Camping World: Built on Selling Fun in RVing

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Bigger isn’t always better.

It’s an expression you hear time and again. But if you’re in the market for a recreational vehicle, RV accessories or wanting to remodel your RV, Camping World — the world’s largest supplier of RV parts, supplies and accessories — is worth the trip down Interstate 95 to St. Augustine, Fla., according to the Florida Times-Union, Jacksonville.

As a national chain that includes more than 76 stores throughout 33 states, Camping World affords a world of advantages to its customers with an extensive selection, the convenience of integrated customer service, excellent warranties, the most competitive prices in the industry as well as good insurance and financing deals, according to General Manager Scottie Manson.

“We’re unquestionably the most competitive as far as pricing,” said Manson, whose sales are significantly up in the first three months of 2010. “When customers come to us, they tend to get the whole package, which includes parts, service and accessories. We’re buying in volume for many locations. We have the competitive edge and we can pass that savings along to our customers.”

Camping World is designed to offer customers the ultimate convenience in one-stop RV shopping. There’s a large retail showroom stocked with every accessory you can imagine for RVing — from major appliances to satellite dishes — and everything in between. In addition, the dealership’s 24-acre lot is filled with a huge selection of new and pre-owned motorhomes and towables such as travel trailers and fifth-wheels.

Camping World prides itself on carrying trusted, quality brands such as Coleman, which has been around for more than 70 years; a complete line of Thor vehicles such as Keystone, CrossRoads, Dutchmen, Damon and Four Winds; its own unique Freedom line; and many other RV makes and models.

“When it comes to RVs, nobody has the selection we have, and that’s just a fact,” Manson said. “We have approximately 250 to 300 vehicles on the lot at any given time and the availability to pull from the other locations.”

Camping World also boasts a full body shop and a service center that can handle up to 24 vehicles at one time. With eight certified technicians on staff, the service center covers all types of repairs from simple tire emergencies to massive jobs such as replacing roofs or installing appliances.

“We’ll do whatever we can to make the customer happy,” said Service Director Ed Woods. “Camping World service has a lifetime warranty. We stand behind our workmanship.”

Happy campers patronize Camping World on a regular basis. According to Manson, Camping World is recognized by the National RV Dealers Association (RVDA) as the No. 1 retailer for towable and motorized vehicles in the country. Towables, which come in a wide range of sizes and a variety of floorplans, are the most popular choice, especially for first-time buyers, largely due to their affordability.

While travel trailers and fifth-wheels can cost less than a motorhome, the features — flat-screen TVs, slide-outs, custom kitchens and more — are just as impressive. No luxury is spared with the available standard or state-of-the-art options, and it’s easy to find the perfect RV- motorhome or towable – with all the comforts of home to suit your family’s needs.

“Anything that’s available residentially is available for an RV,” Manson said. “You’ll find electronic fireplaces, memory foam mattresses, washers and dryers, outside entertainment units with protected flat-screens, outside grilling centers, central vacuuming systems. You name it, you can get it.”

Customers who are looking to update their RVs won’t want to miss the Design Center in the Camping World showroom. The display showcases a world of possibilities with a fresh, new collection of coordinating designer fabrics, bedding ideas and pillows. The Design Center provides an easy and affordable way to create your own custom interior. You can replace furniture, reupholster pieces, add window treatments, and redo floors with carpet or ceramic tile and hardwood look-alikes.

Another benefit Camping World offers customers is a club membership that guarantees substantial savings on RV items and vehicles. Nearly 1 million members are currently taking advantage of the program which entitles them to additional exclusive amenities.

“With President’s Club, members save 10%, sometimes up to 40%,” said Rodney Landers, retail sales manager. “They also get discounts on installations, catalog and online purchases and more.”

Manson sees RVing as an affordable way for families — young and old — to build lasting memories together. If Manson could dispel one myth, he would like people to know that RVing isn’t just for older, retired people.

“There’s an assumption that RVers are older, but that’s inaccurate,” Manson said. “The demographic has dropped significantly over the last few years to more people in their mid-to-late 20s and early 30s. RVing keeps families together; it’s family fun, and it’s what America was built on.”

Camping World is owned by Affinity Group Inc., parent compoany of RVBUSINESS.com.