JOURNEY TO - RV Lifestyle Magazine

Transcription

ROAD TEST: FOREST RIVER’S STYLISH FR3 MOTORHOME
pg.20
12
HITCH HINTS:
TRAILER TIRE
TIPS YOU NEED
TO KNOW
Enjoy Family Fun in the
TOYOTA SIENNA!
www.rvlifemag.com
$4.95
Vol. 44 No. 3
1121 Invicta Dr., Unit 2, Oakville, ON L6H 2R2 Publications Mail Agreement #40010957
TOWING
FRIENDLY
TRAILERS
The Forest River
FR3 Class A Motorhome
JOURNEY TO
JASPER!
Explore Alberta’s Scenic Rocky Mountains
IN 1968, WE BUILT OUR FIRST RV
(TIME FLIES WHEN YOU’RE HAVING FUN)
Jayco Founder Lloyd Bontrager was all about letting the good times roll. He thought that his
family—and yours—deserved a better, well-built, more comfortable RV. Nearly 50 years later
his legacy lives on—and our family is bigger than ever.
#LetsJayco
See how Jayco owners are building on our generations of
family fun at Jayco.com/RVLifestyleOct.
JAY 2129_01 RV Lifestyle Canada Ad.indd 1
8/6/15 9:39 AM
Contents
YOUR PRIMARY SOURCE TO ENJOY THE RECREATIONAL VEHICLE LIFESTYLE IN CANADA
FEATURES
ROAD TESTS
26
20
THE CEDARS RV
RESORT
- Eric Wickham
30
TOURING MADE
EASY!
- compiled by RVL
12 compact trailers offering
simple set-ups and comfort
for life on the road.
36
JOURNEY TO JASPER
- Steve Fennell
The Country’s largest Rocky
Mountain National Park
offers the some of the most
scenic landscapes in Canada.
FOREST RIVER
FR3 30DS
- Norm Rosen
A West Coast RV destination
with ideal services and
amenities.
18
Cruise in style with this
well-appointed Class A.
COOKING LADIES
- Phyllis Hinz and Lamont Mackay
Visiting the Instrument
Museum in Phoenix!
42
NEW GEAR ACCESSORIZE YOUR
CAMPSITE
DEPARTMENTS
6
HITCH HINTS
- Andy Thomson
The importance of trailer
tires for safer towing
experiences.
12
RV TIPS
- Garth Cane
Toyota Siennna – a
well-appointed vehicle for
families on the go.
ON THE COVER
Be sure to check out our test
on Forest River’s FR3 Class A
Motorhome. Editorial Director Norm
Rosen took this stylish unit through
its paces from Outdoor Travel of
Hamilton, ON. To read the full review,
go to page 20.
Photo by Steve Fennell/RVL
A famous destination for all types of
travellers, Alberta’s Jasper National
Park never ceases to amaze with its
pure, natural beauty. See Page 36
Follow us on Facebook!
Photo by Steve Fennell/ RVL
www.facebook.com/RVLifestyleMagazine
Volume 44 Number 3 | RV Lifestyle
3
Publishers MESSAGE
A NEW
Look!
volume 44 number 3
Publisher: WILLIAM E. TAYLOR
[email protected]
Associate Publisher: MELANIE TAYLOR
[email protected]
Editorial Director: NORM ROSEN
[email protected]
Editor: STEVE FENNELL
[email protected]
Assistant Editor: ERIC WICKHAM
Technical Editor: GARTH CANE
T
here is a growing wave of excitement at RV Lifestyle Magazine,
as we launch the 2016 model
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RV Lifestyle | Volume 44 Number 3
Production Coordinator:
GISELLE BANSAL
us – check out the subscription specials
on page 25 - it’s the best deal in town!
We have several exciting projects
on the go for the coming months, as
we prepare for our 45th Anniversary
in January. Our Facebook and Twitter
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It’s a very exciting time to be an RV
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ADMINISTRATION:
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VP/Special Projects: NORM ROSEN
Camping Canada’s RV Lifestyle Magazine is published seven
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Editorial contributions must be accompanied by return postage and will be handled with reasonable care. The publisher
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© 2015 CAMPING CANADA MAGAZINE
PRINTED IN CANADA
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HITCH HINTS by Andy Thomson
TREADING
SAFELY
Photo by Go RVing Canada
The importance of trailer tires
for more reliable and safer
towing experiences.
I
t’s not uncommon for RVers to write
to us about various topics regarding towing, hitches, products, or
assistance on their current trailer set
up. Below is an interesting letter (and
the subject of this column) I recently
received from a reader.
Hi Andy
We have a single axle 17-foot trailer
with a 3,500-pound axle rating. The
tires are 205/75R x 14” Load range
“C” trailer tires. They are rated to
carry 1,760 pounds each, a little more
than the axle capacity. On our first long
trip we had a tire failure, making this
the third tire failure in three years (two
on the right side and one on the left).
We tow approximately 10,000 kilometers per year. When I mentioned
I was having trouble to the tire manufacturer, they told me I was likely
driving too fast or the trailer was overloaded. The speed limit on the trailer
tires (according to him) is 65 mph.
We tow at 65 mph and not any faster,
except for very short intervals. We
then went to a scale and found that
we were right at the limit of the axle
weight of 3,460 pounds.
I have noticed there is a 215/75R
6
x 14” tire available with 110 pounds
more capacity. A tire store suggested
changing to 15-inch rims and installing 225/75R x 15” tires but when they
looked at the trailer they said there was
not quite enough room in the wheel
wells for them to fit. Do you think the
215/75R x 14’s will solve our reliability problems or is there something else
I should install?
Tom
Hi Tom
Unfortunately, trailer tires can be
borderline on quality. They work for
the average owner who tows moderate distances. It is correct that 65 mph
is the speed rating. While you may
not think you tow a great deal, you
are towing far more kilometers than
the average trailer owner. The 215’s
would be more reliable than the 205’s,
but only slightly. Instead of replacing
with another trailer tire, there are other
options that will provide excellent reliability, a smoother ride and more traction in a panic-stop.
Fourteen-inch tires are becoming
quite rare as very few cars use them.
Fortunately, BF Goodrich makes a
modern version of their classic TA
radial for those that restore the 1960’s
Determining tire load is one of the most
important factors when it comes to
choosing the proper tires for any type of
RV unit.
muscle cars. We regularly replace
14-inch trailer tires with P225/70R
x 14” TA’s. This is usually done on
relatively light tandem axle trailers.
Unfortunately, you can’t use them
because the load capacity is only 1,675
pounds. You could likely run the TA’s
overloaded and never have a problem,
but I don’t see that as a worthwhile
option. So, the answer is to change to
15-inch wheels. The tire to mount on
them is a Yokohama 215/75R x 15 LT
(Light Truck) load range “C.” This tire
is rated for 1,764 pounds.
The Yokohama’s will be completely
reliable and you can keep the best of
continued on page 8
Andy Thomson has
been writing for RV
Lifestyle Magazine for
more than 25 years.
He also owns and
operates Can-Am
RV Centre located in
London, ON.
rvlifemag.com
It’s rare and well done
at the same time.
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Y
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15-09-03 4:35 PM
continued from page 6
your old tires to use as spares, which
you will likely never need. The LT
tire is larger than your trailer tire and
the tire itself weighs 31 pounds versus 23 pounds for the trailer tire. The
rated load capacity is almost the same.
Obviously, the tires are built to a different standard.
Fifth Wheel
Tire Change
While we are on the topic of tires,
we have been having a lot of success
with a slight tire change on many of
the fifth wheels in circulation. Six thousand-pound axles are commonly used
on large fifth wheels but some are just
slightly too heavy for the 6,000-pound
axles, so they install 7,000 pound axles.
When they do that they install Load
Range “G” 235/85R x 16” tires that are
rated for 3,750 pounds each and have a
110 PSI capacity. These tires are much
better than trailer tires but still not fantastic for reliability.
Since they are basically a commercial truck tire they don’t like sitting for
extended periods. I have noticed that
These Radial TA’s have been on this 23’
Airstream for five years now and have
done extensive travel.
continued on page 10
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15-09-03 4:33 PM
You can see the slightly tighter fit of the
265/75R x 16” tire on this fifth wheel.
the customers who have had trouble
are the ones that leave them sitting for
awhile. The only other issue with the
“G” is that it is a pretty hard riding tire
especially if your trailer has a simple
leaf spring suspension.
What we have noticed is many of
10
010.pdf 1
these fifth wheels have a little more
than 6,000 pounds per axle when loaded
for travel, which is too borderline for a
more reliable E range tire. When many
of these units were built, the heaviest
load capacity 16-inch tire was a 235/85R
x 16” LT at 3,042 pounds per tire. Since
then, 265/75R x 16” tires have become
available that carry 3,415 pounds per
tire or 6,830 pound per axle. They do
it at 80 PSI so the ride for the fifth
wheel is much smoother, and reliability
is excellent.
