Community Forums

OWV · 09-13-2013, 06:24 AM

Has anyone had any experience, good, bad or indifferent, with buying a coach from Camping World? Of particular interest would be service availability around the country.

Regards,
OWV

RickO · 09-13-2013, 06:29 AM

Lots of folks have reported being very happy with their CW purchase... while others have not. Probably no different from any major dealer in that regard.

Although there have been complaints about the quality of service at CW locations, I seriously doubt you'd have a problem getting in for service at any of their locations nationwide. Are you concerned about this?

Rick

MickBrennan · 09-13-2013, 06:37 AM

Camping World/Grumbines RV treated us VERY well.
Thank you!

bdickson · 09-13-2013, 07:07 AM

I have had two coach buying experiences with Camping World. We bought a new Thor ACE from them a few years ago and were generally satisfied with the deal. More recently we looked at a slightly used (3 month old) Thor Challenger and walked away because their bottom price was $10,000 more than a brand new unit from MHSRV. I think the kind of deal and experience you get is dependent on the individual location. Camping World rarely, if ever, build their own locations from the ground up. Rather they buy out an existing dealer and put a thin veneer on the surface to make it a Camping World. Underneath it is still the same dealer good or bad. I was told this by the manager of the CW in Raleigh NC that opened a few years ago.

I will say that I have had no problems getting warranty work done on both of my Thor's at any Camping World location around the country.

TheArnolds · 09-13-2013, 07:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bdickson

I have had two coach buying experiences with Camping World. We bought a new Thor ACE from them a few years ago and were generally satisfied with the deal. More recently we looked at a slightly used (3 month old) Thor Challenger and walked away because their bottom price was $10,000 more than a brand new unit from MHSRV. I think the kind of deal and experience you get is dependent on the individual location. Camping World rarely, if ever, build their own locations from the ground up. Rather they buy out an existing dealer and put a thin veneer on the surface to make it a Camping World. Underneath it is still the same dealer good or bad. I was told this by the manager of the CW in Raleigh NC that opened a few years ago.

I will say that I have had no problems getting warranty work done on both of my Thor's at any Camping World location around the country.

X2...I purchased 2 coaches from CW, one was good and I have gone back for service and one was not so good and I would not return to that location. Both CW's were dealerships by another name and CW purchased the business and hung out a CW sign. Same employees for the most part with all of their old habits and attitudes, good and bad!

Medico · 09-13-2013, 08:08 AM

I believe you will find many CWs are independently owned. Some are corp. owned. The corp. owned locations, GS/CW has much more control over the quality of the service, even products prices. As with any dealer, there can be good and bad experiences. Unfortunately, human nature being what it is, most people only post complaints about bad experiences. We tend to not post good experiences, and that's too bad for the dealer.

dceramic · 09-13-2013, 08:36 AM

Service is the question here I presume, If people have the cash ready to spend to no end then CW might be for you all, but looking at fair price (ing) in service and around the country . Take Fltwd for instance for I know " I will never use there service , ever because of the attitude of all dealers, (warranty is different) , specifically the writer , he or she is trained to ignore you and get you to sign down here without any commitment for repair , I am sure you've experienced this, Trust none, provides you with a direction you control.
That has always been a good solution "Trust but verify" each and EVERY time.
just my opinion

Dmorgan6375 · 09-13-2013, 09:36 AM

All in All, they are a 4 star out of 5 in my book. As in any retail buss. the salesman will tell you what you want to hear and promise you the world, botton line, always, ALWAYS put it in writing. Learned a long time ago, auto, truck, boat, rv sales people are right up there with lawyers as being the best liers around.
We did how ever buy a Preowned Class A motorhome and yes, we did buy the exstended warranty plan with it as well. Good thing too, it paid for itself right away. During our lasr walk through, sever things all of a sudden either quit or broke while showing us how they were to operate, Didn't cost us a dime to see a lot of new parts and pieces get put on the unit free!
So the moral to this info is this, GET It In Writing, And always get a warranty!

datrbone8 · 09-13-2013, 10:58 AM

I can only speak from experience at one location (Tucson) and solely for parts and service. The CW here contracts out their service to other companies. We dropped off our MH to have a new washer/drier installed and it was picked up and driven to an offsite location where the work was done. I waited for it to be completed. They did a very nice job, had it done (took old unit out & installed the new) in just over an hour.
We've also purchased items from the same CW and had good experience. They're in the process of relocating their store to a new location. I have no idea if they are corporate owned or a franchise.

Clayobx · 09-13-2013, 11:11 AM

Nothing but a horrible experience that cost DW and a lot of time and money. CW/Myrtle Beach SC.

Tha_Rooster · 09-13-2013, 04:22 PM

I will say my purchase of my rev at CW was great and the deal I wanted,with that said the salesman even told me to be patient with the service department to be nice. I'll be clean on the forum they just stink.

TeJay · 09-13-2013, 04:52 PM

We recently had a CW open in our area. You are correct the location used to be another camping dealer that was bought by CW. I just happened to know the new GM because he used to work at a dealer where we purchased a TT. He was a great guy then and still is. We had a long talk after he became GM.

His first two weeks he just wondered around and observed. After that he cleaned house. He got rid of a lot of people who didn't have the best interest of the customer in mind. His service area improved by leaps and bounds. He knows that word of mouth can make you or break you.

My point is every CW is going to be different depending on who is running the operation. If you have a good experience let all of us know. The reverse should also be true.

TeJay

bearaboo · 09-13-2013, 04:56 PM

Camping World has bought many independent RV dealers around the country. In many instances they have retained and "retrained" the staff. They have expanded very quickly. But unfortunately old habits and ways of doing business die hard. Some CW's are great and some not so great. Mr. Lemonis will have to visit some of these CW's.

alcouch33 · 09-17-2013, 09:32 AM

I have purchased 2 motor homes through CW. Both times great! I wanted to fly up to Forest City and pick up my new Via and drive back to GA. CW gave me the best on my trade and purchase. Beat Lichtsinn RV by thousands! Helped arrange everything with Winnebago.