Camping World RV Sales- New Braunfels, TX Exposed: Hard Upsells, Junk Fees, Title Delays & Poor PDI
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Camping World RV Sales- New Braunfels, TX
Location: 3891 S I-35 South Frontage Rd, New Braunfels, TX 78130
Contact Info:
• customerservice@campingworld.com
• social@campingworld.com
• Sales (877) 240-7221
• Service (830) 606-4146
• Parts (830) 620-7718
Official Report ID: 5628
Introduction and Reputation Snapshot
AI-powered research tools have systematically collected and analyzed public information to produce this report. Camping World RV Sales – New Braunfels, TX operates as part of Camping World, a large national RV dealership chain with locations throughout the United States. This report focuses specifically on the New Braunfels, Texas store at this Google Business Profile: Camping World RV Sales – New Braunfels (Google Business Reviews). For the most current consumer experiences, open that link and choose “Sort by Lowest Rating.”
Across multiple years of public feedback, a recurring pattern emerges at this location in line with broader chain-wide trends: aggressive upselling and financing add-ons, inconsistent sales disclosures, low trade-in valuations, delayed paperwork and titles, and a service department that many customers describe as overwhelmed, slow to communicate, and uneven in diagnostic skill. While some buyers report successful purchases and timely fixes, the volume and consistency of negative consumer accounts merit careful due diligence before committing funds.
Consumers researching this store should also watch independent consumer advocacy and industry analysis content, such as Liz Amazing’s RV buyer education channel, which routinely covers dealership practices, quality control concerns, and buyer protection strategies. To investigate any dealer you are considering, search the channel for that dealer’s name and review the results.
Unfiltered Owner Insights: Where to Look Before You Shop
To cross-check claims and read longform first-hand experiences, use the following resources. Open the links, then search or filter for “Camping World RV Sales New Braunfels TX” and related terms:
- Google Business Profile (for freshest local reviews): Camping World RV Sales – New Braunfels Reviews — choose “Sort by Lowest Rating.”
- YouTube search: YouTube results for Camping World RV Sales New Braunfels TX Issues
- Google web search: Google results for Camping World RV Sales New Braunfels TX Issues
- BBB (Better Business Bureau): BBB search for Camping World RV Sales New Braunfels TX
- Reddit r/RVLiving: r/RVLiving search: Camping World RV Sales New Braunfels TX
- Reddit r/GoRVing: r/GoRVing search: Camping World RV Sales New Braunfels TX
- Reddit r/rvs: r/rvs search: Camping World RV Sales New Braunfels TX
- PissedConsumer: Browse PissedConsumer (then search “Camping World New Braunfels”)
- NHTSA Recalls: NHTSA recall search (check brands/models sold here)
- RVForums.com: RVForums (use onsite search for dealer name)
- RVForum.net: RVForum (use onsite search for dealer name)
- RVUSA forum: RVUSA forums (search “Camping World New Braunfels issues”)
- RVInsider: RVInsider: Camping World RV Sales New Braunfels
- Good Sam Community: Good Sam Community Search
- Facebook model-owner groups: Join multiple model-specific groups for the exact RV you’re shopping for (example search: Google search for “RV Brand Facebook Groups”) for unfiltered ownership feedback.
If you’ve owned or shopped at this location, your story helps buyers make safer choices—would you add your experience to the conversation?
Before You Buy: Insist on a Third-Party Inspection
(Serious Concern)
The single most effective step to protect your budget and safety is to hire an independent NRVIA-certified inspector or veteran RV technician to perform a thorough pre-purchase inspection before signing anything. This is your leverage. Once a dealer has your funds, many consumers report being pushed to the back of the service line when defects are found after delivery—resulting in weeks or months of delay, cancelled camping trips, and, in some cases, storage or loan payments for an RV they can’t use. Search locally: RV Inspectors near me.
Be explicit: the sale is contingent upon a clean, independent inspection. If any dealership refuses to allow a third-party professional inspection, that is a major red flag—walk away.
Tip: Share the inspection report with the service manager and require written confirmation that any defects will be corrected, with a promised timeline, before you take possession. If the store struggles to schedule basic repairs pre-sale, expect longer waits after the sale.
For deeper context on how inspections can save thousands, consider consumer-focused videos like these RV buyer protection guides by Liz Amazing. Search her channel for the brand and floorplan you’re considering to spot recurring trouble areas.