We generally use Michelins in this
size and I am sure there are others that
are great as well but since we have a
good track record with the Michelin we
stick with them. This tire is the same
diameter as the 235/85 but it is 30 millimeters wider so, on occasion, we have
had to trim the plastic wheel closeouts
a little for clearance. Everyone that has
done this change has commented on
how much smoother fifth wheels tow
and how well items inside stay in place.
I have ridden in fifth wheels before
and after the change on the same road
the difference in ride is remarkable.
Flex around the glide-room openings is
almost cut in half, which has to be good
for the long term structure of the unit.
Any time you want to make a tire
change the first thing to do is load your
trailer with everything you would have
in it for travel (including a full water
tank etc.), then take it to a scale and
weigh the trailer axles. If it’s a tandem, divide by four to get individual
tire loads. For example, a large fifth
wheel may have 13,200 pounds on its
axles so 3,300 pounds per tire. In this
case the 265/75R x 16” tire is a great
choice, but if it was 14,000 pounds on
the axles you would need to stay with
the G-rated tire.
Thanks for writing Tom and if you
have any follow up questions send an
email and we can help you out. rvlifemag.com
15-09-03 4:33 PM
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TOYOTA SIENNA
A well-appointed tow vehicle
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T
he Toyota Sienna delivers all
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12
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The Toyota Sienna is an ideal van for
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For the last 24 years,
Garth Cane has been
the Technical Director for
RV Lifestyle Magazine.
He is a member of the
Automotive Journalists
Association of Canada,
was professor of the
Apprenticeship program for RV Service
Technicians in Ontario. He volunteers
as Chairman of the CSAZ240 and the
Recreation Vehicle Safety and Education
Foundation.
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“The Sienna is more fun to drive
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“The Sienna is more fun to drive with its
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continued on page 16
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The Sienna has a 3.5 L V6 that can deliver 266 hp at 6200 rpm
and 245 lb-ft of torque at 4700 rpm.
Holding Tanks
features with innovative technology as standards,” says
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>
THE SIENNA...
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Looking for a long list of features for a more enjoyable
ride? The Sienna is loaded for convenience on the road.
The long list of standards include a 10-speaker JBL
Synthesis Audio System; a navigation system; premium
leather seating; the Toyota Smart Key System with power
back door button and Push Button Start; LED daytime
running lights; the Driver Easy Speak system; power
adjustable front seats; second-row captain’s seats with
lounge seating (ottoman) function; power flip-out side
rear windows; front windshield acoustic glass; wood
grain interior trim and sliding wooden front console box;
wood-grain and leather-wrapped, heated steering wheel;
driver’s seat memory system; clearance and back-up
sensors; the Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross Traffic
Alert systems; anti-theft system; 18-inch aluminum alloy
wheels; 120-volt accessory power outlet; wide-angle
back-up camera; dual power moon roof; power folding
mirrors linked to seat memory system and with reverse
auto-tilting function; rain sensing wipers; automatic high
beams; fog lamps; dual power sliding rear doors; power
flip-out side rear windows; front windshield acoustic
glass; rain sensing wipers; automatic high beams; HighIntensity Discharge headlamps with the automatic high
beam system; and a chrome grill.
FOR MORE DETAILS VISIT
www.toyota.ca
rvlifemag.com
Alto 1723
Travel Trailer
Airstream
International
Travel Trailer
Hitch Hints
People drive 1000s of miles to purchase travel trailers,
fifth wheels and motorhomes from Can-Am RV Centre.
Why? Because Can-Am delivers:
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fair prices and exceptional quality
towing expertise and custom hitchwork
exclusive “try before you buy” test drives
RV service, warranty work & renovations
long-term satisfaction.
We’re a Top Dealer for Airstream, Alto, DRV Suites,
Surveyor and Vista Cruiser. We carry Ascend, Avenger,
Cougar, Crusader, Element, Pleasureway, Tracer Air
and Trillium.
Join the Can-Am RVing family - come see us today.
1-866-CAN-AM-RV
(1-866-226-2678)
CanAmRv.CA
[email protected]
Airstream
Interstate
Class B
New & Pre-Owned
Recreational Vehicle
Sales and Service
6068 Colonel Talbot Road, London, ON
(2 hours SW of Toronto and north of Detroit)
THE COOKING LADIES by Lamont Mackay and Phyllis Hinz
THE MUSICAL
INSTRUMENT MUSEUM
IN PHOENIX
Enjoy a melodious experience from
various regions around the world.
A 1926 Apollonia dance organ, which
imitates the movements of living musicians.
PUCKER UP
ARIZONA
LEMON PIE
(Makes 6 to 8 servings)
INGREDIENTS
T
he Musical Instrument Museum,
affectionately known as MIM,
in Phoenix, AZ, depicts musical
genres and displays instruments from
regions around the world. Six thousand
instruments from 200 of the world’s
countries and territories are showcased.
MIM is a melodious experience.
Strolling from one country gallery
to another, the music in our headsets
magically changed to match the exhibit before us. With music in our ears,
instruments on display, and performances flashing on high-resolution flat screen
TVs, we became immersed in one culture after another – from a symphony in
Russia to flamenco in Spain, clapping
and singing in Angola, bells in South
Korea, and mariachi in Mexico.
In the Artist Gallery, we reminisced over the songs, costumes, and
instruments of musical icons like John
Lennon, Eric Clapton, Carlos Santana,
and Dwayne Eddy. The Mechanical
Musical Gallery exhibits self-playing
instruments like music boxes, musical dolls, player pianos, and a 1926
Apollonia dance organ. Imitating the
movements of living musicians, the
organ comes to life at the push of a
button. Lights flash, cymbals clang, a
saxophone wails, drums thump, a xylo18
Six thousand instruments from 200 of the
world’s countries and territories are on
display, including this gallery featured on
Russia.
phone bongs, and organ pipes tweet to
the notes of Hello Dolly.
The Experience Gallery is a handson happening. Drums of all shapes and
sizes, harps, ukuleles, gongs, and tambourines are there for playing. The room
fills with a concerto of musical enthusiasm. We had fun creating the eerie,
hauntingly sweet sounds reminiscent
of early motion pictures by waving our
hands through the air between the two
projected electrodes of a theremin.
We first sampled this recipe in
Phoenix where almost every backyard
has a lemon tree. When bulging bags of
lemons appeared at the doorstep of our
motorhome, we made the pie for ourselves. The recipe is as easy as playing
the theremin.
1 large lemon
1/4 cup (60 ml) butter
4 eggs
1 1/4 cups (300 ml) white sugar
1 pie shell
DIRECTIONS
Wash the lemon, trim the ends,
and remove the seeds.
Cut the lemon into chunks and
place them in a blender.
Soften the butter. Add the butter,
eggs, and sugar to the lemon in
the blender.
Pulse or blend until the mixture is
smooth.
Pour the mixture into the pie shell.
Bake at 350 ° F (176° C) for 40
minutes or until golden brown
on top.
Allow the pie to cool. Serve with
ice cream, whipped cream, or
other whipped topping.
Please visit
The Cooking Ladies’
website at
www.thecookingladies.com
or email them at
[email protected]
rvlifemag.com
The International Centre
6900 Airport Rd. (at Derry Rd.)
October 16-18, 2015
Friday:
10am - 8pm
Saturday: 10am - 7pm
Sunday: 11am - 5pm
$12 regular admission
$20 per couple
$25 per family
HALF PRICE Friday, October 16th
Children 12 and under are FREE when
accompanied by an adult
FULLY equipped parts and accessories store!
w w w. r v s h o w f a l l t o r o n t o . c a
019.pdf 1
15-09-03 4:27 PM
The Forest
River
FR3 30DS
Cruising in Style
Text and photos by Norm Rosen
T
This floorplan highlights a wrap-around dinette and a
very comfortable deep seated Hide-a-Bed sofa.
he RV Lifestyle Road Test Team had the opportunity to cruise the highways and byways of the Niagara
Escarpment in a 2015 Forest River FR3 – an affordable
class A motorhome that has become a real hit among
RV enthusiasts.
The FR3 crossover motorhome combines the best features, family friendly livability and affordability of an easy to drive Class C
motorhome with the space, convenience and styling of a Class A.
Forest River, one of the largest RV manufacturing groups in
North America, has a unique approach to the FR3 project – you
can pick any colour you like, as long as it is grey, and the coach
comes fully-equipped with all of the equipment that you need for
your RV adventures.
About the only choice you have to make in the FR3 line is the
overall length of the vehicle – three models are available – the
25DS, 28DS, and 30DS. All three models have dual slide-out sections – the major difference is the interior space devoted to the
bedroom, livingroom and galley areas, and the overall length of
the vehicles – the 25DS is 26’10” on a 158” wheelbase; the 28DS
is 29’10” on a 190” wheelbase, and the 30DS is 31’10” on the
190” wheelbase.
