Camping World RV Sales- Newhall, CA Exposed: Hidden Defects, Aggressive Upsells & Risky Financing

(Serious Concern)

Buyers repeatedly report taking delivery of RVs with hidden water intrusion, miswired electrical components, non-functioning slide-outs, brake issues, or other defects that become catastrophically expensive after you drive off the lot. Your single best leverage point is to hire a certified third-party RV inspector who works for you—not the dealer—before you finalize the financing and paperwork. If the dealer will not allow an independent inspection on-site or at a nearby inspection bay, treat that as a major red flag and walk away.

• Find local professionals: Book ahead: Search: RV Inspectors near me.
• Don’t accept verbal promises: Get all we-owe items and repair commitments in writing before you sign.
• Understand the risk: Many buyers report cancelled camping plans and months-long waits because their “new” RV went straight to the service queue after delivery.

(Serious Concern)

Multiple low-star reviews describe an upsell-heavy experience: paint and fabric protection, extended warranties, tire-and-wheel packages, security trackers, and “must-have” add-ons. Complaints reference sales pressure that intensifies at the finance desk, where optional items may be bundled into payment quotes. Many shoppers later discover their monthly payment is inflated by products they never needed or fully understood.

• Request written itemization of every add-on, its cost, and whether it can be declined.
• Beware of “today only” discounts tied to purchasing extras.
• Arrive with your own pre-approved financing to reduce pressure and comparison-shop rates.

(Moderate Concern)

Several customer narratives point to price changes between the online listing and the in-store worksheet, including additional dealer fees, docking/prep fees, and miscellaneous charges. These fees can erase advertised discounts.

• Insist that the deal sheet matches the online price and that optional fees are removable.
• Walk if the numbers don’t align—there are other dealerships in Southern California.

(Moderate Concern)

Low-star reviews frequently mention trade offers far below market, followed by a hard pivot to “we can meet your desired payment if you add a warranty” or accept higher interest. Independent valuation before negotiating can expose a weak trade number.

• Get multiple third-party offers (Carvana, CarMax for tow vehicles; RV-specific buy centers for motorhomes).
• Consider a private sale of your trade to capture more equity and negotiate the new RV separately.

(Serious Concern)

Common complaints center on interest rates materially higher than buyers expected—even those with strong credit—plus payment quotes that quietly include aftermarket products. Some reviewers describe confusion over the total loan amount after signing.

• Bring a credit union or online lender preapproval. Compare APRs and loan terms on paper.
• Decline add-ons you don’t want. Ask the finance manager to reprint the contract without them.
• Under the Truth in Lending Act (TILA), you have the right to a clear disclosure of finance charges and APR before signing.

(Serious Concern)

Many buyers allege the unit was not thoroughly inspected before handoff, discovering leaks, inoperable components, or missing items only after leaving the lot. Reports include basic systems (slides, electrical, plumbing) not functioning, seals not caulked, or trim damage overlooked during walkthroughs.

• Do not rush PDI. Operate every system: slides, awnings, jacks, appliances, water and waste systems, HVAC, generator, hitch/brakes.
• Document defects with photos and get a signed “we-owe” sheet with due dates before funding.
• Again, invest in an independent inspector: Find RV Inspectors near you.

(Serious Concern)

Multiple low-star accounts report prolonged delays receiving title and registration, or paperwork errors requiring repeat visits. In California, dealers have regulatory obligations to process registration and title promptly; chronic delays can expose the dealer to DMV scrutiny and leave customers in limbo.

• Before you leave, confirm title and registration timelines in writing and get a point of contact.
• If deadlines lapse, consider filing a complaint with the CA DMV Investigations or the state Attorney General.

(Serious Concern)

Consistent complaints describe long waits for service appointments, delayed diagnosis, and multi-month repair timelines—especially for warranty work requiring parts orders or factory approvals. Customers frequently say their new RVs sit for weeks with little communication.

