Camping World RV Sales- Lakewood, NJ Exposed: PDI Fails, Finance Markups, Slow Service, Title Delays
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Camping World RV Sales- Lakewood, NJ
Location: 1359 River Ave, Lakewood, NJ 08701
Contact Info:
• customerservice@campingworld.com
• Sales (888) 875-0398
• Local (732) 370-1022
Official Report ID: 3482
Overview: What Consumers Should Know About Camping World RV Sales — Lakewood, NJ
AI-powered research tools have systematically collected and analyzed public information to produce this report. Camping World RV Sales in Lakewood, New Jersey is part of Camping World Holdings, a national chain with hundreds of locations across the United States. The chain is widely known in the RV industry for its high-volume sales model, aggressive add-on offerings (service plans, interior/exterior protection, tire-and-wheel, and more), and combined retail/service footprint under the Good Sam umbrella.
At the Lakewood, NJ location, publicly available reviews and complaint threads point to recurring pain points familiar across many large RV dealerships: inconsistent pre-delivery inspections, extended service delays, unresolved warranty issues, paperwork/title bottlenecks, high-pressure financing and upsells, and disappointing after-sale support. While some customers report positive interactions with individual staff members, the overall trend in low-rated feedback emphasizes risk areas that shoppers should examine closely before signing any purchase agreement.
If you want to read first-hand buyer experiences, start by visiting the store’s Google Business Profile, and sort by Lowest Rating: Camping World RV Sales — Lakewood, NJ Google Reviews. Read the most recent 1- and 2-star reviews to understand specific frustrations around sales promises, service responsiveness, and delivery condition.
Independent Research: Where to Validate What You Read Here
For unfiltered day-to-day owner feedback, we strongly recommend joining multiple RV brand-specific owner communities. Rather than linking to Facebook directly, use the following Google search and try it with the brands you’re considering (e.g., Keystone, Forest River, Grand Design, Jayco, Thor): Search for RV brand owner groups. These communities often discuss which dealers to avoid, what questions to ask, and how to get warranty work done efficiently.
Also consider following consumer advocates who spotlight dealership pitfalls. For example, the Liz Amazing YouTube channel regularly dissects RV buying traps, dealer add-ons, and real-world RV ownership challenges. Search her channel for the dealership you’re considering and the RV model you’re shopping.
Have you purchased or serviced at this location? Add your firsthand experience to help other shoppers.
Before You Sign: Get a Third-Party RV Inspection
(Serious Concern)
Multiple low-rated reviews across the RV industry, including those visible on the Lakewood, NJ Google profile, describe RVs delivered with defects that should have been caught prior to handover (water leaks, non-functioning appliances, slide issues, missing parts, and cosmetic damage). The most effective protection buyers have is to arrange a comprehensive, third-party inspection before taking possession. This is your leverage moment; after funds are transferred, many customers report being pushed to the back of the service queue. Some owners lose entire camping seasons waiting for parts and warranty approvals. Search locally: RV Inspectors near me. If the dealer refuses to allow an independent inspector on-site prior to delivery, that’s a major red flag—walk away.
To prepare, bring your own punch list, plan to test every system, and require all deficiencies to be documented and corrected in writing before you fund the deal. If you’re financing, be wary of any pressure to “sign now and we’ll fix it later.” As many reviewers warn, “later” can turn into months.
If you’ve navigated an inspection at this location, what was the outcome? Tell other shoppers how it went.
Common Complaints and Risk Areas Reported at the Lakewood, NJ Store
Sales Pressure and Add-On Bundles
(Moderate Concern)
Consumers frequently describe heavy upselling: extended service contracts, interior/exterior coatings, tire-and-wheel plans, and Good Sam memberships baked into out-the-door quotes. Several low-rated reviews across Camping World locations also allege that staff downplay deductibles, exclusions, and claim limitations. Before agreeing to any add-on, request the full plan contract and read the fine print. If you cannot see the real contract terms until after funding, do not buy the plan.
