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07-01-2020, 10:50 PM
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#1
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4 Rivet Member
1976 29' Ambassador
Madison
, Officially SD but are traveling full time.
Join Date: Sep 2007
Posts: 335
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I will never take my Airstream to Campingworld again
Being spoiled retirees, we have been hanging out on the beaches near Florence, Oregon each summer for the past 5 years. Last year we left the Reno area and dove north to Oregon. About half way there our 43 year old RM100 fridge died. Glad that it lasted three to four times longer than I could have hoped for but now we have to find out what we need to do.
I spent several hours researching the options that we had if we were to replace the refrigerator. Found out that there was only one model that would slide into the original cabinetry. Trying to find the one model that was recommended, I made numerous calls to RV dealers and repair shops that would be on our route north. Fortunately the Campingworld in Eugene, OR had the fridge in stock.
Renovation of a vintage Airstream can take a lot of time but most of it is fairly simple. Over the years I have upgraded the 110 wiring, replace all of the copper with PEX, installed a new TV antenna, put two surveillance cameras on the roof, put in 2 TVs, redid all of the '70s upholstery and shag carpet, created a storage area for the spare tire, installed TPMS, coated the roof with white Buss Topper, etc. So far I have done over 90% of the work (including repairing a broken frame) but since I had just turned 70 and had no idea how to dispose of the old refrigerator, I decided to have the Campingworld dealer in Eugene, OR do the job.
I got a quote of $1800 for the fridge and $160 to install it. From what I could tell the price was OK. Since they could not work us in for several more days I began disassembling the cabinetry (I am just a helpful kinda guy). On the day that I was told to bring our trailer in I towed it from Florence to Eugene and left it with the Campingworld service manager. We returned at 4:30 but had to wait for another two hours so that the technician could finish the job.
Since it was after 6 I payed and then left. Unfortunately I did not say anything when I saw that they tacked on another $400 for labor. Dope slap has already been administered. When we got set up in Florence again I looked more closely at the finish job that the technician did. The finish work on the cabinetry was done very poorly but we were happy to see that the fridge worked.
Being very classy people we decided to buy a Dish receiver about 8 years ago. This year we decided to leave the dome in storage for the summer and use our new TV antenna for the summer.
When I installed the antenna for both the radio and TV I ran the wires through some flex conduit, down the outside, through a stainless "clamshell", into the refrigerator compartment and attached the coax it to the antenna booster that is located on the wall next to the fridge cabinet. When we got set up and settled in Florence today we turned on the TV, installed the correct settings and scanned for TV stations. No TV. Slowly rotated the antenna but found no channels. Nada.
I said to myself "WTH". I checked all of the fittings inside and then opened the outside access door to the fridge. What I found was that the Campingworld technician had cut the coax that ran from the antenna to the signal booster inside and a second wire that plugged into the second TV. I had no idea why he cut the coax instead of leaving it attached to the inside of the compartment but now I have to reroute the wiring.
The point of my story is to ask if this is a typical example of the kind of work that Campingworld does or was this a bad day for the technician? If you had a similar experience with the kind of work that Campingworld does what did you do about it?
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07-01-2020, 11:03 PM
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#2
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Site Team
2017 30' International
Broomfield
, Colorado
Join Date: Apr 2009
Posts: 3,555
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I took my trailer to camping world in omaha one time. They gave it back missing my Sony wall mount TV!
“Are you sure it had a TV when you dropped it off?”... was the first question I got....
Stolen by an employee. I had a heck of a time wrangling a replacement....
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07-01-2020, 11:29 PM
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#3
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Rivet Master
2007 22' International CCD
Corona
, California
Join Date: Jul 2013
Posts: 9,180
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Boy, I’m glad I’m the only one making repairs to my Airstream or failing that, I stay and watch like a hawk.
__________________
Rich, KE4GNK/AE, Overkill Engineering Dept.
'The Silver HamShack' ('07 International 22FB CCD 75th Anniversary)
Multiple Yaesu Ham Radios inside and many antennae sprouting from roof, ProPride hitch, Prodigy P2 controller.