Patterns of Complaints at Camping World RV Sales – New Braunfels
Sales Tactics, Pricing Transparency, and Financing Add‑Ons
(Serious Concern)
Public reviews of the New Braunfels store describe common friction points: aggressive upselling at the finance desk; add-ons such as extended service contracts (often branded through Good Sam), paint/fabric protection, VIN etching or theft-deterrent packages, “nitrogen tire” and “delivery/prep” fees, and miscellaneous document or reconditioning fees. Consumers frequently report discovering additional charges late in the process, or price changes at signing that differ from earlier verbal or text offers. The best defense is to ask for an itemized, out-the-door purchase or lease worksheet before you commit to a credit application, and to compare the finance office numbers line-by-line with your pre-approval from a credit union.
- Financing markups: It’s common in vehicle retail for finance offices to add points to the APR. Obtain multiple competing loan offers so you can force a rate match. In Texas, financing is regulated by the Office of Consumer Credit Commissioner (OCCC); questionable add-ons or undisclosed finance charges can be reported there.
- FTC scrutiny of junk fees: The Federal Trade Commission has actively enforced against unfair or deceptive add-on products and pricing practices. While not RV-specific, the principles apply. See the FTC’s guidance on add-ons and deceptive practices: Federal Trade Commission.
- Verify “out-the-door” numbers: Ask for a buyer’s order with every fee and tax listed before you leave a deposit. If the store won’t provide it, consider that a signal to pause.
To see public reports about sales practices at this location, scan both the Google profile and broad web search results: Google search for “sales issues” at Camping World RV Sales New Braunfels. Also review the lowest-rated reviews in their profile for the most candid accounts. And if you’ve encountered similar pitfalls, what happened in your deal structure?
Trade‑In Valuations and Last‑Minute Reappraisals
(Serious Concern)
Multiple consumers describe wide gaps between initial trade-in estimates and the final offer at signing, or a “new discovery” during intake that triggers a sudden, steep devaluation. Watch for:
- Unseen deductions: fees for cleaning, reconditioning, tires, batteries, or bodywork not previously discussed.
- “We can’t find a key” claims: used to justify lower ACV; bring spares and document all accessories and options you’re including.
- VIN and mileage errors: double-check the appraisal form; small errors can swing values by thousands.
Protect yourself with independent trade-in offers (e.g., competing local dealers, consignment lots, or direct-sale marketplaces). If the dealership says your trade is worth far less than guidebook values, ask for a written line-item rationale and time to shop your unit elsewhere.
Titles, Temp Tags, and Paperwork Delays
(Serious Concern)
Title and registration delays are a recurring pain point in RV dealer complaints. Texas buyers typically expect the dealership to process the paperwork promptly; extended delays can leave owners with expired temp tags, loan payments on an unregistered RV, or difficulty arranging insurance. If you encounter prolonged delays, document every contact attempt and request a clear timeline. You can seek assistance or report patterns to the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles: Texas DMV.
Before funding, ask the dealership to confirm who handles titling (in-house or a third-party clerk), how long it typically takes, and what to expect if there is a lien payoff on your trade.
PDI (Pre‑Delivery Inspection) and Condition at Handover
(Serious Concern)
Buyers repeatedly describe picking up units with unresolved defects: water leaks, inoperative slide‑outs, non‑functioning appliances, missing sewer hoses or power adapters, damaged trim, or unaddressed recall work. Insist on a comprehensive PDI checklist and a full-system walkthrough with your technician present. Plug into shore power; run the generator; light the furnace and water heater; test every light, faucet, switch, lock, and LP connection; and confirm roof seals and underbelly insulation are intact.
- Don’t rush the walkthrough: Allocate several hours and demand fixes before signing final delivery paperwork.
- Add moisture checks: Use a moisture meter around roof penetrations, slide corners, and under windows.
- Key safety devices: Test CO/LP detectors, GFCI outlets, brake lights, and breakaway switch.
Secure all promises in writing on a “Due Bill” with dates. If a service manager proposes to “order parts later,” that can become a long wait—push for on-the-spot solutions where possible. If you’ve seen similar handover issues at this store, what did your PDI uncover?
