Camping World Sucks

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.

Camping World = Gander RV

Gander RV, formerly Camping World, is located at 2772 US Hwy 78 E in Anniston, Calhoun County, Alabama. Camping World recently purchased Gander Mountain and is in the process of changing the name of its dealerships. I believe this is an attempt to continue their unethical business practices under a new name as their reputation continues to falter and the public is warned.

Another Camping World Horror Story

Our 2019 travel trailer has spent over seven months in the shop in less than a year. After the second time in the shop for warranty work in less than one year, there is still has a lot more work to be done. With the damage done at Gander RV in Alabama, our rig was in need of even more repairs.

They finally repaired my slide. It took them three attempts. However, in the process, they tore holes in the roof slide and my carpeting. They snagged the carpet on a floor vent that they had bent. They replaced the floor vent but that’s it, not the torn carpet. In addition, one of my cabinet doors will not open all the way; it used to.

Weeks of Waiting

We were already weeks late on a month-long trip when we were finally able to pick it up. Shortly after we picked it up, while traveling to our destination, the outside fridge vent flew off. We were on I-285 in Atlanta. Fortunately, no one was hurt or caused to crash from flying parts.

After arriving at our destination, we noticed the kitchen sink started to rust. Next, a day later, the water heater stopped working on both electric and gas.

There are also bubbles forming on two of the outside walls. The black water valve they supposedly repaired on the first trip to service is dripping raw sewage into the underbelly. The tape they used when they cut into the underbelly was already peeling off.

Next, I had to repair the bed after our second trip merely due to poor workmanship.

Thumbs Down Sad Face
I have learned one thing. Marcus Lemonis, Jason Shippley, and all their fire extinguishers are nothing but liars and crooks.

–Guest Poster

Contact Camping World & Keystone

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

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.

We dealt with a mom and pop shop to get our roof replaced and they recommended a few manufacturers that at least fix their products and take better care of their customers. They are Jayco, Grand Design, and, of course, Newmar.

Camping World Liars

A friend of ours went to visit the Camping World liars in Bartow, Florida for a simple repair. While he was in the waiting room a CW employee came out with disturbing news.

The employee provided pictures proving that there were multiple, gaping holes in the roof. Camping World’s liar said that the unit should be left and fixed that same day because of all the rain they experience during a Florida summer.

First of all, our friend, Joe, was alone at the dealership. Second, he is an older, heavy man. Joe is visibly out of shape and walks slow and labored because of his bad knees. Certainly, it would be obvious to anyone that he wasn’t going to climb the RV ladder to the roof.

The service tech gave him an estimate of $16,000 for a roof replacement. Unfortunately, the owner didn’t take copies of the estimate or the images. Obviously, the Camping World liar didn’t offer any take-home evidence.

Not Falling for CW Fraud

Joe didn’t fall for it and took his unit with him. He returned to the RV park and his skinny wife came home with a friend. She scampered up the ladder to inspect the roof. Not surprisingly, there was not a shred of truth to Camping World’s lying claims.

Therefore, this was a fraud. (Read our inspection story for another example of fraud.) I attempted to get them to call and request a copy of the estimate and pictures. They didn’t want to deal with it and let the Camping World of liars off the hook for this one, unfortunately.

To contact Camping World’s corporate headquarters with complaints click here.

Please share your experience on Camping World sucks here. This website, CampingWorldSucks.net, is purely informational and does not advertise or profit from any shared experiences. Consequently, we only hope to warn consumers. Our hope is for Camping World and their liars to change their business practices or stop practicing business.

Keystone, Camping World’s most prominent manufacturer, also sucks. Visit KeystoneRVsucks.net to share your Montana, Cougar, etc. nightmares. KeystoneRVsucks.net is not monetized, strictly for information.

Contact Keystone directly try emailing customer service at www.ownerrelations@keystonerv.com. Thor, Keystone’s parent company can be reached at Thor custom support or by phone (877) 855-2867.

Good luck. Unfortunately, we all need it.

Camping World CEO Sucks

A few days after the nightmare with the finance department, I wrote a letter to Camping World corporate. I detailed our experience.

I recently came across this article from Chicago Business highlighting Camping World’s stock plunge. It’s worth reading. One issue covered is, the fact that Camping World sucks and their CEO, Marcus Lemonis, seems to share that description.

Lemonis set up Camping World’s IPO (initial public offering of stocks) so that he could never be removed from power. He has more voting power than any other shareholder. Shareholders are virtually unable to replace the governing body of the company because of the way Lemonis set it up. Furthermore, the board members are voted in on a rotating basis so that replacing the cronies would take years.

