By Chuck Woodbury
EDITOR
This was posted as a comment on this website by an RVer named Kevin Smith. I’d like to post it here, too, to share my thoughts with more readers.
Mr. Smith wrote:
I came across the bookmark today and thought I’d check in but darned if anything’s changed, still kicking Camping World around and trolls still flogging Lemonis due to their media illiteracy. Ugh. I unsubscribed and abandoned RVtravel.com a few months back as what once was such a good resource for RV news had become a single-issue banner for anti-CW and made Lemonis the butt of angry right wing commenters who seem to be your main demographic now.
As someone who travels extensively in my RV I can’t understand why you would like to have less resources available to you almost anywhere you’re traveling to/from? I’ve used CW for supplies, had them perform scheduled and emergency unscheduled maintenance and have stayed overnight at more than a few of their locations. I
If you need to replace a failed sewer valve at 10am on a Sunday morning in Chattanooga, TN I can guarantee you will be overjoyed to see that huge flag waving above the interstate. See how many service shops there are that can get you in for a generator oil change/fuel filter replacement with only a few hours wait when you’re passing through Rogers, MN mid-winter.
Do they sell RV’s at the highest possible price, I hope so! I’m a Realtor and you’d be justly upset if I priced and sold your house too low as an “act of kindness” to the buyer, right?
Go ahead and find a better deal somewhere else, I didn’t buy my RV from them as I did my due diligence and found an independent brand sold direct from dealer that beats anything CW had to offer. However I’m very glad CW has such a wide, national presence and I’d miss them as a trusted resource who most often has what I need to stay on the road. If your wish for them to fail comes true I doubt that we’ll be better off trying to rely on WalMart for their very limited RV-specific offerings and most other RV dealers carry a tiny fraction of the parts and accessories that CW stores do so be careful of cutting off your nose to spite your face.
Thanks again for your previous contributions to RVers, good luck with your single-issue audience and keep the rest of us informed if you ever go back to the old format.
My response to Mr. Smith
You and I have a slightly different opinion on Camping World. Keep in mind we have been publishing for 20 years, and it’s only been recently we’ve had more negative to say than positive about the company. I won’t go into another conversation about this, as I have already written so much. But, alas, we are far from a “single issue publication,” and, FYI, our readership has never increased faster than in the last year. So I’m not inclined to go back to the “old format.” I don’t know what that means, actually, because if we have changed it has been gradual through the years based on how the industry and RVers have changed.
We try our best to be objective. Most of the time when we write anything that would be perceived as opinionated, the article is labeled “Opinion.”
I appreciate your comments, but really must strongly disagree with you about calling our readers a “single-issue audience,” in the way you suggest. That said, however, it’s true that we are focused on one single topic — “RVing.”
And by the way, to correct you, Camping World is not known for selling RVs at the highest prices, as you say, but the lowest prices. It’s other aspects of how the company conducts its business that at times we find objectionable and not in the best interest of buyers. And, for the record, we have never, ever suggested that we would be happy if Camping World closed its stores.
About our readers being “right wing commentators . . . who seem to be your main demographic now.” Well, that’s a big exaggeration although there is no doubt that far more of our readers are Republicans than Democrats. But I suspect that true of the entire universe of American RVers. I just wish we could all talk about issues without fighting.
We try our best, Kevin, and are very aware that we cannot please everyone. It’s impossible, especially in today’s hot-tempered world.
Thank you for taking the time to express your thoughts in a respectful manner.
##RVT921
I tend to agree with Kevin.
Wow! There you go again as a famous president said a long time ago.
If someone says something that you don’t agree with are they all Conservative? Are you always like this with your clients, fellow real estate agents, family and neighbors? I do feel sorry for you. Why would you bring politics into this RV magazine? Do you only stay in progressive campgrounds? Actually with your superior attitude you put forth this morning I would be very surprised that will last very long in real estate. Yes you have the right to say pretty much what you want but in my humble opinion you have a lot to learn on how to treat your fellow man just because of your I am right and you are wrong attitude. This is not the proper venue to voice your political opinion. Don’t you understand that? Are you proud of yourself?
Denny, who are you addressing this comment to?
Kevin.
I am so tired of politics entering so many aspects of our lives and now days there seems to be very few places that are safe from political discussions that don’t erupt in a high spirited argument.
After sending my earlier comments I and my wife went to dinner with two other couples. During the evening I thought about what I had posted here earlier and said to myself I am contributing to the politics discussion with my comments, even though I haven’t said what side I am rooting for. Anyway my wife and I had a great evening as there was no discussion about politics. A nice comfortable evening. Note: At a church men’s group there always seems to be a comment about politics from one side or the other.
But here’s the kicker. My wife and I don’t agree who were are for or against. Maybe that’s why I am so sick of it.
Steven Scheinin. We’re in the minority here.
