camping World: The Awful Experience to share your experiences. Our goal is to warn consumers to avoid this company, by any name.

An option for complaints is Camping World corporate headquarters. Please report how that works out for you.

CampingWorldSucks.net is an informational website only. We do not allow advertising; no profit is received.

KeystoneRVSucks.net

In addition, check out KeystoneRVsucks.net. Camping World (aka Gander Mountain) is the largest retailer of Keystone RV. Along with Camping World, Keystone has built a reputation for terrible workmanship and equally awful customer service. Consequently, our experience is available to read at keystonervsucks.net. In addition, share your own experiences with Keystone products and/or service click here to submit.

If your complaint involves a Keystone unit, by all means, e-mail customer service here. Please report your results. Positive experiences are unfortunately few and far between.

Keystone’s parent company is Thor; customer support form and phone number, (877) 855-2867.

Camping World Used RVs

Buying a Camping World Used RV

I bought a Camping World used RV after seeing convincing commercials. The advertisements airing now are fake. The ads claim Camping World/Gander RV provides a new mattress for their used RVs. They also claim to clean the unit before delivery when you buy a used RV.

In February of 2022, I bought a 2017 Class C. The salesperson and the Finance person both assured me that everything in the unit would be working before I was scheduled to pick it up. During the walk-through, many items were not functioning, including:

  • The backup Camera was not working
  • The propane for the refrigerator was not operating
  • The interior was dirty, the floor and the counters
  • The mattress was stained, it needed to be replaced
  • The outside compartment, containing the refrigerator and the water heater, was packed with dirt
Image is only for visual effect. Not the mattress referred to in the Camping World Used RV post.

Camping World (aka, Gander RV) sucks!

CampingWorldSucks.com Contributions

CampingWorldSucks.net welcomes contributors, click here. In addition, we recommend the Facebook group Camping World: The Awful Experience to share your experiences. Our goal is to warn consumers to avoid this company, by any name.

An option for complaints is Camping World corporate headquarters. Please report how that works out for you.

CampingWorldSucks.net is an informational website only. We do not allow advertising; no profit is received.

KeystoneRVSucks.net

In addition, check out KeystoneRVsucks.net. Camping World (aka Gander Mountain) is the largest retailer of Keystone RV. Along with Camping World, Keystone has built a reputation for terrible workmanship and equally awful customer service. Consequently, our experience is available to read at keystonervsucks.net. In addition, share your own experiences with Keystone products and/or service click here to submit.

If your complaint involves a Keystone unit, by all means, e-mail customer service here. Please report your results. Positive experiences are unfortunately few and far between.

Keystone’s parent company is Thor; customer support form and phone number, (877) 855-2867.

Camping World Service: Money Down the Toilet

Our Camping World Service Experiences

We lost my Mom so Dad decided he wanted to buy an RV. We had no idea how this would lead us to Camping World Service Departments. My Dad wanted to get out of the house, a reminder of Mom. Well don’t you know, he found…

A GREAT DEAL FROM CAMPING WORLD… NOT!!!!

First Camping World Experience

The unit he bought was in the shop within a week. Did not even get to camp in it and IT WAS IN THE SHOP. Camping World had it for months. We finally get it back and it is raining outside. Of course, it is leaking water to the point we have to get a mop.

If you drive an RV you know it isn’t always fun driving on the Interstate. You know, the road where drivers were able to get a driver’s license in a cereal box. Rolling along and all of a sudden we hear a horrible noise. We were ducking for cover.

THEN, THE BED ABOVE THE DRIVERS SEAT/PASSANGER SEAT COLLAPSES!!!!

We called Camping World. We could instantly tell in their voices THEY DIDN’T CARE. Back to Camping World Service. The unit had so many problems. It wasn’t safe and now had water damage we couldn’t see.

Camping World tells us we are driving a house with an earthquake under us. Exact words:

GET OVER IT AND THAT IS RV LIFE. —Camping World

Second Unit

Dad had enough. He wasn’t getting anywhere with them so he took a $30,000 loss! Unfortunately, he decided to give another Camping World, two hours away, a try.

This time, he had the new unit for a month BEFORE IT WAS CAMPING IN THEIR SHOP! Months went by. Yes months, five months to be exact. They found that the generator would NOT work although it had never been used. Camping World told us it was our fault and was due to OUR lack of maintenance. Told us that we needed to use it at least two hours each month and by the way you owe us $750!!!

The generator, along with everything else, was NOT covered under the warranty. So why provide a warranty if nothing is covered?

