The ability to take your “home away from home” all over the province has never been more appealing.
The assurance that your living space is safe for your family, combined with the freedom to travel where and when you want, has proved to be an ideal way for Ontarians to enjoy the great outdoors while maintaining physical distancing.
With help from our friends at the Canadian RV Association (CRVA), we’ve created a list of hot tips to guide you through finding your perfect RV:
1. Know what you want out of your RV
Here are a few questions you might want to consider:
- How do you plan to use your RV? Are you looking to travel full-time or occasionally?
- Who will be travelling with you? Choosing a floor plan and size will depend on your group size and relationships
- Are you a recent retiree with plenty of time to enjoy all the bells and whistles in an RV, or are you a busy entrepreneur looking to have a work station on the go?
Remember, this is your RV, your new vacation home, and your dream!
It is critical to spell out exactly what you want at this stage, so you won’t be disappointed later.
2. Motorized or towable? That is the question…
Towables are the most popular type of RVs. If you’re looking at one of these RVs, you must have a vehicle capable of towing it.
The width, length, and height are important determinants when you are going to tow and park your RV. Weight-wise, your tow vehicle should absolutely never tow a camper that is too heavy!
The advantage of buying a motorized RV is that you don’t have to worry about a tow vehicle. A motorhome combines the transportation and living quarters into a convenient and comfortable road trip experience.
There are three classes of motor homes: A (bus style), B (van style), and C (truck style), which offer you different lengths and size, price tags, floor plans, and other options.
Motorhomes may be best for you to consider if you do not currently have a tow vehicle or you are looking for a larger living area.
Visit CRVA for a good reference and more detailed summary of RV types.
3. Narrowing it down
Now comes the really difficult decisions!
There are so many different RV floor plans. Some may be better for your purpose based on your intended use and the number of people in your travelling party.
Consider the following:
- Do you like to enjoy cooking and spending time in your kitchen at home? If so, you may look for a floor plan with a large kitchen, including an island and lots of storage
- There are three holding tanks in most RVs: fresh water, gray water, and black water. You can stay off-grid depending on their usage and size of the tanks. Solar panels and generators are available to provide you with a power source without having to plug-in at a campsite
- Do you want to bring some of your toys along for the ride? If you have a SUP, bicycles, or kayaks, then a toy hauler or RV with racks may be a must!
As you can see, there are a vast number of options and features available.
4. Take your time
We know it’s hard to digest all the information available about RVs. Believe us, you’re not alone.
The information we’ve provided here is just the beginning.
Getting an RV is a big responsibility. Consult with your friends, in chat rooms or showrooms, or even chat up other RVers at a park (provided you’re practicing physical distancing) before making your decision. You can also try renting an RV (or plan a few trips) to test out different features and types.
Wishing you the joy of the journey!
Ontario Parks thanks corporate partners like the Canadian Recreational Vehicle Association for their support.