Camping World RV Sales- Houghton Lake, MI Exposed: Add-Ons, Title Delays, Long Repairs—Get Inspected

(Serious Concern)

Patterns in public complaints about large national dealership chains, including Camping World, suggest that issues found after delivery can linger for weeks or months in the service queue, especially during peak season. Consumers describe canceled camping trips and protracted back-and-forth over warranty approvals, parts, and scheduling. Your leverage is highest before the sale. Require a third-party NRVIA-certified inspection and include the inspection findings as a condition of delivery. If the dealership won’t accommodate a third-party professional on-site, consider the sale too risky. To line up an inspector early, run a local search here: Find RV Inspectors near me.

(Serious Concern)

Public complaints describe pushy sales processes with aggressive add-ons, such as extended service plans, paint or fabric protection, tire-and-wheel packages, and “mandatory” fees. Several reviewers depict scenarios where quoted figures ballooned in the finance office after “extras” and dealer prep fees appeared. Consumers report feeling rushed, confused by paperwork, or assured that issues can “just be fixed later.” Carefully scrutinize your buyer’s order and finance menu, and do not allow non-requested add-ons. If any item is presented as mandatory, ask to see written policy or decline the deal. For broader context on dealer add-ons and junk fees, review the FTC’s guidance on unfair or deceptive practices: Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

(Moderate Concern)

A frequent theme in low-star reviews is a focus on monthly payment rather than out-the-door price, as well as financing terms that surprised buyers post-signing. Some reviews suggest that advertised rates were not honored or that buyers felt steered into higher-rate loans or extended terms. Demand a written out-the-door price without add-ons, and obtain competing pre-approvals from your bank or credit union to benchmark what’s fair. Do not proceed if finance won’t provide a line-item breakdown in writing.

(Serious Concern)

Multiple reviews across the chain, and specific complaints attributed to this region, flag low trade-in values that tighten further at the last minute. Some customers report that their trade numbers changed in the finance office due to “unexpected reconditioning” or “market adjustments.” Always get the trade offer in writing, include photos and a written condition statement, and require the dealership to confirm they will not change the number unless a material misrepresentation is proven. Consider getting quotes from alternative dealerships and instant online buyers to create leverage.

(Serious Concern)

Recent low-star reviews at various locations, including the Houghton Lake area, mention delayed titles, registration, or missing paperwork packets. Prolonged title delays can prevent owners from legally towing or insuring their RV, potentially causing canceled trips and financial loss. Before paying in full, confirm: when and how the title will be delivered, who handles registration, and what timeline to expect. If the dealer fails to deliver title timely, you may have remedies under state law. In Michigan, the Attorney General’s office accepts consumer complaints related to motor vehicle sales: Michigan Attorney General – Consumer Protection.

(Serious Concern)

Recurring complaints describe units with unresolved issues at delivery: water leaks around slides or roofs, non-functioning appliances, loose trim, missing parts, faulty seals, or misaligned doors. Consumers describe being told “it’ll get fixed after the sale,” then facing long service delays. A third-party inspection prior to delivery can uncover these defects. Specifically insist on a full walk-through with systems demo: water, propane, electrical, HVAC, slides, awnings, tanks, and safety systems. If problems are found, require written commitments, a parts order confirmation, and a pick-up date after repairs are done. Do not accept the RV until core systems pass a live demonstration test. For inspectors: search for a local RV inspector.

(Serious Concern)

The most worrying pattern in low-star reviews involves lengthy delays in the service department. Consumers report units sitting for weeks or months awaiting diagnosis, warranty authorization, or parts. Some describe multiple failed repair attempts or poor communication, creating a cycle of missed trips and storage costs. If you must rely on this service department, document every service visit, take dated photos/video of the issues, and escalate politely yet firmly when promised timelines slip. Consider manufacturer-authorized mobile technicians where possible, or alternative service centers if warranty allows.

(Moderate Concern)

Some reviewers complain of unreturned calls, inconsistent updates, or staff turnover leading to lost paperwork and miscommunication. Ask for a single point of contact, weekly written updates for jobs in progress, and a written work order with promised dates. Always communicate via email or documented text so there’s a paper trail. If you have an experience with communication follow-through at this Houghton Lake location, could you document it for fellow shoppers?

