You’ve been dreaming about hitting the open road in your shiny new RV, but before you sign that dotted line, you need to hear some real talk from actual owners. This video from PissedConsumer pulls back the curtain on what really happens when you buy from certain RV brands and dealerships.
The truth isn’t pretty, but it could save you thousands of dollars and years of headaches. From manufacturing nightmares to customer service disasters, these stories will make you think twice before making one of the biggest purchases of your life. We’ve compiled the most shocking owner experiences, expert warnings, and industry statistics to help you avoid becoming another cautionary tale. Your dream RV adventure could quickly turn into a repair shop nightmare if you’re not careful.
1. Camping World: Where Dreams Go to Die
Camping World consistently ranks among the most complained-about RV dealerships in America. Your first red flag should be their massive settlement record – in December 2024, they were forced to pay Oregon $3.5 million for misleading pricing practices and double-charging customers.
| Problem Type | Frequency | Customer Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Hidden Fees | Very High | $2,000-$5,000 extra costs |
| Delivery Delays | High | 3-6 month delays |
| Trade-in Issues | High | Thousands less than promised |
| Service Problems | Very High | Repairs take months |
Here’s the kicker: You might think you’re getting a deal with their flashy “30% off MSRP” promotions, but they inflate the MSRP first, then give you a fake discount. It’s like paying full price for a hamburger that costs $50 because they said it was originally $70.
2. Thor Industries: Your $480,000 Mistake
Thor Industries proves that spending more money doesn’t guarantee better quality. One owner spent $480,000 on a Thor motorhome and called it his biggest regret within the first year.
The shocking statistics: Thor has issued more recalls than many major automakers, with common problems including:
- Paint scratches and blemishes from the factory
- Interior components that don’t work properly
- Electrical system failures
- Structural integrity issues
Here’s what’s really wild: You could buy a luxury house in some states for less than what this guy spent on his rolling disaster. At least if your house has problems, it won’t break down on the interstate in the middle of nowhere.
3. Jayco’s Integra Coach: The $140,000 Lemon
Jayco’s luxury brand Integra Coach delivered one customer a brand-new $140,000 RV that arrived with:
- Body damage right off the lot
- Water leaks throughout the unit
- Electrical problems from day one
- Parts literally falling off during transport
Industry fact: Despite having over 100 BBB complaints, Jayco maintains an A rating because they respond to complaints. But responding and actually fixing problems are two different things.
You’d think for $140,000, you’d get something that at least arrives in one piece. Apparently, that’s asking too much from some manufacturers. It’s like ordering a wedding cake and receiving a pile of flour with a note saying “some assembly required.”
4. Forest River: The Recall King
Forest River, owned by Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway, averages 50 recalls per year – more than any other RV manufacturer or even major automakers. That’s nearly one recall every week!
Recent recall examples:
- 50 campers recalled for wrong fuses causing fire hazards
- Door and window seal failures
- Frame structural problems
- Electrical system defects
| Year | Forest River Recalls | Major Auto Recalls (Average) |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 52 | 35 |
| 2022 | 48 | 32 |
| 2021 | 51 | 29 |
The reality check: Even Warren Buffett’s billions can’t seem to fix their quality control problems. When one of the world’s smartest investors can’t improve a company’s manufacturing process, you know there are some serious systemic issues.
5. General RV: The Signature Forgers
General RV takes shady business practices to a whole new level. One customer discovered paperwork with his forged signature – created by computer – authorizing add-ons he never agreed to purchase.
Their common tactics include:
- Surprise price hikes the day before delivery
- Unauthorized add-ons with forged signatures
- Refusing to refund deposits
- Bait-and-switch financing terms
Think about this: If they’re willing to forge your signature on paperwork, what else are they willing to lie about? It’s like finding out your dentist has been using a crayon instead of professional tools – the trust is completely gone.
6. Heartland RV: Built to Fall Apart
Heartland RV owners report units that literally fall apart shortly after purchase. One couple discovered their RV had:
- A bent frame
- Cracked fiberglass pulling apart
- Complete structural failure making it “pretty much totaled”
When customers seek help, Heartland typically blames the owner or points them toward insurance claims rather than taking responsibility for manufacturing defects.
Here’s the insanity: You spend tens of thousands of dollars on what should be a durable recreational vehicle, and it disintegrates faster than a sandcastle in a tsunami. At least sandcastles are free to rebuild.
7. Keystone RV: The $100,000 Disaster
Keystone RV customers report spending anywhere from $30,000 to $100,000 and receiving the same poor quality product regardless of price point. Customer service is reportedly non-existent.
Common Keystone problems:
- Manufacturing defects across all price ranges
- Zero customer service response
- Quality control failures
- Warranty work refusals
The most frustrating part: Whether you spend $30K or $100K, you get the same crappy product. It’s like paying premium prices for a luxury meal and receiving a gas station hot dog – except the hot dog might actually work better.
Expert Advice: How to Avoid These Disasters
RV expert GiGi Stetler from The RV Advisor recommends doing your homework before you set foot on any lot:
Essential pre-shopping checklist:
- Write down your exact needs and budget
- Define how often you’ll use the RV
- Determine sleeping capacity requirements
- Research specific models and their recall histories
- Read actual owner reviews, not manufacturer marketing
The hard truth: RV salespeople are there to sell you whatever you ask for, not necessarily what you need. If you walk in unprepared, you’re walking into a feeding frenzy of commission-hungry sharks.
The Bottom Line: Your Money, Your Choice
The RV industry has a serious quality problem that’s gotten worse in recent years due to explosive sales growth and rushed manufacturing. Some RV mistakes don’t just cost money – they derail your plans, drain your energy, and leave you chasing fixes instead of making memories.
Before you buy:
- Research recall histories for specific brands and models
- Read actual owner reviews on multiple platforms
- Get independent inspections before taking delivery
- Understand warranty limitations and exclusions
- Factor in realistic repair and maintenance costs
Remember: Your dream of RV adventures can quickly become a nightmare of constant repairs and customer service battles. Do your research, ask tough questions, and don’t let anyone pressure you into a decision you’ll regret for years to come.
SOURCES
- Oregon Attorney General Settlement with Camping World
- Wall Street Journal: Forest River RV Quality Issues
- Consumer Affairs: Forest River Recall Safety Concerns
- RV Lifestyle: Industry Quality Problems
- SlashGear: Major RV Brands Ranked
- PissedConsumer: RV Brand Reviews and Rankings
- RV Travel: Quality Issues and Recalls
- Arizona RV Sales: RV Manufacturer Complaints