I hope camping world stays open for people like Mr Smith. I refuse to go there, and that would free up some time for real RV mechanics to do real honest work elsewhere, for us who need a real mechanic. Going in for an oil change on a generator? Sheesh!, my kid can do that, or I can do myself! LOL!
Ever heard of AMAZON?! They deliver RV stuff same day-anywhere!
Let’s keep politics and religion out of RV travel!…..
Thank You!
Sounds like you are a dyi. Me too. But are you so good as to properly dispose of your old oil and filter?
As for Amazon, if there is a company that has its hands in your pocket and your shopping habits (among other habits) in its database as deep as these guys, I don’t want to hear about it.
The best thing Chuck could do in my opinion is delete any comment in any article that does not offer some aspect of positivity to our shared camping experience.
Why not poll your readers to see if they lean more toward Republican, Democrat, could go either way, hate politics, or more often find a 3rd party appealing.
Mark, it would lean heavily toward Republicans. I believe we did that survey years ago, and we have asked other questions that would reveal political leanings. At RVtravel.com we don’t care what party anyone belongs to — we know that a two-party system is essential for a free society. Those who don’t appreciate that are ignorant of the realities of a democracy. They need to visit a country with a dictator, where citizens are required to believe one way or go to jail or get shot. Maybe head over to North Korea, accept the political beliefs, and live their lives, not objecting to keeping their mouths shut about their beliefs. I visited Romania shortly after the collapse of communism there and met men who served at hard labor for listening to the wrong music. I believe they would have been a whole lot happier in a two-party system, where they could live their lives in peace, play whatever music they wanted, and engage in conversation with friends over their political differences.
Nothing to do with CW but let’s face it – the camping community is definitely skewed towards older, conservative, white, overly religious, military types and they, in turn, have been brainwashed into believing conservatism is going to save their world and make their life better. As someone who fits into two of these categories (old & white) I am continually horrified what many of these “campers” think and believe and accept as fact when it is, in reality, totally destructive to their way and quality of life.
Thanks to the beliefs of many of these very same people the USA has moved from being considered the most respected country on earth to one of the least. The rest of the world looks upon us as a cruel joke and unfortunately I will never live long enough to see our country recover. Someday it shall as progressive thinking moves slowly forward, witnessed by what it was like to live in this country if you were a female or minority seventy-six years ago when I was born vs the rights all Americans have earned today but it is a very slow movement with many setbacks by selfish, greedy politicians and corporate abuse.
Well said and concise. So sad but true.
Holy cow PGR, it must be hell to be so constipated!
Willie, please do not post such a worthless comment again. We will not post them. What did you accomplish with this one other than trying to put down another person who you do not even know? If you’re going to say something, make it constructive. None of us learned anything from this comment except it was unintelligent and a waste of our time.
“Overly religious military types”…….
That says all I need to know about you.
D. Strope — That, with all due respect, is a terrible statement. How can you presume to know who PGR is — really is — from a single comment? His words may suggest something, but if you were to meet in person you may find that you have many things in common. For Pete’s Sake, all of you who snap to such quick judgements, save your proclamations about someone’s character for when there is plenty of evidence, then maybe you’ll be correct.
RIght on! Glad there’s someone else here with both a heart and a brain that work. Boondocking amidst the trumpschwaggens here at the LTVA is a trip. This is like a Rainbow Gathering for old white ex-mil evangelicals. Gonna fly my rainbow and earth flags amidst the Stars & Bars & Stars & Stripes & POW-MIA Don’t Tread on my Sewer Hose belligerent flapping…. and we’ll ALL talk about which toilet paper to use. 🙂
Excellent description of today’s RV campers. I’m old, white, however informed, objective and open to CIVIL factual conversations NOT opinions. I’ve been schooled many times much to my chagrin….“Never argue with an idiot, they will drag you down to their level and brutally beat you!”
I think you go through life with blinders on! If you think that only conservative politicians are greedy and selfish you are sadly mistaken. Take the blinders off and be honest and you will see. Thanks for bashing those that served in the military that have sacrificed their lives to protect you!
Well said!!!
Replying to PGR. Add another 79 gonna be 80 yr old WHITE, 1st LT USAF Navigator to your list of “LIBERALS”. Nixon probably saved my life cancelling my deployment to Vietnam in 1969. Our 123’s were the most shot up plane in the war. Not to mention all the Agent Orange I would have been exposed to. Thank goodness for the dwindling judges that are blocking the drilling and mining now trying to be opened by this admin in our NATIONAL MONUMENTS, NATIONAL PARKS AND FORESTS. Polluting our rivers, ground water and air. WHAT’S CONSERVATIVE about that. Plain ignorant greed of certain BIG money. Everything PGR said is absolutely true.
