Oregon’s Department of Justice recently settled a 6-year-old case against Camping World. The settlement involves the RV dealer chain’s advertising and add-on charges.
The settlement refunds $3 million to consumers who bought Camping World RVs from Jan. 1, 2017, through Dec. 31, 2018 and who paid more than the RV’s advertised price. In addition, Camping World is prohibited from charging more than the advertised price (excluding optional goods or accessories, license and registration fees or other taxes), whether the deal is financed or paid in cash.
Camping World is prohibited from “double-charging consumers” for costs included in the RV’s MSRP. State Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum said the investigation found Camping World advertised a heavily discounted price, but added freight and dealer prep charges that already were included in the advertised price.
Rosenblum said, “This is not how Oregonians expect or deserve to be treated!”
To avoid the “double charges,” Camping World will be required to disclose freight and dealer prep charges on a label attached to the vehicle.
Camping World also must use “clear abbreviations in its purchase orders.” The DOJ said Camping World would often use the term “environ” on purchase orders to describe a limited warranty against weather damage.
Camping World also cannot make a “free” offer in conjunction with an RV purchase, unless the offer is made by a manufacturer or party that is not Camping World, including its Good Sam Club. The DOJ said because Camping World also owns Good Sam, its “free” offers can be “illusory.”