(Moderate Concern)

Extended service plans and third-party warranties can be useful—but public reviews frequently mention frustration over warranty approvals, exclusions, deductibles, and delays. Some customers describe being sold “comprehensive” coverage that did not cover certain high-cost repairs. Before buying any extended plan, demand a full contract to review at home, search owner forums for claims experiences, and compare multiple providers. The FTC cautions consumers to read extended warranty contracts carefully for exclusions and cancellation terms: FTC Consumer Advice.

(Moderate Concern)

Several low-star reviews reference repairs not completed correctly the first time—e.g., leaks recurring, seals improperly applied, or electrical issues not resolved. While every service center can miss something, repeated quality-control complaints are a warning. Ask how many certified technicians they employ, whether a master technician reviews units before delivery, and what their rework rate is. Require documentation of diagnostics and replaced parts, not just generic notes on the work order.

(Moderate Concern)

Parts backorders and recall scheduling are a recurring pain point throughout the RV industry. Customers report being told that parts are “on order” for extended periods. You should independently check for recalls by VIN through the manufacturer and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Use this NHTSA recall portal and search by your RV’s VIN; for broader awareness, here’s a generalized recall search format that can help you begin research: NHTSA Recalls – general search starting point. Keep in mind, recalls are issued by the RV manufacturer and component suppliers, but a cooperative dealer can help expedite remedies.

(Serious Concern)

While many customer complaints relate to delays and poor communication, some touch on potential legal exposure if a dealership misrepresents a vehicle’s condition, fails to deliver title in a reasonable time, or sells add-ons using deceptive practices. Key consumer protection avenues include:

• State Consumer Protection (Michigan): File a complaint for deceptive or unfair trade practices: Michigan Attorney General – Consumer Protection Division.
• FTC (Federal): Deceptive sales or finance practices, junk fees, or unfair add-on tactics fall under the FTC Act: Federal Trade Commission.
• Warranty Rights: Under the Magnuson–Moss Warranty Act, written warranties cannot be misleading, and implied warranties may apply. Keep meticulous records of repair attempts and communications. Learn more: FTC Warranty Guidance.
• Safety Recalls: Unrepaired recall issues that pose safety risks are serious; complaints can be filed with the NHTSA: Report a Safety Problem to NHTSA.

If you believe you were misled on price, add-ons, or financing, preserve all written documents, take screenshots of online ads, and file complaints with both the Michigan AG and the FTC. If title/registration is significantly delayed, consult Michigan-specific motor vehicle sales regulations and consider local legal counsel.

(Serious Concern)

Reported problems—leaks, electrical faults, propane system issues, brake or axle concerns, and misaligned doors—can create real safety hazards. Water intrusion can rot subfloors, damage electrical components, and mold interiors. Slide or awning malfunctions can trap occupants or damage the coach during travel. Faulty brakes or tires jeopardize towing safety. If you purchase here, insist on live demonstrations of all critical systems: electrical (shore power and battery/solar), propane leak tests, furnace and water heater operation, plumbing under pressure, slide alignment, awning operation in wind testing, and emergency exit functionality.

(Serious Concern)

Request an out-the-door price breakdown with no add-ons. Decline any “mandatory” add-ons that are not required by law. Ask to see all fees defined in writing, including dealer prep and documentation fees. Compare every figure against your pre-approval and written quotes.

(Serious Concern)

Schedule a third-party inspection and make the purchase contingent on a clean inspection report. If defects are found, renegotiate or require repairs prior to delivery with documented deadlines. Here’s a simple way to find qualified inspectors: search for RV Inspectors near me.

(Moderate Concern)

On delivery day, perform a detailed walk-through with systems powered and pressurized. Test appliances, AC/heat, water pump, faucets, drains, tanks, slides, leveling, electronics, and safety gear. Photograph and video any shortcomings. Don’t sign acceptance until items are resolved or written into a “We Owe” with firm dates.

(Serious Concern)

Delivery of a defective RV exposes you to expensive post-sale repairs, lost camping time, and potential safety events such as tire blowouts, brake failures, electrical shorts, water damage, or propane leaks. Delays in repairs or parts can compound the problem, causing progressive damage (e.g., a small leak becoming structural rot). Financially, overpriced add-ons and high-rate financing can add thousands over the life of the loan. The combined risk—mechanical, financial, and time lost—makes rigorous pre-purchase due diligence non-negotiable at this store.