Hey PGR…what is an overly religious person? Is that someone that believes in God and is actually grateful for every God given breath…oh, and those military types…you know, the ones that have fought for and preserved our freedom of speech…even for bone heads. Conservatism will not save the world any more than liberalism will put a chicken in every pot…or maybe some just want the pot. I think you are horrified that people might not share your values. Most RV folks seem to be pretty happy with their way of life and quality/ standard of living. It was those brave souls that left the motherland because progressives wanted to control and smother their lives (government knows best…right?). Greed….that is something we all share equally. Most Americans are smart enough to know what has worked and will work to keep us free to travel this great land as capitalism innovates and not regulates.
“they, in turn, have been brainwashed”
“I am continually horrified what many of these “campers” think and believe”
“The rest of the world looks upon us as a cruel joke ”
Here is the bias and hate being exposed. And yet Chuck allows such hate to remain on this site.
Darrel, I have to agree with you 100%. This should be nipped in the Bud right off the bat. If I want to debate politics, I will go to Newsmax or BPR. Not RV Travel.
” the camping community is definitely skewed towards older, conservative, white, overly religious, military types and they, in turn, have been brainwashed”
You just made your bigotry, bias, and hate quite clear.
I was a Camping World fan until we purchased a pre-owned RV from them. It took the threat of legal action and a complaint to the state DMV to get things made right or as agreed to at the time of sale.
Politics had nothing to do with my decision to stay away from them if at all possible. It was simply poor business practices on their part.
I will pick up up a part if they are close by, but I usually go to a “mom & pop” shop. RV’s share the same parts that we usually need, such as waste valves, water heater parts, etc.
I believe Kevin is a fan of them and that’s why he takes offense at peoples complaints.
Camping World needs to get back to the way they did business 8-10 years ago. They actually were a decent place to deal with and had a customer focus.
I’ve been a subscriber to this newsletter for over twenty years. I think both of you have articulated your positions very well and without any negativity. I would agree with Chuck more than I can agree with Kevin’s assessment of what this newsletter represents to its readers.
There are very few “journalists” left who are reporting on all aspects of the RV industry for the consumers. Yes, there are publications and there are many writers and reporters, but many of these people have never been inside an RV or stayed overnight in a campground.
I have been a reporter, speaker and consultant in this industry since 1996 and have been an active RVer for over forty years. I reference this only to put my experience out there to back up my comments.
This publication covers a lot of topics and does so in an objective manner that also allows for others to offer their comments that may agree or disagree with what Chuck and his staff present to us every week.
It is true that over the past five or ten years the coverage of Camping World and Good Sam Enterprises has often taken a turn toward negative stories, but the actions written about in these stories is self-inflicted by Marcus Lemonis and some of his employees and locations. Are all the people in Camping World bad, nope! Are all the locations bad, nope! However, the sheer size of the company and its impact on the industry does result in many negative stories that are documented in this newsletter.
The quality of this reporting highlights the lack of reporting in other industry trade and consumer publications that will never publish anything negative about Camping World because it would impact their advertising revenues – plain and simple. Because there are no other publications – or very few – that report on the negative issues around this business entity, it only highlights the differences more and brings more attention to what is published here.
Marcus Lemonis realizes that there are issues in his company and is not burying his head in the sand. In recent months he has launched a new advertising campaign and social media programs around his “If you’re not happy, I’m not happy” outreach. The CEO of an approximately four billion dollar company doesn’t stick his neck out like this unless there are issues in the company, and I give him credit for it. In fact, there are consumers who have had personal calls from him and other company executives to get directly engaged in some of these disputes and horror stories.
So, in closing, both Kevin and Chuck presented their arguments very professionally and I would encourage Kevin to consider rejoining the community . . . it is not as one-sided as he projects it to be and there is simply nowhere else in the industry for the consumer to get this balanced approach to reporting since Greg Gerber ceased publication of his “RV Daily Report” newsletter.
I have to agree with Chuck’s rebuttal. I have subscribed to this newsletter for about 9 years now and never did I get the impression this newsletter encouraged Camping World to go under. I always got the impression that this newsletter was just trying to sound the alarm to camping World and really, any other RV related businesses to get their collective act together.
Nothing wrong with doing that.
I have shopped at Camping World and I have not shopped at Camping World. It all depends on what I need and when I need it.
When Hurricane Sandy hit Camping World was the only place that had generators available and they went out of their way to make them available in a well thought out and FAIR process.
Politics is now and has always been a divisive subject. Please everyone remember, the issues of our country and the world are not simple or easy to deal with. It is just unrealistic to believe that the policies of one party (no matter which one you belong to) will raise or sink our country. Nothing is that simple. Please, again, just keep that in mind.
In the mean time, lets keep political talk out of places it has no place. RVing should be fun. Arguing violently about politics is not.
Thanks!
Well put !