Another Invoice

We finally got it back. The first trip we take which required a generator, we were dry camping. It fires up but provides no power. We had to travel two hours out of our way to the closest Camping World. We live in Florida but were in Texas when this happened.

That CW tells us bring it in and they believe it is the transfer switch. We had to wait three hours, SITTING ON A CURB, and it is finally ready. We were told that the technician that “fixed” the generator forgot to adjust some screw. So Dad being nice like he is hands the guy a $20 tip.

THE GUY HANDS DAD A BILL FOR $162!

Another item not covered under the warranty. We considered it their fault since they forgot to adjust the screw after we gave them $750! Or the other payment of $162!

We were afraid to think of what would be next. Driving away, as soon as we shut the door we hear this grinding noise. WTF is that? The automatic stairs were not retracting. That was the noise.

My Father is 72-years-old and now he had to use a step stool to get in and out. Must be something with Interstates and above cabin beds since we were familiar with the sound and ducked since we were prepared for what was coming. THE BED FELL DOWN ONCE AGAIN. HELLO, SECOND RV!

All Camping World Locations Suck

It’s been a year now. The RV is the one that goes camping AT THE SHOP. We didn’t know that Camping World considered their service center some type of campground. RVs are purchased to go camping in…we thought. The plan was to get away. The only thing getting away WAS THE RV.

Again, I just picked it up today after something they “fixed” had to be “fixed” again. The service counter have a sign that reads:

OUR WORK IS WARRANTED FOR LIFE. NOT TRUE!

They charged me again. Unfortunately, instead of arguing with them, I paid to get it back. Got to love when the invoice reads that the technician repaired the dinette that collapses.

Camping World Breeds Liars

The technician said it was fixed and safe. He actually seemed to have tested it himself according to the invoice. He said he jumped up and down on the seat without a problem. I responded that was NOT TRUE. I assured them that the technician would not be at work if he’d done that.

HE WOULD BE OUT ON WORKER’S COMP BELIEVE ME.

Getting the Word Out

Long story short, I promise I’ve left a lot out, CAMPING WORLD SUCKS IS PUTTING IT LIGHTLY. In fact, I made shirts to wear so when others read my shirt they will see CAMPING WORLD SCREWED ME.

Find the t-shirts on Custom Ink.

The t-shirt depicts money down the toilet. The back shows two people kissing. THE WORD “MY” AND A PICTURE OF A DONKEY finished with the words CAMPING WORLD!

CampingWorldSucks.net does not benefit from the sale of these t-shirts. CampingWorldSucks.net does not profit in any way.

— Guest Contributor

Camping World hides under the name Gander RV in an attempt to cover their disgusting reputation. Our interaction with Camping World at two locations: Monticello, Minnesota, and Bartow, Florida, gave us nightmares. If nothing else, don’t buy the extended warranty! They will attempt to shove it down your throat. Do the math and buy your own warranty!

CampingWorldSucks.net welcomes contributors, click here. In addition, we recommend the Facebook group Camping World: The Awful Experience to share your experiences. Our goal is to warn consumers to avoid this company, by any name.

An option for complaints is Camping World corporate headquarters. Please report how that works out for you.

CampingWorldSucks.net is an informational website only. We do not allow advertising; no profit received.

KeystoneRVSucks.net

Similarly, check out KeystoneRVsucks.net. Camping World (aka Gander Mountain) is the largest retailer of Keystone RV. Just like Camping World, Keystone has built a reputation for terrible workmanship and equally awful customer service. You can read why we despise this company at keystonervsucks.net. To share experiences with Keystone RVs click to submit.

If your complaint involves a Keystone unit, e-mail customer service here. Please report your results. Positive experiences are unfortunately few and far between.

Keystone’s parent company is Thor; customer support form and phone number, (877) 855-2867.

Gander RV St. Augustine, FL

My wife and I have planned for years that after retirement we would buy an RV and try full-timing. On Feb. 21, 2020, we bought a used 2008 Tiffin from the Gander RV St Augustine, Florida location.

Before spending this large amount of money we asked many questions. We went over everything and all of our issues were addressed. To be sure we did a thorough walkthrough we videotaped it. During the walkthrough, we found some issues and were assured that they would be taken care of before we picked up our new home. Every issue we found is on the tape with a recording of the employee telling us it would be taken care of.

Gander RV Tire Rot Deception

St. Augustine Gander RV sold tires with dry rot

Gander scheduled a pick date and asked that we get there early. Ergo, we arrived at 9:00 am to find that nothing had been done to repair the issues from the walkthrough. After a long day, we left Gander at 5:30 pm with our unit. None of the repairs were done.

