If you’ve spent any time looking for an RV or camping gear, you’ve probably heard some negative stories. It’s a common question in the community: why does Camping World have a bad reputation? While many customers have positive experiences, a consistent pattern of complaints has undeniably shaped its public image. This article looks at the real reasons behind the criticism, helping you make informed decisions with your hard-earned money.
Why Does Camping World Have a Bad Reputation
The reputation isn’t built on just one issue. It’s a combination of factors that, when experienced together, leave customers feeling frustrated. From high-pressure sales to confusing service bills, let’s break down the key areas where customers often report problems.
High-Pressure Sales Tactics and Financing
For many, the first negative experience happens on the sales floor. The focus on financing and add-ons can feel overwhelming.
- Aggressive Upselling: Salespeople are often commission-based, leading to intense pressure to purchase extended warranties, protective coatings, and other high-margin add-ons. These can add thousands to the final price.
- Confusing Financing Terms: Some buyers report being steered toward financing plans with less-than-ideal terms without a clear explanation of the long-term costs. The excitement of buying an RV can make it easy to skip the fine print.
- The “Bait and Switch” Feeling: Advertised low prices or specific models sometimes seem unavailable once you arrive, with the sales staff quickly directing you to more expensive units. This creates instant distrust.
Service Department Challenges
This is arguably the largest source of complaints. The service experience can turn a dream purchase into a nightmare.
- Long Wait Times for Appointments: Due to high demand and maybe understaffing, getting a service appointment can take weeks or even months. For a full-time RVer, this is a major disruption.
- Extended Repair Durations: Once your RV is in the bay, the repair itself can take far longer than initially quoted. Parts delays are common, leaving you without your vehicle for extended periods.
- Quality of Work Concerns: A significant number of reviews cite repeat visits for the same issue, missed problems, or new problems created during the repair. Inconsistent technician skill levels are a frequent theme.
- Cost and Communication Issues: Bills can be surprisingly high, with unclear line items. Customers often complain about a lack of proactive communication—having to call repeatedly for updates on their rig’s status.
Pricing and Value Perception
Beyond the sales floor, the overall pricing strategy contributes to the negative sentiment.
- Higher Base Prices: While they offer a huge inventory, some shoppers find that comparable RVs can be found for less at smaller, regional dealers. The convenience of a big lot sometimes comes with a premium.
- Parts and Accessories Markup: Their retail stores and parts departments are often described as expensive. Many campers report buying identical items (hoses, fittings, chemicals) for less at other retailers or online.
- The “Good Sam” Discount: While promoted as a way to save, some feel the required Good Sam Club membership creates a false sense of getting a deal, when the final price might still be higher than elsewhere.
Customer Service After the Sale
The relationship doesn’t always improve after you drive off the lot.
- Difficulty Resolving Issues: When problems arise with a purchase or service, getting a satisfactory resolution can be a lengthy, uphill battle. Escalating to managers is often necessary.
- Warranty Claim Hurdles: Navigating manufacturer or extended service plan warranties through Camping World can be frustrating, with customers sometimes feeling the dealership advocates for the warranty company, not for them.
- Impersonal Corporate Feel: As a large national chain, some customers feel like just a number. This contrasts with the family-owned dealer experience, where personal relationships can lead to better service.
- National Network: If you travel full-time, having service centers and stores across the country can be a genuine benefit for minor issues or parts.
- Large Inventory: The ability to see and compare dozens of RV models in one place is a huge advantage during the research phase.
- One-Stop Shop: The convenience of buying the RV, getting it serviced, and purchasing all your gear in one ecosystem is appealing.
- Streamlined Process: For a well-informed buyer who knows what they want and can say “no” to add-ons, the purchase process can be smooth.
- Research Extensively: Know the exact make, model, and fair market price of the RV you’re interested in. Use resources like NADA Guides and forums.