- Decline everything initially; you can often add coverage later after comparing independent options.
- Ask for itemized pricing and total finance charges with and without add-ons.
- Watch consumer education like Liz Amazing’s breakdowns of RV dealer add-ons to understand typical pitfalls.
Finance Office Tactics and Interest Rate Markups
(Serious Concern)
Buyers across the RV marketplace report being pushed toward dealer-arranged financing with rates that are materially higher than what credit unions or direct lenders offer. There are also allegations that finance managers fold add-ons into monthly payments without clear disclosure, making it hard to identify the true cost of protection plans. At Lakewood, NJ, read the APR, term length, and total of payments on your retail installment contract line by line. Decline anything you don’t need and compare an outside pre-approval first.
Low-Ball Trade Offers and “We Can’t Honor That” Appraisals
(Moderate Concern)
Multiple negative reviews at Camping World locations describe initial trade estimates that shrink once on site, or after the buyer is deep into paperwork. While every used RV is unique, consumers should insist on a written, VIN-specific trade appraisal with photos and a clear explanation of deductions. If the appraisal materially changes without new facts, be ready to walk.
Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI) and Delivery Quality
(Serious Concern)
One of the most consistent themes in low-star reviews industry-wide is poor delivery condition: water intrusion, inoperative slides, missing keys, dead batteries, loose trim, or unfinished punch-list items. The Lakewood store’s negative reviews, when sorted by lowest rating on Google, include claims that units were not ready at scheduled pickup and required immediate service appointments after delivery. These defects are costly and time-consuming—especially if you’ve already transferred funds.
- Insist on a same-day, multi-hour PDI with shore power and water connected. Bring your own ladder, flashlight, moisture meter, and checklists.
- Do not accept “We’ll fix it later.” Require written commitments with due dates.
- Consider livestreaming your PDI for documentation (and accountability).
Want to help others? Share your PDI experience at Lakewood.
Service Scheduling Delays and Parts Backlogs
(Serious Concern)
Service capacity at high-volume dealerships can get stretched. Public complaints tied to Camping World locations commonly cite multi-week or multi-month waits—first to get on the schedule, then for parts, then for final repairs. Lakewood reviews in the lowest-rating filter mention unanswered calls, postponed appointments, and units sitting on the lot without updates. This can derail travel plans and impose storage or alternative lodging costs.
- Before buying, ask for the current service backlog in writing, and whether non-purchasers receive different priority.
- Document each service visit with dated photos and written descriptions.
- Escalate unresolved warranty issues to the RV manufacturer directly with your repair order numbers.
Warranty Coverage Disputes
(Moderate Concern)
Owners sometimes report being told an issue “isn’t covered” or is “owner damage,” even when the defect appears to be manufacturing-related. The interplay between dealership and manufacturer can leave buyers in limbo. Know your warranty booklet and the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, which prohibits tying warranty coverage to use of branded service or parts. If a claim is denied, ask for the precise contract clause and get it in writing.
Title, Registration, and Paperwork Delays
(Serious Concern)
Low-rated reviews at various Camping World locations, including New Jersey, frequently allege delayed titles and registration, temporary tags expiring, or errors in sales documents that require repeated return trips. In New Jersey, operating an unregistered vehicle can create legal exposure and practical headaches. Before you leave with the RV, confirm expected title/registration timeframes, and get a direct contact for the DMV/Titling coordinator.
Quality of Repairs and Comebacks
(Serious Concern)
Some owners describe repairs that fail shortly after pickup—sealant work that leaks again, inoperative appliances, or misdiagnoses that trigger repeated visits. This is more than an inconvenience if it leads to water damage, electrical hazards, or safety risks on the road.
- Before authorizing repairs, ask for root-cause diagnosis and photos or video of the issue and proposed fix.
- On pickup, test the system in front of the advisor to verify proper operation.