Amen, Peter. Leave the political “talk” alone and let’s just “talk” RVing.
Good comment! My grandparents and parents always taught me..”be respectful toward others, and never talk about politics or religion in social settings”. It seems to me, the internet is one big social setting now isn’t it?
“angry right wing commenters who seem to be your main demographic now.” Says it all about the author. Sad.
I too must side with Chuck. He is honest and forthright in all the articles he publishes. His main focus is to ‘tell it like it is’ which is why his RV readership is increasing. I am not surprised that he is criticized by a real estate ‘bandit’. These guys pry huge dollars from homeowners with their ridiculous commission rates. His siding with CW isn’t surprising. Shopping at CW has always been a pleasant experience for us- for parts and accessories. But, we would never purchase an RV there. I am retired and have put all that sort of grief behind.
This man sounds like he either works for Camping World or has money invested in them.
RV Travel is not bashing CW or Lemonis, they are simply passing on the many, many, complaints about them. For example, their predatory practices and 20 year loans that they trick people into.
And he talks about the wonderful service experience he has at CW, evidently he has never heard of the thousands of RV’ers who haven’t. I found it interesting that he called complainers of CW as
He then drags politics into his comments, why? He assumes he knows who people are just because they do not agree with his opinions of people who have been screwed over by CW and Lemonis. People like this guy attack the messenger because they cannot attack the message.
Now I am sure that there are many good people at CW and stores that give excellent service. But there are many that don’t. And there are some that obviously are down right crooks. It is like that with all national businesses. If this guy has a good CW that he deals with lucky him.
I strongly question this man’s motives and I have one thing to say to him. If you don’t like RV Travel then don’t read it. If it bothers you so much that they report the complaints about them then : DON’T READ IT!
I find RV Travel a great place for information on the care and upkeep of RV’s Chuck and his group of professionals are a great wealth of RV’ing information. I have been reading it for many years and look forward everyday, especially Saturday, to see the new info.
Chuck, thanks for all you do.
I believe that the problem with Lemonis is that he is characterized as a business savior and one with a very melodramatic and unrelenting tone for television audiences. His show can be entertaining and frankly, the television pundit is often correct in advising his clients on how to solve specific problems. However, the Profit invested heavily in CW, a business with a culture, ethic and history he apparently knew little about. When one owns a retail operation like CW, you either learn about the industry and work to improve it or you attempt to redefine the industry and bring people along. Lemonis is THE ethic and driving force of CW. CW is not defined by its employees, although the many good one are capable of contributing good moments to customers. CW is in the business of selling mostly cheap RVs with overpriced products. Yes, when desperate, an overpriced gadget is a welcome experience when other businesses are closed. We have all had desperate moments and have been grateful for a gouging supplier who provided our fix. No question about it, CW is a welcome business when desperation is present. But, that does not mean that business is worth anything to the marketplace. There are exceptions to everything and I am certain there are stores that try to overcome the Lemonis reputation. Good on them for trying. But, like anything else, effective leadership and a good reputation starts at the TOP and if it is not there, the decline may be slowed but the decline is inevitable. CW is in a death spiral and RVTravel is not responsible for it. However, given the size and influence of CW, when so many repeat horror stories, despite the few notable exceptions, CW has an obligation to share information. Our choice is to use the information or not. In this case, THE PROFIT, does a better job teaching about the correct business practices than he does in practicing them. When he collapses, a competent replacement will respond to market demands. RVers are not going away!
Chuck, I am new to your publication, having said that, I want to respond to your response on the issue of Camping World. I appreciate your defense of what you produce for us in your reporting. However, I was taken aback by your generalization of Democrats vs. Republicans. I don’t know where you get your data, maybe it is true, maybe not. I would be what is generally thought to be a Democrat. I will clarify it by saying I find locking kids up, letting them die, threatening others publicly, conducting oneself as a racist, spreading falsehoods, and having a disregard for appropriate Presidential conduct abhorrent to any civil society. Having said that, I find my fellow RV’ers to be kind, friendly and reasonable people. I choose to vote about issues and how candidates express themselves. I have voted, and will continue to vote for what is aligned with my belief system, whether Republican or Democratic. I also happen to read quite a bit, and the most educated of us acknowledges climate change and its cause. There are others who disagree with me and that is OK.
Thanks for letting me comment, and please let’s not bring politics on the road with us, It is one of the reasons I like being on the road.
Tony, how did I generalize Democrats and Republicatons? I don’t ever recall doing that in my life because we are all different, even within a particular party. And your statements about locking kids up, etc., — what does that have to do with regular people? That’s our elected officials, not you, me, and the RVer next door. Here’s what I say, “Listen to another person’s opinion with an open mind, make your judgment (as we all do, human nature), then talk about it with the person in an intelligent manner.” If you can’t agree on something, then because we live in a free society, we have the right to disagree without trying to kill each other. We are such a nation of hotheads these days. It’s a real shame.
