Camping World dealership lawsuits don’t usually make national news, but a growing number of cases filed against one South Carolina location are attracting attention from RV owners around the country.
Most RVers don’t need much convincing when stories about dealer disputes make the news.
Many have waited weeks—even months—for service appointments. Some have battled warranty issues. Others have discovered problems on a brand-new RV that somehow escaped notice before delivery day. Even those who’ve never experienced it themselves probably know someone who has.
That’s one reason a growing stack of lawsuits against a Camping World dealership in North Charleston, South Carolina, is attracting attention well beyond the local area.
According to Charleston television station Live 5 News, additional lawsuits have been filed against the dealership following an investigation the station began more than a year ago. Customers allege a variety of problems involving RV defects, repairs and service after purchase.
None of the allegations have been proven in court, and Camping World has disputed some customer claims in previous cases. But regardless of how the lawsuits are ultimately resolved, the situation offers some useful reminders for anyone shopping for an RV.
Why stories like this resonate with RV owners
An RV isn’t just a vehicle. It’s a house riding down the highway at 65 mph.
Every trip subjects plumbing, wiring, appliances, slide mechanisms, seals, furniture and electronics to vibration and stress. Even well-built RVs can develop issues. When they do, the experience often depends on how quickly parts become available, how busy the service department is, and how effectively everyone communicates.
That helps explain why dealership complaints tend to strike a nerve among RV owners.
Most people understand that things occasionally break. What often causes frustration is when repairs drag on for months, promised fixes don’t happen as expected or customers feel caught between the dealer, manufacturer and warranty provider.
The most important day may be delivery day
If there’s one lesson RV shoppers can take from stories like this, it may be that the most important day in the buying process isn’t six months later when something breaks.
It’s delivery day.
The excitement of finally picking up a new RV can make it tempting to rush through the walkthrough and hit the road. Experienced RV owners often recommend doing exactly the opposite.
- Open every cabinet.
- Operate every slide.
- Run the air conditioner, furnace, refrigerator, water heater and microwave.
- Turn on faucets. Flush the toilet. Test the awning. Check windows and compartment doors. Look carefully around roof edges, trim pieces and seals.
The goal isn’t to prove the RV is perfect. It’s to identify as many issues as possible before paperwork is complete and before the first camping trip begins.
Why independent inspectors are gaining popularity
One recommendation highlighted by the Live 5 report came from a consumer attorney who suggested buyers consider hiring an independent RV inspector before taking delivery.
The idea has gained traction in recent years, particularly for expensive motorhomes and fifth wheels.
An independent inspector works for the buyer rather than the dealer or manufacturer. Their job is to look for defects, incomplete repairs and potential trouble spots that may not be obvious during a typical walkthrough.
No inspection is able to guarantee a trouble-free ownership experience. Components fail. Problems develop. Things happen.
Still, many RV owners view the inspection fee as relatively cheap insurance compared with the cost and frustration of discovering major issues after the RV is already home.
Put promises in writing
Another lesson that emerges repeatedly from RV disputes is the importance of documentation.
If a dealer agrees to repair an issue, replace a component, or correct a defect before delivery, make sure the commitment is written down.
Photos can also become valuable later. A quick smartphone picture of a concern discovered during delivery may help establish when a problem was first identified.
Most transactions never require that level of documentation. But if disagreements come up later, clear records can eliminate a lot of confusion.
What RV buyers can learn
The lawsuits in South Carolina will eventually work their way through the legal system. The courts—not headlines—will determine the outcome.
But the bigger lesson for RV buyers doesn’t depend on how any particular case ends.
Most RV purchases go smoothly. Thousands of people buy RVs every year and head straight for the campground with no major issues.
Still, stories like this are a reminder that excitement can sometimes cause buyers to overlook problems they’d spot a week later with fresh eyes.
Before driving off the lot, slow down. Take your time. Inspect everything. Ask questions. Make sure promises are in writing.
It’s a lot easier to address problems before the paperwork is signed than after a road trip gets cut short.
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Thank youfor the instructive news and discussion, Russ and Tina. I wonder sometimes if the best RV inspectors are those without YouTube channels? Have a great weekend and safe travels!
I’m pissed with the manufacturer of my trailer (Avion) and the selling dealer Bill’s RV that originally sold my trailer when new.
I have been told I cannot transfer the original warranty on my 1957 Avion R20 to me and as that warranty is not transferrable and no longer valid!
Just because Avion and Bills RV are no longer in business should not be a reason to not honor or transfer the warranty.
After all I am the second owner of this trailer!
Buy used most defects have been ironed out by previous owner hopefully. Plus they may have paid for some upgrades.
Documenting the problems will only work (maybe) if the dealer and the customer sign off on the problems.
Both should have a signed copy!
Dealer can always say “we didn’t know about all the problems”.