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RV dealers sometimes include extras to sweeten the deal and get you to sign on the dotted line. These are typically essential accessories, gift cards, or camping memberships.
However, one recent Camping World customer was shocked to discover a loaded gun in their camper. To make matters worse, she and her husband live in the motorhome with her three-year-old daughter.
Today, we’ll share this nightmare of a story with you. In addition, we’ll talk about why RVers hate Camping World.
Let’s get started!
RVer Finds Loaded Gun in Used Motorhome
Alexandria and her family found their dream motorhome, a used Georgetown 36K7, through Camping World. Despite hearing negative experiences from others in the RV community, she and her husband signed the paperwork.
Unfortunately, their new-to-them rig was in Oklahoma, and they’d need to arrange transportation to Idaho.
When it arrived in Idaho, the dealership said they would detail it and repair minor issues.
Unfortunately, when the couple picked up the rig a month later, it was apparent the dealership had yet to do anything. Her family was itching to hit the road, so they decided to go ahead and take it from the dealership.
The couple discovered the previous owner’s name when connecting the TV to WiFi. Curiosity got the best of them, and they searched his name on Google. To their surprise, a long list of articles detailing his sketchy past popped up. However, that’s not the end of this nightmare for the couple.
With so many nooks and crannies in their motorhome, it took them a few weeks to check and use all of them. When one of them reached into the back pocket of the passenger seat, they were in for quite the surprise. They pulled out a loaded handgun belonging to the previous owner.
The Situation Could Have Been Much Worse
While this is a serious situation, it could have been so much worse. Luckily, it wasn’t Alexandria’s three-year-old daughter who reached into the pocket. No safety lock or features were securing the gun.
The couple did what you’re supposed to do and contacted law enforcement. Because of the previous owner’s sketchy past, officials were already building a case against him. Law enforcement took the firearm to process it and check for any connections to the suspected crimes.
Luckily, no one was hurt, and Alexandria and her family can continue their travels. However, they now clearly understand why many refuse to shop at Camping World.
It’s safe to assume that any RV they purchase in the future will be from a different dealership.
About Camping World
Camping World is a massive RV chain started by David Garvin in 1966. Garvin launched the company in Bowling Green, Kentucky, and over the past 50 years, it’s grown into an empire. They’re one of the largest and most well-known retailers in the entire industry.
Today, at more than 200 locations, they sell a tremendous amount of motorhomes, travel trailers, fifth wheels, and pop-up campers. Many of their sites also feature well-stocked retail shops. However, despite their large sales volume, they’ve developed a negative reputation amongst the RV community.
Who Is Marcus Lemonis?
Marcus Lemonis was born in Beirut, Lebanon, and adopted by a Greek-American family living in Miami. He’s become a well-known businessman, entrepreneur, and television personality. He’s been the CEO of Camping World since 2006 and hosted multiple seasons of the reality TV show “The Profit.”
Lemonis made a splash in the RV community in 2020 due to some political comments made during an interview. It’s no secret that things typically end poorly when anyone starts discussing politics or religion.
Unfortunately, a meme featuring Lemonis’ comments went viral throughout the community. With Camping World’s already negative reputation, this drama didn’t help them.
Why People Hate Camping World
Every now and then, someone online makes the mistake of mentioning Camping World.
Typically, these posts get littered with negative comments and why they should avoid them. So what’s with all the hate on Camping World? Let’s take a look!
High Prices
One major complaint you’ll often hear is that Camping World tends to have higher prices. Many feel they get more bang for their buck by shopping at other dealerships. Those making this argument often think you pay a premium simply because of the Camping World name.
While we’re not coming to their defense, we must point out that prices vary considerably geographically. In addition, prices for RVs have been increasing quickly across the industry for the last few years.
Due to the increased demand, many of the larger dealerships have been taking advantage of the opportunity to maximize their profits.
Pro Tip: Before you decide on a dealership, make sure you know about these 6 Must-Haves When Choosing an RV Dealership!
Aggressive Sales Tactics
Another common complaint from consumers is that they felt Camping World sales staff were overly aggressive. They say and do almost anything to get shoppers to sign their names on the dotted line. Some have misrepresented functions and features, which is borderline deceiving.
Again, we’re not coming to their defense, but this is standard across most sales departments. The more they sell, the more they make. Whether it’s ethical or not, they’ll do whatever they can to get you in front of the finance department manager.
Quality of Service Department
One of the biggest complaints against Camping World has to do with their service department. You don’t have to own an RV for long to realize that things will eventually break. When they do, having a quality and honest service department can get you back on the road.
Unfortunately, many consumers have a less-than-stellar experience with the service departments at Camping World. We’ve heard dishonest technicians at these locations recommending unnecessary repairs, doing low-quality work, and overcharging.
When it comes to someone working on your RV, you could be taking a significant gamble if you go this route.
Keep in Mind: Some RVers are claiming General RV is getting as bad as Camping World! See what RVers have to say about General RV.
Lack of Transparency
Some customers have felt that Camping World lacks transparency throughout the process. On more than one occasion, consumers have felt Camping World did a bait-and-switch on them. This typically occurs when the dealer changes the value of a trade-in or tacks on fees at closing.
For us, it’s hard to do business with anyone when we feel there’s a lack of transparency. No matter how sweet the deal, we’d walk away from any transaction we felt the dealer wasn’t transparent. If they’re not being honest, there’s no telling what else they’re hiding from you.
Poor Customer Service
It’s rare for you to hear anything positive about Camping World’s customer service. Does that mean every employee is terrible? Absolutely not. However, the company has developed a reputation for poor customer service.
Because of its prominent name, it’s one of the first places many first-time buyers consider when shopping for a rig. Unfortunately, those new to RVing have many questions, especially once they start using their rig.
Sadly, dealers have already received their cut and tend to ghost these customers. Voicemails and emails often go unreturned, leaving customers to fend for themselves. While this is common across most large dealerships, many feel Camping World is one of the worst offenders.
Will You Think Twice About Shopping at Camping World?
Obviously, not everyone has a negative experience when shopping at or dealing with Camping World. If they did, there’s no way they could stay in business. However, hearing about Alexandria’s experience might cause you to think twice about where you’re shopping.
Thankfully, this story didn’t have a tragic ending. They’ll likely move on and make some incredible memories as a family in their RV.
Would you buy an RV from Camping World?
I bought my travel trailer from Camping World. Like any other dealership experience, it doesn’t differ from buying a car or a house. Just have to know what you are getting in to. My local CW did a decent job with the sale and also with service. I will always go to Camping World online first for accessories because they beat Amazon by a mile. Amazon beats everyone in shipping, service and convenience, but not neccesarily price.
I agree with the article about Camping World. (Personal experience, especially service), but I never found a loaded gun in the last RV I bought *sigh*
Bought one from them in 2020. Nothing but trouble from day 1. Would not buy from them again. Looking to purchase a new one and went to General RV. Terrible salesperson. Won’t buy from them either.