- If you suspect pattern failures, consult brand owner forums and NHTSA recall bulletins.
Communication and Follow-Through
(Moderate Concern)
Unreturned calls, unanswered emails, and unclear timelines are very common themes in 1-star reviews industry-wide. Customers complain that they have to drive to the store to get updates or discover their RV has not been touched. If you’re managing a warranty claim at Lakewood, set expectations early: weekly status emails, timestamped photos, and realistic ETAs. Escalate politely but persistently if deadlines pass.
Legal and Regulatory Warnings
Consumer Protection Basics
(Serious Concern)
Patterns reported by consumers—misrepresentations about condition, financing, warranty, or failure to deliver titles—can implicate state and federal consumer protection laws. In New Jersey, the Consumer Fraud Act (N.J.S.A. 56:8-1 et seq.) prohibits unconscionable commercial practices, deception, and misrepresentation in the sale of merchandise, including RVs. If you believe you were misled or suffered financial harm, consider filing a complaint with the New Jersey Attorney General’s Division of Consumer Affairs and seek legal advice.
- New Jersey Consumer Affairs: File a complaint or learn your rights
- FTC Auto-related Sales Practices: Federal guidance on fair sales and advertising
- Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act: FTC warranty resources
- NHTSA Recalls: Vehicle and equipment safety recalls
When to Escalate
(Moderate Concern)
If you face prolonged repair delays or safety-critical defects, it may be appropriate to open cases with the RV manufacturer, file a complaint with the BBB, and submit a report to NHTSA if the fault involves a potential safety defect (brakes, steering, tires, propane systems). Keep meticulous records: contracts, repair orders, emails, timelines, and photos.
- Better Business Bureau complaints and reviews often prompt responses: see the searches below.
- NHTSA safety reports can trigger investigations if patterns emerge.
- State AG complaints help regulators spot systemic dealer practices.
If you have escalated a dispute with this store, what worked? Share your resolution steps.
Product and Safety Impact Analysis
Why Delivery Defects and Service Delays Matter
(Serious Concern)
RV defects are more than an inconvenience. Water intrusion can rot subfloors and walls, leading to structural instability and mold exposure. Electrical faults can cause shorts or fires. Slide malfunctions can trap occupants or damage structural framing. Suspension and brake issues, if ignored, can cause loss of control. When service backlogs stretch for weeks or months, seemingly small defects can escalate into major safety and financial risks.
- Check for relevant recalls by brand and model at NHTSA, and confirm with your VIN: NHTSA Recall Lookup.
- If a recall or safety defect is outstanding, prioritize getting it addressed before travel.
- Consider content creators who document defect patterns and remedies, such as Liz Amazing’s field reports and buyer guides. Search her channel for your RV model and “recall” or “warranty.”
Verified Research Pathways for Camping World RV Sales — Lakewood, NJ
Use the following curated links to explore reviews, complaints, recall information, and owner discussions. Each link is pre-formatted to help you find discussions related to this specific dealership. Always read multiple sources and sort by most recent:
- YouTube: Video reviews and investigative pieces on Camping World RV Sales Lakewood NJ
- Google Search: Broader web results on Camping World RV Sales Lakewood NJ problems
- Better Business Bureau: BBB complaints and ratings for Camping World RV Sales Lakewood NJ
- Reddit r/RVLiving: Community threads discussing this location
- Reddit r/GoRVing: Buyer experiences and dealer warnings
- Reddit r/rvs: Service and warranty discussions
- PissedConsumer: Search manually for “Camping World RV Sales Lakewood NJ”
- NHTSA Recalls: Recall search entry point (then use your RV’s brand/model/VIN)
- RVForums.com: Use the site search for “Camping World Lakewood NJ”
- RVForum.net: Search for Lakewood NJ dealer threads
- RVUSA Forum: Use header search for dealer name + issues
- RVInsider.com: Owner reviews mentioning this dealership
- Good Sam Community: Community Q&A, service experiences
Tip: Always compare trends across multiple platforms. If you see the same issue (e.g., title delays or post-sale unresponsiveness) recurring for months or years, treat it as a genuine risk factor.
