Hello, Don. I’m a retired Aircraft mechanic, AF (36 years). I retired 1-1/2 years ago. I stumbled on your video and watched the whole thing. The dealer we bought our Shasta wasn’t Camping World at the time in 2015, but was recently bought out by them. We traded in the Shasta TT about a week ago but when we were shopping, I made sure we stayed clear of them. I didn’t want another Forest River POS or a Keystone POS (sorry). I have another veteran friend who bought a Grand Design in 2018 and thought to myself how well it was made while he showed it to me. I was truly impressed by the workmanship and QA. So now my Shasta was getting older and we decided to upgrade. We took delivery on a ‘23 GD Imagine and love it. GD does not void the warranty if you live in it full time. One of the very few manufacturers don’t. They are pricey but well worth it. Another manufacturer that is good is Alliance. Same quality, if not better than Grand Design. Our friends purchased one and are happy very with it. Our GD is the last RV we will ever buy and I’ll probably be dead before it’s paid off. Lol! Happy endeavors!

Here's my Camping World experience: My husband and I went to CW to purchase and have installed a new fridge. We were told that because the fridges could not fit through the door of our motorhome, they would have to put them through the driver's side window and it would cost us the installation fee plus an additional $250. A couple of days later, my husband arrived for our scheduled 8 o'clock appt and after waiting 9 hours, they were finally done! When he opened the door, he noticed that the automatic door step mechanism was broken. CW claimed that they didn't know how it happened but if my husband wanted it fixed, he'd have to make an appt and it would cost $900. They "helped" him tie the steps up as a temporary fix so he could drive home. Twenty-four hours later, we were back at CW because the new fridge never got cold. They said the problem was a bad motor that needed to be replaced (on a brand new fridge) and they didn't have anymore in stock (which we found out later to be a lie). They said CW must get a warranty approval from the manufacturer as to whether they should fix the motor or replace the fridge. Days later, CW called to say they got approval to replace the fridge and asked that we bring in the RV. Once the replacement was done, I lifted myself into the RV over the broken steps to get in, turned around to close the door and couldn't. The door was off-centered. I marched back inside and demanded something get done immediately. The service manager took a look at it and had repair guy fix it, saying that he won't charge me anything to which I replied, "as you shouldn't because your people messed up my door just like they broke my steps!" Months later, we found out that although CW charged us $250 to take our driver's side window out, it was never done. They took the entrance door off and SQUEEZED the old and new refrigerators through the doorway causing (1) minor scratches on the door frame, (2) the off-centered door problem, and (3) with the excess weight of the service men tugging and pulling to squeeze the old/new fridges through the doorway, they broke the steps. And that's when we vowed to NEVER purchase or have service work done at Camping World or Gander RV (same ownership) again.

My research in my quest to buy an RV, has revealed to me, don’t even buy a part from Camping World. There are many more negative than positive reviews on Camping World.

Don the "Law" that you were told about does not exist. I have been fulltime traveling just over 6 years now. When I was looking for my first RV i was told Texas was the cheapest state at the time to purchase so I spend almost 4 months talking to dealers all over Texas and finally found the 5th wheel i wanted which was a 2017 Keystone Montana. I asked about warranty work and was told this exact same thing, but as you have found no one could come up with the actual law. So i contacted the Texas Attorney General and lawyer that deals with consumer vehicle complaints. Neither the lawyer or the Texas Attorney General had heard of any law. This particular issue was started by rv dealers in the state of Texas based on the fact that most rv's that require repair may not be from the area of said dealer and that dealer would not get follow on repeat service. So really long story short, there is NO law that precludes an rv dealer from servicing an rv, it really comes down to them no wanting to its as simple as that. I always suggest fellow rvers to find non dealer rv repair facilities or mobile technicians to do work. Its usually easier to get warranty work done cheaper and with a quicker turn around.

Don, I truly admire your patience and control...the rest of us mere humans would have went off!!

Instead of saying that an RV is for "year-round use," it should say all season use. That would be a more accurate statement. When you're shopping for tents, you're either looking for 3 season or all season tents, depending upon the type of tent camping you're intending to participate in. Words do matter. As for finding out about that "law," I'd contact the Texas attorney general's office of consumer affairs. They should be the ones who can tell you the specifics about this so-called law

Dear, Pegi and Don… Thank you for helping others and I pray things work out in your favor!♥️

People with your attitude give me hope for this country. Hello from Van Alstyne, Texas. Former U.S. Navy vet. Thank you for your service.

