Forest River RV | Camping World- Milford, DE Exposed: PDI failures, upsell pressure, service delays

(Serious Concern)

Across RV retailer chains, many buyers report significant defects discovered only after taking delivery. At large chains, service departments are often booked weeks or months out, causing newly purchased RVs to sit awaiting parts and technician time—sometimes canceling planned trips. Your strongest leverage is before you sign and fund the deal. Insist on an independent, third-party NRVIA-certified (or similarly credentialed) RV inspection, and make the sale contingent on all items being corrected to your satisfaction.

• Find an inspector: Google “RV Inspectors near me”
• Refusal is a red flag: If the dealer does not allow a third-party inspector on-site before purchase, walk away.
• Document everything: Put every fix and accessory promise on the buyer’s order; “we’ll take care of it after delivery” often leads to long waits.

Want a primer on what independent reviewers are uncovering at RV dealers nationwide? See consumer advocacy videos like Liz Amazing’s RV dealer pitfalls and PDI checklists, then search her channel for the model and dealer you’re considering.

(Serious Concern)

Multiple consumers across Camping World stores report discrepancies between what sales teams promised and what appears on final paperwork or on the coach at delivery. Common threads include: missing accessories negotiated into the deal, last-minute pricing changes, and incomplete pre-delivery inspection (PDI) work. When the deal has funded and the RV leaves the lot, leverage drops sharply. Verify that every add-on (stabilizers, weight distribution hitches, batteries, propane fills, backup cameras) is installed and functioning before you sign the final forms.

• Ask to see a written PDI checklist signed by a manager.
• Bring a water hose and test water systems, tanks, slides, awnings, jacks, HVAC, and appliances on-site.
• Do not accept “we’ll order the part after you take it home” unless the contingency and timeline are in writing.

For broader context on how sales-to-service handoffs can break down, watch Liz Amazing’s consumer-focused RV delivery walkthroughs and search her videos for “dealer PDI.”

(Serious Concern)

High-interest financing, extended service plans (ESPs), paint/fabric protection, tire-and-wheel, and “lifetime” maintenance packages are frequently pushed in F&I offices at national chains. Consumers report that extended warranties often exclude the exact failures they assumed were covered, while interest rates can be higher than what local banks or credit unions would offer. At delivery, some buyers also discover non-optional “dealer prep” or “documentation” fees.

• Get financing pre-approval from your bank/credit union before visiting the dealership.
• Ask for the full warranty contract to review at home before agreeing—especially Good Sam or third-party ESPs, which carry many exclusions.
• Decline add-ons you don’t need; most paint/fabric “protection” products offer limited real-world value.

(Moderate Concern)

Trade-in valuations can swing thousands of dollars depending on booked values, recon costs, and current lot inventory needs. Complaints cite unexpectedly low offers after an initial “ballpark,” followed by pressure to keep the deal moving. Obtain multiple quotes and consider selling your RV privately if the spread is significant.

• Request a line-item appraisal with the valuation guide used (NADA/J.D. Power).
• Photograph and document your RV’s condition before appraisal to counter any overbroad deductions.

(Serious Concern)

A recurring pain point: buyers discover water leaks, non-functioning slides, miswired components, loose trim, and defective appliances within days of delivery—issues that should have been caught during PDI. When these defects surface, many report long waits for service triage and parts, particularly during peak season, stranding brand-new RVs at the dealer for weeks or months.

• Demand a full wet test (pressurized water system and tank fill) and an on-site demonstration of every major system before taking possession.
• Video record your PDI walkthrough. It helps if a dispute arises.
• Independent inspection: Find an RV inspector near me

(Serious Concern)

Customers at large chain service centers, including Camping World locations, frequently cite multi-week scheduling delays, lack of status updates, and repeated trips for the same unresolved issue. Some report that parts were ordered incorrectly or warranty approvals dragged for weeks, with little proactive communication from advisors.

• Before purchase, ask for current service lead times and typical turnaround for warranty repairs.
• Get any post-delivery punch-list in writing with a promised timeline and escalation contact.
• Request photos of defective parts and written warranty claims to track progress.

(Moderate Concern)

Public complaints across multiple Camping World stores routinely mention long waits for permanent tags and titles, temporary tag renewals, and errors in paperwork that require multiple dealer visits. While some delays stem from lender lien processing or DMV queues, dealer-side coordination is crucial. In Delaware, contact the DMV and your lender early if documents go silent.

• Before leaving the lot, note the temporary tag expiration date and who is responsible for renewals if delays occur.
• Request tracking or proof of submission for title/registration work.

(Moderate Concern)

Another recurring issue: buyers believe “warranty” means everything is covered. In reality, manufacturer warranties typically cover manufacturing defects, not wear-and-tear, maintenance, or owner damage. Third-party ESPs can deny claims based on pre-authorization rules, maintenance lapses, or covered/non-covered component lists. Misunderstandings at purchase lead to frustration later.

• Align expectations by reading the full warranty and ESP contracts before you buy.
• Maintain detailed service records; many ESPs require proof of maintenance.