2012 shortbed CrewMax 4x4 Toyota Tacoma TV with more antennae on it.
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07-02-2020, 03:47 AM
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#4
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"Cloudsplitter"
2003 25' Classic
Houstatlantavegas
, Malebolgia
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 20,000
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I brought 'Cloudsplitter's' wheels there for an estimate to mount & balance my new GYE's $40ea + tax and had to leave 'em.
Went 4mi down the road to the GY Store...$15ea with a DAV discount.
Our local Gander/CW, good for name brand emergency purchase only and LP by the gallon.
Bob
🇺🇸
__________________
I’m done with ‘adulting’…Let’s go find Bigfoot.
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07-02-2020, 09:46 AM
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#5
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2 Rivet Member
1992 26' Land Yacht
Wickes
, Arkansas
Join Date: Dec 2007
Posts: 70
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We were on a caravan a few years ago and the refrigerator went out on us. It would work on 110vac but not on propane. I called the local Camping World store to see if they had the controller board ib stock and they said that they did and and they could replace it the following day. We took the rig in and they said that they had to run a diagnostic on the refrig to determine what the failure was and sure enough it was the controller board, which was the reason that I brought it in. They did NOT have the board in stock and it would take about a week to get it from their distributor.At which time I said forget it and would handle it myself. They informed me that I had an outstanding bill for the diagnostic service.It took a while and a long talk with the manager before I could reclaim my rig.. This seems to be quite common with Camping World service.
I called Dianasour Electronics for a replacement board and had them overnight it to the next campground the caravan was staying at and we had the refrig back in operation.
PS We have never returned to a Camping World store.
__________________
Bob & Dorothy
1992 Land Yacht TT
WBCCI # 4550
Arkansas Razorback Airstream Club
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07-02-2020, 09:49 AM
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#6
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Married with Airstream
2004 25' International CCD
Vancouver Island
, British Columbia
Join Date: Apr 2018
Posts: 934
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I am a DIY person - and what I can't do mechanically I take our AS to my honest Abe auto mechanic who is an RV'er. For the stuff like stoves etc: to Arbutis up in Port Alberni ... good people that know what they are doing.
__________________
La Dolce Vita Brick & Mona
We're Married With Airstream dot com
2004 International 25CCD Registered Name "Blue Streak"
2013 F-150HD FX4 SuperCrew Lariart (MaxTow) "Red Dragon"
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07-02-2020, 09:59 AM
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#7
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Rivet Master
2005 25' Safari
Salem
, Oregon
Join Date: Mar 2006
Posts: 8,377
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Hi, FYI there is an Airstream dealer in Eugene, Oregon.
__________________
Bob 2005 Safari 25-B
"Le Petit Chateau Argent" Small Silver Castle
2000 Navigator / 2014 F-150 Eco-Boost / Equal-i-zer / P-3
YAMAHA 2400 / AIR #12144
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07-02-2020, 11:13 AM
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#8
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4 Rivet Member
2016 26' Flying Cloud
2016 25' Flying Cloud
1997 21' Excella
Full-Time
, Full-Time
Join Date: Apr 2015
Posts: 281
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I would not even use a Campingworld's bathroom. Youtube up Campingworld. How they stay in business baffles me.
__________________
Greg
2016 RAM 2500 6.7L Cummins, 4WD, Crew, Rear Air
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07-02-2020, 11:26 AM
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#9
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4 Rivet Member
2021 28' International
Knoxville
, Tennessee
Join Date: Apr 2020
Posts: 372
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I’ve had my new AS at the local dealers shop now for a month getting a bike rack, replacement vent curtain and replacement vent, only to learn last week the wrong vent was sent and it will be 2 more weeks.
Blames it all on high volume of new sales.
Not pleased with their service Dept.
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07-02-2020, 02:02 PM
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#10
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Rivet Master
1976 31' Sovereign
Oswego
, Illinois
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 2,017
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Plan-B
I would not even use a Campingworld's bathroom. Youtube up Campingworld. How they stay in business baffles me.
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If I remember rite AS loaned cw millions of $ time back.
