Sales Archives - Camping World Sucks

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

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

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

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

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.

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:

The “sales technique” applied to a 74-year-old widow by the Director of Finance.
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.
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?
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.

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.

Camping World Reviews

This post combines several Camping World reviews that contributors have submitted. Camping World Sucks has one goal, to warn the public. Keystone RV Sucks also welcomes guest contributors to share their experiences.

Camping World of Tallahassee

Flagstaff fifth wheel RV

I purchased a brand new Flagstaff fifth wheel at Camping World of Tallahassee, Florida. It came with a defective hook up light on the front. No one told me not to use the light until it could be replaced. They didn’t have one in stock and chose not to order one before I took delivery.

First, I turned it on and used it for a night light assuming it would work; until it just quit. Then, it caught fire! The fire burned a hole in the front cap before it could be put out. Thank God someone was walking past when it started burning. They banged on my door and we put the fire out.

I called the manager at Camping World in Tallassee. He wanted me to tell Forest River I was afraid to stay in the unit. He offered to send me a different, new fifth wheel.

I told him he could go to hell and phoned Forest River in Indiana and told them what he was up to. After that, I contacted Camping World Headquarters in Bowling Green, Kentucky. In addition, I registered a complaint against the manager in Florida. Of course, Camping World corporate did absolutely nothing.

Now you’re beginning to understand why Camping World is trying to become Gander RV. They can eat s–t as far as I am concerned.

Rebranding: Hiding & Lying

In my opinion, Camping World (now trying to re-brand themselves as Gander RV) is nothing more than the traditional and unethical “used car” sales scam!

They deliberately buy substandard, low-quality RVs. Camping World lies about the safety and durability of the units and then push-off warranty repairs until the manufacturer’s warranty expires. This practice places the burden of repair costs on the buyer!

Camping World Unethical? Yep!

An unsustainable business model? We can only hope. Remember, they are only interested in short-term profits. When consumers finally understand Marcus Lemonis’ con, he will simply move on to another scam. He takes his profits, leaving customers and investors in the dust!

Camping World Columbia, SC

My purchase was a nightmare from the start and continues. The Camping World Staff at Columbia, South Carolina signed my name to two difficult documents. They failed to register our RV with the North Carolina DMV, as promised. More than 45 days after the purchase they sent the paperwork to us. This resulted in us driving the RV unregistered the whole time.

They provided false or misleading information concerning the cancellation of our extended warranty and paint coverage. In addition, they promised to fill the RV with fuel prior to purchase. We took possession with only $50 worth of fuel.

Only one key was provided with a brand new 2020 Thor Freedom Elite. Camping World claimed that the manufacturer only provided one key for the vehicle.

We contacted corporate. To date, we still have not heard back from corporate. None of our concerns, which are many, have been resolved.

CW Manassas, VA

My wife and I purchased a used Tiffin Allegro from the Manassas store a couple of months ago. We live in Maryland so I had to have it state inspected.

The inspection station failed the Motorhome for front brakes. Both Rotors were cracked completely through. All four were severely overheating to the point that they were disintegrating.

Camping World allowed me to drive that vehicle over 150 miles home with my family aboard. Not to mention the thousands of other motorists on the road with us.

Camping World 2008 Allegro No Brakes

This vehicle has been the biggest mistake I’ve ever made. I can assure you that I or anyone I have the chance to talk to will never buy another RV from their stores!

–Guest Posters

The Worst RV Dealer

The goal here is to warn future customers and help current consumers trapped in a Camping World nightmare.

First, Camping World is now hiding under the name Gander RV. They are also purchasing private dealerships and not changing their names to hide behind aliases. To contact Camping World corporate, click here. Please share your results.

Visit the Camping World: The Awful Experience Facebook page for more reviews. These reviews are the result of Camping World’s common business practices; Camping World’s normal. Please contribute your experience by clicking here. CampingWorldSucks.net and KeystoneRVSucks.net are strictly informational. No advertising will be accepted. We can only hope Camping World, also known by aliases including Gander RV, will get a clue and step up to the plate.Check out KeystoneRVsucks.net to read and share experiences with Keystone brands. Keystone customer service’s e-mail address is ownerrelations@keystonerv.com. Keystone’s parent company is Thor. Some have reported more success by contacting Thor. For Thor customer support click here or try calling (877) 855-2867.

Camping World Experiences

Camping World Sucks, and Keystone RV Sucks, welcome guest contributors to share their own Camping World Experiences. As a result, several guest contributors have shared their stories below.

Corrupt All The Way To The Top

Several years after I bought my Class-C camper. During my Camping World experience I gave this company three different chances to fix or repair work done by their mechanics.

I climbed my way up the food chain to try to resolve the issue. The key PROBLEM, Marcus Lemonis. He uses his power only to personally make himself money. To Mr. Lemonis, the importance of the customer, the employees, and the company has declined. Ergo, Camping World Sucks!

He’s rich on the backs of the people he has rear-ended. Moral to this story: never will I return – have advised everyone I have ever come in contact with to avoid this company like the plague.

Redding, Cali Camping World Sucks

Our Camping World experience took place in Redding, California.

We bought a 2008 Thor Wave 21BH. On December 10, 2019, we brought it to Camping World Redding. We needed to get the wheel bearings repacked, holding tanks checked and flushed; general maintenance.

