Camping World RV Sales- San Diego, CA Exposed: Hidden Fees, High-APR Loans & Service Delays

Introduction: What Shoppers Need to Know About Camping World RV Sales – San Diego, CA

AI-powered research tools have systematically collected and analyzed public information to produce this report. Camping World RV Sales is part of Camping World Holdings, a large, national RV retail chain with dozens of stores across the United States under the Camping World and affiliated brands. This report focuses solely on the San Diego, CA location and synthesizes recurring patterns found in public consumer feedback, complaints, forum posts, and regulatory guidance relevant to RV buyers considering this dealership.

Our analysis prioritizes recent consumer experiences but also examines longer-term patterns tied to the chain’s practices. Key themes emerging in the San Diego feedback include pricing and financing surprises at closing, aggressive and sometimes opaque upselling of add-ons and warranties, long service backlogs, disappointing pre-delivery inspection (PDI) quality, title/registration delays, and communication breakdowns after the sale. Some customers report satisfactory outcomes, but the weight of negative narratives signals risk areas that shoppers should approach with caution, documentation, and leverage.

To see current, first-person accounts, review this Google Business Profile and sort by “Lowest rating”: Camping World RV Sales – San Diego, CA Google Reviews (sort by Lowest). Read the most recent 1- and 2-star reviews to understand real-world issues customers have surfaced at this specific store. If you have your own experience to add, tell other shoppers what happened.

Where to Research Before You Buy

• Read low-star reviews in detail: On the store’s Google Business Profile, filter to “Lowest rating.” Compare themes and dates for patterns.
• Watch independent advocacy content: Liz Amazing’s channel regularly examines systemic RV industry issues and buyer pitfalls. Start here:
  • Investigative RV videos by Liz Amazing
  • Search Liz Amazing’s channel for dealer and brand insights
  • Learn RV buying traps and inspections on Liz Amazing
• Get unfiltered owner feedback in Facebook groups: Join model-specific communities (e.g., “Grand Design owners,” “Forest River owners”) to see recurring defects and service experiences. Use these Google searches:
  • Grand Design owner Facebook groups
  • Forest River owner Facebook groups
  • Thor Motor Coach owner Facebook groups
  • Keystone RV owner Facebook groups

Before You Sign: Arrange a Third-Party RV Inspection

Independent, professional inspections are your best leverage before funds transfer. Many complaints at large RV chains—and echoed by buyers citing the San Diego location—center on discovering defects after taking possession, followed by weeks or months in the service queue. A third-party inspector can catch leaks, electrical issues, axle/brake problems, misrouted propane lines, delamination risks, and faulty appliances before you’re locked in.

• Find a qualified inspector: Start with a local search: RV Inspectors near me. Confirm certifications and sample reports.
• Make the inspection a condition of sale: If this dealer refuses an independent inspection on their lot, that is a major red flag. Walk.
• Do not rely on the dealer’s PDI alone: A PDI is not a substitute for a buyer-controlled inspection. If serious defects are discovered, negotiate price reductions, repair commitments in writing, or walk away before funding.
• Time matters: Multiple buyers report canceled trips, lost campsite fees, and months without use because their “new” unit needed significant repairs immediately after delivery. Don’t let your RV become part of a backlogged queue.

Have you used an inspector on a Camping World San Diego purchase? Share what you found during your inspection.

Patterns in Consumer Complaints at Camping World RV Sales – San Diego

Publicly posted complaints about this store reveal consistent themes we summarize below. For current specifics and direct wording, see the store’s reviews here and sort by lowest: Camping World RV Sales – San Diego Google Reviews. We do not reproduce individual quotes here; instead, we highlight recurring issues reported by recent low-star reviewers at this location and similar chain locations nationwide.

If you encountered any of the issues below at this San Diego store, add your story for other shoppers.

Sales Tactics: Pricing, Add-Ons, and Financing Surprises

• Advertised vs. out-the-door price shifts: Buyers describe arriving to sign and facing non-optional add-ons (prep fees, nitrogen tires, “theft etch,” appearance packages) that inflate costs beyond online prices.
• Extended warranties and add-on pressure: Reports describe strong upselling of extended service contracts, paint/fabric protection, and roadside plans. Many buyers say they did not receive clear, plain-language disclosures about coverage limits, deductibles, or exclusions.
• High APR and non-transparent financing: Some shoppers allege they were pushed into higher interest loans than pre-approvals, or told price incentives hinge on using in-house financing.
• Good Sam tie-ins: Multiple complaints reference confusion between “membership benefits” and actual coverage versus extended warranties or fees. Clarify what is optional and the total cost over time.

Request a line-item buyer’s order early—before credit checks—and compare it to your own bank/credit union financing. Don’t sign anything until every fee and product is fully explained, in writing.

Low-Ball Trade-Ins and Equity Erosion

• Trade value swings: Many large-chain dealerships present enticing numbers initially, then reduce trade offers at closing for “reconditioning” or “market” reasons. San Diego reviewers report similar treatment.
• Negative equity rollovers: If trade values come in low, customers can end up rolling negative equity into a new loan—raising risk of being underwater for years.
• Independent valuation: Bring quotes from multiple dealers and online buyers. Be willing to sell privately rather than accept a steep discount.

