HOW TO RV

Frequently Asked Questions

Some common questions about the RV lifestyle.

Which RV is best for me?

There are many different kinds of RVer. While you don’t need to feel like you need to fit into only one of them, a large portion of RVers fit into different lifestyle types. They will allow you to decide whether or renting or buying suits your lifestyle. To find out which type of RV is right for you, try our Persona Quiz.

Do I Need a Special Licence to Drive an RV?

Generally, RVs only require a regular drivers licence. Although it is always good to check with the provinces you are travelling in to be sure. Ensure you have had a valid driver’s licence for over a year and are over the age of 25 to rent.

Can I Tow an RV With My Car or SUV?

There are numerous RV classes and sizes that will enable you to tow with your car or SUV. Pop-up campers are no problem with your average vehicle. Fifth Wheels and Toy Haulers will require an SUV or truck with specific towing requirements. You can also get a Class A, B or C and have your RV drivable.

What Financing Options Are Available?

You have finally found your dream RV. Now you are looking to figure out which financing options work within your budget. Know that most RVs can be amortized over an extended period. Up to 20 years for large RVs in some cases, making them much more affordable than you may think. Work with your dealers financing representative to build a flexible payment plan. Check out the RV affordability guide to get a sense of ballpark numbers.

Where Can I Store My RV in the Offseason?

Some dealerships will offer RV storage facilities, or you can park it at home (space permitting). There are numerous storage facilities throughout Canada that you can consider. The most important thing is to winterize your RV and protect the water systems from freezing. Best to keep your RV protected from the elements of a typical Canadian winter. You want to ideally consider indoor storage where available. Avoid using a tarp or non-breathable fabric. Moisture condensation can damage your RV exterior.

Who Are The Major RV Manufacturers?

Winnebago, Jayco, Airstream, Leisure Travel Vans, Forest River, Thor… and the list goes on. The beauty of RV shopping is that there are so many options available to meet your needs. Check out the list of RV manufacturer members of the Canadian Recreational Vehicle Association (CRVA) as a guide for quality, safety and excellence.

Do I need a special driver's license to tow a travel trailer?

For most RVs, all that is needed is a regular driver’s license which makes purchasing an RV very accessible. Driver’s license requirements vary by Province so you should always check the specific regulations in your Province.

Do I need a special driver's license to tow a 5th wheel?

For most RVs, all that is needed is a regular driver’s license. Driver’s license requirements vary by Province so you should always check the specific regulations in your Province. When towing a 5th wheel, it is important to match the loaded weight of the RV to the towing capacity of the tow vehicle. Consult your dealer or owner’s manual for details and have the tow hitch professionally installed.

Do I need a special driver’s license to tow a sport utility RV?

Sport utility RVs come in all sizes ranging from a small travel trailer up to a 5th wheel and even a class A. For most RVs, all that is needed is a regular driver’s license but driver’s license requirements vary by province so you should always check the specific regulations in your province. There are a small number of provinces that have additional requirements such as a skills or a written test to drive the very large motorhomes.

Do I need a special driver's license to drive a truck camper?

While the majority of Provinces do not require a CDL or special driver’s license to drive or tow an RV, there are a few that have additional skills testing beyond certain weight classes. For example, depending on the weight and length of your RV there are some additional requirements. Driver’s license requirements vary by Province so you should always check the specific regulations in your Province.

How do I figure out the capacity of my tow vehicle and hitch?

When towing an RV, it is important to match the loaded weight of the RV to the towing capacity of the tow vehicle and this includes factoring in the added weight of the equipment you are bringing. Consult your dealer or owner’s manual for details and have the tow hitch professionally installed.

I have never towed a vehicle before. How do I learn to do it?

It may seem intimidating to tow an RV for the first time but towing is a skill set like driving a car, riding a bike, or mastering anything you ever set out to learn. There are several ways that you can prepare but one of the easiest ways to learn is by contacting your local dealer. Many dealerships offer test drives and even offer classes on how to tow an RV.

Is it difficult to drive a Class A?

While it may seem daunting for new RVers, the controls in the cockpit of an RV look similar to your average car. Side view cameras, back-up cameras, and collision avoidance systems are options on most motorized RVs. This usually gives first-timers the confidence to get started and ultimately, learning to drive a motorized RV is a skill that becomes second nature with a little practice.

