Camping World RV Sales – Vacaville, CA Exposed: High-Pressure Pricing, Add-On APRs, Delayed Titles

(Serious Concern)

The most consistent theme from consumer reports about Camping World locations—including Vacaville—is the discovery of defects after purchase and the struggle to get timely repairs. Many buyers report losing entire camping seasons while a “new” RV sits at the dealer awaiting parts, technician availability, or approval. Your best leverage to avoid this scenario is a professional, independent pre-purchase inspection performed before signing. Search locally: RV Inspectors near me. If the dealer resists or forbids a third-party inspection, that is a huge red flag—walk away.

What to insist on:

• A written inspection report with photos covering roof, seals, slide mechanisms, water systems, electrical and battery systems, chassis/brakes (for motorized), and appliances.
• Verification of recall status and open work orders.
• Documented PDI findings, with repairs completed and re-verified before taking delivery.

Consider scheduling your own inspector for delivery day, too: find an RV inspector. This safeguard often prevents canceled trips and months-long delays after payment.

(Serious Concern)

Buyers at the Vacaville store report standard high-pressure tactics characteristic of large chains: limited-time prices that change at signing, promotional promises that don’t make it into the paperwork, and verbal assurances later disputed. Many 1-star reviews reference price surprises after the walk-through or during finance—often tied to previously undisclosed fees or required add-ons. This creates a confusing funnel: a low online price drawing you in, then incremental increases via fees, packages, and “must-have” services. Always get the out-the-door price in writing and resist signing anything until every line item is final.

(Serious Concern)

Multiple consumers describe being steered into dealer-arranged financing with higher-than-expected APRs, often bundled with add-ons like tire/wheel, interior protection, or extended service contracts. Under federal law, the Truth in Lending Act requires clear disclosure of APR and all finance charges. Consumers should compare with their own pre-approved loans and ask the F&I manager to remove optional products. If you see resistance or vague explanations, pause and price the unit without any extras. A small change in APR can add thousands over the life of the loan.

(Moderate Concern)

Reports frequently cite perceived pressure to purchase Good Sam service plans, gap coverage, and coatings. Many claim-determination processes rely on strict maintenance documentation and exclusions that can catch owners off guard. Some owners report difficulty getting meaningful coverage approvals for common issues like leaks or slide malfunctions. Always request the full contract terms before buying and compare third-party service contracts. If a coverage pitch sounds too comprehensive, ask for specific examples of covered vs. excluded repairs. Try ownership without the add-ons in your price comparison to assess true value.

(Moderate Concern)

Consumers often reference trade offers far below independent valuations—and claim the “real” value rises only if they accept in-house financing or add-ons. If you have a trade, bring competing quotes, maintenance records, and recent photos. Consider selling privately to avoid a bundled deal where the dealership controls both the sale price and trade-in value. The more variables you bundle, the easier it is to overpay without realizing it.

(Serious Concern)

Some buyers report waiting weeks or months for registration and plates, with conflicting updates and missed callbacks. In California, delayed titling can prevent legal usage and complicate warranty claims. If your paperwork is delayed, document every contact and escalate quickly. Under California Vehicle Code sections governing dealer transfers, paperwork and taxes must be processed promptly; failure to deliver title and registration in a timely fashion can be reported to the DMV Investigations office.

(Serious Concern)

Owners frequently discover water leaks, plumbing faults, loose fixtures, nonfunctional appliances, miswired 12V systems, or damaged seals immediately after delivery. Many say these defects should have been caught in the pre-delivery inspection (PDI). The result is often a quick return to the service queue—sometimes for weeks—just after purchase. Demand a written PDI checklist and test every system yourself with water and power connected before you accept delivery.

(Serious Concern)

Recurring reviews describe extended repair delays at the Vacaville service center, limited communication, and multiple repeat visits for the same concern. Some owners report inexperienced technicians and inconsistent troubleshooting—e.g., swapping parts without root-cause diagnosis. If you buy here, clarify service timelines in writing. Ask how many certified technicians are on staff, average time-to-appointment, and parts ETA. For complex issues, consider manufacturer-authorized specialty shops or mobile technicians to avoid bottlenecks.