Service Department Backlogs, Warranty Turndowns, and Parts Delays
(Serious Concern)
Long repair queues, frequent rescheduling, and slow parts pipelines are among the most consistent themes in complaints about large RV chains—New Braunfels included. Customers often report weeks of silence, difficulty reaching advisors, or being told to wait for manufacturer authorization. While OEM authorization is sometimes necessary, the dealership should be transparent about expected timelines and escalation paths. Remember, the federal Magnuson‑Moss Warranty Act requires that written warranties are honored; persistent denials without valid cause can be actionable.
- Document everything: Photos, dates, mileage, hours on gen sets, and videos of failure modes help expedite claims.
- Escalate early: If a promised repair date slips, ask for a service manager and copy the manufacturer’s customer care team.
- Seasonal surge: Plan for peak spring/summer backlogs; winter can sometimes see faster turnaround.
Scan broad feedback threads and BBB records to assess service trends: BBB search for this location and Reddit r/rvs search.
Extended Warranties and Service Contracts (Good Sam and Others)
(Moderate Concern)
Extended service plans can be valuable in limited circumstances but are widely misunderstood. Consumers at this store report frustration when contract terms exclude high-frequency RV failures (e.g., seals, certain appliances, wear items), require strict pre‑authorization, or apply high deductibles. Some also describe pressure to purchase multiple overlapping products (e.g., extended service plan plus tire/wheel plus gap insurance) despite low incremental benefit.
- Request sample contracts in advance: Read exclusions, maintenance obligations, labor-hour caps, and shop choice requirements.
- Do the math: Compare plan cost vs. a self-insured repair fund. Many RV issues are maintenance-related and excluded.
- Texas rules: Service contracts are regulated in Texas; misrepresentations can be reported to the Texas Attorney General’s consumer protection division.
If you’re researching upsells and F&I tactics in the RV world, watch independent breakdowns like Liz Amazing’s deep dives into RV finance add‑ons and warranties.
Communication Breakdowns and Escalation Gaps
(Moderate Concern)
Multiple reviewers describe unreturned calls and emails, especially after a sale or when a unit is in service. Ask for direct-extension phone numbers and the email of the service manager before you leave your RV. Set check-in expectations (for example, “weekly updates on Fridays”). If updates lapse, escalate to store management and copy the manufacturer.
Recalls and Safety Bulletins: Make It a Habit to Check
(Serious Concern)
RV brands sold at large chains are subject to frequent recalls—axle hubs, propane regulators, refrigerators, furnaces, awnings, and electrical components appear regularly on NHTSA lists. Dealership service departments can miss open recalls unless proactively checked. Before handover, run the VIN and each major appliance model against the NHTSA database and the appliance manufacturer’s recall lookup. Start with: NHTSA recall search.
- Safety first: Propane and electrical system defects can cause fire or carbon monoxide risk. Do not accept delivery until all safety-sensitive repairs are verified complete.
- Proof of completion: Ask for recall completion paperwork in your closing packet.
Product and Safety Impact Analysis
Defects and poor post-sale support have real-world consequences that go beyond inconvenience. Reported issues at this store, consistent with widespread RV industry patterns, translate into tangible financial and safety risks:
- Water intrusion leading to rot and mold: Even minor roof or window leaks can compromise structural integrity and air quality. Mold remediation in RVs is expensive and often not covered by service contracts if categorized as maintenance or sealant failure.
- LP gas and CO hazards: Faulty furnaces, water heaters, or detectors can be life-threatening. Always verify detector manufacture dates and test functionality at delivery and periodically thereafter.
- Running gear failures: Wheel bearing, axle, and brake issues are common. Failures at highway speeds can cause catastrophic damage. Consider proactive inspections by a mobile tech after 100–500 miles.
- Electrical faults: Undersized wiring, miswired outlets, or GFCI failures can cause fires or damage appliances. Test GFCI and AFCI circuits and carry a polarity/ground tester.
- Financial harm from prolonged downtime: Storage fees, loan interest, insurance premiums, and lost vacation bookings can add up quickly while the RV sits in a service queue. An independent pre-sale inspection and hard “due bill” reduce this exposure.
If you’ve run into safety-critical defects at this location, can you document what failed and how it was handled? Your specifics may help others avoid similar hazards.
Legal and Regulatory Warnings
Based on patterns in consumer complaints and publicly reported issues, several legal frameworks may apply when RV buyers encounter unfair practices or warranty shortfalls at Camping World RV Sales – New Braunfels:
- Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act (DTPA): Prohibits false, misleading, or deceptive acts. Misrepresented pricing, undisclosed add-ons, or unkept promises may trigger remedies. Learn more via the Texas Attorney General Consumer Protection.
