By Barry Zander, Edited by Monique Zander, the Never-Bored RVers
Monique and I were waiting for our pizza while sitting in a restaurant in Aspen, Colorado, when I looked across the room and noticed a 75ish man was leaning over his table, obviously distraught. He was staring down with his face between his hands. He kept that position for the whole time we were eating.
When we were ready to leave, Monique went over, sat across from him in the booth and asked if there is anything we could do to help. He told her, “My wife fell when she was getting out of the motorhome. The stool turned over and she went down. She’s in the hospital now.”
Obviously there was nothing we could do except express our sympathy. A few days later while in a campground in Sedona, we saw a Casita with a strong-looking aluminum step. “We got it at Camping World after our plastic one turned over,” the owner told us. We soon bought one to make our travels safer.
As we speed down the grey ribbon of interstate highways in America, I don’t think anything terrifies Monique more than when I say, “We just passed a Camping World.”
“You don’t need anything.” “I just want to get a 10-foot white hose.” That conversation immediately precedes the cash register showing balance due of $246.58.
This is not an advertisement for Camping World – it’s strictly my thoughts about why we always manage to run up long receipts when we just stop for one or two items.
Over the years I’ve heard many RVers complain about Camping World retail and parts store prices, but in most cases I have found their pricing to be fair. Like any place else, they are lower on some items; higher on others. Being members of their Presidents Club certainly saves us money over the shelf prices, but I wonder how many frequent RVers aren’t members. I don’t remember them doing a background check to see if I was qualified for membership five years ago, the clerk just took our money.
We stop at Camping World stores simply because they have what I need, although it’s often for things I didn’t know I needed. “Another set of colorful tarp clips in the basket won’t hurt anything, right?”
This blog is really about things we have bought at Camping World (and other RV and big box stores less frequently), which you might want to consider for your RVing safety and comfort.
Let’s start with that aluminum step stool (look on the campingworld.com site under RV steps). It’s sturdy and folds up. Plus, when we are in a campground with wooden tables, we use it under our grill to protect the table.
Our Sturdy Aluminum Step
Surge Guard on Duty
We saw an article about RV surge guards in a magazine that had a picture of the worse-case scenario of what happens when there’s a short or surge in the campground electric box. Nothing left of the rig after the fire. So we bought one and used it until in a state park in Minnesota it melted from a surge. “Never happened here before, you bet!” the camp host assured me. Didn’t matter – we were out a $56.00 surge guard (apparently $80.00 now) but thankful that was all the damage. The 50-amp are much pricier, but I’m certain it’s a worthwhile investment
I used that replacement surge guard for about three months before donating it to another camper – not on purpose, but because I didn’t go down my takeoff check list until we were a good ways down the road. An expensive mistake I (hope I) won’t make again.
Here’s an interesting Camping World find. We connect our satellite dish with a co-ax cable. At first I ran the wire through the door, which never works well, but it’s even worse in cold, hot and rainy weather.
Easy Solution to Hooking Up the Dish
It was an improvement when I drilled a hole in the floor under a drawer, but what an inconvenience getting it rigged both outside and inside. Then I found an Exterior Cable TV Receptacle with a snap-down cover. I drilled a hole for the cable and rigged it up so that I can just screw on the cable outside and attach the wire from the inside of the receptacle to the TV. Works every time – and I’ve never found the single pole receptacle anywhere other than Camping World.
Now for a biggie! In theory Bungee Cords do not prevent an awning from unwrapping in high wind. We installed two RV Awning Clamps to protect our 18-foot awning after we met a camp host who had just lost his awning when a wind shear unwrapped it while it was rolled up on his 5th wheel. I think just one clamp is recommended for under 18 feet. For $45 each, they allow us to sleep easier on windy nights.
Two Straps Keep Our 18-foot Awning Secure
The 6-volt batteries we tried to install in our travel trailer to replace the worn out 12- volt models didn’t fit. It would have taken major body work to make them accessible. Among the reasons I wanted to upgrade is that Camping World has a device that supposedly keeps the 6-volt batteries filled. I do plan to check to see if a 12-volt has become available. Since our batteries are tough to check, this would be a great benefit.
We traveled with two 2000-watt Honda generators for over three years, but only used both of them in tandem once, so I sold one to a neighboring camper in Dosewallops, Washington. Later I sold (at great financial loss) the wire set to connect them. Then our remaining 2000-watt Honda began to lose power, and despite professional help, it struggled to power our microwave oven. I sold the generator to my son (at great financial loss), replaced by the fairly new 3000i. There is no way I could lift the standard 148-pound Honda 3000 into the back of our truck, but the new “i” weighs 76 pounds, which I expect to be able to lift for another five or so years. The major differences between the two 3000s is the electric start and metal cover on the standard model.
To be truthful, I did not buy this at Camping World. When I took my 2000 in for service, the Honda dealer was ready to deal. Monique gave the go-ahead, and we’ve been happy ever since.