We headed home to Massachusettes, we had several problems arise. First, we had a blow out of one of their great tires. Road service charged $650 to replace one tire. With the tire removed it was apparent that the tires had been turned to hide the dry rot. Also, we lost an air pressure gauge.

Finally, we got home and parked the RV. It wouldn’t restate. Again we had to call Road Service; a $250 mobile visit. They couldn’t fix it. We had to have it towed to a service center, another $650.

Gander RV St. Augustine Liars

St. Augustine Gander RV send a tailpipe

Next, on February 27th, we contacted Glenn Blake at Gander in St. Augustine and explained the issues. In addition, I reminded Glenn that their manager promised to fix an issue with the tailpipe. He told me to get it addressed and gave me his e-mail address. He told me to send him the invoice from our repair shop.

After the work was done I sent the invoice. The repairs included five new tires due to the dry rot and totaled $5,000. Now they refuse to pay for the repairs. Instead, they sent me a tailpipe with a letter.

Good Afternoon Mr. Brouillette,
I have looked at Tri-State’s repair order and reviewed it with the General Sales Manager. Gander RV will cover the LOF in the amount of $405.25 and we will also cover the air gauge repair of $305.60. As a goodwill gesture, although we usually do not cover tires on pre-owned units, we will cover half of your replacement cost on your blowout at $370.00. The total reimbursement to you is $1080.85.
Also, I’m sending you the exhaust turndown as promised by the previous sales manager. This is the best we can do for you. I will have our Accounts Payable Department draw up a release and e-mail it to you. Sign and return this release so that I can request a check for you. Please be safe in your travels.
Thank you for your business.
Best regards, Glenn S. Blake, Service Director
glenn.blake@ganderoutdoors.com
Gander RV, 600 Outlet Mall Blvd., St. Augustine, FL 32084
(904) 486-9050 ext. 1244
CISCO#: 70561244

We received the agreement. Due to our shock, after reading it we asked several different managers repeatedly if anyone had read this agreement? The responses were the same, “this is what needs to be signed before we pay you.”

St. Augustine Gander RV disclosure

As you can see, this is what you have to expect when dealing with Gander RV St. Augustine, Florida (aka Camping World). If you don’t have time to read the whole thing, just read this excerpt from what they wanted me to sign, especially the bold type.

Gander RV St. Augustine Release

3. General
It is understood and agreed by me that the acceptance of the contribution is in full accord, satisfaction, and in final settlement of any and all claims and demands presented by me against Dealer.
I covenant that no representations or promises other than those expressly herein contained have been made to me in regard to this Release and settlement, and I fully understand that, after this instrument has been executed, all of my rights, claims, and demands referred to above are hereby and shall be extinguished. I understand that this Release is a compromise of a disputed claim and is not be construed as an admission of liability on the part of Dealer. I will do all things reasonable and necessary, and without delay, to transfer legal and physical possession of the RV to Dealer, including, but not limited, to removing my personal belongings from the RV and signing a power of attorney in favor of Dealer. I understand that the RV must be in the same condition it was delivered to me on the purchase date, reasonable wear and tear excepted or I will be responsible for all costs associated with returning the RV to that condition prior to receiving the contribution described in Paragraph 1.

4. Confidentiality
I agree to maintain this Release and its terms in strictest confidence. I shall not communicate, display, publish or reveal any of the facts surrounding this Release or the contents of this Release to any individual, group of individuals, organizations, social media sites, or entities, including but not limited to, any member of the media, except as may be required by a governmental taxing authority or by subpoena from a court of competent jurisdiction. If inquiry is made as to the resolution of dispute, I will specifically report only that the matter has been settled.

Stay away from this place!

–Guest Poster

Gander RV Warnings

Camping World has taken on the name of Gander RV to cover their horrible reputation tracks. Due to our horrible experiences with two Camping World locations: Monticello, Minnesota, and Bartow, Florida. If you learn nothing else, DO NOT buy the extended warranty that they attempt to shove down the throat of every prospect at closing! Do your own research and do the math!

CampingWorldSucks.net welcomes contributors, click here. In addition, we recommend the Facebook group Camping World: The Awful Experience to share your experiences. Our goal is to warn consumers to avoid this company, by any name.

An option for complaints is Camping World corporate headquarters. Please report how that works out for you.

CampingWorldSucks.net is an informational website only. We do not allow advertising; no profit received.

KeystoneRVSucks.net

Similarly, check out KeystoneRVsucks.net. Camping World (aka Gander Mountain) is the largest retailer of Keystone RV. Just like Camping World, Keystone has built a reputation for terrible workmanship and equally awful customer service. You can read why we despise this company at keystonervsucks.net. To share experiences with Keystone RVs click to submit.