21
FOREST RIVER Road Test
ON THE ROAD
If you have not experienced the ride
of a compact class A motorhome, you
really should take the time to visit a local
dealer for a test drive. With a peppy 6.8 L
three valve Triton V-10 commercial quality gas engine and a full array of driver
assist features – power steering, 4-wheel
anti-lock power disc brakes, automatic transmission, cruise control, and tilt
steering, this category of motorhome is
a refreshingly agile and pleasant driving
experience compared to larger coaches, and it handles with ease on winding
country roads. The 5 Speed Torqshift
automatic transmission with overdrive
and Tow/Haul mode is smooth and quiet.
Many RV enthusiasts enjoy touring
with a “toad” – a smaller vehicle that is
better suited for side-trips once you reach
your destination. The FR3 comes with a
standard 5,000-pound capacity hitch with
500-pound maximum tongue weight, and
the unit has a 7-pin plug. The engine
produces 362 HP and 457-pound feet of
torque, more than enough to tow a car or
SUV behind the motorhome.
This chassis features the Ford
Chassis Information System, which is
a great convenience for your navigator, but a bit of a distraction for the
driver. Please keep your hands on the
steering wheel and your eyes on the
22
road while the vehicle is in motion.
We were very impressed with the
overall smoothness of the ride, thanks
to the very well designed suspension –
there are heavy duty multi-leaf springs
with a heavy duty track bar in front, and
a heavy-duty multi-leaf spring rear suspension. Tuned Bilstein shocks are ideally suited for a vehicle of this size.
Night driving is a pleasure thanks to
the halogen automotive headlights with
LED halo accent rings and the Hella
fog lights really come in handy in nasty
weather, and when you arrive at your
campsite after dark.
A quick survey of FR3 owners indicates that fuel efficiency varies from
about 7 mpg (US) to 10 mpg (US), or
23 – 33 l/100km. Some drivers report
results up to 12 mpg (19.6 l/100km)
depending on the fuel used – the ethanol
mixtures that are common in many parts
of North America produce lower emissions but deliver lower fuel efficiency.
With an 80-gallon fuel tank that gives
you a comfortable cruising range from
about 500 to 700 miles, depending on
road conditions, cruising speed, and your
driving style.
CONSTRUCTION
The FR3 motorhomes are built on
Ford’s 18,000-pound capacity F53 chas-
Storage compartments above the sofa
and dinette are easily accessed and
lighting in the slide is very well placed.
sis, which has proven to be an excellent
platform in terms of handling and overall ride quality. The frame is a singlechannel ladder design that is engineered
for modern motorhome applications. The
chassis has a truss configuration that
facilitates a flush-floor interior – a major
advantage usually seen only in larger
models. The floor is constructed with
1.5” tubular steel and 1.5” marine grade
laminated wood.
The Forest River FR3 units carry a
three-year, 36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper chassis warranty, and the powertrain
is covered by a five-year 60,000-mile
limited warranty.
BODY CONSTRUCTION
Forest River uses a “Smart-Structure
Truss System” for added chassis strength
and durability. The FR3 radius aluminum truss frame roof is referred to as a
“full walk-on” design, indicating that
the construction is strong enough to
withstand the weight of an adult at any
point on the roof. The curved engineering has an aluminum A frame structure
that ranges from a 3” truss at the sides
to a 6” at the centre, and the roof is covrvlifemag.com
ered with Alpha Super Flex roof material
that is 50% lighter than the conventional
EPDM roofing material, with a traction
grip surface that won’t become chalky
like other roof materials. The Alpha product is puncture and tear resistant, and provides protection against mold, algae and
fungus. There is a rear ladder to provide
easy access to the roof for regular inspections, but with a 12-year limited warranty,
it is unlikely that you will have any worries with this roof coating.
The FR3 sidewalls use a 1.75” vacuum bonded construction that features a
1.5” tubular aluminum frame and high
density block foam insulation. The 3”
laminated seamless floor is comprised of
1.5” laminated wood decking over 1.5”
tubular trusses.
The fiberglass exterior of the
motorhome is smooth and strong, with
large tinted safety glass windows for a
spectacular view from inside the unit,
and a sleek exterior surface. The side
hinged fiberglass front grille provides
easy access for basic engine maintenance
tasks. The front cap has aerodynamic
integrated marker lights and a one-piece
radius windshield that reduces your blind
spot – keep in mind that this vehicle has a
backup and side view camera system that
utilizes 40 megapixel cameras to give you
a superb view of surrounding traffic.
The FR3 promises to hold its dashing good looks for a long time, thanks to
the colour infused marine-grade gel coat
fiberglass sidewalls. The decals and paint
are protected from UV rays, and Forest
River uses the same composite gel coat
on the front, rear, and side walls so that
any fading that will inevitably occur over
the years should be consistent on all sides
of the coach.
IN THE CAMPGROUND
Access to the interior of the coach is
very easy thanks to the powered triple entry
step and 32” wide side door with a large
grab handle for safety. The entry steps have
rubber treads for all-weather safety.
Just inside the door you will find
the switch to activate the 16’ electric
power awning – you will really like the
integrated LED light strip. The FR3 also
features slide-out awning toppers that
keep rain, snow, and leaves away from
the slide-out joints.
The FR3 has plenty of exterior storage for a vehicle of this size, and we
were very impressed with the seamless Rotocast exterior storage boxes that
incorporate one-way drains so you can
rinse out the compartments after a long
trip. There is a “Super Storage” passthrough compartment with 112 cu. ft
capacity – ideal for camping equipment,
bikes, and a wide range of gear.
If you order the optional exterior
entertainment centre your campsite patio
will be the centre of attraction on “game
day”. If you prefer to keep it simple, there
is a 110v patio outlet where you can plug
in your portable entertainment.
The standard Onan 4.0 KW Generator
is rubber mounted, decreasing the amount
of vibration throughout the coach. It is
obvious that the Forest River engineers
have gone camping – the generator is NOT
located under the bedroom, so you don’t
have to worry about noise, vibration, or
exhaust fumes while dry camping.
The exterior hookup compartments
are designed for easy access and ultimate convenience. The plumbing compartment includes easy access to the
black and grey water tank valves, the
city water hookup, fresh water tank filling port, and the outside shower. A 12V
“bay light” is a very welcome touch.
The exterior electrical compartment
houses the Progressive Dynamics 70
amp Power Converter/Charger, which
features a “Built-in Charge Wizard” to
supply four types of power – switching
automatically between “Boost Mode”,
“Normal Mode”, “Trickle Charge”
and “Desulfation Mode”. The power
converter also provides reverse battery
protection, electronic current limiting,
high and low line voltage protection.
This state-of-the-art power converter
delivers filtered DC power to all 12
Volt lighting and appliance circuits, for
safe and reliable service. With a variable speed intelligent cooling fan and
automatic thermal shutdown, this is
definitely not your grandfather’s power
converter!
INTERIOR FEATURES
The FR3 is one of the new breed
of class A motorhomes that features
a front bunk over the driver and navigator seats to expand your sleeping
capacity. This is a serious bunk bed
– capable of accommodating a 350
pound adult. Unlike many power overhead front bunk systems, this design
uses strong magnets at the corners of
the bunk to hold the bed in the stored
position – eliminating rattles that are
common to other systems.
The entrance area is where you will
find access to several key RV components, including the battery disconnect,
outside step switch, and awning control. Many RVs have outside entrance
grab bars – the FR3 has an inside handle mounted to the sidewall.
The FR3 is one of the new breed of
class A motorhomes featuring a front
bunk over the driver and navigator
seats to expand the sleeping capacity.
rvlifemag.com
23
FOREST RIVER Road Test
We really like the closet integrated
into the entrance area – use this for a
broom, some basic tools, and a raincoat
and you will wonder why every manufacturer doesn’t include this feature!
While some motorhomes present an
obstacle course for drivers entering the
cockpit area, the FR3’s flat floor has
nothing to trip over… no steps, no lips,
no moldings.
IN THE GALLEY
There is more technology than meets
the eye in the FR3 galley, with a full
complement of cooking appliances
including a deluxe microwave oven, a
three-burner high output stove and oven,
and an 8 cu. ft. gas/electric refrigerator.
Storage space is very well planned
and outfitted within the shaker style cherry hardwood cabinets. The drawers in
the kitchen base cabinet glide effortlessly
and lock securely for travel. We liked
the satin nickel residential quality hardware, and the deep stainless steel double
bowl kitchen sink – the high rise brushed
nickel faucet gives you lots of room for
cooking and miscellaneous chores.
Just above the galley, the 15,000
BTU roof air conditioner offers a “Quick
Cool” feature that really works to dispel
the summer heat.
We liked the quality and the fit and
finish of the Dehco Trekk Distressed
Wood Plank Linoleum flooring, which
is essentially maintenance free and ideal
for use in the galley and dinette area.
This coach has been designed for the
entertainment needs of millennials - the
galley features a Furrion Theater System
with AM/FM/CD/DVD/BT. The 32” HD
LED TV with flip up hidden storage is
the perfect size for watching your favourite programs during dinner. There is an
AUX port and Optical Audio In so you
can enjoy your portable music and entertainment library from your iPad.
