Camping World RV Sales- Fountain, CO Exposed: Aggressive Add-Ons, PDI Failures, Months-Long Repairs

(Serious Concern)

Multiple consumer accounts across the RV industry describe substantial defects discovered after taking delivery, followed by long repair queues at dealership service departments. Your best (and often only) leverage to get repairs handled quickly is to find issues before you sign final paperwork. Hire a certified, independent RV inspector—not someone recommended by the dealer.

• Search locally and book early: Find RV inspectors near you.
• Ask the dealer to allow a full on-site inspection and water/propane/electrical systems test. If a dealership won’t allow an independent inspection, that is a major red flag—walk away.
• Make the sale contingent on documented repairs, or have the price adjusted to reflect defects. Do not rely on verbal promises.
• If you skip this step, you risk weeks or months without your RV while it sits in the service queue. Many buyers describe canceled trips and nonrefundable campground losses because their unit is tied up waiting for parts or approvals. Have you experienced post-sale repair delays?

(Serious Concern)

Buyers at large RV chains frequently describe persistent upselling of appearance packages, fabric protection, paint sealants, tire/wheel coverage, and “lifetime” warranties that pad profit but provide mixed real-world value. Reports also mention pressure to finance in-house to “unlock” discounts that mysteriously disappear if paying cash or using a credit union. Scrutinize whether advertised prices match the final buyer’s order once all “mandatory” dealer fees and packages are added.

• Ask for a line-item, out-the-door price in writing before you visit.
• Decline non-essential products and compare third-party alternatives (tires, roadside, GAP, extended service plans).
• Insist that discounts are not contingent on financing. If they are, walk—or have your lender beat the rate and refinance later if needed. Did you face add-on pressure here?

(Moderate Concern)

Consumer complaints often cite higher-than-expected APRs, payment miscalculations, or last-minute changes in terms at signing. This can happen when buyers are moved quickly through finance without time to review each page. Some also report that third-party add-ons were rolled into financing without full explanation of cost or cancellation rules.

• Secure a credit union pre-approval so you can compare rates and fees.
• Read every line for add-ons, “etching,” nitrogen, or PDI fees you didn’t agree to.
• Colorado buyers can seek advice or file complaints through the Colorado Attorney General’s consumer protection resources if they believe they were misled: Colorado AG Consumer Protection.

(Moderate Concern)

Several buyers at big-chain stores report initial trade estimates that drop sharply after inspection, or values far below market guides. Steep trade undervaluations can effectively erase discounts on the new RV.

• Obtain multiple written offers (CarMax/car-buying services for tow vehicles; other RV dealers for trailer/motorhome trades).
• Bring maintenance records and comparable listings to support your trade value.
• Consider selling the trade privately if time allows.

(Serious Concern)

Consumers frequently describe title delays, incorrect paperwork, or long waits for plates. Colorado residents can face penalties if registration windows are missed. While some delays are manufacturer- or lien-related, systematic slowness or documentation mistakes can leave buyers in limbo.

• Do not take delivery until the paperwork you need is complete and correct.
• Document who is responsible for title and registration steps and deadlines.
• If you encounter persistent issues, seek assistance through Colorado DMV and the AG’s office: Colorado AG Consumer Protection. Also consider consulting the Colorado Department of Revenue’s Auto Industry Division for dealer-licensing concerns.

(Serious Concern)

Common themes include water leaks, non-functioning appliances, slide or leveling malfunctions, misaligned doors, trim coming loose, and visible cosmetic damage found the day of delivery or shortly after. Several RV owners across brands report that PDI checklists weren’t fully completed and units were rushed out to meet sales targets.

• Hire an independent inspector and demand a full walk-through with all systems under load (shore power, generator, propane) before signing.
• List every defect in writing; tie the sale to remediation or a price credit.
• If issues are severe, do not accept delivery. Have you rejected delivery due to defects?

(Serious Concern)

Numerous RV buyers at large chains describe long wait times for service appointments, slow manufacturer approvals, and parts back-orders—leaving RVs parked for weeks or months during peak season. This undermines the very reason people buy RVs: travel and camping.

• Ask for written service timelines and escalation protocols before you buy.
• Document all communications; escalate to the brand’s factory reps if stalled.
• Consider mobile RV technicians for non-warranty repairs if timeliness matters more than coverage.

(Moderate Concern)

Consumers often describe being left without updates for weeks while waiting on parts or approvals. When updates come, they’re sometimes inconsistent between advisors or departments. This is particularly frustrating for out-of-pocket expenses like storage and lost trip reservations.

• Request a single point of contact and weekly written status updates.
• Get parts order numbers and estimated arrival dates in writing.

(Moderate Concern)

Some buyers across RV dealerships report learning after purchase that promised features or accessories were different, missing, or required additional purchases (e.g., wrong hitch components, unavailable solar prep features, or “dealer-installed” items that were not actually installed).