If your complaint involves a Keystone unit, e-mail customer service here. Please report your results. Positive experiences are unfortunately few and far between.

Keystone’s parent company is Thor; customer support form and phone number, (877) 855-2867.

Freedom Elite from Camping World

I would not advise buying a Freedom Elite from Camping World.

My story will highlight the customer service from Camping World and Thor Manufacturing’s unwillingness to stand behind their product.

In January of 2017, we purchased a new Freedom Elite 26HE motorcoach from Camping World in Saukville, Wisconsin. We are extremely dissatisfied with the customer service from Camping World.

We first looked at the Freedom Elite coach at a Milwaukee RV show in February of 2017. The layout of the 26HE was perfect for us and decided to purchase one. There were several deficiencies with the show model on display from the Madison, Wisconsin Camping World. However, the salespeople assured us that we could get a new, identical unit from in Saukville.

Red Flag Number One

After the show, we headed to Saukville. At Saukville Camping World we proceeded with the paperwork. We quickly realized that the RV we were buying was the same display model. In other words, they had added a Saukville Camping World sticker over the Madison sticker.

Red Flag Number Two

We pointed out all the deficiencies we noticed at the RV show. Camping World assured us that all the issues would be fixed. One of the issues was a seal on the overhead cap. We were apprehensive, but we went ahead with the purchase.

After the Purchase

Our concerns were confirmed right after we purchased the motor home.

From February to July 2017 the RV was in and out of service at Camping World Saukville with warranty issues.

First, an electrical relay almost started the RV on fire. Next, we found a screw that had been driven through the fiberglass portion of the roof during the manufacturing process. It was near the roof access ladder.

Service Incompetance

They fixed the screw issue but the repair looked much worse than the problem. Apparently, a technician at Camping World drew pencil marks around the screw, shaped like spider cracks. I assume they did that to exaggerate the damage so that the manufacturer, Thor, would foot the bill.

After that, we saw that the employee who attempted to fix the seal on the overhead cap had dripped sealant and caulking all over the front hood. I spent a couple of hours cleaning it up.

Only One Season

Thankfully we used the RV during the 2018 season without incident. However, during the 2019 season, we noticed that the right wall was delaminating inside the cap. There was a water leak. Also, we noticed water leaking from the cab roof over the passenger seat.

We took the RV to a local repair shop. Initially, they couldn’t find a leak. Next, I removed the cushions from the overhead bed and discovered that the wood was rotting. Mold had started to form there. They suggested we take the RV back to the dealer (Camping World) and we did.

More Repairs Than RV Trips

Next, we dropped the RV off on Dec 2nd, 2019 at Camping World in Saukville, Wisconsin. Since we dropped off the RV I called Camping World at least seven times and stopped in once in person requesting updates. The service department promised to call me back with updates on numerous occasions and never did. Next, I called again and left a message for the service manager to call me Friday, February 28th, 2020. After that, I called Camping World Corporate and send a letter regarding our concerns before I finally got a callback.

On March 11th I finally received a call from the service department stating they found the leak. It was under the right-side screw track on the overhead cap. They said the seal had failed and caused damage estimated at $7,700. After that I initiated a claim with the extended Camping World Warranty we purchased. The claim was denied because it did not cover leaks or leak damage.

Bogus Warranty

warranty contract

Next, I called Thor and asked that they help cover the cost of repairs. The motor home was obviously not properly sealed at the factory. In addition, the location of the leak was not visible. That damage couldn’t have been seen with the naked eye.

Thor responded that the motor home was out of warranty. The manufacture warranty only covered seals for 3 months. Ergo, the three-month warranty is not a warranty at all. Apparently Thor expects their products are inherently defective.

On April 28th, 2020 I received a call from Camping World. They found damage to the fiberglass wall next to a window. Service techs removed the fiberglass to fix the water damage. The estimate was approximately $900. I asked how the new damage happened because I did not see this damage prior to dropping off the vehicle. Of course, they could not explain how the damage had occurred.

In conclusion, today is June 4th, 2020. As of this posting and we are still waiting on our RV. Half a year! We have used our motorhome only eight times since we purchased it. Ergo, we’ve only put around 15,000 miles on it. We cover our unit during winter storage for its protection.

This is our second Thor RV from Camping World. We are far from satisfied with Camping World or Thor motor homes.

Camping World/Gander RV Warnings

This blog began because of our horrible experiences in Monticello, Minnesota and Bartow, Florida. Most importantly, DO NOT buy the extended warranty they try to shove down your throat at closing! Do the math. Research your own warranty agreement.