RV SYSTEMS
CONVENIENCE CENTRE
With a full array of electronic sensors monitoring the various RV systems,
the FR3 puts technology at your fingertips thanks to the RV systems convenience centre. On this panel you will find
your slide-out controls, your readouts
24
for tanks and batteries, the water pump
switch, the water heater ignition switch,
and the generator start/stop switch and
hour meter. Our test unit had an Arctic
Pack heated holding tank system – the
switch was conveniently located in with
the other RV system controls.
IN THE LIVING ROOM
The FR3 has a very efficient floor
plan with a dinette and livingroom slideout section opposite the galley. The wraparound dinette features comfortable booth
style seating with storage compartments,
and it transforms in seconds into a bed.
The deep seated Hide-a-Bed sofa is
very comfortable – dur4ing the day you
can extend the dual foot rests, and at
night you can open the sofa bed to enjoy
a good night’s sleep on the traditional
mattress.
Storage compartments above the sofa
and dinette are easily accessed and lighting in the slide is very well placed.
so often found in an RV. The anti-microbial one-piece sliding shower door should be
easy to maintain in an RV environment.
The Plexi-Glass skylight over the
shower brightens the washroom, and the
14” x 14” roof vent helps clear the room
of steam after a shower. The vehicle is prewired for an optional power ceiling vent.
The bathroom vanity is compact, and
the stainless steel sink is an excellent
choice. There is adequate storage under
the sink and the corner medicine cabinet
with mirror is convenient.
OPTIONS
There are only a few options that
you may want to add to the very wellequipped FR3. These include automatic
hydraulic leveling jacks with dashboard
control, a lockable exterior entertainment centre with 24” LED TV and dual
Bluetooth capable outdoor speakers in
the side wall, and a 24” LED TV in the
bedroom.
IN THE BEDROOM
THE BOTTOM LINE:
If there are any compromises to create a compact motorhome with lots of
entertainment and dining space, these
are found in the master bedroom. With
a true residential king-size bed there is
not much space to move around the mattress… but there is a full wardrobe wall
with his and hers closets at the foot of the
bed, and the mattress is supremely comfortable – it is a three-foam sandwich
that comes with décor blended bedspread
and pillows. The decorative hardwood
slide-out fascia and matching décor
headboard are nice touches.
During the day, the bedroom is quite
bright thanks to a large rear window; at
night the accent and reading lights are
well placed, as is the bedside 110v outlet.
You can order the optional LED TV to fit
into the wardrobe wall.
At a manufacturer ’s suggested
retail price of just $97,995 this class A
motorhome is a great value. Smooth,
quiet, and a pleasure to drive, it is the
ideal size for long or short trips, with all
the standard features you need to make
the most of your RV vacations. IN THE BATHROOM
The washroom facilities in the FR3
are well planned and relatively spacious
for a vehicle of this size. We were very
impressed with the 30” x 36” shower stall,
larger than most units in this category, the
water saver shower head with shut-off
control, and the residential style foot flush
toilet – not one of the low profile models
S P E C I F I C AT I O N S
FOREST RIVER FR3 DS30
Chassis:
Ford F53
Engine:
6.8L Three Valve Triton V-10 (gas)
Fuel capacity:
80 gal.
Length:
31’10”
Wheelbase:
190”
Width (slides in):
99.5”
Overall Height:
12’2”
GCWR:
23,000 lbs.
GVWR:
18,000 lbs.
Carrying Capacity:
2,157 lbs.
RV Systems:
Fresh Water:
Black Water:
Grey Water:
Water Heater:
LP Tank:
MSRP as tested:
F.O.B. Burlington, Ontario.
57 gal.
41 gal.
41 gal.
6 gal. Gas/Electric DSI
24 gal.
$97,995
Many thanks to the crew at Outdoor Travel for their
assistance with this road test project.
rvlifemag.com
Ever use your truck
when you’re not
towing? Of course you do.
It’s why you chose the
B &W Companion
Precious Cargo,
Critical Situations,
Why Skimp on the Hitch?
We worked hard to design a hitch that gives you
your truck bed back. When you’re not towing, you
can remove the B&W Companion in just a few minutes.
This leaves your bed completely free, with none of those
aggravating mounting rails to work around.
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25
THE CEDARS
RV RESORT
A quiet West Coast escape that caters
to the whole family with ideal services
and amenities.
by Eric Wickham
Photos courtesy of PS Photos.
J
ust a 12-mile drive from the
Canada/U.S. border and an hour
south of Vancouver in the rural
community of Ferndale, WA, is The
Cedars RV Resort, the perfect vacation destination for RVers looking to
get away from it all. With its series of
services and convenient amenities – on
and off its grounds – RVers can spend a
weekend or even weeks in outdoor comfort and style.
True to its name, every campsite at The Cedars RV Resort is lined
with cedars. Trailers of all sizes can
be accommodated – from compact
tent trailers to 45-foot diesel pushers.
Services are also current with 30- and
50-amp power, water, sewer, plus cable
and WiFi for an added fee. More convenience is offered thanks to the dumping
and propane stations, while full washroom facilities are centrally located on
the grounds.
“We keep the sites really clean,” says
Kathy Host, manager of The Cedars RV
Resort. “Most people who say anything
26
about the park talk about how clean it is.
There’s plenty of space with 165 sites,
plus a large tenting area.”
With activities and socializing
being the name of the game here, The
Cedars RV Resort boasts a clubhouse
with a 70-inch flatscreen TV, foosball,
ping-pong and pool tables. Kids and
adults alike will love the heated pool,
plus many other on-site activities such
as volleyball, badminton, and horseshoes. While services in Ferndale are
just minutes away, basic necessities can
be found at the campground’s grocery
store. Beer and wine are also available.
There’s plenty to do and see off the
grounds as well in many of the nearby communities, including Birch Bay,
located just fifteen minutes from the
park. RVers won’t want to miss the
opportunity to enjoy the tranquil and
idyllic Pacific Ocean at this protected
inlet. The crescent shape of Birch Bay
ensures the waters stay relatively calm,
which makes it a great location for kayaking, canoeing and other outdoor activi-
Motorhomes and trailers of all sizes can
be accommodated at The Cedars RV
Resort – from compact tent trailers to
45-foot diesel pushers.
ties. At low tide Birch Bay becomes a
great spot for clamming and crabbing
(recreational licenses are required for
persons over the age of 15).
East of the park, 10,781 feet above
sea level and Birch Bay, is Mount
Baker, a volcano in the Cascade
Volcanic arc. It’s also the site of the
premier ski destination Mount Baker Ski
rvlifemag.com
If it needs to be repaired, we can do the job!
7KUHHIXOO\FHUWL¿HG59DQG3URSDQHWHFKQLFLDQVRQVWDII
with a full service shop and a mobile service unit.
&DOOXVWR¿[\RXUÀRRUVURRIVWRLOHWVHOHFWULFDODSSOLDQFHVSURSDQHEUDNHVEHDULQJVDLUFRQGLWLRQHUV
ZDWHUKHDWHUVVOLGHRXWVDQGPRUH
Authorized Service CentreIRUDOO59PDNHVDQGPRGHOVSOXVDSSOLDQFHVDQG59SURGXFWVIURP
*/33URGXFWV$WZRRG'H[WHU&DPFR9DOWHUUD:LQHJDUG'RPHWLF1RUFROGDQGPRUH
Conveniently located at Rideau Acres Campground
1014 Cunningham Road, Kingston, Ontario.
(just off Hwy 15, one mile north of Hwy 401).
Contact us at 613-354-3743 or email UY¿[HU#V\PSDWLFRFD
www.jrsmobilervservice.com
0HPEHURI259'$59'$
‘Sales of New and Used Travel Trailers
and 5th Wheels’
‘Motorhome Service & Rentals’
‘Since 1986’
‘YOUR LOCAL RV EXPERTS FOR SALES, SERVICE AND PARTS’
1841 Hwy 7, Concord, Ontario
Phone: 905-738-1421
Email: [email protected]
www.torontocampingcentre.com
rvlifemag.com
27
THE CEDARS RV RESORT
The kids will love the fully-equipped playground; and campers
of all ages will enjoy the park’s heated swimming pool.
Area, which holds the world record for the highest accumulated snowfall in one season with more than 1,130 inches.
In the summer, Mount Baker offers more than 100 miles of
trails for hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking. River
rafting tours, canoeing or fishing on nearby Silver Lake can also
be enjoyed.
According to Host, the drive to Mount Baker from The
Cedars RV Resort only takes approximately an hour, and
with beautiful scenery along the way the drive is guaranteed to be memorable. If exploring the rugged terrain of the
If you have any
questions, comments or
opinions you’d like to share,
just drop us a line.
[email protected]
RV LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE,
1121 Invicta Drive, Unit 2
Fax: 905-844-5032
www.rvlifemag.com
28
Western Rocky Mountains isn’t part of your plans, a suitable
alternative would be the Bellis Fair Mall. It’s a quick drive
south of The Cedars RV Resort in the city of Bellingham and a
popular pastime for Canadians, who can take advantage of the
excellent shopping.