Don, you have shared some great information! You don’t know how much this has helped me! I’ve been shopping around and was told by several people before now NOT to go to CW. But you’ve shared information that I didn’t think about before buying and NOW I see why some people trade in their bigger models… I pray you’re rewarded for your patience and effort! Tell Pegi 👋🏽! ❤

Bought an old ambulance to turn into a camper. I’m a single mom with two older teens now and we wanted to keep going. When I was married I had the experience of two 5th wheels. For the most part it was a good experience but I knew what we needed. So we got our ambo, retitled it as a motorhome and we’ve been on the road for a few weeks. Been through Ca, Az, NM, UT, ID, ,WA, and Or and we’ll be back to Ca in a bit. The good thing is that anyone can work on the F450. I have confide we will convert this sucker to what we want but it is solid! I have so much storage inside and out! I’m easy to see of course. We installed a sink over the weekend before we left. In the end we’ll go full off grid and install solar. But for now I brought my small solar generators and fold away panel we already had. We loaded our gear and went! I’m in about $13k right now so I’m not sad! My mechanic gave it the go!

I heard camping world is the worse to deal with for service.

Don, thank you for giving us some things to ponder in reference to RV life. We have a simple beginner RV, nothing fancy just a long weekender RV for my husband and myself. At some point, we were thinking of upgrading because we've seen those nice fancy RVs you referenced. Now, it looks like we'll keep what we have for a while. I'm sure this ordeal has been so frustrating for you and I pray that things will work in your favor. 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾

I have heard too many horror stories about Camping World to ever buy an RV from them so enough said about that. I love that you are still positive after your experience with them. Extremely valuable information in this video. Thank you for that!!! And thank you for your service to this great country! Enjoy your time out on the road!

Don I thank you 1,000 times for this info. You have no idea how helpful it is, especially for a newbie looking to purchase an rv. Apparently wording & the definition of those words on an rv contract or warranty could have a great impact on your pocket/coins later on down the road. Thanks again for sharing.

Thank you for sharing and being so open with the information. I don't have an RV but wish to have one in the future and I'm learning so much from your channel.

Thanks Don for informing. Pray everything works out well for you’ll. ❤

Don, what a great video! This has given so many a platform for all to learn. Thank you! Hope all works out for you and Peggi.

Excellent sharing cost saving information. Truly eye opening regarding the fine print and technical terms. Thanks.

Thank you for sharing!! Y’all gave some vital information that will help me make a better decision. Thanks again!!!

Thanks for your honesty, I’m sure it has helped someone. Each one teach one!!!

Thank you for sharing this information! We bought our travel trailer at Holiday World in Katy. As a matter of fact, we’re going to turn it in tomorrow for some warranty work.

So sorry you’re having to go through this. I’ve never heard of that law. I’m glad you’re finally getting the work done. This video was very informative and thank you for sharing.

Thank you for sharing your experience, Don. This was priceless info. Trust me, all is duly noted. Stay safe, and thanks again for sharing. Hey, Pegi❣️ Hey, DJ.!❣️

Donald your candid information is very much appreciated👍🏾

Great video, great story and great close up at your shocking realization. I'm a newbie and brought my rv just before the pandemic. Didn't know a thing about rv's but got one anyway. We've only used the rv once but plan to use it more often this season. Never needed repairs but I'm pretty handy with tools. Brough my 23 footer at Marjon RV in the city of Moreno Valley, CA. and was treated very well. Anyway, really enjoyed the video. Semper Fi from an old Vietnam Vet.

Such a great video! I bought my second USED (much smaller!) travel trailer for all the reasons and more you highlighted. My second one is a tiny, 14.5 ft 2013 jayco, most inner workings not electronic, no warranty, and I can (and have!) do (most) all of the work on it myself, including upgrades as I see fit. I watch KZfaq for everything I need to do when something is broken or needs maintenance, which actually hasn't been much on this jayco. I love having my tiny house on wheels and love being able to work on it under its on carport, but absolutely have no faith in the RV service industry in general. Any time I needed to take my first one in (an Airstream!), it always felt like a racket. So sad.

All I can say is, “Wow, and Thank You!” Thank you for saving my pockets because this definitely helps in my decision on what and where to buy my RV and more importantly what to pay attention to when it comes to wording. This video was very informative!

Thank you for sharing. You've taught me subjects I was unaware of.

Wow! Thank you so much for posting. Very informative! You have saved us from making the worst decision of our lives.

Thank you, thank you, thank you for all of the information. I'm considering an RV and have been but I get quite hesitant because of stories like yours.

Thank you for this info! My husband and I are trying to learn has much as possible about RV’s!

I recommend a DRV Mobile or Elite Suites. Not a new one, maybe up to 2013 model year. Built for full time use, top insulation, 3.25" thick walls with a thermal break, dual pane windows. They are HEAVY. You're gonna need a diesel truck. They aren't cheap. I don't recommend a new truck either. We have a 2004 F350 Powerstroke, bulletproofed. Do your research on everything. I can't emphasize that enough. People don't spend nearly enough time researching.