First, we welcome contributors at CampingWorldSucks.net, click here. Next, we recommend unhappy Camping World customers join the Facebook group, Camping World: The Awful Experience to tell your story. Posting in more places increases the chances that they will lose a prospective screw-ee.

Here is the contact information for Camping World corporate headquarters. Let us know how that works out for you.

This blog is informational only. No advertising. Not-for-profit.

CW’s Fav Manufacturer

Similarly, Keystone RV sucks; check out KeystoneRVsucks.net. Camping World (Gander Mountain) is Keystone RV’s largest retailer. Like Camping World, the Keystone RV company has a reputation for shotty workmanship and horrible customer service. Read our Keystone story at keystonervsucks.net.

In addition to contacting Camping World, you can complain via e-mail about Keystone units to their customer service by clicking here. Again, let us know how that works out for you. We’d love to hear some positive experiences. Unfortunately, they are few and far between.

Thor is Keystone’s parent company. Thor customer support form and phone number might help, (877) 855-2867.

For Keystone RV experiences click to submit.

Camping World of San Antonio in New Braunfels, TX

My name is Lowell Unruh and I am a recovering Sales Consultant for Camping World of San Antonio located in New Braunfels Texas. I was discharged Wednesday, January 22, 2020. Ergo, I have a lot to say about whether I would recommend this dealership to friends, family, and acquaintances.

Not Just a Disgruntled Employee

Stupid! Stupid! Stupid! sign

To begin, I’ll give you a little insight into the attitude you should expect from the top down at Camping World of San Antonio. I had the privilege of attending a training session led by Mr. William Heinrich, the dealership’s General Manager. The entire sales staff learned from Mr. Heinrich that
“RV OWNERS ARE STUPID!”

Mr. Heinrich is the person who has been charged with increasing RV sales for Camping World in New Braunfels. Therefore, his sales staff is basically taught that anyone walking through the front door – you and your family for instance – should be considered stupid and treated as such. Further proof that you may want to reconsider doing business with Camping World.

Recommend Camping World of San Antonio to friends, family, or acquaintances? Not likely!

Deposit Sham

Late Sunday afternoon, January the 19th, Robin and Nancy drove in from Waco to look at a specific travel trailer they found on the Camping World of San Antonio website. They fell in love with the rig, but the Sales Manager wanted to leave. We were technically closed, it was 5:05 p.m. They simply did not have the time to complete any paperwork to hold the unit.

pen on contract

However, by Tuesday the 21st they had everything in order. They offered less than the published price over the phone but then decided the asking price of $7,599 was a fair number. They provided their credit card info and approval to use it to hold their unit. Here comes the part that is simply wrong.

The travel trailer was advertised online for four days at $7,599 + fees. The unit actually should have been priced between $9,500 and $10,000 but there it was online listed at $7,599. The General Sales Manager was not happy, but he agreed on Tuesday, January 21st, that Camping World would honor the advertised price. Ergo, he agreed to sell the travel trailer to Robin and Nancy for $7,599.

Not Held – For Sale

On Wednesday, January 22nd, my client’s travel trailer reappeared online at $9,995 + fees. By noon that day, Camping World of San Antonio’s new management team made a call to sell it to another buyer for the increased price of $9,995.

After that my client contacted me. On Wednesday afternoon I got a call asking why their credit card had not been debited. It fell upon me to explain how they had been, in my opinion, mistreated, and that the results of the general sales manager’s actions were the cause of what I will call a “screw-job.”

In addition, the client called the San Antonio store and had a conversation with the GSM, Jimmy Spurlock. He told her he didn’t know anything about her offer so he couldn’t help her. As I said, this is just WRONG!

Management Team at Camping World of San Antonio

Bill Heinrich, general manager
Jimmy Spurlock, general sales manager
Rico Pena, finance director

Another One-Star Review

one star in a five-star review of Camping World of San Antonio

On Friday, January 31, 2020, another one-star Google Review was posted from Michelle W. Michelle shared her experience of getting a call from a Camping World Sales Manager that she’d been screwed. The finance team had taken her deposit and had assured her three times they would indeed hold her unit. After that, she heard from that manager her RV had been promised to someone else.

She went on to say that, after speaking with the sales manager, she “…talked to the owner/general manager who was rude, bad, bad, bad.”

A Pattern Emerging

While once could be an aberration, twice within 10 days seems a lot more like a pattern. A pattern became prevalent approximately three months ago after the senior management team decided that Camping World of San Antonio should continue its trend of filling leadership and finance positions with folks from the car business. From my perspective, senior management would rather have you exposed to the typical car-buying experience vs. a professional approach. Experienced associates who actually know something about motorhomes, travel trailers, toy haulers, and or 5th wheels trailers are unnecessary.