Ha ha ha, taken aback? Thank you for clarifiying your political position and belief system, and saying “There are others who disagree with me and that is OK.” And course thanks for saying “the most educated of us acknowledges climate change AND IT’s CAUSE after the diatribe about racism, illegal immigration, presidential conduct and civil society. Do you have an opinion on UFO’s and space aliens”
Is it really OK if we think you are wrong? Because I think you are sharing your opinion, your beliefs and politics and not one single fact. But, maybe thats just because I disagree and am not among the most educated of us? I’m not insulted, just amused.
Signed, Kind, friendly and reasonable
I find your views abhorrent Tony. Using fiction to slam others is not cool.
“Thanks for letting me comment, and please let’s not bring politics on the road with us, It is one of the reasons I like being on the road.”
WOW! What part of your “rant” wasn’t political? Having said that, (a phrase you liberals like to use) I was thrilled to see your description of the shortcomings of the previous President. Maybe you should consider changing your political affiliation. Have a great day!
” and please let’s not bring politics on the road with us”
You said that right after you wrote liberal talking points and hate???
This guy sounds like an angry liberal
Much like Chuck often seems to be.
Sounds like the realtor was lucky with his experiences with CW. My experience was “your rig should be ready to go in 3 weeks.” Three and a half months later it was ready for pickup, but still not fixed. Local independent dealer came to my site and within 15 minutes diagnosed the problem, drove back to his shop got the part, came back and installed it, charging $346. CW had already charged me $4,600. Yes, I thrilled when CW opened a store in our area. Convenience of having a wide array of camping accessories sounded so appealing. However, my local dealer told me recently that CW is one of their biggest customers for parts! When you go online and see the complaints against CW, you will see that they have quite an image problem. I’m all for the American free enterprise system, but Lemonis has violated his customers trust. And, I would like to see him right the ship!
I sure hope you got your $4,600 back if they never fixed the problem.
I’ve used Camping World off and on since 2006. Never bought an RV from them, but went to my local one for service, tires, gear and supplies. They were pretty good for a long while – as good as any Independent RV businesses around here. But around late 2017 or early 2018, I went in to have some chassis upgrades installed. The scheduling was done on time, the work was done within estimates, and the installation was perfect. But as I was chatting with some of the employees, there was overt disdain for their new boss, Lemonis. He’d done a number of things that employees felt were regressive in employee morale. It seemed like a lot of employee-initiative and independence had been pulled back by ‘corporate’ to the point that the folks I chatted with were grumbling openly with customers. I don’t know any details about what happened, but I can tell you it was not like that before the Lemonis era!
Kevin probably drank the Kool-Aid and bought CW stock when Marcus started building his empire. I recently priced a surge protector at the local CW store in Fort Worth. With the discount, it was still $110 higher that I paid at the other RV supply in town. RV Travel has consistently provided up to date relevant information about the RV industry. The CW comments are sad, but true. I’m sure a majority of readers benefit from Chuck’s information. And yes Kevin, I’m a conservative. I do heavy research before I spend my discretionary income. What I’ve routinely find is most of CW pricing can be beat. I want value for my money. That’s why I make a yearly financial contribution to this site.. Do you?
And I as a liberal, totally agree with Stephen. So see, has nothing to do with politics.
Chuck, Why do you even bother to respond to the left wing pundit that is more interested in turning points into contemporary political orientation and branding than staying focused on the good points he made about the value of Camping World to RVers?
Hi Howard, I don’t often think about why I reply. I simply reply to as many readers I can, time permitting. I try to be fair and reasonable in my responses to often accusatory letters. Sometimes, if they hit below the belt, I get irritated. Mr. Smith didn’t do that, so I was happy to respond.
While I don’t agree with Kevin, it does seem that the newsletter takes every possible opportunity to bash Lemonis and Camping World. I’m not a fan of either, but the constant negativity is not why I subscribe to newsletters. I’d much rather see more emphasis placed on the exciting things that are coming to the RV community. New parks, new camper models, tips, tricks, news that is positive.
There’s plenty of what you’re looking for in the newsletters. If you don’t want to read about CW, then just scroll on by. Really, it’s ok.
I’m sorry but CW, just like Starbucks, has continued to basically harass me because I’m a Conservative Republican ever since the Election in 2016. Therefore I elect to not buy anything from them as my way of “getting back”. I don’t’ really care what persuasion of politics a business has and it is not their business as to what persuasion a client is either. But when they make it Personal based on how you politically think, than I draw the line!
Do you also boycott businesses that publicly support conservative or Republican policies? Because based on your last sentence, you should. I bet not. So you need to either change your actions to fit your words or change your words to fit your actions.