How to Protect Yourself at This Location
Negotiation and Documentation Tactics
(Moderate Concern)
The most effective buyers at high-volume dealerships are those who slow the process down and get everything in writing. That includes out-the-door pricing with line items, the exact specs/stock number, VIN, promised options, promised timelines, and specific remedies for missed deadlines. Do not rely on verbal assurances.
- Bring your own financing or a solid pre-approval. Compare the dealer’s offer against your pre-approval on APR, term, and total cost.
- Decline add-ons during the first visit; revisit only after reading full contracts at home.
- Demand a thorough PDI and independent inspection. If denied, walk. Search locally: Find a certified RV inspector.
Service Strategy for Warranty Work
(Serious Concern)
If you buy from Lakewood and need warranty service, expect to manage the process proactively. Contact the manufacturer early, secure pre-authorization in writing when possible, and ask for alternative authorized service centers with shorter queues. Some owners use independent RV technicians for out-of-pocket repairs to avoid losing the season, then seek reimbursement where applicable.
- Maintain a logbook with dates, contacts, call summaries, and promised timelines.
- Escalate after missed deadlines to service management and the manufacturer’s regional rep.
- If you’re stranded or safety is compromised, involve NHTSA and the state AG.
If you’ve tried a different service center with better results, let other Lakewood shoppers know which shop helped you.
Objectivity Check: Any Signs of Improvement?
Even among the critical reviews, you can sometimes find customers who report positive experiences—praising a particular salesperson, a smooth delivery on an in-stock unit, or a successful repair after a few weeks’ wait. Staff turnover and store leadership changes can also shift outcomes over time. That’s why it’s important to read the most recent six months of reviews and verify patterns before you buy. If you do proceed with Lakewood, lock down the protections discussed above.
Key Takeaways Specific to Camping World RV Sales — Lakewood, NJ
- Expect aggressive sales and finance pitches; require itemized quotes and contracts for any add-on.
- Delivery condition is a chronic risk; defects found after funding may take months to resolve.
- Service delays and communication struggles are repeatedly reported in low-star reviews.
- Title/registration delays can cause legal exposure; confirm timelines and escalation paths.
- Warranty friction is common; know your rights under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act and New Jersey’s Consumer Fraud Act.
- A third-party pre-purchase inspection is your strongest leverage—insist on it or walk.
For a deeper dive into industry-wide patterns and buyer pitfalls, search the Liz Amazing channel for your target dealer and model. Her how-to videos on negotiating, add-ons, and DIY checks will sharpen your shopping plan.
Final Recommendation
Public sentiment captured in recent low-star reviews and discussion threads points to recurring issues at Camping World RV Sales — Lakewood, NJ, that mirror national concerns with large chain RV dealerships: high-pressure add-ons, inconsistent PDIs, slow service, paperwork delays, and uneven communication. The risks are not theoretical—owners report lost camping trips, prolonged wait times, and costly after-sale battles to get promised repairs completed.
Given the persistent nature of these complaints and the serious consumer risks they represent, we do not recommend purchasing from this dealership without ironclad safeguards. If the store declines a thorough third-party inspection before funding, or if you cannot secure clear, written commitments on delivery condition and timelines, consider shopping other RV dealers with stronger, consistently recent customer feedback.
Have you had a recent experience at this location? Help other buyers by posting your outcome.
Helpful Links and Next Steps
- Read the worst reviews first: Camping World RV Sales — Lakewood, NJ Google Reviews (sort by Lowest Rating).
- Inspect before you buy: Find an independent RV inspector near you.
- Research consumer tips: Search the Liz Amazing channel for dealer and model-specific advice.
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