Thank you for the information. I am on the fence about rv vs converting a van to a camper. This adds to the list to consider.

I appreciate you sharing your experience with camping world. I've only had one experience and it was great. I was in Wichita, KS, and called them after lunch. My inverter was acting up, and I wasnt gonna be able to make it back to Louisiana. I told them my situation, and they squeezed me in and had me rolling before they closed. Only charged me $165. They even cleaned my house batteries.

Thanks for your service!

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you ! I had no idea about these things… lm sure you’ve helped a lot of people to prevent a bad decision and save a lot of money ! I’m sorry you and your wife have had to go through this experience.

Very valid points. Seems like a play on words as far as what year round means. I have never considered replacement of large items in a motor home. This was an eye opener. Now I wonder if that’s why people sell them after a certain period of time because they know what’s coming down the road? Big repairs? Thank you for sharing.

Although I don’t have an RV this video was very informative. I noticed content creators don’t really get into the business side of this kind of RV lifestyle. I’m glad things worked out Mr Don. 😊

Don, thank you for your service to our country. Thank you also for sharing your experience with your RV. Who knew that year round didn’t mean full time.

I’ll been hunting for a RV and this video opened my eyes to things I haven’t thought about. Thanks

Just found your channel. I am considering purchasing a travel trailer for the first time. I appreciate you sharing your wisdom. Thank you very much

Wow!thank you. My wife and I are seriously considering buying a small rv! We heave heard things about camping world.not good..but never thought about how appliances being replaced!

Thank you for letting me know about that full time RVing past the 6 months I was not aware nor did I know

Thank you for sharing your experience. It will definitely impact our decision regarding what company we will purchase from in the future. The foundation of a great company is not so much the product they’re selling, but how they treat the customer when there’s a problem with said product. I wonder how many people all over the country have been told this law exists by RV companies in Texas? This practice in Texas really makes the whole RV industry and their service departments look kind of shady.

thanks 4 the 411, very helpful, brother Don, Peace to the family & safe travels..!!!

Great video. When I was shopping for a RV I went to 6 dealers within my area. Camping World was one of the said dealers. The worst experience. I seen a unit that I was interested in there but man when they showed me the amount of fees added on I was shocked. Tried to negotiate and the manager literally laughed at me. I ended up going with a local Jayco dealer and they did a out the door price no fees. Service has been great going on over a year. We had our share of issues but it’s getting better 😅. They even helped me out over the phone while on the road. I’m so glad I was patient and keep looking. I’ll never go back to Camping World. Out of the 6 dealers I went to they made me feel uncomfortable. Once I started asking a few questions on the fees I was old news to them. Thank you for your service and god speed.

I just looked it up and you are exactly right regarding maintenance. Also, review the warranty paperwork from time of purchase. Terms should be clearly stated. If it disagrees with information they provided to you, or unclear you may have recourse.

Love the setup Mr. Don! Great info...

Thanks for this! I do want to go full time, and had no idea i might lose warranty!

Thank you so much for your services!! We look forward be full time RVing Maybe we will meet you on the road. Camping World has been good BUT they did say we needed a new roof. But they didn't know we bought it with a new roof just installed

Boy you really explained it well! Simplified it for me

WOW! Thank you for sharing this information, Don. My husband and I are planning to get an RV. You made some really good points, like just the cost of removing a refrigerator or furniture 😮I never thought about that. We really appreciate all the great information you share! Year round vs. full time, etc etc. Thank you!!!! Decisions vs informed decisions. Important.

Don you are doing a great job explaining and making it interesting! Great info❤

Thank you for sharing that information. People need to be aware and not let the excitement of RVing make them blind to THE WHAT IF.

Wow, that's crazy! I'm with you. "Year 'round" should equal all year round! Thanks for the info!!!

It is definitely a learning experience. Whole different world - just like people say about boating. We started RV’ing in 2018 and are still learning a ton. Yes - I have not heard anything positive about Camping World - that is sad. We bought from General RV - had a good experience with the buying process. They serviced our RV once - and never will they service it again. Hope things start to turn better for you and your wife. It is a lot of fun. We are military too - just passing 30 yrs of service, hanging it up at 32 - plan on RV’ing more. Thank you for your service! Safe travels.

Mission accomplished brother, that was excellent information.

Lots of good information for those considering purchasing a RV. I/We (my wife) had the same problem with an Auto purchase. To make a long story short, the dealer we purchase her car. from, no longer carried the brand of car we brought from them two month prior. and getting service on it was always a hassle.

Auto dealer franchise agreements require any dealer to honor warranty service. There is a movement in the works to try and get that for RV dealers, but right now RV dealers are not required to service a unit they don't sell. However, since Camping World sells so many brands across the USA under their corporate licensing, then technically they sell your rv at any Camping World store. Sounds like they are jerking you around. RV dealers are very reluctant to do warranty work right now because the manufacturers are very slow to reimburse them, so many prefer to stick to cash only customers.

