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If you’re in the market for a new RV, you might have a Gander RV dealership near you. You’ll likely spend hours upon hours researching different models, floorplans, and options.
However, a mistake many shoppers make is not investigating the RV dealership. Before you go shopping at a Gander RV, we think there are a few things you need to know.
Let’s get started!
What Is Gander RV?
You may know Gander RV by their previous names, Gander Mountain, Inc. and Gander Outdoors, Inc. They’re a chain of RV dealerships that primarily focuses on high-volume sales of RVs. They’re notorious for selling overpriced camping gear to inexperienced RVers.
You can typically spot their dealerships from several miles away as they often have massive flags that have caused them legal troubles. However, while we appreciate their patriotism and love for their country, this is where the positive characteristics end when much of the RV community describes Gander RV.
How Many Gander RVs Are There?
There are currently 35 Gander RV locations across the country. When a new owner acquired them in 2017, there were 126 stores. However, the new owner planned only to keep stores open with “a clear path to profitability.” The early indication was to keep approximately 70 Gander RV locations open.
What Types of RVs Does Gander RV Sell?
One advantage to shopping at Gander RV is that they sell a variety of RVs. You can find travel trailers, fifth wheels, and motorhomes. Whether you’re new to RVing or have been full-timing for years, they offer something for everyone.
They also often have a limited supply of clearance and used RVs available. Their lots are a great place to go and walk through RVs while shopping to compare models and the various features. However, you’ll likely want to save signing paperwork for another dealership.
What Other Products Does Gander RV Sell?
Like most RV dealerships, they typically have a store with various RV and camping products available for purchase. If you need something specific to RVing in a hurry and can’t wait for shipping, these can be great places to shop.
You’re going to pay a premium price on gear here. You can typically expect to pay 20% to 30% more than shopping online. So if you can wait, we highly suggest that. RVing gear is already expensive enough. There’s no need to pay anymore than necessary.
Pro Tip: If you’re looking for our favorite RV products that you can get online, check out our Ultimate List of RV Accessories (Over 150 Items!)
Is Gander RV Owned By Camping World?
Yes, Camping World purchased Gander RV in 2017. Marcus Lemonis, CEO of Camping World, had a plan to prune away any stores that had no obvious sign of profit. Early estimates were that approximately 70 stores would remain. However, there are currently 35 stores with the Gander RV name.
About Camping World
Camping World has 154 locations across the country and is one of the most recognized RV dealership names. Their dealerships and sales team can sell you the RV and practically anything you’ll need while using your new RV. They also often have service centers that perform routine maintenance and repairs on your RV.
While they have many convenient locations, they’re often treated as stores that “must not be named.” In recent years, the company has received some rather negative attention and earned itself a pretty lousy reputation amongst the RV community.
Why People Don’t Like Camping World
As the CEO of Camping World, Lemonis has not done a great job of winning public approval. In recent years he’s said some pretty controversial things and inserted himself into political discussions. Politics are typically a hot-button topic, and most people shopping for camping gear are looking to escape the chaos those types of conversations often create.
A lot of people find their prices to be incredibly high. You can typically find the same items online for a fraction of the price. However, if you’re in a pinch or aren’t aware, you may find yourself paying way more than necessary for camping gear.
Camping World owns Good Sam Club and so spending the $29 to join Good Sam Club can help you save some money on your purchase in the store.
You don’t have to search online RV groups or reviews long to see a trend in customer service. Both the retail and service sides of Camping World have a negative reputation.
Many former customers felt unappreciated during the sales process and left hanging once they put pen to paper on their new RV. Some RVers share how having their RV serviced by Camping World was a complete nightmare.
What Should I Be Aware of When Buying an RV at Gander?
Before you step on the Gander RV sales lot, you need to make sure you lower your expectations. Many former customers share how the sales staff was attentive and helpful but unresponsive once completing the deal. If a salesperson promises anything, make sure you get it in writing before signing anything.
Many people shopping for RVs will use dealers like Gander RV and Camping World as nothing more than showrooms. They’ll walk through the RVs and ask a few questions but have no intentions of closing the deal with them. They’ll take their business to another dealer with a better reputation for customer service.
Now You Know About Gander RV
Knowledge is power, and you want to have as much knowledge when making a large purchase, such as an RV. Gander RV sells plenty of RVs each year to stay in business. However, unless you have zero expectations of the dealer once you complete the sale, we suggest that your next RV not be one of them.
Would you consider purchasing your next RV from Gander RV?
