Thanks to stronger, lighter materials and advanced manufacturing techniques, modern recreational vehicles (RVs) provide greater comfort and flexibility than ever before. 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. This includes everything from van-sized units that can double as a second car, to luxurious park models intended for extended stays in a defined area. Whatever your need, you'll find an RV to match.

Your local RV dealer is your best source for assistance on selecting the perfect unit 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.



Nine Basic Categories
RVs come in a vast range of sizes and capabilities, all of which fit into one of nine basic categories. Three of those categories represent different styles of motorhomes, which can be defined as self-contained, self-powered vehicles.

Class A motorhomes, which are built on specialized chassis, are the largest type. Often built in a bus-style configuration, they offer tremendous amounts of space, making them ideal for larger families or extended trips. Class B motorhomes, which are built on a van chassis, are the smallest style of motorhome and are unbeatable for negotiating small, winding roads leading to remote vacation spots. Many serve double-duty, functioning as a second car in between camping forays. Some models incorporate a wide-body design for more space, and are sometimes refferred to as Class B Plus motorhomes.

Between the Class A and Class B/B Plus units are the mid-sized Class C motorhomes, which generally combine the basic chassis and cab of a van with a larger RV body.

Of course, not all RVs are self-powered. Travel trailers are designed to be towed by a passenger car, minivan, SUV or truck, and they range in size from ultra-compact 10-foot models to ultra-luxurious units of 30 or more feet in length. 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. Once the trailer is parked at the campground, you simply flip a switch and the slide expands to its full width. (Top)

Trailers greater than about 34 feet in length are seldom moved more than once, and have been designated Park Models by the RV 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.

Those who relish the open-air adventure of traditional tent camping, but who still appreciate homey comfort and conveniences, will find that Fold-Down Camping Trailers offer an attractive alternative in the travel trailer category. Fold-downs are lightweight and compact enough that family sedans and minivans can tow most. 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 also the least expensive RV category.

The newest RV category - the appropriately named Hybrid Trailers - integrate the benefits of a fold-down unit into a traditional travel trailer shell. Hybrid trailers have really begun to catch on with people who seek vast amounts of space in a relatively compact, easy-to-tow package. They neatly combine the practicality of a fold-down with all the features and amenities of a travel trailer.

For pickup truck owners, the range of RV's is even greater. You can hitch up a fold-down or a standard travel trailer, or select a Fifth Wheel Trailer instead. The fifth wheel trailer is named for the saddle-and-pin type of hitch configuration. Unlike a traditional trailer hitch, which sits below the rear bumper, a fifth wheel unit mounts right in the pickup bed. This arrangement maximizes the towing capacity of the truck while providing improved road handling characteristics. 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. And with the pivot point of the hitch situated over the truck's rear wheels, rather than behind them, fifth wheels are more maneuverable than traditional travel trailers. Many upscale fifth wheels now offer slide-out sections to enhance interior space.

Pickup owners can also select a Truck Camper as the RV of their dreams. These compact units slide directly into the truck bed, 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 remote areas requiring four-wheel-drive. (Editor's note: Remember than when you add a truck camper to a pickup, you raise its center of gravity. To avoid a rollover, always use common sense as you explore the uncharted wilderness!)

Choosing the RV
Over the years, our Camping Canada RV Lifestyle magazine road test teams have found that new RV enthusiasts tend to initially shy away from the larger vehicles, only to discover after a few weeks on the road that they really wish they had bought a unit with 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 15 or 20 minutes inside each one, imagining what it would be like on a rainy weekend when you have the whole family inside. 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. In short, is there enough space for you to enjoy the RV in comfort? (Top)

It is equally important to select a model that provides sufficient storage space for your household gear without becoming cramped. You'll also need room for the lawn chairs, fishing rods, golf clubs and other gear you'll want to bring along.

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 liquid propane (LP) gas systems. With most major appliances covered by their own warranties, with 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 is an easy and enjoyable way to travel.

A Word About Pricing and Specifications
This RV Buyer's Guide has been compiled from information supplied by manufacturers of RV's sold in Canada. In some cases, currency fluctuations require that we list the suggested base price in US rather than Canadian dollars. Please note that all prices are suggested base amounts, and do not include optional equipment, freight, dealer preparation or taxes. For the purposes of comparison, vehicles are designated in imperial rather than metric measurements.

Please note that this RV Buyer's Guide 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 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. Hotlinks to the industry websites are also available at our on-line magazine, www.rvlifemag.com. (Page Top)