Recommend Camping World of San Antonio to friends, family, and acquaintances? NOT!

My Next Steps

Next, I am thinking about updating and adding additional reasons for not endorsing this dealership. My plan is to edit and update a Google Review on a weekly basis. A few items that may be of interest and that may be addressed are:

  1. The “sales technique” applied to a 74-year-old widow by the Director of Finance.
  2. There is a lack of employee background checks and how it could impact your family. For instance, one former and one active salesperson was arrested for felony sexual child abuse at the New Braunfels location within the past two and a half months.
  3. Seriously consider the value of various “products” sold to you on the back end in the Finance office. A sneak preview of this discussion: How do you know you are even getting the products that you will be paying for over the next 20 years?
  4. Is it bank fraud for the Director of Finance to knowingly allow inflated NADA valuations of pre-owned units to be submitted to lenders? This practice results in buyers almost assured of being upside-down even before they pull their RV off of the lot.

In Closing

Above all, I am convinced that there are times when speaking out and educating the public is simply the right thing to do. It is possible that I may face some form of retribution or be threatened with legal action. Some may consider this just a case of sour grapes. Yes, it probably is to a certain degree. But, hopefully, sharing my first-hand experiences serve as a Public Service Announcement.

In conclusion, I encourage you to share this post with your friends, family, and even acquaintances. While there is no guarantee that they will get a screw-job at Camping World of San Antonio, you may just want to give them a heads-up. In other words, warn them on what they might expect from both the local and regional leadership teams of Camping World…just saying.

Camping Worlds Sucks Warning

Take time to read our other posts. Our slimy sales experience with Camping World of Monticello, Minnesota, and attempted service screw job at Camping World of Bartow, Florida. In the event you don’t have time, be sure to check out Camping World Purchase under “Badgering” before you buy an extended service plan from Camping World. It will save you THOUSANDS!

To contribute your experience to Camping World Sucks click here. Also, there is a Facebook group, Camping World: The Awful Experience to share your experiences.

In conclusion, I always offer contact information for Camping World corporate headquarters. Please share the results of your attempted contact.

This blog is informational only. No advertising is allowed. The Camping World locations in Bartow, Florida, and Monticello, Minnesota inspired this blog. In addition, visit KeystoneRVsucks.net.

Keystone RV & Camping World

Keystone’s largest retailer is Camping World (Gander Mountain). Similarly, the Keystone RV company is building a rep of poor workmanship and questionable service. We chronicle our experiences at keystonervsucks.net. Click to contact Keystone by e-mail. Let us know how that works out for you. However it ends, please share the results with CampingWorldSucks.net readers.

Another option is Keystone’s parent company, Thor. Thor offers a customer support form and phone support, (877) 855-2867.

Keystone RV experiences are welcomed at KeystoneRVsucks.net.

Gander RV, Bartow, Florida

I thought this would be a peaceful negotiation between myself and Gander RV of Bartow, Florida. I arrived with my unit having agreed with their head office the day before. First, we agreed to bring it in for them to inspect. Repairs previously addressed had failed and caused water damage in my new unit. In addition, other issues had arisen.

General Manager MIA

When I arrived I asked for the Bartow, Florida General Manager (GM) and the service manager. The service manager came out to tell me that the GM wasn’t there. I didn’t think this was a problem. I had the service manager.

During the walk-through of my unit, they begin trying to claim they didn’t make the failed repairs. I had work orders dated and signed, along with written confirmation on letterhead asking me to take my unit to a third party for them to confirm the repairs were not up to par. That fact was confirmed.

Asked to Leave Gander RV of Bartow

As a result of showing the service manager the repair list and their work orders, along with all the other evidence they told me to pack my unit and leave. I refused.

Due to the intimidation, from the Gander RV staff, I called the sheriff. They came out just to keep the peace and make sure nothing got out of hand. Next, the GM comes out of an office wanting to talk. So we began talking. He says that he’s going to have to ask me to leave. Following that he claims I made a racist comment about a black guy and a banana. This was totally false. The sheriff asked if it was true. I said no! I had a friend with me and he denied any such comment being made. Consequently, the sheriff made a report.

I contacted the head office to see how they would like to proceed with these false claims. They hung up the phone. I called them back. They transferred me to a manager in their head office. He said that it’s no longer their problem; it’s between me and Gander RV (Camping World) of Bartow. At which point the phone cut off.

