Camping World RV Sales- Riverside, CA Exposed: Hidden Add-Ons, High APR Markups & PDI Failures

(Serious Concern)

Across RV retail—particularly at high-volume chains—delivery-day surprises are common: leaks, non-functional appliances, delamination, alignment issues, or electrical faults that should have been caught during pre-delivery inspection (PDI). Consumers frequently report that once they take delivery and the dealer has the funds, service priority drops and scheduling can take weeks or months. Trips are canceled. New owners are left with repeated service visits and warranty disputes.

• Your best leverage is before the sale is final. Hire an independent NRVIA-certified, mobile, or veteran technician to perform a full inspection on the specific unit on the lot—ideally with water pressure testing, thermal imaging for moisture, electrical and plumbing checks, slide function, and undercarriage/axle/tires assessment.
• If a dealer will not allow a third-party inspection, treat it as a red flag. Walk away. This refusal often precedes disputes over latent defects discovered after delivery.
• To find professionals, run a local search: Google: RV Inspectors near me. Ask for sample reports and references.
• Put fixes in writing before funding. If your inspector discovers issues, make repair commitments and deadlines part of the purchase agreement. Otherwise, you risk getting placed at the back of the service line.

For a plain-language overview of dealer tactics and protective steps, many consumers find value in independent channels such as Liz Amazing’s consumer awareness videos. Search her channel for the dealer or brands you’re considering.

(Serious Concern)

Public reviews and forum posts tied to Camping World dealerships commonly describe intense pressure to add costly aftermarket products and services during finance-and-insurance (F&I): extended service contracts, paint/fabric protection, tire-and-wheel policies, “lifetime” warranties with strict maintenance rules, alarm/etch packages, and membership bundles (e.g., Good Sam). Some Riverside buyers report surprise add-ons appearing on paperwork at the last minute, requiring vigilance during the finance appointment. Upsells can add thousands of dollars without materially improving reliability if the RV itself has underlying defects.

• Action: Decline any add-on you do not fully understand. Ask for written coverage terms and exclusions. Compare third-party warranties and standalone roadside assistance options.
• Action: Bring a calculator. Ask for every fee and add-on to be itemized in the out-the-door price. Do not sign if any line item is unclear.

(Moderate Concern)

Consumers across the Camping World network frequently report unexpectedly high APRs, loan terms extended beyond anticipated horizons, and confusion about payment amounts after signing. Dealers may “mark up” a lender’s buy rate to increase profit. Some Riverside customers allege that rates improved only after pushing back or bringing outside pre-approvals.

• Action: Secure a pre-approval from your credit union or bank before visiting. Make the dealer beat it—on paper.
• Action: Review the federal Truth in Lending Act (TILA) disclosures, and never rely on verbal representations for APR or loan terms. Learn more via the CFPB: What is TILA?

(Moderate Concern)

Reports linked to chain locations frequently cite aggressive attempts to undervalue trade-ins and sudden valuation changes late in the transaction. Shoppers should document trade condition and market comps (NADA/J.D. Power Guides, RVTrader listings) to protect their position.

• Action: Get written bids from multiple buyers and bring defensible comps. Avoid negotiating monthly payments; negotiate the trade and price separately, then the APR.

(Serious Concern)

Consumers sometimes report discrepancies between advertised features and the actual unit, or between an advertised price and a final out-the-door quote after mandatory add-ons or fees. These problems appear in 1-star reviews at various Camping World stores and are echoed by Riverside shoppers in public feedback.

• Action: Print the listing page with VIN and specs. If the delivered unit deviates, you can cancel or renegotiate.
• Action: Request a written, itemized buyer’s order that lists taxes, title, registration, doc fees, and any dealer-installed options.

(Serious Concern)

Multiple reviewers across Camping World locations report delays in receiving title and registration, sometimes jeopardizing travel plans or financing conditions. Riverside customers have posted similar frustrations in public reviews—delays of weeks or months, repeated calls, and limited updates. Prolonged paperwork problems can expose owners to legal risk if they are stopped without proper registration.

• Action: Before funding, ask for an estimated timeline and the specific department contact responsible for DMV processing. Keep written records of every interaction.
• Action: If delays become unreasonable, you can file complaints with the California DMV Occupational Licensing and Investigations Division: CA DMV Investigations.

(Serious Concern)

A recurring pattern in low-star reviews for chain locations is the discovery of defects immediately after delivery: water leaks, miswired outlets, non-functioning slides, inoperable appliances, missing hardware, or unaddressed recall work. Riverside shoppers have publicly described taking units back right away, only to face long service queues.

• Action: Conduct your own PDI checklist step-by-step on site. Turn every faucet on/off, fill and drain tanks, run AC/heat, test all electronics, inspect the roof and underbelly, and photograph everything.
• Action: Consider bringing an inspector: Find a local RV inspector. Make repairs and parts orders a condition of closing.