Delayed Titles, Registration, and Paperwork (California)

• DMV processing lags: Complaints cite weeks-to-months delays getting plates, title, or corrected paperwork—sometimes causing late fees or citation worries.
• Used units and lien payoffs: Errors with lien releases or prior title status can complicate registration.
• Escalation path: If you face documentation delays, contact California DMV Occupational Licensing to file a dealer complaint: California DMV Occupational Licensing.

Pre-Delivery Inspections (PDI) and Delivery Condition

• “New” units with defects at delivery: Multiple consumers report water leaks, non-functioning appliances, electrical issues, missing parts, and cosmetic damage identified after pickup.
• Rushed walkthroughs: Some buyers describe quick handoffs with insufficient instruction or hurried PDIs that miss obvious problems.
• Mitigation: Schedule a half-day delivery walkthrough. Bring a checklist and your own inspector: Find an RV inspector near you. Do a full water pressure test, roof check, propane leak test, and all systems check before final payment.

Service Department Backlogs, Quality Control, and Parts

• Long repair queues: Numerous reviews describe months-long waits to get into service. Units often sit while waiting on manufacturer authorization or parts.
• Repeat visits: Some customers state repairs were incomplete or created new issues, requiring additional appointments.
• Communication gaps: Buyers report difficulty getting status updates from advisors or managers.
• Action: If your RV is disabled for an extended period, document losses, ask the manufacturer for goodwill or mobile service, and consider small-claims or AG complaints if warranty obligations are not met.

Did your service visit stall out at this location? Report the timeline and outcome.

Warranty Handling and Denials

• “Wear and tear” denials: Consumers often report warranty claims being denied or delayed as “consumer damage” or “not covered.”
• Third-party service contracts: Extended plans can exclude common failures. Read your policy’s exclusions and pre-authorization rules carefully.
• Legal backbone: The federal Magnuson–Moss Warranty Act requires clear disclosures and prohibits deceptive warranty practices. More here: FTC guide to federal warranty law.

Safety-Related Defects and Recall Coordination

• Recall handling: Some buyers report discovering open recalls after purchase or delays in recall repairs due to parts availability.
• Safety impact: Propane leaks, brake actuator failures, axle misalignment, 12V shorts, and water intrusion can create fire, crash, or mold hazards.
• Check by VIN: Use NHTSA’s recall resources and confirm the unit’s VIN for open recalls: NHTSA Recalls Lookup. For general searching tied to this retailer, see: NHTSA recall information and confirm specifics by VIN.

Communication, Promises, and Follow-Through

• Unreturned calls and shifting timelines: Recurring complaints cite difficulty reaching sales or service personnel post-sale.
• Verbal promises vs. paperwork: If a commitment is not on the buyer’s order or due bill, consider it unenforceable.
• Written due bill: Require a signed due bill for all items to be corrected, with deadlines, before releasing funds.

Cancellations, Deposits, and Refunds

• Deposit disputes: Some buyers report trouble getting deposits refunded after changing their minds or discovering new fees at closing.
• Protect yourself: Use a credit card for deposits for possible dispute rights if the seller fails to honor conditions.
• Get terms in writing: Before placing a deposit, specify conditions (price, inspection, trade value) that must be met.

Value of Upsells and Memberships

• Questionable ROI: Fabric/paint “protections,” tire/nitrogen packages, and etching often show little resale or functional value.
• Plan stacking: Roadside, extended warranties, and memberships can overlap. Confirm benefits you actually need.
• Cancel windows: Many service contracts have short cancellation/refund windows—know your deadlines.

Staffing, Turnover, and Training

• Industry churn: RV retail commonly sees high sales and advisor turnover, which can disrupt continuity.
• Inexperienced techs: Reports of inconsistent repair quality suggest training and supervision issues in some cases.
• Mitigation: Ask who will perform your PDI, how long they’ve been in role, and what their checklist includes. Bring your own inspector: Find independent RV inspectors.

Legal and Regulatory Warnings

Consumer complaints around pricing practices, undisclosed add-ons, warranty denials, and safety-related defects can carry regulatory implications.

• Deceptive practices: The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) prohibits unfair or deceptive acts in commerce. If a dealer advertises one price and imposes undisclosed, mandatory fees at signing, you may have grounds to complain: Report to the FTC.
• Warranty law: The Magnuson–Moss Warranty Act governs written warranties and requires clarity on coverage and exclusions. Keep meticulous records of defects and repair attempts.
• California protections: California’s Consumer Legal Remedies Act (CLRA) prohibits deceptive sales practices; the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act provides certain rights for defective consumer goods. Consult the California Attorney General: File a consumer complaint with the CA AG.
• DMV dealer issues: For title, registration, and documentation problems, contact California DMV Occupational Licensing: California DMV Dealer Complaints.
• Vehicle safety defects: Safety defects and recalls fall under the jurisdiction of NHTSA. Report safety concerns here: Report a safety problem to NHTSA.