I immediately called back to ask for this matter to be taken higher. They instantly hung up. Finally, after I called back a fourth time, they just transferred the call to the Bartow location.

I can’t believe the lengths these cowboys will go to screw me and my family out of money and everyone else. In conclusion, my advice: steer clear of Gander RV or Camping World or whatever they call themselves. Camping World Sucks!

— Guest Contributor

Gander RV (Camping World) Sucks

Camping World has changed its name to Gander RV in Bartow, Florida. New name; same terrible service. To contribute to CampingWorldSucks.net click here. A Facebook group exists for people to share experiences. It’s called Camping World: The Awful Experience. Camping World corporate headquarters webpage is here. Please let us know if you get results.

CampingWorldSucks.net is an information website for Camping World and Gander RV experiences. No advertising is allowed. Camping World inpired this blog; both Bartow, Florida and Monticello, Minnesota.

Keystone RV Manufacturer Sucks

Keystone RV is a Camping World staple. Keystone’s manufacturing and service equals Camping World’s (Gander RV). Read about our sad experience at keystonervsucks.net. Keystone’s customer service e-mail is ownerrelations@keystonerv.com. Thor, parent company to Keystone RV, is also an avenue for complaints. Fill out their form at Thor custom support or try calling (877) 855-2867.

Contribute experiences with Keystone RVs at KeystoneRVsucks.net.

Camping World Manassas, Virginia

DO NOT, I REPEAT, DO NOT go to Camping World of Manassas, Virginia!!!!

We have had the WORST experience with Camping World in Manassas. Camping World sucked, from the purchase of our travel trailer to getting ANY of our walk-through items fixed. First of all, the general manager, Michael Shefcyk, and the service manager, Deamon, are complete liars and manipulators.

Due to their incompetence, we demanded that they give us a new travel trailer. This took months of me contacting the corporate office. Our replacement travel trailer has several items that are very simple fixes, yet they’ve had our trailer since August; now it is MARCH. It is still not fixed!

Camping World Scammers

I truly believe Camping World is full of complete scammers! The service department manager, Deamon, is now going back on their written promise to fix the items on our walk-through list. They’ve only fixed a few items out of five pages of issues.

Furthermore, these are walk-through items from delivery. GM, Michael Shefcyk signed off on each repair on the list. Ergo, they are in breach of contract by refusing to fix the list of agreed-upon repairs.

I truly believe that this company, from top to bottom, teaches everyone to get away with taking people’s hard-earned money. Most importantly they do not deliver on the promise from their CEO Mark Lemonis, “If you’re not happy, I’m not happy.”

It’s ALL a scam!

$60,000 CW Mistake

We’re talking about a $60,000 travel trailer. Not something to laugh at. We took years to decide if we really wanted to put out the money on this. It was for our family. Consequently, we went ahead. We should have gone somewhere else, not Camping World. They have the worst customer service. So much of our money has gone out for something that has been sitting at their lot since August of 2019. Now it’s March 2020!

Finally, Camping World Sucks from top to bottom; including Camping World of Manassas, Virginia!

— Guest Contributor

Camping World (Gander RV) Sucks

To contact Camping World corporate headquarters click here. We’d love to publish your results. In addition, a Facebook group exists, Camping World: The Awful Experience to share your experiences.

Contribute stories to Camping World Sucks experiences.

CampingWorldSucks.net is strictly informational. No advertising. Camping World in both Bartow, Florida and Monticello, Minnesota were instrumental in inpiring this blog. Also visit KeystoneRVsucks.net.

Keystone RV Equally Sucks

Camping World is the largest retailer of Keystone RVs. Keystone manufacturing has a rep of poor workmanship and terrible service. Check out our experiences at keystonervsucks.net. You can contact Keystone via e-mail at ownerrelations@keystonerv.com. Keystone’s parent company is Thor. A Thor custom support form is available, or call (877) 855-2867.

Post your stories regarding Keystone RVs at KeystoneRVsucks.net.

Camping World Nightmare

This is the Camping World nightmare experience of one of our guest posters . . .

I’ll leave out our first two Camping World nightmare experiences to your imaginations, but they were bad.

Sherman, Texas CW

Jayco RV

The Sherman, Texas store was our third visit to a Camping World in an attempt to purchase a 2020 Jayco RV. We stuck with CW only because we wanted a Jayco. They are the only Jayco Dealers remotely close to us.

Our salesman in Sherman was very accommodating. As was the pre-delivery inspection (PDI) staff. However, every person that we dealt with in Finance and all of upper management was nothing less than atrocious.