Let’s go up top for a moment. I installed a Cyclone Sewer Vent on our toilet ventilator. It swings with the wind, which is probably good. What’s bad is when we have the cover of the Fantastic Fan in the bedroom open,
Up Top -- the Fan Cover, Toilet Exhaust Spinner and an Awning Strap
the fumes seem to flow into the trailer. I’m not sure if it’s a coincidence or just luck that the wind always seems to be blowing the wrong way.
Against the recommendation of Fantastic Fan, I put a large MaxxAir II over the fan in the bathroom. It’s a benefit to be able to keep the cover open in rainy weather without a problem. [I can’t recommend this, since it goes against manufacturer’s advice.]
Very Versatile Light
The Coleman LED Quad Lantern is an excellent source of light when dry camping and when eating outside at night. Each of the four panels can be removed separately and lighted, and all the panels can be lighted at once when on the base. The panels recharge from four D-cell batteries. It’s really cool! We’ve seen this at Walmart and Camping World.
Why do you need to know the temperature inside and outside the rig? I don’t know, but I like to know. Camping World and other stores sell various versions of the Wireless Weather Station. Ours includes weather predictions, atomic time, relative humidity, sunrise, sunset, high and low temps and a little man dressed appropriately for the weather. Best Buy used to stock several different models, but they are no longer in inventory.
I love my 10-foot extending ladder that compresses down to about two feet high. The one at Camping World is rugged-looking and is priced accordingly. I bought mine at Target for half the price, and it has not failed me yet (I weigh 180 pounds, a consideration when shopping for ladders).
As I mentioned earlier, hearing the name “Camping World” strikes fear in Monique’s heart, but we are glad that they are there to serve the RV community. Finding parts specifically needed for our lifestyle is greatly appreciated.
From the “Never-Bored RVers,” We’ll see you on down the road.
© All photos by Barry Zander. All rights reserved I took these photos in a hurry and without much prepping. They are fair game to copy if you need ’em!
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Harold Howell
As for the Surge Guard, we have an installed unit mounted in the power cord cabinet. It monitors both 20,35,& 50 amp service. And you never leave it behind. It has saved my MH several times.
Bobby Ratliff
My experience with camping world is that they are above the limits on pricing….I recently contacted them to price an oil change for my Triton V-10 and was told by the Service Manager it would be $89 and some change unless it took more than 8 quarts….I was baffled after I checked with the local Ford dealership and found out they do them for $40. I have compared other items in the past with Camping World items and also motorhome prices and have found them to be very much higher…..one thing I give them credit for they have most everything you need…and a huge service department.
marianj
Just got around to reading your blog on CW loved it. I am the who spends money, my husband has to be shown products we need. We go to Wilsonville Oregon when we need something didnt know you could stay overnight.
Buster Frogg
Not one of our favorite places to shop. To expensive, and the membership gimmick,
oh well, enough said.
Geoffrey Pruett
We have a flaw built into our A that so far remains unfixed, a tug in the steering each time we try to pass a Camping World. The hardest part is leaving with only one item in the basket.
w6pea
I have had the surge protector that you showed in the photo for several years now. I bought and extended warranty for it. Have not had any problems with it at all and we have had several surges in campgrounds where have had to use the reset button. Of course now that the extended warranty from CW will expire in a month or so it will break. Or it always seems that as soon as the warranty dies so does the item covered by that warranty.
Nice article.
paul kinyon
your droid should tell you the outside temp. my htc inc 2 does love that phone
Larry
Dalton……..Why not just emmigrate to the U.S. and be done with it? There are lots of things America has that Canada doesn’t. Starting with a Bill Of Rights. Free speech guaranteed. The right to keep AND bear arms shall not be infringed. No gun registration. You can see any doctor you want to and if you need to make a return visit, you can see the same doctor as many times as he/she needs to be assured that you are cured. Canada is a very nice place to visit but you wouldn’t want to live there. I’m told that Canada is it’s own country, but they still have the Queen of England on their coins and paper money and fawn over the Queen when she visits. Australia does it too. The Queen of England seems to be a nice old gal, but I wouldn’t bow and scrape to her.
Dave Odekirk
I’ve found you have to watch the sales at CW. I see they currently have all the Champion generators on sale online. Last time I looked they weren’t. Nor are they on sale at my nearby store. They do have things I haven’t found anywhere else. Everytime I drive by one I have to stop!
Thomas Becher
If you bought your Honda from CW you paid too much. Any local dealer will beat their price. I have purchased a lot of stuff from CW over the years and I now find that there is a dealer nearby that has a great stock of parts and stuff on hand. I pay no more and if it is not in stock they ship to my house for free. I really don’t like paying a fee to shop there and no longer pay Sam’s either. Too many competietors out there to continue those practices. Just my opinion.
Dan Bowles
I noticed that some writers have had a less than optimal experience at CW as I have had also. Once in Bellville, Mi. and once in Denver but I did not let this dissuade me from trying another. I can attest that CW’s can very from one location to another. I visited one in Houghton Lake, Mi. and felt like I was part of the family! From the greeting when I entered the door to the sales associates I encountered and even at the check-out. It was the way I wanted to be treated. Yes, sometimes the prices are higher even with Presidents Club, but at least the associates know camping. I find this lacking in Walmart.