Read full article here.

I checked the stock numbers and the initial offering was just over $22. The stock eventually went to $46. Today the stock price has fallen to less than $8. Stockholders seem to be SOL as the stock continues to drop and the company’s reputation drops farther than the stock. At least Lemonis has his money, and ours.

Read the article and you’ll understand even more why Camping World sucks. It’s because the Camping World CEO sucks. The trickle-down effect. After reading the article come back to this site to share your Camping World nightmare stories. Links for help with complaints appear below.

To contact Camping World corporate with complaints click here for information.

Please enjoy sharing the aggravation by reading some of our other Camping World Sucks posts. Share your Camping World sucks story here to warn others. CampingWorldSucks.net is not a monetized website, purely informational.

Moving up the ladder, Keystone, maker of so many Camping World campers, equally sucks, from what we’ve experienced. Contact them via www.ownerrelations@keystonerv.com. Thor is the parent company of Keystone. Attempt Thor custom support online or call (877) 855-2867.

Submit your Keystone RV nightmare to inform the public at KeystoneRVsucks.net. KeystoneRVsucks.net is not a monetized website, purely informational.

Keystone Sprinter

My Keystone Sprinter fifth wheel was eating tires at a rate of one set every two to three thousand miles. I called Keystone. They said to get it to an authorized Keystone dealer for inspection. The closest one to me was Camping World in St. Augustine, Florida (now Gander RV).

I made an appointment for an alignment and had to wait almost two months for it. On the appointed date, a Monday, I dropped it off. They said they would have an answer by Friday. Friday came and went. So did Monday.

I called on Tuesday and was told that the alignment guy never showed but he was coming the next day. They promised that I would have an answer by Friday. Well, Friday came and went. You see where this is going.

I called on, yes, Tuesday and was told the alignment guy did not show again!! But he called and told them to check how level my rig was towing when hooked up to my truck. So, they needed my truck there to check that. St. Augustine is 80 miles one way, but, I drove over there so they can check it.

I hooked up and drove to the side of the building to find a level spot. A guy came out in a golf cart, drives around my rig, and says, “Yep, she is nice and level. We just have to wait for the alignment guy.”

Done with Camping World

Okay, I have had enough and I am taking it home, “What are the damages?” I was thinking it had been there three weeks, they HAVE NOT touched it, but I figured they were going to charge me SOMETHING. Probably the posted one-hour minimum charge, $140. They wanted $460 for a diagnostic charge.

%$#%^& WHAT???

I offered them the $140 (for doing NOTHING). They said they would not let me go until the bill was paid. I said, “I am all hooked up, I am leaving.”

At first, the guy stood in front of me like he was going to get tough. As I walked around him he said he was going to call the police. I said, “Okay. Bye.”

Later that day I was at my local Goodyear store for service to my truck. I told them the whole sorry story. They said the guy who has that portable laser alignment equipment lives right down the street and was coming to do a fire truck that very afternoon. In addition, he would be happy to do my RV at that time.

I ran back home to get the RV. Yes, my Keystone Sprinter had a bent axle. How that happened I will never know. He said that he was NEVER called by Camping World about my RV and he does ALL their work.

The Goodyear shop installed the new axle. The total axle cost, including shipping, was $1065. Goodyear charged me $480 for the install of the axle, four new bearing buddies, and two new tires.

I never heard from Camping World again. But they still have a spare set of my camper keys.

— Guest Contributor

Share your Camping World experience here.

Share your Keystone RV experience here.

Camping World – Never Again

My wife and I were looking for a new camper, not at Camping World. We searched all the manufacturers and went to the camping shows. Our final choice, a brand new 2019 Keystone Cougar 367FLS.

The only one we could find in the state was at Camping World. We did see the reviews that sales were great but the service was bad. Thought you could take it to any dealer for warranty work. Come to find out that’s not true at all.

From jump sales were great. We went for the walk-through and they had the wrong camper. Ours was still in the same spot and nothing was done to it. We should have walked away. But sales assured us they would have it done and anything left would be fixed at our campsite.

Camping World Lies

We were given all the paperwork and the dealer knew of all the issues on the dealer acceptance form. They said it would be delivered at noon. I had help there to get it in place, leveled and set back up.

Camping World didn’t show up until 4:00 p.m. So they did come out and fix a few things. We went to use it the second time and the heat wouldn’t work. So they fixed it. Used it the third time, went to pull the slides in, and noticed the insolation on the motor wires were gone. Then we had issues with the floors.