Bellingham is also home to the only port in Washington
State with weekly ferry rides to and from Alaska, available allyear. The multi-day ferry trip is motorhome and trailer-friendly
and a perfect way to see the beautiful coast. The port is less
than a half an hour from The Cedars RV Resort and is the ideal
location for a relaxing overnight stay before (or after) the fiveday ferry ride to Alaska. Bellingham also offers opportunities
for some spectacular whale watching in the San Juan Islands.
Other attractions include the series of nearby casinos. The
closest is The Silver Reef Hotel, Casino, and Spa, which has
recently undergone a multi-million dollar expansion and is just
20 minutes away. Another casino worth visiting is The Skagit
Casino, south of Bellingham. Regardless, both offer excellent
gaming and dining.
In the summer months several events take place at The
Cedars RV Resort including a Fourth of July parade, a classic
car show in September, as well as fun-filled eating contests.
The Cedar Olympics are also held every year for children
where they compete for medals. The most popular event is the
cherry pit spitting contest.
The Cedars RV Resort is accommodating to every RVer’s
getaway. Next time you’re in Washington - or anywhere on the
West Coast - find a reason to visit The Cedars RV Resort and
everything it has to offer, no matter how long you stay. There’s also plenty to do and see
off the grounds in many of the nearby
communities, including Birch Bay,
located just fifteen minutes from the park.
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Touring
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LITTLE GUY WORLD WIDE
T@B S M@x
A tear-drop style trailer that’s big on features, the T@B S M@x has a curb weight
of a mere 1,670 pounds, making it easy to tow for lone campers or couples on the
fly. The S M@x has a height of just 89 inches and an overall length of 182 inches,
enabling it to accommodate any location at any campground. It can also fit into
a garage or conveniently rest on a driveway when not in use. Inside, the S M@x
includes a sink, two-burner stove, and propane-powered tankless hot water heater
and space heater. It also sports a 70x73-inch bed while some other standards
include a spare tire, 11-gallon freshwater tank, 19-gallon grey tank, six-gallon black
tank, 12V/110 outlets and a screen door.
www.golittleguy.com
30
RV Lifestyle presents 12 compact
travel trailers offering simple set-ups,
the ideal comfort and utmost
convenience for life on the road.
31
LANCE CAMPER
1575 TRAVEL TRAILER
EVERGREEN RV
ASCEND CLOUD 193
At 23 feet, 11 inches, EverGreen RV’s Ascend Cloud 193BH
offers ample space for comfortable camping. What’s more
is its GVWR of 5,495 pounds makes it ideal to pull with an
array of tow vehicles. Like all of the EverGreen trailers, the
193BH boasts six–sided laminated construction, a barrel laminated roof, an enclosed heated underbelly, and a
ducted A/C unit. Its has a user-friendly weight capacity of
1,525 pounds with enough capacity to include a qualityset non-cracking padded floor, face-framed/solid-core
wood cabinets, plywood drawers, and a large bath with
radius shower pan. A large double-door refrigerator plus
large tinted safety glass windows, and six-gallon gas/
electric/DSI water heater are also included. The 193BH can
be upgraded with the available aluminum rims, AM/FM
stereo with DVD and CD player, radius glass shower door,
a power awning and a 3-in-1 convection oven.
www.goevergreenrv.com
The 1575 Lance Camper tips the scales at 2,655 pounds
with plenty of space to include an abundant of convenient
features. For example, the company’s light weight engineering technology affords the 1575 to accommodate a Super
Slide Dinette – providing optimum living space – as well as
a three-Burner Range complete with a hood, light and fan.
There’s also a five cubic-foot three-way double door refrigerator and a single sink with a sprayer faucet. Some other
notable appointments include large windows and skylights
in the living and bath areas, redesigned decors with glazed
cabinet doors, and stylish counter and table tops. A dry bath
is also included. Some notable options include an electric
awning with LED lighting, 160-Watt solar panel and a keyless entry with key fob. With an overall length of 20 feet, five
inches, width of a little more than 84 inches and sleeping
accommodations for up to four, the 1575 combines functionality with practicality on and off the road.
www.lancecamper.com
PRO-LITE
EVASION 16
The Evasion 16 comes in at a length of 17 feet, four inches
with a towing-friendly weight of just 1,890 pounds. Once
at a destination, the Evasion promises ample space thanks
to its sleeping capacity of five to six with the front, rear
and bunk beds. This compact trailer is also big on features.
There’s a standard awning, handy exterior storage space,
a fully-equipped galley, and solid maple cabinet doors.
For its size, the Evasion offers ideal water capacities with
15-gallon fresh, grey and black water tanks. Some options
to consider include A/C, tank covers, an exterior shower
and AM/FM/CD/MP3 stereo.
32
VENTURE RV
SONIC 234VBH
The Sonic line from Venture RV offers a series of floor plans
ranging from 17 to 25 feet that weigh between 2,950 to 4,500
pounds, qualifying the units to be serious contenders in the
ultra-light towable market. One of the eight floor plans is the
234VBH, offering a GVWR of 5,200 pounds, width of 96 inches
and height of a little more than 10 feet. Inside, the 234BVH is
big on convenience thanks to the over-sized dinette, bunkroom dinette, double-bowl sink with cover, a 6.3 cubic-foot
double door refrigerator/freezer, and two-burner cooktop with
glass cover. Other appointments include ample storage space
throughout and what Venture calls a Mocha Latte Mosaic backsplash, Cognac Maple Color Cabinet Wood. There’s also a skylight, and designer Carefree Linoleum floor with a three-year
warranty. Added convenience is provided by a 39-gallon fresh
water tank, 20,000 BTU furnace, four- to six-person sleeping
capacity and 82-inches of interior height.
www.venture-rv.com
SAFARI CONDO
ALTO R 1713
The Safari Condo ALTO R 1713 is built using sandwich-type material with plastic honeycomb core laminated with aluminum on
one side and aluminum for the walls, roof, floor, chassis, cabinets
and bed structure. This not only results in weight savings, but
provides reliability in a compact, easy to tow unit. Considered
the junior of the company’s ultra lightweight travel trailers, a signature highlight of the Alto R 1713 is its unique retractable roof,
which is seamless, aluminum, and conveniently opens and closes
by a set of electric linear actuators. Featured crescent-shaped
tinted tempered- glass windows complement its profile and
when the roof is closed, the company says the Alto’s shape offers
75 percent less aerodynamic drag than traditional travel trailers.
Some other highlights include two alternate dining areas plus
a 72 X 76-inch king bed (that also converts to two 27 x 76-inch
single beds), and a fixed flush toilet.
www.safaricondo.com
TAYLOR COACH
12’ BOBBIE
Taylor Coach, which is in its 49th year of building recreational vehicles in Canada, offers the 12’ Bobbie, a light
weight unit that weighs just 1,000 pounds, has a GVWR of
1,800 pounds and a cargo carrying capacity of 800 pounds.
Some standards include a 2.7 cubic-foot fridge, two-burner
stove, and Fantastic Fan/microwave. Users will also appreciate the DSI hot water heater, a shower/toilet combo, plus
a nine-foot roll out awning. When it comes to construction
highlights, Taylor Coach uses plywood for the flooring,
tables and countertops, while added integrity is backed by
dressed pine framed R-7 insulated walls, one-piece aluminum roofs and floors and aluminum siding on the walls.
Some options available include an A/C, rear awning, LED
TV, an exterior shower, and solar panels.
www.taylorcoach.com
33
LIVIN’ LITE
CAMPLITE 14DBS
AIRSTREAM
SPORT SERIES
Light weight and nimble, the Sport Series from Airstream
consists of a pair of models, the 16’ Sport and the 22FB,
offering two ideal choices for young families or adventurous couples. While the 16’ sport has a length of a little
more than 16 feet, width of eight feet, and GVWR of 3,500
pounds, the 22FB has a length of 21 feet, eight inches,
a width of a little more than seven feet, and a GVWR of
4,500 pounds. Regardless, both can easily and safely be
towed by a wide range of tow vehicles and share many
highlights and features. For example each unit comes
equipped with a bed spread, bed pillows, throw pillows, a
Pillow-top memory foam mattress and a Fantastic fan with
ceiling controls. Both are also equipped to properly entertain thanks to the convection microwave, 4.2 cubic-foot
refrigerator, plus a sink cover and cutlery drawer. Technical
highlights include an automatic water pressure regulator,
two-stage LP gas regulator, digital tank monitoring system, manual hitch jack, and dual LP tanks.
www.airstream.com
The 14DBS is just one of the many units in Livin Lite’s line
of quality-built, ultra light travel trailers that ranges from 11
feet, four inches and a GVWR of 2,700 pounds to 25 feet, six
inches and a GVWR of 7,000 pounds. According to the company, the 14DBS is built using all-aluminum construction, as
well as block foam insulation and lightweight Azdel composite wallboard to ensure quality and reliability throughout.