(Serious Concern)

Reported defects across new and used RVs—especially when PDI is incomplete—can create real safety hazards: propane leaks, brake or axle issues, faulty slide mechanisms that bind during travel, and improperly wired 12V/120V systems. Water intrusion can lead to mold and rot, compromising structural integrity. Any unresolved recall greatly increases risk.

• Verify open recalls by VIN before purchase through NHTSA: NHTSA Vehicle Recalls Search (enter the RV’s VIN for accurate results)
• Insist the dealer documents recall status in writing and remedies all safety campaigns prior to delivery.

(Serious Concern)

Long service delays can mean making monthly payments on an RV you can’t use. High interest, hard-to-cancel add-ons, and depreciation can quickly bury owners who need to exit a problematic unit. If your RV sits at the dealer through prime camping months, families can lose prepaid campground deposits and vacation time.

• Build a “worst-case” budget for downtime and warranty exclusions.
• Use lienholder protections: If punch-list items are serious, do not finalize funding until repairs are complete and verified.

For clear-eyed advice on avoiding expensive traps, see consumer advocate content like Liz Amazing’s RV buyer checklists and search her channel for extended warranty and financing insights.

(Moderate Concern)

If you encounter misrepresentations, false advertising, or unfair practices, Delaware and federal laws provide recourse:

• Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act: Governs written warranties and service contracts. Sellers cannot misrepresent coverage; written terms control. See FTC guidance: FTC Businessperson’s Guide to Federal Warranty Law
• Delaware Consumer Fraud Act (6 Del. C. § 2511 et seq.) and Deceptive Trade Practices Act: Prohibit deceptive or misleading sales practices. Delaware DOJ Consumer Protection: Delaware Consumer Protection Unit
• NHTSA: Safety defect complaints for motorized RVs and trailers, including component recalls: Report a Safety Problem to NHTSA
• FTC: Deceptive financing or add-on sales practices can be reported: ReportFraud.ftc.gov

Keep detailed records: purchase orders, text/email threads, PDI checklists, repair orders, and photos. If a pattern of warranty denials or unreasonable delays emerges, a consumer attorney can evaluate claims under Magnuson-Moss and state law.

(Serious Concern)

Consumers frequently report repeat visits for the same unresolved issue—an indicator of rushed diagnostics or parts installation. With RVs combining structures, house systems, and vehicle components, tech training and continuity matter. Large chain stores often have turnover among advisors and techs, causing knowledge gaps and miscommunications.

• Ask whether your assigned tech is RVIA or OEM-certified for your brand (Forest River sub-brand, appliance OEMs, generators).
• Request before/after photos of repairs and a written description of the root cause, not just the symptom addressed.

(Moderate Concern)

When parts are backordered, weeks can pass without updates. Customers report parts arriving only to be incorrect or damaged, restarting the cycle. Expect better outcomes when communication is proactive and documented.

• Insist on estimated time of arrival (ETA) for each part, plus tracking when available.
• Ask for alternatives: OEM vs. aftermarket, salvage, or field repairs when safe and approved.

(Moderate Concern)

Across many Forest River lines, owners commonly report early quality-control problems: misaligned doors and drawers, plumbing fittings not tightened at the factory, slide seals misseated, and staple “blowouts” in trim. These factory issues are not unique to Milford, but buyers at this location should inspect thoroughly, as dealer PDIs sometimes miss them when rushed.

• Open every cabinet, operate every window and vent; check for water stains around plumbing and skylights.
• Measure slide gaps and observe for binding or uneven travel.
• Bring a moisture meter to scan around slide corners and roof penetrations.

(Serious Concern)

• Independent Inspection: Find an RV inspector near me and make the sale contingent on a clean report.
• Price Transparency: Request an out-the-door quote with line items for dealer fees, freight, and prep. Decline add-ons you don’t want.
• Financing: Secure a pre-approval to benchmark interest rates and avoid unnecessary products bundled into payment.
• Warranty: Obtain the full text of any ESP and read the exclusions. Avoid “verbal” coverage promises.
• Delivery Standards: Demand a PDI checklist signed by a manager and a punch-list remedy timeline in writing.

After your visit, let us know what the dealer offered and how negotiable they were.

(Moderate Concern)

Some customers do report smooth purchases or successful repairs at Camping World stores, including friendly sales staff and quick turnarounds on straightforward fixes. Certain negative reviews note that managers stepped in to resolve issues after escalation. However, even among satisfied buyers, themes of slow service and paperwork hiccups arise. The wide variability suggests that outcomes depend heavily on the individual advisor/tech assigned, the time of year, and how diligently buyers document and follow up.

(Serious Concern)

Sales-to-service disconnect: Promises made on the sales floor not fulfilled in service; post-sale leverage collapses without documentation.

(Serious Concern)

Service backlogs: Weeks-long waits for diagnosis and parts can strand new purchases during peak season.

(Serious Concern)

PDI misses and early defects: Water, electrical, slide, and appliance issues discovered immediately after delivery.

(Moderate Concern)

Financing/upsell pressure: High-rate loans and costly add-ons with limited value; difficult cancellations.

(Moderate Concern)

Paperwork/title delays: Temporary tag renewals and slow title processing create administrative risk.