• Bring the online listing to delivery; verify every advertised option is present and functional.
• Cross-check the VIN’s build sheet with the buyer’s order.

(Serious Concern)

Owner accounts sometimes cite rushed or incomplete repairs that require rework—sealants applied messily, wiring not secured, or panels reinstalled poorly. While RV tech shortages are an industry-wide problem, it’s essential to confirm repair quality before taking your RV back.

• Inspect repaired areas in daylight; run functional tests before leaving the lot.
• If you used a third-party inspection pre-sale, consider hiring them post-repair too: Find an RV inspector near you.

(Moderate Concern)

Some shoppers report difficulty canceling deals or retrieving deposits when units fail inspection or financing terms change. The degree of flexibility can vary by store and manager.

• Pay the smallest possible refundable deposit and get refund terms in writing.
• Time-limit your purchase agreement contingent on inspection findings.

(Moderate Concern)

Extended service contracts and membership perks can sound attractive but may not deliver on expectations if claims are denied or service backlogs persist. Owners sometimes misunderstand what is covered, especially for wear items and maintenance-related issues.

• Study the service contract’s exclusions and claims process. Ask what labor rates are covered and whether you can use independent repair shops.
• Price third-party contracts and compare coverage limits, deductibles, and cancellation policies.

(Serious Concern)

Defects reported immediately after delivery—like roof or slide leaks, LP system problems, brake or axle issues, and electrical shorts—carry clear safety and financial implications. A leaky roof can rapidly lead to rot and mold; slide malfunctions can trap occupants or damage floors; compromised LP systems pose fire and explosion risks; brake or axle defects endanger occupants and other drivers. Poor PDI or rushed handoffs increase the likelihood of these failures appearing on the way home or during the first trip.

• Run every appliance and safety system before purchase: LP leak tests, CO/smoke detectors, emergency window operation, brake controller function, tire age and pressure, and breakaway switch.
• Search your exact year/make/model VIN for recalls and campaign bulletins: NHTSA VIN Recall Lookup. If the store delays recall fixes, file a safety complaint with NHTSA: Report a Vehicle Safety Problem.
• If you suspect a defect causing immediate safety risk, document and stop using the unit until inspected. Consider an independent tech: Search certified RV inspectors near you.

(Serious Concern)

Based on common complaint patterns, potential legal issues for any RV dealer can include deceptive or unfair trade practices, warranty handling problems, and safety-related noncompliance. If you encounter such problems:

• Consumer Protection Law: The Colorado Consumer Protection Act prohibits deceptive trade practices. Guidance and complaint portal: Colorado Attorney General – Consumer Protection.
• Warranty Rights: The federal Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act governs written warranties and prohibits tying warranty coverage to specific service providers. Overview: FTC Guide to Federal Warranty Law.
• Sales/Advertising Practices: The FTC enforces truth-in-advertising and has pursued auto dealers over add-on and finance abuses. See related guidance: FTC Truth-in-Advertising and FTC Business Guidance.
• Safety and Recall Handling: If a dealer’s delays or actions impede recall remedies, file with NHTSA and notify the manufacturer: NHTSA.

Keep a paper trail: retain emails, texts, repair orders, invoices, and photos/video. If resolution stalls, consider a formal demand letter, small claims court for documented losses, or legal counsel for larger disputes. What helped you resolve a dispute?

(Moderate Concern)

Large RV dealerships, including national chains, frequently add fees and products that can inflate the bottom line—documentation, prep/delivery, cleaning, nitrogen, VIN etching, mandatory protection packages, and extended service plans. Finance offices may present these as “standard” or “required.” They’re usually negotiable or unnecessary.

• Insist on an itemized buyer’s order with a true out-the-door number.
• Ask for disclosures on every add-on: total cost, cash price if declined, and cancellation/refund timelines.
• Take the unsigned deal home and review it calmly—or have a trusted advisor or attorney check it before you sign.

(Serious Concern)

• Secure a pre-approval from your bank or credit union to benchmark APR and fees.
• Price compare the same model across multiple dealers in Colorado and neighboring states.
• Book an independent inspector for the day you plan to sign: Google: RV Inspectors near me.

(Serious Concern)

• Require shore power and water connections; test every system including slides, jacks, LP appliances, AC/heat, water heater, pumps, GFCIs, detectors, and awning.
• Inspect the roof, seams, windows, and caps for sealant gaps and soft spots.
• Verify included items: keys, remotes, manuals, spare fuses, sewer hose, hitch components, and any promised accessories.
• Decline to sign if significant defects are discovered and not resolved in writing.

(Moderate Concern)

• Open a warranty claim promptly and request a written ETA for parts and repairs.
• Escalate to the manufacturer’s regional rep if updates stall beyond a week.
• Consider mobile repair for non-warranty items to avoid long queues.
• Share your detailed timeline and documents publicly so other buyers are informed: Post your repair story in the comments.