Do I need a special driver's license to drive a Class A?

For most RVs, all that is needed is a regular driver’s license which makes purchasing an RV very accessible. Driver’s license requirements vary by Province so you should always check the specific regulations in your Province. Your local department of motor vehicles will have specifics to help you get started. You can also ask your local dealer.

Do I need a special driver's license to drive a class B?

For most RVs, all that is needed is a regular driver’s license which makes purchasing a Class B a great option. Driver’s license requirements vary by Province so you should always check the specific regulations in your Province. You should always check with your DMV for your Province’s regulations.

Is it difficult to drive a Class C?

While it may seem daunting from the outside, the controls in the cockpit of an RV look similar to your average car and side view, and back up cameras are standard on most motorized RVs. This usually gives first-timers the confidence to get started and ultimately, learning to drive a motorized RV is a skill that becomes second nature with a little practice. Learn more here.

Do I need a special driver's license to drive a Class C?

For most RVs, all that is needed is a regular driver’s license which makes purchasing a Class C very accessible. Driver’s license requirements vary by Province so you should always check the specific regulations in your Province.

Do class B RVs have fully functioning bathrooms?

Many class B RVs have a full bathroom with a shower and flushing toilet. There are some RVs that alternatively offer portable toilets.

Is there a separate bed in a Class B?

Some class Bs have seating areas, such as a couch, that converts into a bed while others may utilize a Murphy bed, bunkhouse, regular bed or a descending loft when it’s time to sleep.

Do pop-up campers have a toilet?

Yes, pop-up campers usually have a sink, toilet, and shower but not all. It’s important to work with your dealer to find the right pop-up that fits your needs.

Do pop-up campers have air-conditioning?

Many are surprised to learn that many pop-up campers do have air conditioning. Some pop-up campers have rooftop units, window-mounted units or portable AC units for the pop-up.

Do pop-up campers have a shower?

Yes, most pop-ups are large enough to contain either a dry or wet bath shower area. Because pop-up campers are so compact and lightweight, the freshwater storage tanks in pop-ups are smaller than other RVs so this is something to keep in mind when traveling to a campground that does not have full water hookups.

Do teardrop trailers have a toilet?

Many teardrop trailers have a sink, toilet, and shower but not all. It’s important to work with your dealer to find the right teardrop that fits your needs. The larger teardrop trailers have full bathroom and showers.

What is seasonal camping?

Seasonal Camping is when a campsite is rented for the full season, and the occupants treat it as if it were a vacation home that they can come and go to as frequently as they wish. This means leaving the RV or park model RV on one campsite for an extended period of time, most commonly the summer camping season. For some, it’s a convenient weekend retreat. For others, it’s a seasonal getaway or yearly vacation tradition. But however you seasonal camp, it’s a great way to savour your favourite destination time and time again.

What is the difference between a pull-through site and a back-in site?

RVers do become comfortable driving and backing up their RVs over time but many new RVers opt for a pull-through campsite their first few times in a campground. A pull-thru site is connected by two roads so you can pull in from one road and pull out onto another without having to back in and out of a space. These sites may not be as pretty or as private as back-in sites, but they are easier to navigate for a newbie.

What is the difference between dry weight and wet weight?

A good way to think of this is laden vs. unladen weight. The dry weight is the weight of the RV with empty water tanks, propane tanks, fuel, and without any gear or equipment. The wet weight is how much the RV weighs with full tanks and equipment. This is an important distinction when you are buying an RV and comparing it with the towing capacity of your vehicle. Always check this information with your RV dealer to make sure that your tow vehicle has the capacity to pull your RV.

What is the difference between a wet bath and dry bath?

A wet bath takes up less space by combining the toilet and shower in the same space. A dry bath is more similar to what you have at home. Dry baths offer additional storage and a separate shower/bathtub and toilet area.

How do I get a park model setup at my preferred destination?

Park Model RVs are initially towed to a seasonal RV resort and placed on a site for the owner. Most RV dealers will deliver directly to the campground, and many RV park operators offer storage during off-season months, along with setup service the following spring. Once hooked up to the campground’s electricity, water, and sewer, park models generally remain on the selected site year-round. Check with your local RV dealer and preferred RV park to see if these setup and long term storage services are available.

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