I wasn't aware of the use re:full time. That was eye opening. I will be more aware of that next year I plan on being full time.

After watching many RV related videos, I learned that it's important to get an independent pre-delivery inpsection of the RV by a third-party. They might have caught a few quality issues prior to you finalizing the purchase.

The only RV style I would recommend, Toy Hauler. They are the most versatile layouts, you will have to consider the size of the transitioning door from the living area to the cargo area if your ever gonna replace items such as the frig or sofa.

Thats really good Information to KNOW. Blessings to you and Peg.

We just sold our 2022 Grand Design Imagine. We LOVED it. Only sold because we never used after work brought me back home. Highly recommend this company. Well built and excellent customer service. We recently bought a 2021 T@G Boondock. Husband is done with big units and this nuCamp I can pull. Going minimal. The big frig..I would completely disassemble before paying $3k. That is crazy. Thanks for the heads up on watching shop charges. Great informative video.

Thank you for honest information, and thank you for your service to our nation!!🇱🇷

Love this guy so much I just subscribed to his channel. This video helped us more than you will ever know!

Wow wow wow! They always find loop holes to nickel and dime you. You just saved a bunch of people a lot of money and time. Thanks for sharing . Knowledge is most definitely power. I would have never even thought of those things. Can you share what a person should look for as far as quality when purchasing one? Thanks.

DaDon you have good information for the Rv camper👍👍👍

Video was very helpful. MAY GOD BLESS YOU BROTHER!

Thank you for the video and thank you for your service sir. Happy 4th everyone

I bought a fifth wheel from CW over 3 years ago here in Mesa AZ. And I have had nothing but fantastic service. I was lucky and only have some minor warranty work done, but it was done in a timely manner and my service guy has been the best!!

Thank you sir, I'm a 1st time owner very eye opening.

If you have a grand design warranty is good for full time. They have good customer service too. If you have warranty work and can’t get in you can get approval for a remote tech to fix it but you have to pay their service call fee. Beats waiting three months.

We think the same way when it comes to the “I don’t need that” thought process … for me it’s definitely about the experiences and adventures compared to where I place my head at night … I just bought an rv from a local mom and pop place .. so far so good

We bought a new class b from CW as it was on sale and the best price we could find. It's been working out fine so far and I haven't had to bring the coach back for any warranty reasons. A couple minor repairs were done on the phone consulting with the tech service on the phone. I would try to fix minor problems myself before going there and having a bad experience.

Don thank you for shaving your experience to help others in RV decision 🚐

Great video and great information Don. Thanks

This is 100% true. Some dealerships don’t have an agreement to service others brands.

Most couches can be disassembled and carried out the door. Hubby just disassembled a queen size sofa bed. He removed the back, tied up the bed frame and we hauled it out the entrance door of an old class A that we are updating and repairing. Of course we hauled out the mattress and cushins first.

Thanks for the info. Good video. I’ve heard other cautionary tales about CW.

Thank you🙏 We have been looking at camping world RV’S. I think we will go in another direction.

Great information, thank you!

Camping World is big on themselves and the after sale customer last. Your number one while in the sales lobby and story telling cubical. After a few years of full time living, we learned how to fix it all ourselves. Our repairs ended up way better with residential grade materials and components fitted for decades of reliability. We bought a home but have kept our 2006 Everest trailer. I can't find a new one near as fit as our old unit for reliability. We love our ocean and mountain getaways with very little to no drama camper quality fails.

Wow, Camping World still has customers? I thought they were great when I bought my trailer new ten years ago (not from Camping World). Then I find out membership value cost! I later found out Amazon has all the stuff too. Then I also found a family run RV store/service center near where I store my trailer where service is even better.

This was very informative.

This is great info. Thank you

Great info! Thanks for sharing!

You have the most patience i've ever seen. I would never go to camper world for anything.

Welcome information and good to know. Thx!

Thanks for the info! 👍🏻

Good info to pass on. Thanks

Thank you for sharing Don, definitely good to know. We have benefitted from the info you've shared in the past and this info too. God's Continual Blessings Always

Thank you for the info.

Great video. Thank you, and God Bless!

Hi Don, great information. I will ask around related to warranties.

Good info Don, thank you

You covered some great information.

Thank you . Informative and hilarious!

I've heard some bad things about cw,one is coming to my town, great video, much respect

I used to sell RVs in Texas at several locations and I have not heard of this law. Sometimes the manufacturers will require that their dealers do the work. I suspect a lot of what your getting is the issue of the big dealers are so backed up with service work ( including the new units going out ) One of the reasons I went with a toy hauler is just for your discovery.