I’ve been a member of Good Sam and Camping World for a long time and don’t recall them ever asking for my political leanings, nor do I care about theirs. If they provide a good service at a reasonable cost, I’ll go there, regardless of their politics. Chuck has done an exceptional job with this newsletter over the years and I look forward to future editions, including the RV news, reader polls, cartoons, jokes and opinions. Good stuff.
If the USA is now such a “least respected country,” why are so many people standing in long lines to be allowed legal entrance into it?
Never mind, the nonstop flow of illegal aliens from every other nation on the globe.
We’re NOT the least respected country. But we’re getting there. I do a lot of travelling. The 70’s on thru 2016 I only heard great things. In the late 90’s 2 months in China was amazing. Once they realized we were American it was one or two THUMBS UP. our friends in UK and Europe constantly tell us how sorry they are for America. They actually fear that the USA might take down the economy of the whole world. Me too.
What’s immigration got to do with this discussion? Nothing, that’s what.
Why does politics have anything to do with rv stores gouging customers? When a liberal plays the redneck card it’s a sign of shallow inconsiderate prejudice thoughts and a limited overall ability to process information
I totally agree. When did our recreational choices suddenly dictate political preference? I have rv’d 40 years and traded motorhomes twice with Camping World, and would consider it again. My experience with the company has been positive, and having them available near everywhere is certainly a great convenience.
First question: Probably because Lemonis brought politics into his business. Second statement: saying angry right-wingers is not playing the redneck card, that would be a connection that you made. I have also seen that that those angry right-wingers with their shallow inconsiderate prejudiced thoughts show us all their opinions much more often than anyone else. So I hope you’re tuning them out as well.
I’m wondering how this gentleman feels about a great club such as Good Sam’s being taken over and ruined by Lemonis.
I agree with Mr. Smith, and the comments here affirm his opinion.
I agree that Mr. Smith (I doubt if that is the coward’s real name) Is a divisive individual that must lead a miserable life. Apparently, you do as well.
I side with those who love Camping World. I move on past those nay sayers. I LOVE CAMPING WORLD. There I said it. They have been there for us thru thick and thin. Our refrigerator door fell off in Denver. They jerry rigged it so we could get home. Otherwise we would have had no place to live while they had to get to it. Since we were not going on long travels once home I decided to make a list of things that need worked on. Every April I am off for a week. That is when CW takes the camper and fixes everything. They see me coming in October and know at least the wheels brakes and axles is what is getting checked. They also do the roof. They will fix the fridge and the shower. Can’t wait until next summer to go camping and hopefully all the bugs are fixed. I was told there is an outlet in Utica Michigan for Camping World stuff. Think I may be doing a trip out there over Xmas break. Happy Camping.
Mr. Smith wrote “RVtravel.com … has made Lemonis the butt of angry right wing commenters …” My personal rule is that as soon as someone injects politics into something that is non-political, I stop reading and dismiss the worth of anything the writer has to say. In earlier days of the Internet, there was a similar and widely-accepted “rule” that applied when a discussion started to get heated. “In any argument, the first person to mention Hitler loses.”
I had to google a Lemonis to find out what it was, now I just hope I can remember 🙂
We must remember companies are made of employees. They are both left and right. They are the ones that try to take care of the customer. The companies may put their philosophy stance out there, but again it is the individual who either takes care of your needs or not. Most people want to help. A jerk is a jerk whether he is right or left minded. I may not agree with the philosophy, but I still do business based on how I am treated.
And I say that everybody is entitled to their opinion. I don’t like CW for my personal reasons that are mine alone. However, if I need something and only they have it, I will buy it there. I find it interesting that the poster chose to being democrat vs republican into it. So if I may ask you… You state that you are a realtor. How do you tell the democrats from the republicans when they call you to inquire about a property? Does it matter to you if they are red or blue as long as their money is green?
For you to inject your presumption as to who leans which way is not only totally moot but seemingly quite the desperate attempt to find a reason to throw stones. Unless you have a sign n your office that specifies “I only sell homes to democrats”, perhaps you would benefit greatly from the practice of keeping your opinions to yourself (edited by rvtravel staff due to disrespectful language).
MAYBE some day WE as a society can AGREE to DISAGREE…..WE are human nothing more and nothing less….
Travilenman, well said. Thanks.
Agreeing to disagree is a good motto….until one side becomes dangerous.
“If your not happy I’m not happy” seems to be Camping world resurrected under another name. In any event, I’ve never had a positive experience with Camping World installation/repair/maintenance shop. So I vote with my feet and don’t return. You can beat their prices almost anywhere.
So you who don’t think so try other sources such a Amazon or the like businesses. So my suggestion is “vote with you feet” not your mouth.
Camping world made the top 10 on the stock Bankruptcy Watch List. Sounds like Camping World needs “The Profit” to come in and save them from certain ruin in the “Outdoor Market”!