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07-02-2020, 03:27 PM
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#11
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Rivet Master
2012 25' FB Eddie Bauer
Vintage Kin Owner
Virginia Beach
, Virginia
Join Date: Sep 2004
Posts: 7,801
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The retail store south of Akron Ohio is big and well stocked, and has a discount for Good Sam members (without that Amazon would beat the pants off of them every time). The bathrooms were clean too. But it would not surprise me if they install pay toilets. (Of course experienced boondockers might use the parking lot.)
But sales and service; pray for the souls of all who venture near. Watched a sales professional (oldest profession?) Try to sell a propane tank and propane fill to a buyer of a small trailer trailer. Wonder how.much it will cost to buy wheels and tires?
The one in Tampa across the road from Airstream dealer... well prices were lower at Airstream... and 3 sales people accosted me before I got to the retail store.
__________________
Today is a gift, that's why they call it the present.
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07-02-2020, 03:41 PM
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#12
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Site Team
2002 25' Safari
Dewey
, Arizona
Join Date: Mar 2005
Posts: 15,616
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We often stop while on the road at CW to stock up on paper products and other RV related items. Our biggest issue is the fact that many of the locations do not have any place to park your TV and Airstream. If you are going to focus your sales on the RV crowd, give them a place to park.
Exceptions to this are the stores in Albuquerque, NM and Anthony, TX. They both have plenty of parking room.
The very worst was Lafayette, LA (Now Closed) where there was no room for just my truck and we had to park on the frontage road. CW of Indianapolis, IN had no place to park as did CW of New Hampshire.
__________________
Richard
Wally Byam Airstream Club 7513
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07-02-2020, 03:56 PM
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#13
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4 Rivet Member
1976 24' Argosy 24
1999 30' Excella 1000
White Haven
, Pennsylvania
Join Date: Jul 2006
Posts: 402
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I tried to schedule a leak test for our 76 Argosy with Camping World in Harrisburg PA. I was told that they do not work on trailers older than 10 yrs. End of story.
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07-02-2020, 04:15 PM
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#14
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Rivet Master
2017 16' Sport
N/A
, N/A
Join Date: Nov 2017
Posts: 1,789
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I have used service at Kingston NY Camping World, I found them to be professional and have developed a good working relationship with my service advisor. I have seen other Airstreams there for services also. As with all everyone experience is unique.
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07-02-2020, 04:47 PM
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#15
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Rivet Master
2014 25' Flying Cloud
Cuddebackville
, New York
Join Date: May 2007
Posts: 4,346
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Florida.
__________________
2014 25' Flying Cloud Rear Twin
2019 Ford Expedition Platinum
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07-02-2020, 04:48 PM
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#16
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Rivet Master
2019 19' Flying Cloud
Canyon Country
, California
Join Date: May 2019
Posts: 909
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Eagle & Bear
Being spoiled retirees, we have been hanging out on the beaches near Florence, Oregon each summer for the past 5 years. Last year we left the Reno area and dove north to Oregon. About half way there our 43 year old RM100 fridge died. Glad that it lasted three to four times longer than I could have hoped for but now we have to find out what we need to do.
I spent several hours researching the options that we had if we were to replace the refrigerator. Found out that there was only one model that would slide into the original cabinetry. Trying to find the one model that was recommended, I made numerous calls to RV dealers and repair shops that would be on our route north. Fortunately the Campingworld in Eugene, OR had the fridge in stock.
Renovation of a vintage Airstream can take a lot of time but most of it is fairly simple. Over the years I have upgraded the 110 wiring, replace all of the copper with PEX, installed a new TV antenna, put two surveillance cameras on the roof, put in 2 TVs, redid all of the '70s upholstery and shag carpet, created a storage area for the spare tire, installed TPMS, coated the roof with white Buss Topper, etc. So far I have done over 90% of the work (including repairing a broken frame) but since I had just turned 70 and had no idea how to dispose of the old refrigerator, I decided to have the Campingworld dealer in Eugene, OR do the job.