(Serious Concern)

Reviews tied to the Riverside location and other Camping World stores frequently mention long wait times for appointments and prolonged stays awaiting parts or approvals. Some customers report months-long delays, canceled trips, and difficulty getting callbacks or updates. In several 1-star reviews at similar chain locations, buyers describe repeat visits for the same unresolved issues.

• Action: Document every defect with photos/videos and log dates. Request estimated completion windows in writing. Follow up via email for a paper trail.
• Action: If your RV is down for lengthy warranty repairs, ask the manufacturer for escalation contacts and regional reps; sometimes they can expedite parts or authorization.

(Moderate Concern)

Consumers often say they’re bounced between the dealer and the manufacturer for responsibility on new-RV defects. Extended service contracts may add further confusion, with exclusions surprising owners. Reviewers tied to Riverside have alleged miscommunication over what’s covered, resulting in out-of-pocket costs for issues they believed were warrantable.

• Action: Read the manufacturer’s warranty and any service contract line-by-line. Demand written estimates and coverage decisions. Use the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act if necessary (FTC overview: FTC Warranty Law Guide).

(Moderate Concern)

Parts bottlenecks are widespread in the RV industry, but many Camping World reviewers cite limited updates and quality-control misses after repairs. Some customers describe picking up a unit only to find new issues, missing fasteners, or incomplete work. Riverside reviews reflect similar sentiments about follow-through and need for rework.

• Action: When you get a repair ETA, ask for the supplier details and tracking when available. At pickup, reinspect thoroughly before paying the final invoice.

(Moderate Concern)

Public complaints sometimes attribute poor outcomes to inexperienced technicians or turnover affecting institutional knowledge. At high-volume stores, even good teams can be overwhelmed. In Riverside reviews, consumers have questioned diagnostic rigor and attention to detail in PDI and post-repair checks.

• Action: Ask for the assigned tech’s experience with your specific brand and issue. Request that all work orders list root cause, parts, and verification steps.

(Serious Concern)

Unresolved water leaks can lead to structural rot, mold, and electrical hazards; miswired 120V circuits or GFCI faults create shock risks; brake, axle, or tire defects jeopardize highway safety; propane leaks or faulty regulators risk fire or explosion. When dealers delay repairs or PDIs miss these defects, owners face significant safety hazards and financial exposure. Recalls compound the risk if they are unaddressed prior to sale. Although recalls are issued for vehicle/make/model rather than a dealer, you can check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA and confirm any required work is done before delivery. Start here: NHTSA Recalls. For dealership-related search context, you can also review: NHTSA recall search (dealership context) and then drill down by your exact RV make/model/VIN.

If you’ve run into safety-related defects tied to delivery or repair work at this location, can you document them for future buyers?

(Serious Concern)

Patterns described by Riverside reviewers—misrepresented features, add-on pressure, financing surprises, and delayed paperwork—can intersect with consumer protection laws. The following resources outline potential avenues if you encounter serious issues:

• Warranty violations and deceptive practices: Review the FTC’s guidance on the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act: FTC Warranty Law. You can also report unfair and deceptive acts/practices to the FTC: ReportFraud.FTC.gov.
• California consumer laws: California’s Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act and the Consumers Legal Remedies Act (CLRA) address defective goods and deceptive practices. Overview: California Attorney General — Consumer Protection.
• TILA (Truth in Lending Act): Governs how lenders and dealers must disclose APR, finance charges, and terms. Overview: CFPB on TILA.
• DMV-related dealer complaints (California): For title/registration delays, odometer issues, or dealer practices affecting vehicle paperwork: CA DMV Investigations.
• Better Business Bureau: Read and file complaints specifically about the Riverside location to establish a pattern: BBB Search: Camping World RV Sales Riverside CA.

(Serious Concern)

Used RVs sold “as-is” have generated severe complaints when buyers discover rot, leaks, or major mechanical issues shortly after purchase. Several Camping World reviewers (including those referencing Riverside) report limited recourse once the deal is done. “As-is” does not excuse fraud or material misrepresentation, but it does limit coverage.

• Action: Have an independent inspection and a moisture scan performed. Get prior owner records if possible. Confirm roof age and sealant condition.

(Moderate Concern)

Buyers have reported “mandatory” protection packages or dealer-installed options added to the out-the-door price. In California, dealers must clearly disclose all fees, and you are not required to buy add-ons to qualify for financing (unless the lender specifically requires, which is rare). Press for removal or walk away.

(Moderate Concern)

Public feedback describing “we’ll take care of it after delivery” outcomes commonly turns into prolonged service scheduling. If a Riverside salesperson promises repairs or accessories, ensure these are listed on the buyer’s order with clear deadlines and penalties for non-performance.

(Moderate Concern)

Several shoppers say they struggled to reach the right person for updates—sales after delivery, or service while a unit is in the shop. Lack of proactive communication amplifies frustration during long repair cycles.

• Action: Request a named point-of-contact in sales and service with direct phone and email, plus a second “backup” contact.