(Serious Concern)

Numerous consumers allege warranty runaround: dealer points to manufacturer; manufacturer points back to dealer; and the owner waits. Meanwhile, out-of-pocket costs mount for “non-covered” items. Under the federal Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, warrantors cannot require you to use specific branded service or parts to maintain coverage, and they must honor written warranties. Keep meticulous records and escalate to the manufacturer directly if responses stall.

(Moderate Concern)

Consumers often cite long waits for parts and lack of proactive updates. While supply chain issues do occur, poor communication compounds the problem. Insist on a parts ETA in writing and check weekly by email so there is a timestamped record. If the issue is safety-related (propane, brakes, steering), consider filing a complaint with NHTSA and contacting the manufacturer to expedite.

(Moderate Concern)

Several buyers report accessories or promised fixes that never materialize after delivery, often tied to “We-Owe” forms or verbal assurances. Do not accept delivery until every promise is written and signed. Take photos of missing or damaged items before you leave the lot. If the dealership insists you take the RV now and “return later,” assume delays. Your leverage diminishes after they have your funds.

(Serious Concern)

Many negative reviews describe canceled trips, lost deposits, and families left without a usable RV due to extended service delays right after purchase. This outcome is emotionally and financially costly. Again, a third-party inspection and a rigorous delivery-day test can prevent the worst-case scenario. Have backup lodging plans for time-sensitive trips until you have taken several shakedown nights near home without issues. If you’ve experienced significant trip disruptions from service delays at this store, please share your story to help others plan.

(Serious Concern)

Based on common complaint categories, several laws and agencies may be relevant in California and federally:

• Truth in Lending Act (TILA): Requires clear disclosure of APR, finance charges, and credit terms. Undisclosed add-ons that affect APR could be problematic. Learn more at the FTC: FTC: Truth in Lending.
• Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act: Governs written warranties and prevents tying warranty coverage to specific service providers unless provided free of charge. See the FTC: Businessperson’s Guide to Federal Warranty Law.
• California Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act: Provides lemon-law-type remedies for consumer goods, including some RV components. Complex for RVs, but repeated failed repairs within warranty can trigger remedies. See California Department of Consumer Affairs resources: California Lemon Law overview.
• California DMV / Vehicle Code (dealer paperwork): Dealers must timely process title and registration. If delayed, contact DMV Investigations. Start here: California DMV – Buying a Vehicle.
• Federal Trade Commission (FTC): Deceptive sales or advertising practices (misrepresentation of price, features, or terms) may violate the FTC Act. File complaints at: ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
• NHTSA (safety defects and recalls): If a defect implicates safety (e.g., propane leaks, brake failures), file a report and check recalls: NHTSA Vehicle Recalls.
• California Attorney General / CLRA: California’s Consumer Legal Remedies Act addresses unfair or deceptive acts in sale of goods. Learn more: California OAG Consumer Resources.

If you believe you were misled or your warranty was mishandled, preserving documentation is critical: quotes, texts, emails, work orders, PDI checklists, and photos/videos. Consider consulting a consumer law attorney for patterns like repeated failed repairs, misrepresented financing, or undisclosed damage.

(Serious Concern)

Reported defects—especially leaks, electrical faults, brake/axle issues on towables, and propane system failures—can pose significant safety risks. Water intrusion fosters mold, rots subfloors, and damages insulation and structural framing. Electrical issues can drain batteries, disable safety detectors, or spark fires. Brake or suspension defects (including under-torqued lugs or misaligned axles) can lead to catastrophic towing incidents.

If repairs are delayed or piecemeal, these hazards can worsen over time. Owners should immediately file safety-related complaints with NHTSA and notify the RV manufacturer. Always verify recall status by VIN and ensure recall work is performed by an authorized provider. For brand-neutral safety guidance and industry context, watch creators who investigate systemic RV issues, such as Liz Amazing’s RV buyer safety tips, then search her channel for your model’s known problem spots.

(Moderate Concern)

Even non-safety defects can be costly. RVs depreciate quickly; extended time off the road without usable warranty coverage devalues the unit further. Some owners pay out of pocket to get back on the road faster, only to fight later for reimbursement. Avoid this spiral by:

• Obtaining independent estimates and written diagnostics.
• Coordinating with the manufacturer directly for authorization.
• Documenting loss-of-use impacts (canceled bookings, costs).