On the road, the 14DBS’s GVWR of 5,000 pounds means an
easy tow to destinations and once settled, users will appreciate the interior that hosts a queen bed with an optional
front overhead bunk, providing an ideal sleeping space
for children. For meals, families can utilize the two-person
dinette inside the large 65-inch slideout or dine with Mother
Nature under the available 10-foot awning, which is part of
the XL package. Other items in this package include a 13.5
BTU A/C unit, power Vortec vents, dual 20-pound LP tanks,
a tank monitoring system, leatherette seating and cushions
and wood plank vinyl flooring.
www.livinlite.com
THE 22 FB
STARCRAFT
LAUNCH 16RB
34
The Launch is just one of a handful of lines in Starcraft’s Light
Weight Travel Trailer series. Like all of the Launch floorplans,
the 16RB is light on the hitch and big on camping features.
It has a length of 18 feet, four inches, width of 85 inches, an
exterior height of 108 inches and GVWR of 3,500 pounds,
providing effortless towing experiences and ample space for
6-7 campers. Convenience while on the road is provided by
a two-burner range, Honey-glazed cherry wood cabinetry,
hardwood cabinet doors, inside/outside dinette table with
folding legs, 8,000-BTU side-mounted A/C and an 18,000-BTU
furnace with auto ignition. Other features include an electric
awning, four stabilizer jacks, heated bunk mats, and a Denver
Mattress bunk mat.
www.starcraftrv.com
BIG FOOT INDUSTRIES
25B17.5CB
SEEN HERE IS THE 25B17.5FB
JAYCO
JAY FEATHER 16XRB
The 25B17.5CB is one of three models in Bigfoot’s 17-foot travel
trailer range and with its GVWR of just 4,600 pounds – plus its
light-weight two-piece fibreglass exterior, high density insulation, and thermal pane windows – It’s CB is considered an easy
to tow, multi-season trailer. Like other trailers from Big Foot, the
17.5CB features a host of functions including a porcelain toilet,
spring-filled mattress, day/night shades, as well as a skylight
and deluxe fabrics throughout. Users will also appreciate the
exterior shower, Fantastic Fan, dual propane tanks (with auto
changeover), and a heated/enclosed water tank. What’s more,
the interior boasts six feet, four inches of headroom and there’s
also a 32-gallon fresh water tank, a 21-gallon grey tank and
a 21-gallon black water tank, complete with a handy rinsing
system. Upgrade this light weight unit with a range of available
options including a DVD player and LCD TV, and BBQ hookup.
www.bigfootrv.com
If weight savings and ample space are two top priorities
when considering a unit, check out the 16 XRB in Jayco’s Jay
Feather 7 series. One of nine floorplans in this line, the 16XRB
is not only light in weight, but offers a well-executed design
to deliver ample living and sleeping space. Coming in at just
18 feet with a width of seven feet, the 16XRB offers sleeping
space for family and friends thanks to the dual tent-to-bed
base design at both ends of the unit, large sofa, and convertible dinette. Features abound and the standard Customer
Value Package includes an 8,000 BTU A/C, spare tire with
cover, power awning, black tank flush, exterior shower, plus
an exterior TV bracket w/110 and cable hookup. Adding to the
convenience of its easy towing capabilities and appointments
are the 25-gallon fresh, grey and black water tanks.
www.jayco.com
FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY…
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Enjoy the convenience of 24/7access to expert
RV Lifestyle Magazine content – no matter where you travel,
from your laptop or office computer.
FOR ALL RV ENTHUSIASTS…
Archive copies of the 2013 / 2014 RV Lifestyle Magazine
issues are available on-line at
www.rvlifemag.com
rvlifemag.com
35
Journey
to
Jasper
Story and photos by
Steve Fennell
I
magine the excitement when
your family discovers a vibrant,
rural community at the end of a
five-hour drive through spiraling
switchbacks and twisting, turning
highways along natural lakes, glaciers,
and majestic, snow-covered peaks.
Travelling to Alberta’s Jasper
National Park was an adventure to
remember. While I am no stranger to
the Rocky Mountains, having lived in
Banff National Park and visited several of the nearby National Parks in
British Columbia, a journey to Jasper
has always been on my “bucket list.”
So, I flew west where we picked up a
Pleasure-Way Class B motorhome from
Calgary-based CanaDream RV and
36
RV Lifestyle | |Volume
Volume44
44Number
Number33
headed off for a three-day excursion in
the famous Rocky Mountains.
I jumped at the chance to slide
behind the wheel of a 2015 PleasureWay Pursuit, taking my parents, older
sibling and niece north for a few days
to enjoy Jasper and all the attractions
along the way.
A visit to Jasper National Park means
limited wireless service and days (or
weeks) of being at one with Mother
Nature. Campgrounds abound throughout the region and practical services are
always accessible (yet, advanced planning is recommended).
Millions of tourists – including
countless RVers – visit Jasper National
Park every year and for good reason.
With such Rocky Mountain hot spots as
the Bow Valley’s Banff National Park
and Lake Louise, and the scenic British
Columbia interior to the southwest,
Jasper is a one-of-kind destination that
maintains its rural roots in relation to
other busy Rocky Mountain communities, while offering unparalleled beauty.
It’s also the largest of all the Rocky
Mountain parks in Canada and part of
a collective UNESCO World Heritage
Site. In 2011, it was designated as the
second largest Dark Sky Preserve in the
world – and the only one with a population. By day, the area offers endless
activity and beauty. After sunset, the
night sky is a star-gazers dream with its
sheer brilliance.
rvlifemag.com
Visiting Canada’s largest Rocky Mountain
National Park is a multiple destination
offering some of the finest, most scenic
landscapes Canada has to offer.
The scenic Columbia
Ice Fields Parkway.
rvlifemag.com
Volume
Volume44
44Number
Number33| | RV Lifestyle
37
JOURNEY TO JASPER
FACTS ABOUT JASPER
NATIONAL PARK
“...Campgrounds abound in the area.
There are a handful within a few kilometers of the
town site and more are located within a
15- to 30-minute drive.
• The Athabasca Pass was a major fur
trade transportation route traversed by
David Thompson and other early adventurers in the mid-1800s.
• Jasper National Park was established
on September 14, 1907 as Jasper Forest
Park and was granted national park
status in 1930 after the passing of the
National Parks Act.
• It’s the largest of Canada’s Rocky
Mountain Parks spanning more than
11,000 square kilometers and is part of
the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• There are more than 1,200 kilometers
(660 miles) of hiking trails
• The large array of wildlife make the
park one of the great protected ecosystems remaining in the Rocky Mountains.
• It’s home to Mt. Columbia, the highest
mountain in Alberta at 3,747 metres.
• There are 69 naturally occurring species of mammals and it’s common to
see elk, deer, bighorn sheep, coyote and
black bear.
DRIVING THE SCENIC
ROUTE
Leaving Calgary via the Trans-Canada
Hwy/AB-1W, you enter Kananaskis
country, the foothills of the Rockies, then
start climbing the twisting roads into the
heart of the Bow Valley.
38
One of the many beautiful
lakes in Jasper National Park.
In under two hours you enter Banff
National Park, a spectacular stop for
any tourist at any time of the year, offering everything an RVer could wish for.
During peak season there are several
campgrounds available and it’s highly
recommended to book early in advance
as they fill quickly. Only a handful of
campgrounds offer full service sites and
amenities vary. Fees range from approximately $15 to $55 (CDN).
All of campgrounds in the area are
surrounded by spectacular wilderness
and a select few are in close proximity to
the Banff town site and just a short drive
to excellent dining, shopping and nightlife. There are many local hiking trails
near the town site including Johnston
Canyon, Lake Minnewanka, The
Vermillion Lakes and Tunnel Mountain,
which is easily accessible from town.
Take the short hike up to enjoy the views
of Banff Avenue and the towering mountains of Cascade and Rundle.
For the more adventurous, there are
countless hiking trails in the park that lead
to higher elevations. This is where the true
beauty of the park can be discovered. Visit
during the right time of year to witness the
vibrant wildflowers that sprawl across the
meadows with the Rocky Mountains and
pristine lakes in the distance. With plenty
to do, see and explore, Banff is a mustvisit where you can enjoy a wide range of
new experiences.
Passing Banff and driving further into
the Bow Valley, one of the many attractions worth visiting is Castle Mountain
Junction. RVers will find a group of
lodges as well as the Castle Mountain
Campground. With 43 sites, this rustic
campground offers washroom facilities
with hot/cold water and a small communal
kitchen with a wood burning stove. While
here, take a scenic stroll to Silverton Falls
or Rockbound Lake, located approximately
200 metres east of the junction.
With the option of staying on the
Trans-Canada Highway to Lake Louise,
we took Highway 1A, an alternate and
more scenic route to this famous area.
At “the Village” of Lake Louise I topped
up the fuel tank and we enjoyed a relaxing lunch in the Pleasure-Way. Temple,
Whyte and Niblock Mountains stood tall
in the distance. Other services in the village included a park visitor centre, bakery,
bar and grill, and sporting goods store.
