There has never been a better time to explore the recreational vehicle lifestyle, and we've never seen so many interesting RV models to choose from!

The RV industry has taken all of the traveling requirements of Canadian families into consideration during the design phase for each vehicle. There are RV models ideally suited for semi-permanent installations in a campground, for frequent traveling with your children, and models ideal for use by retired "empty nesters". There are towable trailers and tent campers which can be used with vehicles you already own, and motorized RV's that are totally self-contained for up to a week of touring.

Your local RV dealer is the best person to consult for assistance on selecting the perfect RV for your family. You will find vehicles covering a wide price range within every category of RV, and the budget-conscious shopper can find excellent value in a used model. RV's tend to age gracefully, and used units often provide outstanding value for your RV dollar.

Eight Basic Categories

The RV market can be divided into eight basic segments. We will describe each category, starting with the three types of motorhomes, defined as Class A units, which are built on specialized chassis, and have a "bus" style configuration; Class B motorhomes, which are modified vans; and Class C units, which have a van chassis, complete with the cab section, and an RV body.

Travel trailers are designed to be towed by a passenger sedan, minivan, SUV or truck, and they range in size from ultra-compact 10' models to ultra luxurious RV's in the 34 foot range. The size of the travel trailer you select will depend on the type of tow vehicle you own (or plan to purchase), the amount of space you require, and your budget. In recent years, the trend in travel trailers has been to include slide-out sections that dramatically enhance the interior living area without increasing the overall length of the trailer. You simply flip a switch once the trailer is parked at the campground, and the slide expands to its full width.

The largest trailers, in the 34' range and above, are seldom moved more than once, and have been designated Park Models by the industry. These vehicles are often seen in a semi-residential setting, and bridge the market between travel trailers and manufactured housing. Some Park Models are as luxurious as an upscale cottage, and suitable for year-round use in appropriately zoned areas.

For pickup truck owners, the range of RV's is even greater. You can hitch up to a standard travel trailer, or select a Fifth Wheel Trailer specifically designed to complement your truck. The Fifth Wheel trailer is named for the saddle and pin type hitch configuration, which maximizes the towing capacity of the truck, and provides the best road handling characteristics. With the weight of the trailer carried over the load bed of the truck, rather than sitting on a hitch at the rear of the vehicle, you can enjoy several advantages of the Fifth Wheel design. Each state and province has a maximum combined length for trailer and tow vehicle combinations - by selecting a Fifth Wheel trailer you take advantage of the extra usable length of the trailer which overlaps the load bed of the truck. The Fifth Wheel also provides a well-balanced trailer/tow vehicle combination, and the pivot point of the hitch allows for easy manoeuvering. Many of the upscale fifth wheels now offer slide-out sections to enhance interior livability.

Pickup owners can also select a Truck Camper as the RV of their dreams. These compact units slide into the load bed of the truck, and are secured with a special tie-down kit. Once you arrive at your campsite, you can either raise the camper on a set of jacks, or leave it attached to the truck. The major advantage of this type of RV is that it can literally go wherever the truck can - even in selected 4x4 conditions (the added weight and higher center of gravity would make some radical 4x4 driving extremely unwise - please use common sense as you explore the uncharted wilderness!)

All of the RV categories up to this point provide comfort in spring, summer and fall conditions, and with the addition of special winterizing options, hardy RV enthusiasts can use the RV all year long. Our RV Lifestyle Magazine staff members have enjoyed winter camping for years, using motorhomes and trailers as base camps for ski and snowmobile adventures - it can be done, and it can be quite comfortable. Consult your RV dealer for the correct vehicle and option packages to use the RV during the winter season.

Some campers will tell you that if you don't sleep under canvas, you aren't really camping. For campers who have grown tired of the cold, hard ground, the next step up for pure camping is the tent trailer, now commonly referred to as the Fold-Down Camping Trailer. These delightful RV models offer light-weight and low cost alternatives to the travel trailer category, and most Fold-Down Camping Trailers can be towed by the popular family sedans and minivans. These trailers offer many advantages - the concept of a trailer that folds down for towing reduces wind resistance, minimizes the combined length of the trailer/tow vehicle combination, and provides the brightest and most natural of RV environments. Relatively simple in their implementation of RV heating, plumbing, and entertainment systems, they are the least costly RV category. (Page Top)

Choosing the RV

Our Camping Canada RV Lifestyle Road Test Teams have a few suggestions when it comes to choosing the ideal RV for your family. Over the years, we have found that new RV enthusiasts tend to shy away from the larger vehicles, only to discover after a few weeks on the road that they really would have preferred more interior space. To avoid this situation, we recommend that you begin your RV shopping adventure by selecting two or three models, and then spend at least fifteen or twenty minutes inside each vehicle, imagining what it would be like on a rainy weekend, when you had the whole family inside the RV. Sit in the dining area, and imagine how you would handle a full dinner situation, then have each member of the family check out the sleeping areas - will you be able to enjoy the RV in comfort?

Our Road Test Teams also suggest that you select an RV with an interior floorplan that provides sufficient storage space for your household gear, as well as an open line of sight from corner to corner. Some people just don't like confined spaces, and having a comfortable amount of room in an RV is a major factor.

Quality of construction is a major consideration in the purchase of any product, and the RV is no exception. All RV models sold in Canada meet or exceed a range of CSA safety specifications covering vehicular components, structural integrity, electrical and LP gas systems. With most major appliances covered by their own warranties, and service available at RV dealerships throughout North America, your assurance of quality is as good as the manufacturer's reputation. Construction quality is something you should look into, if only to see the difference between entry-level and high-end products. We often run our hands inside the cabinetry, to see how well finished the vehicle is in areas where you would not normally check - if the attention to detail is excellent, chances are the entire vehicle is well made.

For motorized RV's, the test drive is imperative. Have your dealer take you on a suitable route to assess the vehicle's road handling characteristics. You may decide that a more powerful engine option is appropriate, or that an upgraded suspension or steering package is a good idea.

For towable RV's, your dealer will help you become familiar with the hitching process, hooking up the RV to the campsite electrical, water, and sewer systems, and operation of all on-board components. If you have not towed an RV before, don't be shy - ask your dealer to give you a few pointers. Many dealerships have people who will help you acquire the nuances of RV towing techniques - once you have a bit of experience, you'll find that towing a trailer can be a relatively easy and enjoyable way to travel.

Using This RV Buyer's Guide

This RV Buyer's Guide has been compiled from information supplied by manufacturers of RV's sold in Canada. In some cases, currency fluctuation requires that we list the suggested base price in US rather than Canadian dollars. All prices are suggested base amounts, and do not include freight, dealer prep, or taxes. For the purposes of comparison, vehicles are designated in imperial rather than metric measurements.

Please note that this RV Buyer's Guide issue is intended to provide a general idea of the range of selected vehicles available in Canada. All specifications listed in this issue are subject to change without notice, and that the publisher cannot be responsible for errors or omissions. Some of the models shown may vary from actual production vehicles. Please consult your local RV dealer for the latest information, or visit the RV industry websites listed on our Direct Access Reader Service page. Hot links to the industry websites are also available at this web site. (Page Top)