Passing on CW Financing

First, we informed them from the very beginning that we had our own financing and would not need CW financing. We asked them to send the Purchase Agreement to our banker.

Hacking Our Info

bandit with laptop

Of course, the agreement was never sent. We called them back to get it done. They told us they had contacted the Oklahoma store for our financial info. Ergo, instead of sending the agreement, they took it upon themselves to waste our time by contacting the Oklahoma City store. They hacked our private financial and credit information without our permission. Above all, they violated several laws including the:

After voicing our disapproval, Sherman Camping World finally sent the Purchase Agreement to our bank. Immediately our phone was ringing. Our banker called to tell us that the Purchase Agreement was not correct. They wanted us to pay tax, title and license fees at the time of purchase. They said it was “state law”.

We called Camping World again to explain that we do not pay Texas sales tax, we live in Oklahoma. Several phone calls and arguments ensued. They conceded that we only had to pay Oklahoma tax, but that it needed to be paid when taking delivery.

Next, they told us that we would have to bring a Cashier’s Check in order to take delivery of the RV. We headed out on a four-hour round trip to meet with the banker personally and pick up a Cashier’s Check.

Camping World Nightmare Continues

Everyone involved at CW was very aware that we were on a serious time crunch when picking up the unit. They knew exactly when we would be arriving to take delivery. We called at 8:00 a.m. that morning to follow up with the salesman. We informed him that we would be there around 9:00 a.m. The dealership is an hour from our home.

We arrived at the dealership a little after 9:00 in the morning. Our RV was just being taken back to be cleaned up. We waited patiently (kind of, we were on a time crunch, as stated). Finally, we started our walk-through. At least the walk-through staff was very knowledgeable.

Next, the paperwork. We finally sat down with their Finance guy to sign the paperwork. He initially apologized that we hadn’t had a better experience at other stores. I brought up that we had concerns with our purchase there, but he quickly moved on to the paperwork.

After signing the guy started walking away without payment. I asked him if he wanted checks. He says, “Oh, yeah.” He walked back to the desk and we handed him a Cashier’s Check for the financed amount. I began to write out a check for the fees that they were insisting that we pay upfront. Oklahoma taxes, even though we live in a different state. The salesman says, “Oh, my general manager says that I cant take a personal check for that.”

What?! CW Nightmare Continues

We had driven for hours. Then, we spent hours in the dealership and hours on the phone. No one EVER bothered to mention to us that we needed to bring cash for that?! Does anyone carry that much cash in their pocket daily? Right?!

He said, “Just put it on a card.” The amount was over the daily card limit set by our bank.

At the time, we were over three hours from our nearest bank branch at noon on a Saturday! He handed us back our Cashier’s Check and said, “sorry.” At this point, the sales guy was in disbelief as well.

I have NEVER been treated as poorly at a dealership during the purchase of ANYTHING in my life!! I’m appalled!

To make matters worse, afterward, we checked the purchase agreement when we stopped for lunch. The Purchase Agreement was for $2,000 less than the agreed-upon price; less than the Cashier’s Check. Ergo, they could have taken that extra $2,000 and put it towards the Oklahoma sales taxes. We would have been good.

Camping World Sucks!

In conclusion, we were now in a dire situation. We need to leave town for work and, due to our Camping World nightmare, we are without an RV. Obviously, we have a VERY bad taste in our mouths from this establishment. The way we were treated was astonishing.

Camping World, please do your future customers a favor and better train your staff in regards to customer service and desk-side manner. We feel bad for our sales guy as he did his job and was snuffed out of this sale due to no fault of his own.

–Guest Poster

Camping Worlds (now Gander RV) Suck

The list of complaints has just skyrocketed. It is amazing that this business has any customers. If you need to contact Camping World with one of these horrific experiences, contact corporate headquarters by clicking here. Please report back with your results.

In addition, on Facebook, Camping World: The Awful Experience is dedicated to warning consumers about CW/Gander.

Please consider sharing your Camping World Sucks experiences here.

This site, CampingWorldSucks.net, is strictly for information purposes. We don’t advertise here. Our horrible experiences with Camping World of Bartow, Florida service and Monticello, Minnesota financing departments inspired this blog. Click below for our KeystoneRVsucks.net experience.

Unethical Keystone RV

Camping World sells more Keystone RVs than any other dealership. This major manufacturer has a reputation for poor workmanship and worse customer service. We can attest to that, personally. Keystone customer service e-mail contact is ownerrelations@keystonerv.com. Thor is Keystone’s parent company. Click for Thor custom support or call (877) 855-2867.

Share your experiences with Montana, Cougar, etc. at KeystoneRVsucks.net.