I got a quote of $1800 for the fridge and $160 to install it. From what I could tell the price was OK. Since they could not work us in for several more days I began disassembling the cabinetry (I am just a helpful kinda guy). On the day that I was told to bring our trailer in I towed it from Florence to Eugene and left it with the Campingworld service manager. We returned at 4:30 but had to wait for another two hours so that the technician could finish the job.
Since it was after 6 I payed and then left. Unfortunately I did not say anything when I saw that they tacked on another $400 for labor. Dope slap has already been administered. When we got set up in Florence again I looked more closely at the finish job that the technician did. The finish work on the cabinetry was done very poorly but we were happy to see that the fridge worked.
Being very classy people we decided to buy a Dish receiver about 8 years ago. This year we decided to leave the dome in storage for the summer and use our new TV antenna for the summer.
When I installed the antenna for both the radio and TV I ran the wires through some flex conduit, down the outside, through a stainless "clamshell", into the refrigerator compartment and attached the coax it to the antenna booster that is located on the wall next to the fridge cabinet. When we got set up and settled in Florence today we turned on the TV, installed the correct settings and scanned for TV stations. No TV. Slowly rotated the antenna but found no channels. Nada.
I said to myself "WTH". I checked all of the fittings inside and then opened the outside access door to the fridge. What I found was that the Campingworld technician had cut the coax that ran from the antenna to the signal booster inside and a second wire that plugged into the second TV. I had no idea why he cut the coax instead of leaving it attached to the inside of the compartment but now I have to reroute the wiring.
The point of my story is to ask if this is a typical example of the kind of work that Campingworld does or was this a bad day for the technician? If you had a similar experience with the kind of work that Campingworld does what did you do about it?
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Camping world was hoping that you were so dumb to bring the Airstream back there for them to fix your TV and overcharge you. Or there’s a silver envy so they cut your cable.
At the other forum Popupportal.com, there are so many complaints against Camping World. We were so disappointed at many owners sold their camping dealership to Camping world which made the dealership worse off.
I wouldn’t go there at all.
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07-02-2020, 05:01 PM
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#17
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Rivet Master
2014 27' Flying Cloud
Wenatchee
, Washington
Join Date: May 2014
Posts: 512
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“Silver Envy”. Good term for a couple of our negative experiences (not at CW, just in general).
__________________
2018 Ram 3500 SLT CTD 4X4 pickup
2014 Airstream Flying Cloud 27FB
WBCCI #7180
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07-02-2020, 05:27 PM
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#18
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1 Rivet Member
1972 31' Sovereign
cotati
, California
Join Date: Apr 2020
Posts: 16
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We ordered a new A/C with heat pump from camping world in March. Payment was processed immediately. After almost a month of no sales receipt or shipping invoice we started calling(or sitting on hold for hours at a time). More than 6 times over the last 3 months we spoke to a new representative who was "going to look into it and call or email us back" they would also "add notes to our account about this conversation"
It took until mid June for a competent person to finally get to the bottom of our missing A/C and it might be another month until we receive it. There were never any notes added to anything. We had to start all over from the bottom every time we finally got through.
We will NEVER use them again and steer anyone as far from them as possible.
Shane
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07-02-2020, 05:36 PM
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#19
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2 Rivet Member
1976 27' Overlander
2021 30RB Classic
Lubbock
, Texas
Join Date: Mar 2014
Posts: 20
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Camping World Yuck!
Two things. Marcus Lemonis needs to consider hiring himself a new manager.
I will never take my Airstream there again either.
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07-02-2020, 05:41 PM
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#20
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Rivet Master
2007 27' Safari FB SE
NW Oregon in a nice spot
, Oregon
Join Date: Sep 2011
Posts: 879
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Dating myself here, but I remember when CW was a great place to go to. Hired rv folks to work where ever they might be so they knew what they were talking about. Fantastic selection of stuff I didn't even know I needed and reasonable prices. Now ask for basic stuff and it isn't in stock...and the prices - I should be so proud of myself.
Kind of like what happened at West Marine after Randy handed over operations and Crawford has to step away for health reasons....sad but part of history I guess.
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