Oh! I guess “The Profit” IS now going to save now that Camping World stock is down to $7.40 from it’s high of $47.00+ just 2 short years ago.
The acquisitions made by Lemonis on behalf of Camping World stock holders has NOT been good for the company by his own admission and the shrinking market for RV sales certainly could have not come at a worse time.
Now that it’s time for the “The Profit” to focus on his own business not TV and see if he can save that business Camping World from himself.
The results of this will truly tell us all about the greatness of “The Profit”!
https://www.chicagobusiness.com/retail/camping-world-abandons-outdoor-retail-strategy
It just seems weird that lots of these post say how they don’t want politics brought into this conversation, but then everybody seems to.
That is the result of the Undivided States of America these days. I love my country and I hate how it is right now.
Chuck does a good job writing on both sides. You would complain if he wrote right down the middle wouldn’t you?
Good job Chuck.
I agree 100% with Bill below.
Based on comments over the past year, I’d say the liberals and conservative are roughly equal among readers.
And Chuck himself is definitely a liberal based on his comments on guns and other subjects.
Chattanooga TN CW is an outstanding CW, BUT most Camping World stores have so many complaints against them, so many missed problems on PDI, so many screwed up repairs that they have, in my opinion, earned their BAD reputation. I have a friend who lives in CT and once a year goes to Chattanooga TN Camping World and stay until every thing is fixed and feels they are the best of the best. MAYBE they could teach the other CW world how to treat customers, how to repair problems etc. To the man who chastized you for telling the truth about Camping World , maybe try a few CWs around the country with a real problem and see how long your rig will be in the dealership and how NOT Fixed it will be when take it out fo the dealership especially warranty work but they seem to not be able to do much right in many of the stores. Marcus Lemonis seems to be an arrogant man who seems not to care much about what happens to the customers. THEY sold a rig to a VERY old woman who was clear could not handle the rig and they added expensive add ons to it. IF I remember correctly, she was in her 90s by the story but not sure. This is unconscionable. I have read multiple complaints about Camping World from people who bought new and used rigs and multiple people who felt taken by the service departments not doing the contracted work expected. I had my own debacle with them in a store.
We were in Denver and went to a CW on west Colfax st. to ask a question. I was directed to the repair shop for help.
At the repair desk, an employee asked if he could help me.
I said I have a question about my converter
That guy said “bring it in and we will fix it.
I replied, “I just have a question”.
That guy had the gall to say we don’t answer questions, we just repair problems”.
I said “I wouldn’t let you touch my camper, I will go visit the camper dealer down the street, they answer questions”.
I have no use for CW. If I had treated my customers that badly, I wouldn’t have stayed in business 5 minutes.
Chuck Wagoner.
In 2016, we had a problem with our Class A Motorhome. The steps would not retract. We had to drive to a CW in Georgia off I-75 to get it taken care of. They were kind, courteous and most of all “addressed our immediate need”! They got the step retracted with a temporary fix until I could get it fixed in our Home Base area. For their help, I am eternally grateful and will continue to use CW as a source for items I need for our RV Travels. I haven’t bought an RV from them but will continue to do business with them in some capacity.
Chuck,
As a side note: I, for one, would greatly appreciate it if you would remove any and all references to political persuasions, or politics in general, from these comments. You edited one of the comments to remove “offensive language” and could have done the same to Kevin Smith’s original comment. That would have avoided all of the political rants that have been posted on this article. Just a thought.
Chuck himself is part of the problem with his very clear liberal bias.
A couple of corrections to Kevin Smith. Not all CWs are open on Sundays or do service then. Nor do they all respond immediately and do great work. We took our RV in for some storm damage – needed a new AC, antennae and Awning. They waited 3 weeks to start it, then did it wrong. We had leaking through the antennae immediately but at that point were away from the area. The new AC has never worked right. Oh, and I had just broken BOTH feet/legs and told them my husband, daughter, myself and dog would be staying with our son who at that point lived in a small apartment that didn’t allow dogs. We needed our home back asap. No one would contact us, so we’d call them and be told once again, “we haven’t started it yet”. It took a month to get our home back. None of those replacements were so earth shaking that it couldn’t have been done sooner. And I do find many of their store “specials” are not really a discount compared to some other places. Would I miss them? Only because I can take my dog in the store and maybe pick up some caulking. Would I go there again for repairs? Not unless I absolutely had to. So my experience with them is a whole lot different than yours, obviously. Now my experience is limited to one dealership (Indianapolis, 10 years ago), so I can’t generalize too much. You, however, have. Realize, not all CWs are the same.
One major event that was not stated, that I saw, is that lemond decided that he doesn’t want any Trump supporters giving him business. So that’s why right-wingers no longer like him.