- Get Pre-Approved: Secure financing from your own bank or credit union before you walk in. This gives you leverage and a baseline rate to compare against their offer.
- Make a “Must-Have” List: Decide in advance which add-ons, if any, you truly need. Say no to everything else firmly.
- Take Your Time: Do not feel pressured to sign anything the same day. A reputable salesperson will respect this.
- Read Every Line: Scrutinize the buyer’s order. Ensure every charge is explained and that the final price matches what you agreed to.
- Inspect Meticulously: Conduct a thorough, hours-long inspection of the RV before accepting delivery. Better yet, hire an independent RV inspector.
- Document Everything: Take photos and write a detailed, typed list of issues. Provide a copy to the service advisor and keep one for yourself.
- Get Quotes in Writing: Insist on a written estimate that includes labor hours and part numbers before work begins.
- Set Communication Expectations: Ask, “How will you update me?” and “When should I expect a follow-up call?” Get a direct phone number if possible.
- Local, Independent RV Dealers: Often have lower overhead, more personalized service, and are invested in their local reputation.
- RV Shows: Great places to see many brands and dealers in one spot, often with show-specific discounts and a less pressured environment.
- Private-Party Sales: You can find significant value buying directly from an owner. Always get a professional inspection and ensure there are no liens on the title.
- Specialized Online Retailers: For parts and gear, companies like etrailer.com, Amazon, or even local hardware stores often offer better prices than big camping retail stores.
The Other Side of the Coin: Positive Experiences
It’s only fair to note that many customers are satisfied. For them, Camping World works well.
How to Navigate Camping World Successfully
If you choose to do business with them, being prepared is your best defense. Here’s a step-by-step guide to protect yourself.
Before You Go to the Dealership
During the Purchase Process
For Service Visits
Exploring Alternative Options
Knowing where else to look can save you money and stress. Consider these avenues.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is Camping World a bad company to buy from?
Not necessarily “bad,” but they have a mixed reputation. They are a legitimate, large corporation. Your experience heavily depends on your location, the specific salesperson, and your own preparedness as a buyer. Doing your homework is crucial.
What are the most common complaints about Camping World?
The top complaints consistently involve the service department: long waits, slow repairs, and high costs. After that, complaints focus on pushy sales tactics and confusing financing offers during the purchase process.
Is Camping World overpriced?
This depends. Their RVs may sometimes be priced higher than at smaller dealers, and their parts/accessories often are. However, their national buying power can sometimes lead to good deals on specific models. Comparison shopping is the only way to know for sure.
How does Camping World’s reputation compare to other RV dealers?
As a major national chain, they receive more total complaints simply due to volume. Smaller dealers can have excellent or terrible reputations on an individual basis. The key difference is that a local dealer’s reputation is hyper-local and often more directly tied to their customer service quality.
Should I avoid Camping World service centers?
Not automatically. For warranty work on a new Camping World-purchased RV, you may need to use them. For non-warranty work, it’s wise to get quotes from independent, highly-rated RV repair shops. They can often complete work faster and for a lower cost.
Can you negotiate price at Camping World?
Yes, you can and should negotiate on the price of an RV. Their initial price is rarely the final price. Come armed with research on comparable models and your own pre-approval to strengthen your position. Remember, add-ons are also negotiable.
Final Thoughts for the Savvy Camper
The question of “why does Camping World have a bad reputation” is complex, rooted in systemic issues that some locations manage better than others. Their size is both their strength and their weakness. For you, the informed outdoor enthusiast, the key is to enter any transaction with your eyes wide open. Use their extensive inventory for research, but don’t feel locked into buying from them. Compare prices fiercely, read the fine print slowly, and consider all your options for both purchases and service. By understanding the common pitfalls, you can navigate the RV and camping market with confidence, ensuring your adventures are about the freedom of the open road, not disputes in a service bay. Your perfect RV or piece of gear is out there—finding it just takes a bit of patience and a lot of research.