The service manager, Brian, recommended their 45-point inspection, which we agreed to. He called a couple of days later. First, he told us that our brakes were shot. Next, he informed us that our roof had turned to leopard skin. When I asked about the other things mentioned earlier, he said everything seems to work.

Therefore, on December 20, 2019, we picked up our trailer with a bill for $8,000 dollars!!!!! Certainly, Camping World should have mentioned that the tires were severely cracked. We went to Les Schwab for tires.

When we got to our site and plugged in, we discovered that Camping World Sucks!

Black water gauge still said 2/3 full, the same as when we brought it.
Gray water gauge said full, the same as when we brought it.
Black water tank was clogged and wouldn’t empty.
When the water heater kicked on the water leaked under the bunk.

As a result, we called Camping World in Redding. Again we talked to the service manager. Those things were not covered under the 45-point inspection.

Ergo, we feel like they are crooks that are out to make a quick, dishonest buck, but that they really don’t care whether we live or die.

Walked Out Because CW Sucks!

camping world sucks financing

Our camping world experience sucked. Fortunately it was brief. Eight years ago we were shopping for a fifth wheel toy hauler. We stopped at Camping World to look at some models. The very first question the salesperson asked was, “Are you going to finance the purchase with us?” Always the most important aspect in Camping World’s marketing plan.

Hence, I looked at my wife and, without saying a word, we both walked out. The salesperson could then return to their office and resume playing solitaire on their computer.

–Guest Posters

Camping World (a.k.a. Gander RV) Sucks

First, for Camping World experiences like ours, contact corporate headquarters to lodge complaints, click here. Let us know how that works out for you.

This blog, along with the Facebook page Camping World: The Awful Experience are dedicated to warning consumers. Unethical business practices and shotty (or nonexistent) repairs are the common Camping World experience. Their standard operating procedure.

Most importantly, please share your Camping World experiences by clicking here. CampingWorldSucks.net is strictly informational. We will never advertise or profit from the experiences shared here. Due to the myriad of bad experiences this blog was created to warn consumers. Hopefully, Camping World, a.k.a. Gander RV, will change their unethical ways of doing business or just go away forever.

Keystone RV Also Sucks

Keystone RV is Camping World’s most popular manufacturer. Their reputation is one of poor workmanship and a complete lack of customer service. KeystoneRVsucks.net is available to share experiences with Montana, Cougar, and all other Keystone brands. KeystoneRVsucks.net is also completely informational.

Finally, to contact Keystone customer service e-mail ownerrelations@keystonerv.com. Thor is Keystone’s parent company. Click for Thor custom support or you can call (877) 855-2867.

Still Unethical: Gander RV

We found a TT that we love, Flagstaff E-Pro 19FBS. We looked at a couple of places but just couldn’t come to terms. We decided to try our local Rv dealer, Gander RV, recently renamed from Camping World. It is our local dealer and does have a repair shop for warranty, we figured.

They had the trailer we wanted, minus four items (bike rack, backup camera, holding tank heating pads, and additional solar panel). We came to an agreement to buy the RV on their lot, with the four minor add ons.

Our agreement was “The RV you want, with everything you want on it, at your price, out the door in 48 hours.” (We are now 20 days later).

The Scumbag Process

The salesman told us, repeatedly, he was late for an appointment. He rushed us through signing a sales contract without the four add ons listed. He assured us more than once ”… don’t worry about it, they’ll be on there…”

We put money down on my Credit card, I had a loan preapproved from my bank. All good, right?

Since then. . .our salesman has been out sick and we are now dealing with the sales manager. That is, WHEN we can get anyone to talk to us. When calling got us no where but voice mail and no return calls, we drove over to Gander RV and spent two to three hours being delayed, diverted, disrespected and lied to.

Seems every person we talk to inadvertently tells the truth about the last person’s lies and tells us new lies. Twenty days into this 48-hour deal, it seems, that they are set on not adding any of the agreed-upon add ons, but want us to “close this deal out”. They have not charged our credit card for the deposit, yet. We have not taken possession of the camper. We have not given them the check for our balance.

Way Too Late, I read the reviews of Camping World, and see All their unethical sales practices in our situation.

Escaping Gander RV

My questions are: Can I cancel this transaction?
Is there any strategy for making them comply with our agreement?

Any help will be greatly appreciated! Yes, I now understand what a huge mistake this was, but we have to move forward from the position we are now in. Thanks again for any positive suggestions or solutions.

–Guest Poster

Camping World (Gander RV) Sucks

We offer this Camping World corporate headquarters contact information for complaints, click here. Good luck with that.

As you can see from this blog and from Camping World: The Awful Experience on Facebook, their reputation for poor workmanship and unethical business practices is public knowledge and the purpose of this blog.

Share your experiences with Camping World here. CampingWorldSucks.net is purely informational. This website will never accept advertisements and does not profit from any experiences shared here. Ergo, this is purely informational to warn consumers in hopes that Camping World, a.k.a. Gander RV, will alter their unethical business practices or just close its doors.

Keystone RV Equally Sucks

Keystone, Camping World’s most popular manufacturer, also holds a reputation for poor workmanship and garbage customer service. KeystoneRVsucks.net is the perfect place to share Montana, Cougar, and other Keystone brand nightmares. KeystoneRVsucks.net is strictly informational.

Contact Keystone customer service at www.ownerrelations@keystonerv.com. Keystone’s parent company is Thor Manufacturing. Reach Thor custom support here or call (877) 855-2867.