With excellent skiing in the winter
and exciting activities in the summer
Lake Luoise is an excellent destination
all year. If you have time, check out
rvlifemag.com
WHEN YOU ARRIVE:
After the scenic run along the
Columbia Icefields Parkway, be
sure to stop in at the Jasper Park
Information Center in the Jasper
townsite. The center is a Natural
Historic Site and your best starting
point to experience everything the
area has to offer.
The Lake Louise Sightseeing Gondola
& Interpretive Centre, which takes you
up in the mountains where you can dine
at Lodge of Ten Peaks and enjoy spectacular scenery.
One of the most popular sites in
the area is the world-acclaimed Lake
Louise with its vibrant blue-green lake
that awes millions of tourists every year.
Walking trails are found around a portion of the lake and RVers can stroll the
pristine grounds of the opulent Fairmont
Chateau Lake Louise. Many hiking
trails are also nearby to further explore
the area – from easy to difficult.
From Lake Louise we headed out on
the 200-plus kilometer trek to Jasper. We
turned off onto to AB-93 N Columbia
Ice Fields Parkway, and in no time I was
at the entrance to the park, where we
purchased the mandatory park pass. (see
sidebar for fees).
From there, towering pines encompassed both sides of the highway, before
opening up to expansive vistas of the
surrounding mountains with sporadic
views of the Bow River, running steadily on course aside the highway.
Stopping for photo ops was, of course,
on our agenda. The first stop was at
Hector Lake, followed by Bow Lake,
which is located at the head waters of
the Bow River. Picnic areas provided
the perfect place to take a break from the
road with views of Crowfoot Glacier,
the Wapta Icefield, Bow Glacier, and the
bases Crowfoot Mountain and Mount
Thompson (due to the overcast weather).
One of the more popular lakes (and
considered to be the most photographed)
is Peyto Lake. Accessible to view via
a short hiking trail from the parkway,
the more adventurous can hike a little
further for the best view of the lake. The
elevation here is 6,800 feet above sea
level, the highest along the parkway.
rvlifemag.com
Wildlife
abounds in
the park.
With my ears popping we passed
such natural attractions as the
Saskatchewan River Crossing (where
the North Saskatchewan River, the
Howse River and the Mistaya River
meet), The Weeping Wall, Big Hill/
Big Bend, and Parker Ridge. We soon
approached The Columbia Ice Fields
and Athabasca Glacier.
Guided tours of the Columbia Ice
Fields and glacier are available and
operate from mid-April to mid-October and depart every 15 minutes.
Interpretive exhibits, self-guided trails,
a dining room, cafeteria, gift shop, overnight accommodations and the new the
Columbia Icefield Theatre can expand
your enjoyment of the area.
Another recent development along
the parkway – approximately 10 km
north of the Icefields – is the Glacier
Sky Walk, which opened in May 2014.
Visitors can take in magnificent views
of the Sunwapta Valley thanks to the
glass-floor observation platform, which
is 918 feet above the valley. If you’re
weary of the exposure, other views can
be accessed from a nearby lookout.
With my final destination nearing, I
put my camera away and drove the scenic, twisting, and turning 100-kilometer
stretch up to Jasper – but not before
stopping at The Athabasca River and
taking a break by the rushing water.
After five hours of driving up past the
tree line and low lying clouds, Jasper
greeted us with blue skies and sunshine.
With restaurants, cafes, a grocery store,
outfitting stores, clothing boutiques and
FEES FOR JASPER
NATIONAL PARK
Daily
Adult
$ 9.80
Senior
$ 8.30
Youth
$ 4.90
Family/Group
$ 19.60
Commercial Group,
per person
$ 8.30
School Groups, per student
$ 3.90
Annual - Discovery Pass
Adult
Senior
Youth
Family/Group
$ 67.70
$ 57.90
$ 33.30
$ 136.40
For more information visit
www.pc.gc.ca
art galleries, downtown Jasper is a shoppers and diners delight.
Campgrounds abound in the area.
There are a handful within a few kilometers of the town site and more are
located within a 15- to 30-minute drive.
Wildlife sightings of elk, deer, moose, and
bears are common and caution should be
taken. “Bear warning” signs are found
along the highway, main roads, and in the
campgrounds. Many campgrounds (if not
all) have food lockers and visitors must
follow the rules and regulations. Bear
updates are available at the Parks Canada
website at www.pc.gc.ca.
The newest campground in the area is
Hidden Cove Campground, nestled along
39
QUICK PEAK:
FALLS AND MORE ON
THE PARKWAY
Here are a few additional must-see
attractions during your journey on
the AB-93 N Columbia Ice Fields
Parkway.
Part of the town site of
downtown Jasper.
• Weeping Wall: The Weeping Wall
is at Cirrus Mountain and is more than
330 feet in height. Water cascades
into a series of waterfalls and the main
fall is called the Teardrop. Located 125
kilometers from Jasper.
• Sunwapta Falls: Known as a Class
6 waterfall, Sunwapta is south of the
Jasper and has a drop of approximately 60 feet. The falls is especially striking in late spring and early summer.
55 Kilometers from Jasper.
• Athabasca Falls: While not the highest in the Rockies, the force of these
falls is simply amazing. It can be safely
photographed from designated viewing platforms and walking trails. 30
minutes from Jasper
• Big Hill & Big Bend: There’s no
denying the majestic view while
descending this part of the parkway.
Big Bend is actually an acclaimed hair
pin turn that circles below the towering
mountains.
• Parker Ridge: Located in the northern end of Banff National Park, stretch
your legs, and experience some elevation by taking on this two-hour hike to
enjoy breathtaking mountain vistas.
the shores of scenic Maligne Lake. Even
if canoeing isn’t your thing, it’s still
worth a visit as Maligne Lake (located
45 kilometers from Jasper) is the largest
natural lake in the Canadian Rockies.
Spanning 22 kilometers, the lake features such notable attractions as Spirit
Island and the channels of Coronet
Glacier. Moose, caribou, harlequin ducks
and many other species of wildlife make
their home at the north end. Hiking trails
are abundant.
Just ten minutes northeast of Jasper is
Maligne Canyon, a spectacular gorge in
the Rockies that reaches as deep as 165
40
Rental boats are available on Pyramid
Lake to explore the area further.
“…After five hours of driving up past the tree
line and low lying clouds, Jasper greeted us
with blue skies and sunshine... ”
feet. RVers may also want to visit the
locally accessible Pyramid Lake Road,
which meanders past many picturesque
sights. There’s Pyramid Bench, which
consists of a plethora of small ponds, hiking trails, and more wildlife, while mountain bikers will love the Saturday Night
Loop, a 28.9 kilometer biking trail that
skirts the shoreline of several local lakes.
Avid birders should keep a look out
for many species including barred owls,
pied-billed grebe, and Barrow’s goldeneye. The road ends at Pyramid Lake,
which permits gasoline-powered motors
and boats are available to rent at Pyramid
Lake Bungalows. If you’re an angler,
this is a great opportunity to cast a line
for rainbow and lake trout and Rocky
Mountain whitefish.
For a relaxing rest after a long day of
exploring the park, a visit to Miette Hot
Springs in the Fiddle Valley (about an
hour from Jasper) is a must and this is
considered the hottest mineral springs in
the Rockies at 40°C (104°F).
Consisting more than 11,000 square
kilometers with at least 1,000 kilometers
of hiking trails, the array of sights and
attractions are endless. After visiting as
much as I could during my short stay
in the Rocky Mountain National Park,
a return trip is currently in the works to
explore more of what Jasper, and the
entire region, has to offer. rvlifemag.com
JOURNEY TO JASPER
JASPER
CAMPGROUNDS
Whistlers
3.5 Km from Jasper town site
Open May 1 to October 12
Power, electricity water, sewer, no
hook-ups, flush toilets, showers
Wapiti
5.4 km from Jasper town site
Open all Year
Electricity, no hook-ups, flush toilets,
showers
Wabasso
16.5 km south of Jasper town site
June 19 to Sept 7
Electricity, no hook-ups, flush toilets
Snaring River
13 km east of Japer town site
May 15 – Sept. 13
Dry toilets
Kerkeslin
36 km south of Jasper town site
June 19 to Sept. 7
Dry toilets
Pocahontas
45 km east of Jasper town site
May 15 – Sept. 13
No hook-ups, flush toilets
Honeymoon Lake
52.5 km south of Jasper town site
June 19 to Sept. 7
Dry toilets
Jonas Creek
78 km south of Jasper town site
May 17 to Sept. 7
Dry toilets
Columbia Icefield
106 km South of Jasper town site
May 15 to October 13
Dry toilets
Our 2015 Pleasure-Way Pursuit
descending Pyramid Lake Rd.
Wilcox
107.5 km from Jasper Town site
June 5 – Sept. 27
Dry toilets
Icefields Centre RV
(Trailers and RVs only.
Water & fire not available on site)
105 km from Jasper town site
April 1 to October 31
Dry toilets
For more information visit Parks Canada at www.pc.gc.ca
rvlifemag.com
41
RV PRODUCTS
New Gear!