In addition to the above I’ve had over $2,000 worth of men’s jewelry stolen out of my RV when they was supposed to be doing an exterior wash! And nobody at the Albuquerque store would back me up.
Ken,
This is part of the misinformation campaign the guy spoke of. Please do not “assume” what you’ve heard is correct because it is NOT. Take the time to read or hear the comments made by Mr. Lemonis. I would not want VIOLENT SUPPORTERS OF DONALD TRUMP in my store either and do not want to shop with them. He never said ANY TRUMP SUPPORTERS. I am a conservative, support President Trump, and I agree with Mr. Lemonis. While criticized as being anti-CW, Mr. Wooley has also come to the defense of Mr. Lemonis on this topic.
It’s easy to follow people spreading lies and assume they can be trusted. Please be a leader and take the time to research topics for yourself.
We purchase our 2008 27′ Dutchman travel trailer in 2009 from CW. We traded in a Palimino Hybrid travel trailer. The salesperson gave us a good price and when I mentioned that the tires were cracking as the trailer was a 2008 leftover he had no problem and replaced all four at no additional cost. We have had that trailer for 10 years and are very happy with it. I would go to CW if I decide on purchasing a new trailer or for parts.
Camping World bashing may not be the main focus of your newsletter, but it does have a lot of negative stories. Just going down the list of articles today, November 9th, I see Lightning strikes RV, Padre Island murder, Wildfire report, Hurricane center, warning about LP appliances, mistaken assumptions, don’t be a sucker, California wildfires, Where to complain about RV Problems, RV Death spiral, Motorhomes on Fire, Stuck with a Lemon, Should ST tires be outlawed. That seems like a lot of ugliness for a recreational vehicle site.
Even Chuck’s editorial on how internet speeds have improved ends on a sour note with this line: “camping,” at least to me, was never as “pure” or uncomplicated ever again.
I understand that you want to be an advocate for RVers, fighting for better quality RVs. It may seem noble to be an advocate for RVers, and point out problems, but most of us are here for the fun.
When you add up all the space in your newsletter that is devoted to problems, then add the space devoted to asking for donations, and add in the space used for advertising, there is not much left to talk about the enjoyment of our supposed common interest, RVs.
Not everybody has the perfect RV. There are many complaints and in today’s world we are seeing things go wrong and as you are well aware, things going wrong tend to make the news. I have gotten some excellent tips from this letter, I have seen good fixes for problems. You can pick and choose what you read but Camping World deserves many of the negative replies it gets just like many other services such as mechanic shops.
Camping World does have a good supply of items that are used camping but, their prices are not the best.
I often use PPL which tends to be cheaper than CW and they have faster shipping. You need to look at the good things and quit finding all the negative things. I personally like this newsletter. We need to get along and be respectful of each other. Chuck and his team try hard to bring you news and new things in the RV world. Unfortunately not all news is good news.
Camping World lol.
If theres one around I can assure you theres lots of other sources close by because they only open RIP-OFF stores in populated areas, and theres lots of other sources around.
Just stop and think about it, they got their reputation for a reason.
Don’t use that place and never will and neither will well over 2k of my RV friends.
Safe Travels Y’all
I am a democrat. who owns and lives in my RV. I have had problems with camping world service. Most recently Lemonis says “if you are not happy I am not happy” I have called, written and gone back to them (in Jacksonville, Florida) with the problem of them overspraying the side of my RV when they were supposed to repair and repaint only the front. Not only could they not match the color or even try, they sprayed the side and it looks odd not matching.
They have so far said they won’t do anything about it and as I moved up management all parties said they would call me back. They have not. So my opinion of camping world is still they have lousy service departments, as everytime I have used them it took three trips to kind of get it right. If you can find what you need at Walmart, we all know exact same items will be less expensive, such as water filters.
Why do you keep going back
My story is much the same as others who have had a bad experience with Camping World. I had purchased a motorhome from the Georgetown. KY Camping World a couple of years ago and took it back after my first trip to fix the dash heater/AC air flow (blowing to cabin and not to windshield). Seemed like a fairly easy fix. Camping World’s service department kept it for 2 months and never even touched it. I picked it up from them due to a scheduled trip, then brought it back to the service department. For another four months they still did no work on the RV. I finally contacted Winnebago about the issue and they authorized the work to be done by a nearby Ford truck shop. Winnebago also extended my RV warranty for four months. Needless to say I was pleased with Winnebago’s customer service and NOT Camping World. After this I have not used Camping World’s service department or even bought camping items from them.
The real truth is Camping World just like many mechanic shops has poor quality control. I took my Motor Home to Camping World in Fort Myers Florida to have my slide fixed. Got it home and discovered it was going too far out. The limit switches were not set right. Had to take it back. I live 135 miles away. Guess what, they charged me for their mistake. I paid the bill but will not be back.