Manuel Enos
I agree with you guys…CW is the greatest when it comes to RV stuff…My wife and I have a hard time passing one up when we are out and about and we have 4 within driving distance of our home in N. Florida…Some stuff is high and some stuff is about right…No complaints…
Craig Dresser
Unfortunately for me but good for my bank account, the nearest CW to me relocated a couple of years ago so it’s no longer conveniently located! But they are well equiped with almost anything an RV’er needs or wants. Like many of the rest of you I have trouble going in CW or Walmart without dropping at least $100. Thanks for the blog Barry and keep up the good work. (Not a commercial for you, just a comment).
carl stark
Enjoyed reading your article. Reminded me of similiar experiences on the road. Camping World has many items that are becoming more difficult to find as more and more RV sales/parts facilities are closing. They are there, and located in places we have needed them. As for the surge protector, we put the in-line one within our Class A prior to going out West, and it saved us costly repairs on at least 5-times. One RV neighbor lost his A/C and his interior electric, when my surge protector kicked in. To those who grumble about this website, most articles are worthy, some are silly, some interesting, but ALL are offered to fellow RVers who enjoy the RV culture. Relax and enjoy yourselves. Carl.
Millie
When ever we get a new RV, I head for CW, I know that if I renew my membership at that time the saving off the price will pay for the membership. I have priced items at other camping stores and usually find them more expensive if they even have them. Some items we can be at regular stores, but a lot of items we can only find at a camper store, I price one time a guard for the screen door and it was worth the drive to CW vs the nearby camper store due to the saving.
julie rea
I LOVE shopping at CW. Kids know that a CW gift certificate is best gift they can give me! BillK definately needs a hug from someone. Seems like different merchants were mentioned, not just CW, so not commercial for them!
Love reading all your articles.
Dalton
We don’t have a Camping World in Canada. Every time we go into Washington down I5 we can’t pass the Camping World in Burlington. In fact we specifically schedule a day in our travels to shop there. We never come out for less than $100. We love it.
Jimmy Leggett
CW and Wal-Mart. I can’t seem to get out of either one without dropping at least a hundred.. Must be something in the water or the air conditoning (chuckling).
Wife almost refuses to let me get the coach serviced anywhere that has new RVs for sale, i have a bad habit of wanting bigger and better. I am almost there.
Howard Olsen
Sounds like someone needs a hug… I think the items mentioned are based on actual real life experiences. Why not mention a good merchant?
Billk
Is this just another commerical for CW? I think it is time to add this site to the Junk mail column. I wanted real experiences with MH and camping.
butterbean carpenter
Howdy Barry,
No wonder you didn’t stay on the road as a ‘full-timer’; 180#, thatz lite wate !!! Full
timers weigh at least 250# !!!!
Good article and Camping World thanks you for it !!! I went to one once and nobody noticed my 270# wonderful personality, so I left… Have passed up quite a few since.
Good story on the surge-guard… DKL thanx you also..
Smooth roads, clear skies & balmy breezes !!!!
Don
Please don’t get me wrong, I do shop at CW for a lot of things, but let’s face it, for the most part, they are more expensive than walmarts and box stores. I was toying last night about creating a blog for inexpensive camping. In case you subscribe to trailer life or camping life, you’ll notice that they test the high dollar products that most of us would like but in reality just can’t afford in today’s economic society. Hopefully, I’ll get the blog started soon to discuss and maybe test some products that are needed and at a reasonable price!
Jon
I love to shop at CW seems like I always find something I need. My doesn’t like my shopping there because I am like a kid in a candy store. Handiest thing ever purchased was valve extensions. What a difference it makes checking tire pressure before starting out. Trying to talking her into the tire pressure system next. Sales people helpful and don’t try and pressure you into buying.
Gus
Took me several years to learn but when visiting a Camping World I do not allow my wife to use a cart. Only a basket!!
Ralphie Boyo
I checked around for the Surge Guard you have and found that they range in price from about $80 as you stated to $240 at CW. I assume that you are satisfied with what you have. I honestly don’t know what different features the pricey one would have. I’ll get one before we head out again. Great “episode”…
Jim
Your experience at Camping World sound like our frequent stops, i.e., all I need was one item until the wife and started our walk around. The one item always leads to at least a basket full and a $100+ ticket at check out.
Rae
I got to shop at Camping World for the first time this past winter. They carry a lot of the same products as Walmart and Canadian Tire, but there seems to always be a product choice that’s one level up. I got my first decent water hose from them after suffering through years of using the Camco ones.
Their prices seem to be better than RV parts shops, too. I was looking for some TV tie-downs to secure my printer and they were something like $20 in RV parts stores, but only $11 at Camping World with the membership card.
Also, some Camping Worlds allow overnight parking. In the sea of ‘no overnight parking!’ signs in Oregon, the Camping World in Wilsonville was a welcome oasis.