Accessorize at your campsite!
We present some of the latest gadgetry and tools to
enhance your travels this season!
EASY RIDER
The Dispatch from Swagman is a bike rack
designed to hold two bikes safely and securely.
According to the company, the unit provides
optimum ground clearance, making it ideal for
those bumpy, backcountry roads and can be
used on travel trailers or fifth wheels. It also
incorporates a two-inch draw bar to keep bikes
secure, has a weight capacity of 90 pounds,
and features a locking threaded hitch pin and
braided steel security cable.
www.swagman.net
DIGITAL FIFTH WHEEL
HITCH SELECTOR
Do-it-yourselfers installing a trailer hitch for a fifth wheel
should navigate to the Cequent Performance Products’ website at www.reeseprod.com (or www.proseries.com) to take
advantage of its free Fifth Wheel Hitch Selector system. An
innovative online system that walks users through a stepby-step process of building a complete fifth wheel hitch
system, it’s said to eliminate confusion over what parts are
needed for proper installation. After providing the selector
with the make, model and year of a tow vehicle, it compiles
a list of compatible mounting systems, rail kits and fifth
wheel hitches.
www.reeseprod.com or www.proseries.com
42
rvlifemag.com
PERFECT FOR BOATS & RVs
Q America’s #1 Hard Folding Cover
Q 100% Truck Bed Access
Q 6OHHN/RZ3URʱOH'HVLJQ
Q Automatic Latching Panels
|
818-365-9000 bakindustries.com
CHECK OUR
EXTEND THE LIFE OF YOUR ROOF
PREVENT WATER INFILTRATION
AVOID COSTLY INSURANCE CLAIMS
ONLINE
THE ULTIMATE BOAT AND
RV SHELTER SYSTEM
-PROMOS-
FO
R
DE
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LS V
I S I T W W W . N AV I
O.C
OM
NAVIGLOO FOR RVs
from 8 to 35 ft
AVOID DAMAGE
CAUSED BY SNOW ACCUMULATION!
ONE-TIME LOW STORAGE COST SAVE YEAR AFTER YEAR
100% LIGHTWEIGHT PVC DURABLE & REUSABLE
PREMIUM QUALITY UV PROTECTED TARPAULIN
WIND AND WEATHER RESISTANT
MADE TO PROTECT THE ENVIRONMENT
RECYCLED AND RECYCLABLE PVC
rvlifemag.com
OTHER AVAILABLE PRODUCTS
PROTECT YOUR BOAT FOR WINTER
1 888 628.4456 | navigloo.com
43
RV PRODUCTS
JUST IN-CASE
PORTABLE
POWER
Reliability is a must when it comes to portable
generators. The Powerhouse PH4000Ri/E is said
to start at cold temperatures and higher elevations,
and is designed to produce 4000 peak watts and
3600 running watts. According to the company,
the unit is safe to use for sensitive electronics
(including laptops, flatscreen TV’s, and game
consoles) and provides enough power to also run a
15,000 BTU A/C unit, lights, refrigerator and coffeemaker. It’s CARB, EPA and CSA-certified and
meets the National Park Service standards for use
at campgrounds. Stainless steel handles, a digital
display, and pneumatic tires are other features. It
can also run continuously up to 18 hours and can
start with an electric, remote control.
www.coastdistribution.com
44
rvlifemag.com
BAG IT
The LT-27 is a heavy-duty bike bag from USA Roadbag.
Consisting of 600 denier cloth, the LT-27 can provide a
fully enclosed cover for a motorcycle, a scooter, and can
cover up to two bicycles mounted on a receiver hitch bike
rack. USA Roadbag says the LT-27 protects bikes while
minimizing the risk of losing bike pumps, water bottles or
tires while travelling. Glow-in-the-dark piping makes the
bag visible at night and sewn in “D” rings make it easier
to tighten the bag around the bikes. The LT-27 comes in
brown, grey, black, green, blue, burgundy and tan. A front
loading version (the LT-FL) is also available.
www.usaroadbag.com ...where the journey
is the destination
Ask us about the Recreational
Vehicle Management Program
and how you can purchase
a motorhome:
• tax free
• get free storage
• share in rental revenue
• have your motorhome
professionally maintained
RENTAL FLEET OF 100 MOTORHOMES
ENCOUNTER CLASS A
14124 Highway 50, Bolton, Ontario L7E 3E2
www.motorhometravel.com
rvlifemag.com
LEPRECHAUN CLASS C
Sales of New and
Pre-owned
Class A and C.
Also a Full
Service
and Parts
Department
416-743-4155 or 1-877-228-2218
45
AD INDEX
B&W Trailer Hitches ..........................................25
Bak Industries....................................................43
Big Pine & Florida Lower Keys ..........................7
Brakebuddy........................................................10
Outdoor Travel ...................................................29
Can-Am RV Centre ............................................17
Carefree of Colorado..........................................29
Coach-Net ..........................................................15
Ram Trucks .......................................................9
ICON ..................................................................16
Jayco .................................................................2
JR Mobile Service..............................................27
Koolatron ...........................................................44
K-Z RV ...............................................................48
Lance ................................................................41
Little Guy Worldwide .........................................8
McPhails of Harriston ........................................46
Motorhome Travel .............................................45
Navigloo.............................................................43
ORVDA ..............................................................19
Owasco Recreational Vehicles...........................14
Pleasure-Way Industries ...................................13
Pro-Lite..............................................................11
Roadtrek Motorhomes Inc. ...............................5
RVL Subscription ..............................................25
Safari Condo ......................................................45
Taylor Coach......................................................46
Toronto Camping Centre ...................................27
Winnebago Ind. .................................................47
1650 lbs
SHOWN HERE 17' SIDEDOOR
STARTING PRICE
Side door models NOW available!
8' Lil EL: Weighs 700 lbs., sleeps 4, c/w bath & kitchenette ................................................$6,300
10' DYL: Weighs 850 lbs., sleeps 4, 54" bed, c/w bath & kitchenette...................................$7,400
12' BOBBIE: Weighs 1,000 lbs., sleeps 4, & queen bed, c/w bath & kitchenette.................$8,400
14' CODESTER: Weighs 1,175 lbs., sleeps 5, 54" bed, c/w bath & kitchenette ....................$9,900
17' NIK & NAT: Weighs 1,450 lbs., sleeps 8, 54" bed, c/w bath & kitchenette...................$11,800
Taylor Coach & Tracy’s R.V.
915 Hwy. #6, Millgrove • (905) 689-6167
#1 in
Lightweights
McPhail’s
of Harriston
IN THE HEART OF ONTARIO
3 km South of Harriston, on Cty. Rd. 109, old Hwy #9
Take a little drive to the country for big savings !!!
COACHMEN
CLASS C
Coachman
Catalina TT
ALLEGRO BUS
CEDAR CREEK
SURVEYOR
CHAPARRAL
R POD
VIKING
HARDTOPS
s 20,000' INDOOR SHOWROOM
s FULL SERVICE – FROM LARGE MOTORHOMES
TO FOLDING TRAILERS
s SERVING OUR CUSTOMERS SINCE 1958
s LARGE PARTS & ACCESSORIES STORE
Where Service is our Motto
Phone (519) 338-3422 or Toll Free 1 (888) 665-2025
Fax (519) 338-2770 E-mail: [email protected] www.mcphails.on.ca
46
rvlifemag.com
EIGHT GREAT
DIESELS
TO GET YOUR
MOTOR RUNNING.
There are lots of reasons to step up to a diesel pusher: The smooth, quiet ride. The
luxurious amenities. The abundant storage. And all that awesome torque on tap.
But with eight models and a wide variety of floorplans and price points to choose from,
the real question might be, “Which one?”
The good news is, no matter which of our diesel pushers you select, you can rest assured
it will deliver the innovative features, build quality and value you expect from the numberone name in motorhomes.
Try one on for size at your nearest dealer, or see them all online at WinnebagoInd.com.
GRAND TOUR® ELLIPSE ULTRA® TOUR® ELLIPSE® JOURNEY® MERIDIAN® FORZA™ SOLEI®
©2014 Winnebago Industries, Inc.
047.pdf 1
15-09-03 4:31 PM
G366FBT
G366FBT
G372BHF
D315RKD
D325RLT
SOME
FAVORITE
VACATION
SPOTS...
KZ takes the phrase ‘favorite vacation spots’ to a whole, new level. Simple finishes, soothing neutral tones and
natural wood provide a peaceful backdrop conducive to relaxation. Living spaces are creatively thought out.
Storage areas are generous and multi-functional. Floorplans are imaginatively planned.
Durango fifth wheels are presented in three lines, and all offer casual, yet sophisticated, style.
All in all, we think you’ll find each of our Durango fifth wheels to be the perfect family getaway package.
G380FLF
QUALITY
ALITY . RELIABILITY . INNOVATION
INNOVAT
kz-rv.com
048.pdf 1
15-09-03 4:30 PM

JOURNEY TO - RV Lifestyle Magazine

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