You spotted the perfect camper, but it is hundreds (or even thousands) of miles away at a Camping World outside your hometown. It’s safe to say that you don’t want to travel this far to purchase your new camper. Many people wonder whether Camping World will ship their campers between locations.
Camping World occasionally does courtesy ships of campers from one location to another as long as the deal is closed with the original dealer. However, you may have more trouble getting service on your new purchase at your local CW. Be cautious about purchasing a camper with no inspection.
Learn more about the Camping World policies in this detailed breakdown of what you can expect when it comes to shipping your camper.
Will Camping World Transfer Campers?
Camping World will transfer campers from location to location, but it could be a risky endeavor for buyers.
RV sales tend to be quite large, so it makes sense that they would be willing to take on the responsibility of shipping these high-ticket items whenever they have the opportunity to make a solid sale.
Certain areas are eligible for local delivery if you want your Camping World purchase shipped to your home.
You can fill out the contact form, complete your financing paperwork, send it in, and schedule delivery, all from the comfort of your couch.
Once you receive your paperwork, you will have just 24 hours to complete it and return it to qualify for home delivery.
Delivery options will vary depending on the manufacturer and brand you desire to purchase.
This enables you to purchase a camper from Camping World without stepping foot on a lot. However, this removes the ability to survey and tour the camper before you finance it.
Upon delivery, a certified specialist will provide you with a walkthrough, but it may be too late to change your mind once it is already in your possession and the financing has been run.
While Camping World can and does ship campers all over the country, is it the best idea for you?
You need to consider a few things before plunging into a deal with Camping World for an RV that you saw online.
1. You Will Close The Deal With The Original Seller
While Camping World is willing to do a courtesy ship of their campers from one place to another, you will be expected to close the deal with the original seller.
Even if they are hundreds of miles away from you, they want you to sign on the dotted line before they are willing to transfer any camper.
Your local dealer will be unable to close the deal with you. This also means that you will not be able to view the camper before purchasing unless a road trip is in your future.
The dealer will likely be resistant to shipping the camper to you for a pre-purchase inspection, as this could be quite costly for them if you decide not to buy as a result of your inspection.
The best and easiest thing to do would be to travel to the distant location that has your ideal camper and inspect it in person.
You can then close the deal in person and see if they will arrange a courtesy ship to your local area.
2. Service Might Be Hit Or Miss With Transferred Campers
Camping World locations are found nationwide, but you may not get treated with the same level of service at your local CW if you didn’t purchase there.
They will still service your new RV, but it may take them a while to get to it.
According to some RV owners, their local Camping World moved them to the bottom of the priority list just as if they were non-customers.
Why is that? Well, it likely has to do with the fact that you didn’t give them business. They did not make a dime off your transaction with a distant retailer.
This does not incentivize them to work you in or treat you with care.
3. You Might Have Issues With Warranty Service
If your new-to-you camper is under warranty, be prepared to make a road trip if it needs service.
Most of the time, these campers must be seen by the location that originally sold them.
Since you did your deal with the distant Camping World, this may be where it would also need to go if it required warranty service work.
This is particularly true if you purchase a camper not sold at your local Camping World.
Each location sells a unique selection of brands, and you may not find what you are looking for locally.
If this is the case, you may have to return it to the CW where it was purchased or another authorized retailer of that brand for warranty-related work.
4. Pay Careful Attention To Details
If you opt for their home delivery service, you will want to pay careful attention to the videos and photos they show you and the specs for the proposed camper purchase.
This could be the only opportunity to spot previous abuse, whether from former owners or the lot itself.
Some are taken to RV shows and have visible wear and tear from tours by others who were curious about a particular model or were considering making a purchase.
Ask all the questions you can think of before you submit to their financing process or cut them a check for a camper you haven’t seen in person.
Request all the documentation they have on your new camper, including floor plans, so you can get a good feel for what it will be like to travel in it once it belongs to you.
5. Pictures Are Deceiving
Keep in mind that Camping World is out to make a sale. The videos and pictures they take will paint the camper in the best possible light.
They may not show spots with the most traffic or wear and tear. They aim to convince you that a camper is in top shape and the sales staff may not be transparent.
Only when it shows up at your local CW or your doorstep will you have a full picture of what the camper looks like – and by then, it may be too late to change your mind.
It is always best to at least make a trip to view the camper in person before discussing courtesy shipping to your local Camping World.
They offer a virtual visit if this isn’t possible (pre-recorded or a live walkthrough).
A live walkthrough will allow you to ask questions and see every aspect of the RV that interests you before making a purchase decision.
Summary
While Camping World may transfer a camper you fell in love with online, you need to be cautious with this type of transaction.
You may not be able to see the full picture of what you are getting into with a camper bought sight unseen.
Not to mention, it may be hard to get your local CW to provide service on your new-to-you camper.
If they don’t sell that brand, you might also need to find another service provider for warranty work. Consider carefully if shipping a camper is the right move for you.