Product and Safety Impact Analysis

Failures reported by consumers at this store and similar chain locations have direct safety and financial implications:

• Braking and axle issues: Misaligned axles or underperforming brake components can increase stopping distances and cause uneven tire wear, blowouts, or loss of control—especially hazardous on Southern California freeways and grades.
• Water intrusion: Roof, window, or slide leaks can cause soft floors, mold, and electrical corrosion. Even short delays in repair can escalate structural damage and devalue the RV substantially.
• Propane and electrical risks: Leaks and 12V wiring faults create fire/explosion hazards. Always perform a propane leak-down test and GFCI/ground tests before acceptance.
• Recall delays: If a unit leaves the lot with open recalls or if parts backorders delay remedy, owners may be left to choose between trip cancellations or operating with known safety risks.
• Financial exposure: High APR loans, stacked add-ons, and poor trade valuations can add thousands to total ownership cost, limiting flexibility to exit a problematic unit later.

What You Can Do: A Buyer’s Action Plan

• Pre-qualify independently: Secure credit union or bank pre-approval to benchmark APR and terms before stepping into the F&I office.
• Demand a line-item buyer’s order: Require all fees and add-ons to be itemized early. Decline non-essential packages.
• Third-party inspection before funding: Make your purchase contingent on a clean independent inspection: Find a local RV inspector. If refused, walk.
• Delivery-day checklist: Arrive with water pressure regulator and hose, test every faucet and drain, run furnace/AC under load, check roof seams, slides, leveling, backup camera, and brake lights. Verify all keys, remotes, manuals, and spare parts are present.
• Written due bill: Put all promised fixes in writing with dates. Do not rely on verbal assurances. Photograph defects at delivery.
• Title and registration follow-up: Set calendar reminders every two weeks until plates and title arrive. Escalate to DMV if there’s no progress.
• Warranty literacy: Read the manufacturer’s and any extended contract’s exclusions. Learn authorization processes to avoid claim denials.
• Escalate smartly: If you hit a wall, escalate to the general manager, then to corporate. If unresolved, file complaints with the CA AG, FTC, BBB, and your lender as appropriate.

Already bought at this store? What happened at delivery and in service?

Research Hub: Verify and Explore Evidence Yourself

Use these search-ready links to dig deeper into documented experiences and discussions specifically tied to this dealership. Replace “Issues” with “Problems” or a specific topic (e.g., “financing,” “warranty,” “service delays”) to refine results.

• YouTube search: Camping World RV Sales San Diego CA Issues
• Google search: Camping World RV Sales San Diego CA Issues
• BBB search: Camping World RV Sales San Diego CA
• Reddit r/RVLiving search
• Reddit r/GoRVing search
• Reddit r/rvs search
• PissedConsumer (search on site for “Camping World RV Sales San Diego CA”)
• NHTSA Recalls (general search placeholder)
• RVForums.com (use site search)
• RVForum.net (use site search)
• RVUSA Forum (use site search)
• RVInsider search
• Good Sam Community search
• Facebook RV Brand Groups (enter your specific brand)

If you’ve navigated a dispute with this San Diego store, what worked and what didn’t?

Balanced Note: Improvements and Resolutions

Some consumers do report satisfactory purchases or eventual resolutions—particularly when managers intervene, written due bills exist, and communication is frequent. Corporate resources at a national chain can sometimes expedite parts or provide goodwill. However, success appears highly dependent on proactive buyer leverage (inspections, financing readiness, due bills) and persistent follow-up. The patterns reflected in numerous low-star reviews suggest these are exceptions rather than the norm.

Final Assessment for Camping World RV Sales – San Diego, CA

Camping World’s San Diego store operates within a national retail model that emphasizes volume, add-on products, and centralized service pipelines. Public feedback specific to this location highlights serious risk areas for consumers: shifting out-the-door pricing with add-ons, aggressive warranty/upsell pressure, financing surprises, low trade valuations, inadequate PDIs, long service delays, documentation lags, and inconsistent follow-through. The safety and financial consequences cited—missed camping seasons, months without a usable RV, and added costs from high APRs and optional extras—are meaningful and recurring.

Based on the volume and consistency of negative consumer reports and the potential safety and financial risks identified, we do not recommend purchasing from Camping World RV Sales – San Diego, CA without extraordinary precautions. If the dealership does not fully support a third-party pre-purchase inspection, refuses to itemize and honor a no-surprises buyer’s order, or cannot commit in writing to timely, specific post-delivery remedies, we advise exploring other RV dealerships.

Have you bought, serviced, or tried to cancel at this location? Your insights help others make informed decisions: add your experience in the comments.

Comments

What has your experience been with Camping World RV Sales – San Diego, CA? Post your detailed story, including dates, documents you used (e.g., due bill, buyer’s order), and how the dealership or manufacturer resolved—or failed to resolve—the issues. Your first-hand account can help the next shopper avoid expensive mistakes.