RVing
Recreational vehicles, or RVs for short, allow people to experience the outdoors in a different way than tent camping, and tent campers often cross over to the RV lifestyle. (Sleeping in a warm bed during a rainstorm has its perks!)
Nevertheless, there is prep and planning that’s needed for an RV vacation, no matter how many times you have ‘RVed’ and whether you rent or own one. Safety should always come first when hitting the road, whether it’s a Class A model, camper van or if you’re pulling a fifth-wheel.
For many, RVing is a ‘home away from home’ and it’s an affordable way of vacationing. You can stock up on what you need, there’s on-board storage, perhaps a shower and microwave, and being on wheels (or having your own wheels nearby) gives campers a sense of freedom and flexibility. People are now working from their RVs – from offices with views – and the popularity of full-time RV life is increasing.
British Columbia campgrounds cater to RVers of all kinds, from those in search of rustic settings to glampers looking for full-service five-star RV resorts. Some RVers like to move around, while others prefer to stay put.
Haven’t tried it yet? What’s holding you back? Give the RV way of life a try!
Renting an RV in British Columbia – Advice For the International Traveller
Continue ReadingComing to explore ‘Super, Natural British Columbia’, simply known as BC? Whether your plans include a recreational vehicle (RV) rental for your entire trip or part of it, there are important items to note.
Travelling the province in an RV or motorhome has many advantages. You have a driver’s seat – and rooms – with everchanging views and you can choose to tour at ease or stick to an itinerary. There are hundreds of campgrounds in BC that accommodate motorhomes and all types of RVs and cater to both leisurely and active campers. All that’s left now is to reserve that RV and book a campsite!
BEFORE YOU LEAVEDecide where you want to travel, keeping in mind British Columbia is a huge province wi...
RV Winter Camping Trip Prep
Continue ReadingWinter RVing in British Columbia is something that all RVers and campers should experience. Imagine waking to a wonderland of snow outside while being warm and cozy inside. After breakfast strap on the snowshoes, hit that favourite ski hill or cross-country trail, head to a beach for a magical shoreline hike or catch dinner while you ice fish on a frozen lake.
Indeed, winter camping comes with its own unique challenges and safety considerations, so you’ll need to prepare the RV for various conditions before embarking on a trip. Many manufacturers are building RVs that are for all-season use. These units are designed and constructed to handle inclement elements and boast features such as heated underbellies, better insulated walls and roofs and below-floor heating ducts. Read the RV manual for manufacturer’s tips and info on the unit’s cold weather functions befor...
RV Organization
Continue ReadingKnowing where everyday and essential items are and maintaining order in an RV – whether it’s rented or owned – will help to maximize free time while camping and eliminate unwanted stress.
The secret to good RV organization is to make the best use of the unit’s space. Take stock of what you have and need, declutter if necessary, try to multipurpose some items and designate a place for most everything.
RVs have more wall space than floor space so think vertical and utilize unused areas, such as behind cabinet doors. Walls can be used to peg, tack and stick things. Stack what and where you can in cupboards and use bins and racks to separate and contain items to keep them from sliding around or spilling over when on the road.
Here are some handy suggestions to get your RV organized:
Kitchen Get a wa...RV Set Up & Tear Down Checklist
Continue ReadingHaving and using an RV arrival and departure checklist is essential for novice campers, but it’s also recommended and useful for seasoned RVers. Haven’t we all seen a motorhome or trailer on the highway with something dangling or leaking from it that shouldn’t be?
A comprehensive set up and tear-down list makes for better organization and improved safety. While the steps will vary whether you own or are renting a motorhome/camper versus a trailer, many guidelines are the same. Of course, hitching and unhitching a trailer comes with certain safety rules to follow.
Set UpUpon arrival at the campground confirm that the site you reserved has the required necessities. Find a level spot to park the unit; verify the distance to any hookups and make sure that there is space for any slide-outs and awnings. Look out for any obstac...
Winter Camping for the Beginner
Continue ReadingWinter can be a magical time to explore British Columbia and try new activities. Thankfully, there are many campgrounds and parks – both private and public – open in the ‘off-season’.
It’s true that winter camping comes with its own unique challenges and safety considerations for campers and RVers. If heading out in an RV there is winter camping trip prep to follow. For renters, note that a number of RV companies and dealers do rent out motorhomes and units in the winter. Make sure that the RV has double-pane windows, a high efficiency furnace, an interior winter cab blanket and comes with insulated a...
How to Clean an RV
Continue ReadingWhether you own or rent a motorhome or trailer you will need to clean it as you camp and at the end of each trip. The best advice is to tackle it from the top-down and to work in sections. A useful tip for RV owners is to take the time to look for any maintenance or moisture issues as you clean. If you are renting you will not be required to wash the exterior, but you will be expected to tidy the inside and to drop it off in the condition it was at the time of pick-up.
InteriorA spring clean will certainly be more thorough than a good cleanse at a trip’s end. Below are some helpful suggestions for both.
The Essentials: Multi-surface cleaner and/or biodegradable dish soapWindow cleaner or vinegar and water solutionVacuum with attachments (generally not included in re...RV Tire Care
Continue ReadingRV tire failure is dangerous and can cause a lot of damage to the unit or trailer. The main reasons for this are low pressure, overloading, overall wear and the age of the tires, and punctures.
According to the Canada Safety Council under inflation is the leading cause of tire failure. Low tire pressure can lead to blow outs, skidding, hydroplaning and vehicle control issues. In RV season, check tire pressure once a month. For an accurate read, do this in the early morning or three hours before driving to ensure that the tires are cool; use a tire gauge – don’t simply rely on an automated system.
Modern vehicles have a dashboard warning symbol for low-tire pressure, though this is not mandatory in Canada like in the United Stat...
First Aid Tips for Campers
Continue ReadingImportant considerations regarding first aid for camping are to be prepared, have a plan and be aware of your surroundings.
When it comes to first aid kits you can purchase ready-made ones and/or add to a kit or assemble your own. Make sure the kit itself is in or has a waterproof pack and note that most purchased kits in Canada do not come with pharmaceutical products.
Pack the kit accordingly for where you will be camping, how many campers will be on the trip, and if the kit will be in your backpack (thus a weight consideration). Invest in a first aid booklet and learn basic CPR. The Canadian Red Cross and St. John Ambulance offer a variety of emergency courses, including wilderness first aid.
Remember t...
Tips for Novice Campers
Continue ReadingIf you are new to tent camping and RVing, consider yourself inexperienced or haven’t been since you were a child you may be nervous or hesitant about it, particularly if you are trying this as a family.
Before you decide where to go think about your goals for the trip. Is it simply to figure the camping thing out and spend quality couple or family time together at a campground, or is it also to explore the park surroundings, visit local communities and attractions or to try a new watersport or activity?
Here are some top camping tips for novices and first-t...
Is an RV Vacation Affordable?
Continue ReadingRV travel is an affordable and cost-effective way to vacation. National studies in Canada undertaken by the RV industry have shown that average prices of rentals (other than large motorhomes) – including campsites, food and gas – are generally less expensive than those where the travel party stays in a hotel/motel, and that towable RV vacations are also more economical than private property rentals. Prices of course will vary depending on the type of RV and whether the unit is owned or rented, the length of the trip, fuel costs and what type of campsite is booked. For more information read the article: The Cost of An RV Vacation in Canada.
...