They said at first they would fix it at the campsite, then wouldn’t. After I had to drive 120 miles round trip to have an eight minute conversation to get it set up for pickup.

I had to disassemble the campsite again and get it to the dealer. It sat for two weeks with nothing done. So, another 120-mile round trip. Two more weeks and no call. So, I called them. I was told they had to gut the whole camper to fix the issue and they were bringing in a company to do said work.

Another Delay

Another two weeks and another 120-mile drive. I demanded a new camper. Which I did get. It was like pulling teeth to get the warranty work done on that one. Finally, the walk-through was scheduled and paperwork was to be signed.

I showed up and no paperwork was ready. During the walk-through they still had stuff to do, which they did. I was promised an inside and outside protectant. I was told it would be done. It showed up and didn’t smell like it was done. I called and was told it was done on April 30th. Funny thing is that the work wasn’t started. So why would they detail and clean it put the protectant on?

Another 120 Miles

I was asked to come back a week later for the paperwork. Another 120 miles driven, sat down and was told that “I think we got it figured out. I might need you to come back.”

No way; not again. Still haven’t gotten the paperwork requested.

Never Again

Needless to say, I will never buy from Camping World or a Keystone product again. I was told that out of service time will be paid, but since I was given a new camper they considered it resolved. I had more run around crap than I could take.

Buyer beware. Stay away from Camping World!

— Guest Poster

Share your Camping World Sucks experience here.

Share your Keystone RV Sucks experience here.

Camping World Service

I thought I’d share another story of Camping World Service.

At the same time as our ordeal, my husband’s coworker went to Bartow Camping World. He’s an older man that doesn’t get around well. He took his unit in for a minor repair.

The technicians came to him in the waiting lounge with pictures of gaping holes in his roof. Camping World service said that his roof had been punctured and desperately needed to be replaced.

They warned him of impending damage and flooding in the case of rain. A $16,000 estimate was offered but refused.

He didn’t take the estimate or the pictures with him. Instead, he pulled his rig back to his RV park. Fortunately, his wife is fairly fit and able to climb an RV ladder. She scurried up to take a look and found nothing they reported; no gaping holes or tears; zero damage.

We implored them to request the estimate and pictures but they “didn’t want to deal with it.”

That, as I see it, is the problem. These huge companies are allowed to operate unethically because of their size. No one wants to deal with it. Although I understand, I’m fed up.

By sharing our experiences others may be forewarned. Consequently, Camping World and others may be forced to evaluate their business practices. We can only hope.

Share your Camping World service experience here.

Visit KeystoneRVsucks.net to share your Keystone experiences.

No Roadside Assistance

Stuck on the side of the road for six hours on Father’s Day.

On Father’s Day 2018, we needed our complimentary roadside assistance. While headed home to Colorado we had a scare. We’d spent the night in Santa Fe, New Mexico. We got an early start north. When we got on the expressway ramp smoke began to billow from the back axle.

We spent the next six hours on the side of the road. I called Good Sam Roadside Assistance. One year of Roadside Assistance is included with any Camping World RV purchase. However, Good Sam had no record of our account. They only had a history of the account that had expired a year after we bought our first unit in Idaho.

2018 Keystone Cougar wheel bearing fail.

Meanwhile, we did find help from a Santa Fe mobile mechanic. First, we found out that the wheel bearings had deteriorated and destroyed one axle. As a result, the tire was coming off. Likewise, the bearings were also deteriorating on the other axle. In other words, any of the four tires were in danger of flying off at any time. Fortunately, they had yet to do damage to the second axle.

The Badger Strikes Again

Driving home on Monday, with our unit in Santa Fe for repairs, I called Good Sam. They confirmed that we were not registered and they “couldn’t understand why.” The representative told me to call the Minnesota dealership.

The Minneapolis Camping World confirmed that our one-year roadside assistance was never registered. The Camping World staffer was perplexed. I knew exactly what happened. We didn’t bite at closing. Therefore, he didn’t sign us up.

The staff member said, “Oh, he wouldn’t do that.” Ergo, more BS. Moreover, I demanded one year of Good Sam Roadside Assistance starting that day, which I got.

In conclusion to this episode, the finance guy was supposed to register us for a year of Roadside Assistance. He didn’t. Just an oversight? I think not. In the end, I did get a full year of roadside.

The axle was warranty issue number one. That is to say, my next post, Camping World Inspection, will chronicle our ordeal when the roof fell apart. It happened just a month after the axle ordeal.

Read our Keystone Warranty story at KeystoneRVsucks.net.

Please share your own Camping World experiences here. Above all, through our stories, we can warn others and hope for a change in business practices.