• Ask for realistic lead times before committing. Get the estimate and parts order details in writing.
• If your RV is not livable due to defects, document your losses; this may be relevant to legal remedies.

(Moderate Concern)

Owners report confusion over what’s covered by manufacturer warranty versus third-party service contracts sold at finance. Low-star reviews suggest some claims are denied as “wear-and-tear” or “not covered components,” leaving owners with unexpected costs shortly after purchase.

• Under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, written warranties must be clear. Demand a copy and read the exclusions carefully.
• Extended service contracts are optional insurance products with limits—don’t buy unless you fully understand coverage, deductibles, and claim processes.

(Moderate Concern)

Several reviews criticize repair quality—fixes that don’t resolve the problem, damaged trim or seals during service, or repeated returns for the same issue. Parts delays cited by the dealer (or the manufacturer) compound downtime.

• Insist on a detailed work order; photograph the RV before and after service.
• Escalate unresolved issues to the manufacturer and document all contacts and timeframes.

(Moderate Concern)

Critical reviews often mention calls not returned and unclear repair statuses. A lack of timely updates heightens frustration and can cause financial and travel disruptions.

• Set communication expectations—weekly status emails or texts with named contacts.
• If deadlines pass, escalate in writing to the service manager and general manager.

(Serious Concern)

Customer reports of brake issues, axle problems, propane leaks, or electrical faults—if not promptly addressed—pose serious safety risks. While recalls are typically manufacturer-driven, the dealership’s role in disclosure, diagnosis, and coordination affects owner safety and cost.

• Check recall status for your exact VIN with the manufacturer and the NHTSA database.
• Dealers should not misrepresent recall status; if they do, that can constitute a deceptive practice under FTC rules.

(Serious Concern)

Based on consumer complaints about sales, financing, and service issues, several legal frameworks are relevant:

• Truth in Lending Act (TILA): Requires accurate disclosure of APR, finance charges, amount financed, and payment schedule. Undisclosed add-ons that inflate APR or payment may raise TILA concerns.
• FTC Act (Deceptive Practices): Misrepresentations about pricing, warranty coverage, or recall status can be deemed deceptive. See FTC auto-related enforcement guidance: Federal Trade Commission.
• Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act: Governs written warranties for consumer products; vague or misleading warranty promises may violate the Act.
• California consumer laws: The Consumer Legal Remedies Act (CLRA) and Unfair Competition Law (UCL) prohibit deceptive business practices; the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act provides protections for certain motor vehicles. Consider contacting the California Attorney General if you believe you’ve been misled: California Attorney General.
• DMV Title and Registration: Dealers must process paperwork within statutory deadlines; failure may warrant complaints to CA DMV Investigations.
• NHTSA Recalls: Verify open recalls and file safety complaints: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Targeted search: NHTSA recall search related to this dealership query.

If you’ve encountered deceptive or unsafe practices, document everything and consider formal complaints with the FTC, CA Attorney General, NHTSA (for safety), and the BBB. You can also consult a consumer protection attorney for potential remedies.

(Serious Concern)

Defects reported at delivery and during early ownership—water intrusion, faulty brakes, miswired electrical systems, leaking propane fittings, loose suspension components—carry both safety and financial risks:

• Fire and asphyxiation risk: Propane leaks and faulty appliances can be fatal.
• Collision risk: Brake, axle, and tire/wheel problems can lead to catastrophic highway failures.
• Structural damage: Water intrusion quickly rots subfloors and walls, often not immediately visible.
• Electrical hazards: Miswired circuits or faulty transfer switches can cause shocks or fires.

Owners who flag issues early, document them thoroughly, and push for timely warranty fixes tend to fare better. Always cross-check your VIN for recalls and service bulletins, and insist the dealer remedy any safety-related defects before taking delivery. For broader context on systemic quality issues across the RV industry, see investigative content like these RV buyer warning videos.