Someone, somewhere, has introduced you to the RV lifestyle. Maybe it was a relative who travels extensively by Class A. Or, perhaps you’ve been influenced by friends who describe themselves as Weekend Warriors. (No wonder you can never reach them. Every weekend, they’re out doing the RV thing.) Once bitten by the bug, you thought long and hard about the perfect RV for you. Should you start out with a pop-up or truck camper, or opt for middle-of-the-road in a Class C mini motorhome?

Then you went out and bought all kinds of accessories to go with your new lifestyle. Camping equipment, fishing gear, road maps and the like. You’ve spent countless hours planning exciting trips across Canada, toured US cities and equipped yourself for quick getaways close to your own backyard. You’ve booked time off work, said ‘no’ to social commitments and put off those renovations around the house for yet another year. All for the sake of getting away from it all. In your RV.

After the effort you’ve taken to preserve your lifestyle, why not protect your investment with a freestanding shelter? Considering the fact that RVs do a lot of sitting in the elements, it’s wise to prepare. Those with higher-end units see selling as an option. If their rigs are in top shape, their goal of getting top dollar is more attainable. In this issue, we go Undercover.

And, with the hazy summer behind us and thoughts of winterizing ahead, we’re left with an opportune time for special autumn excursions. We bring you highlights of Newfoundland and Labrador, an RV hotspot. Let our Cooking Ladies take you on an unforgettable tour through rugged landscape and introduce you to some of the most creative cooks and friendliest people on earth. For a completely different adventure, until the end of October, the Chi-Cheemaun ferry will take you and your RV to the isolation of Manitoulin Island, situated at the extreme northern tip of the Bruce Peninsula. It’s the perfect season to feature this mystic wonderland.

To get you where you want to go, we explore Great West Van’s Legend, a Mercedes Benz-powered beauty built on a Dodge Sprinter chassis that allows for a two-zone floor plan, making touring even more comfortable. There’s something for motorsports fans, too – the Gulf Stream EnduraMax 6361. With enough space for four adults, plus a couple of motorcycles, an ATV, snowmobile, perhaps even a small SUV, this hauler is ready for action.

Wherever you’re travelling, whatever RV you choose, and however you decide to maintain it, we’re here to help guide you in the right direction. (Top)