You’re probably dreaming of hitting the open road in your very own RV, living the freedom-filled lifestyle that millions of Americans crave. But before you sign on that dotted line, you need to hear Wayne and Kayce’s heartbreaking story.

This young couple with their baby daughter thought they found the perfect setup when they walked into Camping World and fell in love with a beautiful $120,000 Salem Hemisphere Roost 43.

What happened next was a masterclass in everything that can go wrong when dealerships prioritize profits over people. Their nightmare involves a 90-year-old grandfather forced to sign loan documents, nine gallons of rainwater flooding through their “new” RV, and air conditioning that blows 80-degree air in South Carolina heat.

This isn’t just another customer service horror story—it’s a warning that could save you from making the same devastating mistakes.

1. The 90-Year-Old Grandfather Straw Purchase Scheme

The most shocking part of Wayne and Kayce’s story isn’t the water damage or broken appliances—it’s how Camping World allegedly manipulated a 90-year-old military veteran into signing a 20-year loan. When the young couple couldn’t qualify for financing despite having credit scores over 750, the dealership suggested they bring in a family member to “help out.”

You need to understand what happened next. The dealership made the grandfather sign every single document while keeping Wayne and Kayce out of the loop. They scheduled the signing at 9:00 AM, knowing the couple lived an hour away and couldn’t attend. The elderly veteran now holds full responsibility for the $120,000 loan on an RV he’ll never use.

Statistics show this is a growing problem. According to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, elderly Americans lose over $3 billion annually to financial fraud and exploitation. What makes this case particularly troubling is that it appears to involve a straw purchase—where someone signs loan documents on behalf of someone else who can’t qualify.

Here’s what makes you shake your head: The grandfather told Wayne and Kayce he believes the dealership is “probably waiting for him to die so they can take the camper back.” Since all warranties are in his name, if he passes away, the couple loses all recourse for repairs.

2. Nine Gallons of Rainwater Through a “Fixed” Air Conditioner

Picture this: You’ve waited eight months for Camping World to fix three broken air conditioning units in your brand-new $120,000 RV. The technicians finally show up, fix the ACs, but somehow forget to seal one of them properly. That same night, it rains.

Nine gallons of water poured through the unsealed AC unit, flooding the loft, slide-out section, TV, and personal belongings. When Wayne called to report the damage, Camping World’s response was mind-boggling: they said it was his fault for not cleaning up the water fast enough. The shop manager actually told him this “happens more often than you’d think.”

The couple was sleeping with their baby daughter at 2:00 AM when the flood occurred. The dealership expected them to be standing guard with buckets to catch their repair mistake. Even worse, the general manager offered to “jerry MacGyver it until it’s right”—not exactly the professional repair you’d expect on a six-figure purchase.

Forest River, the manufacturer, has serious quality control issues. According to a 2025 Wall Street Journal investigation, Forest River issued more recalls than any U.S. automaker or RV manufacturer from 2015 to 2024, with nearly half stemming from manufacturing errors rather than faulty parts.

3. Air Conditioners That Blow Hot Air in Summer Heat

You’d think after eight months and a major water leak, the air conditioning would finally work properly. Think again. Two of the three AC units still blow 80-degree air even when set to 60 degrees. In South Carolina’s summer heat, this