- Magnuson‑Moss Warranty Act: Governs written warranties on consumer products. Dealers and manufacturers must honor clear warranty promises. Overview at the FTC.
- Truth in Lending Act (Reg Z): Requires accurate disclosure of finance charges and APR. Hidden finance fees or misrepresented rates can violate federal law. See the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
- FTC Holder Rule: Limits liability on certain credit contracts and preserves consumer defenses against the holder of the credit contract. Details at the FTC.
- Texas Office of Consumer Credit Commissioner (OCCC): Oversees consumer credit practices. If you suspect rate padding, undisclosed fees, or unfair credit terms, contact the Texas OCCC.
- Texas Department of Motor Vehicles: Title, registration, and dealer licensing oversight. Paperwork delays or dealer non-compliance can be reported to the TxDMV.
- NHTSA Vehicle Safety: Safety defects and recalls should be reported to NHTSA to support investigations.
Consumers can file complaints with these agencies and the BBB for record-keeping and potential mediation. Maintain a written log of dates, names, promises, and outcomes, and follow up with certified letters when commitments are missed. If you’re unsure how to proceed, a Texas consumer-rights attorney can advise on demand letters under the DTPA.
How to Protect Yourself at This Location: A Step‑By‑Step Playbook
- Before visiting:
- Secure a credit union pre-approval and get a written rate and term.
- Research the exact VIN’s recall status and appliance serial numbers—bring a checklist.
- Schedule an independent pre-purchase inspection: find RV inspectors near you.
- On the lot:
- Insist on an itemized out-the-door worksheet with every fee.
- Decline add-ons until you’ve reviewed sample contracts at home.
- Photograph the unit, roof, and underbelly; note all pre-existing flaws in writing.
- At the finance desk:
- Compare APR and payment to your pre-approval; don’t accept unexplained differences.
- Cross out any unwanted line items on the buyer’s order. If the store insists they cannot be removed, be prepared to walk.
- Ask for the base loan rate (“buy rate”) and whether any points are added by the dealer.
- Before delivery:
- Bring your independent inspector or a mobile tech. If dealership policy disallows third-party inspections, that’s a dealbreaker.
- Test every system and require on-the-spot fixes or a written due bill with specific dates.
- Verify recall completion and obtain documentation.
- After delivery:
- Re-inspect the roof after your first rain and again after 60 days.
- Re-torque wheel lugs as specified by the manufacturer after the first 50–100 miles.
- If service issues arise, log everything and escalate early to management and the OEM.
If you encountered obstacles following this playbook at the New Braunfels store, what step broke down for you? Your details can help others prepare.
Context From Industry Watchdogs
Buyer education channels have amplified patterns across the RV retail sector: uneven PDI standards, sales pressure to accept add-ons, and post-sale service gridlock. For practical primers tailored to first-time buyers and experienced owners alike, browse Liz Amazing’s consumer advocacy videos and search for the brands and floorplans sold at this store. Independent content can help you spot red flags early and frame the right questions.
Acknowledging Improvements and Positive Accounts
While negative experiences are prominent in low-star reviews, some buyers do report smooth transactions at this location—especially when arriving with their own financing, insisting on a thorough walkthrough, and declining add-ons. In several cases, managers and service writers have worked to resolve issues after escalation. That said, patterns across the review corpus point to systemic staffing, training, and capacity constraints that can overwhelm isolated good intentions. Ask to meet the service manager prior to purchase and gauge their backlog, communication cadence, and technician experience on your specific brand.
Final Assessment
Given the volume and consistency of consumer complaints focused on upsells, finance add-ons, low trade valuations, paperwork delays, incomplete PDIs, and long service backlogs at Camping World RV Sales – New Braunfels, TX, prospective buyers should proceed with extreme caution. Unless the store commits in writing to transparent pricing, independent pre-purchase inspection, and firm service timelines, we do not recommend purchasing here. Consider comparing offers and service capacity at alternative RV dealerships in the region before you decide.
Add Your Voice
Have you shopped or serviced an RV at Camping World RV Sales – New Braunfels? What went right, and what went wrong? Please share specific dates, departments, and how your issue was resolved. Your real-world insights help other RV shoppers make safer choices.
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