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View - RV Lifestyle
S P E C I A L R E P O RT: S H O P P I N G T H E S H OW S p g. 3 3 10 TOP TOY HAULERS Tow-Testing: Destination: CALIFORNIA DREAMING Display until April 2016 www.rvlifemag.com $4.95 Vol. 44 No. 5 1121 Invicta Dr., Unit 2, Oakville, ON L6H 2R2 Publications Mail Agreement #40010957 FORD F150 COMPACT COMFORT! VENTURE RV SONIC LITE 167VMS 3/($685(:$<,1'8675,(6/7':::3/($685(:$<&20 Contents DEPARTMENTS 10 HITCH HINTS ROAD TESTS FEATURES 33 32 - Andy Thomson - Norm Rosen Dry camping adventures in the US National Parks 16 18 18 RV TIPS VENTURE RV SONIC 167VMS - RVL Road Test Team State-of-the-art lightweight - Garth Cane DESTINATION Garth Cane hitches up the Ford F-150 26 COOKING LADIES RV TOURING CALIFORNIA DREAMING - Phyllis Hinz and Lamont Mackay - Lynn Benjamin Deviled ham spread in a bread bowl at Pier 21 in Halifax Lynn Benjamin explores the West Coast SHOPPING THE SHOWS New trends for 2016. 32 TOP TOY HAULERS Here’s how you can take it all with you… 42 RV GEAR Great new products for the RV enthusiast LETTERS - From Tech Editor Garth Cane’s Mailbox Tips, techniques, and advice for RV enthusiasts. ON THE COVER Venture RV’s 2016 Sonic 167VMS Cover photo by Norm Rosen. Follow us on Facebook! www.facebook.com/RVLifestyleMagazine Camping on the shoreline at Crystal Cove State Park. See more on page 10 Volume 44 Number 5 | RV Lifestyle 3 Publishers MESSAGE volume 44 number 5 IT’S A GREAT TIME TO BUY AN RV! Publisher: WILLIAM E. TAYLOR [email protected] Group Publisher: MELANIE TAYLOR-WALLIS [email protected] Editorial Director: NORM ROSEN [email protected] Assistant Editors: ERIC WICKHAM CHARLOTTE MORRITT-JACOBS Technical Editor: GARTH CANE [email protected] Art/Production Manager: GISELLE BANSAL Design: TAMARA TAYLOR W ith the RV Show season running at full throttle across Canada, and dealers stocking some of the most exciting new RV models at very reasonable prices, 2016 may well be the best time in years to invest in the RV lifestyle as an ideal family vacation alternative. While the pessimists may point to the disappointing fall in the value of the Canadian dollar, the large volume of RV sales in the United States during the past two or three years has enabled the manufacturers to lower retail prices of many RV models, and the advances in technology make the 2016 models the best value ever – regardless of the exchange rate. Calculate your fuel savings during an era when oil is trading at a very low price, and your cost of RV travel will offset some of the sting of the low exchange rate. Some people may think that they should take a “wait and see” approach to buying an RV at this point in time. Personally, I don’t see the benefit of delaying your purchase. We have seen the dollar rise and fall many times since we started publishing in 1971, and frankly, this is a market factor over which we have no control… but we know from years of experience that the dollar is not going to gain value overnight – it could take years to return to anywhere close to parity with the U.S. dollar, so why postpone your family’s vacation dreams for the sake of a few percentage points on the exchange rate scale? Your children may be grown up by the time the dollar recovers, and if you are retired and looking for a new and exciting lifestyle, why delay 4 RV Lifestyle | Volume 44 Number 5 the investment – enjoy life while you have your health! One very positive element of the low flying loonie is that it has stimulated a substantial growth in Canadian tourism, with scenic attractions and campgrounds across Canada preparing for a banner year as many families are deciding to explore the beauty of neighbouring provinces rather than heading south. It is a wonderful opportunity to discover the magnificent destinations that abound in every province. If this is your first encounter with RV Lifestyle Magazine, thank you very much for sharing your leisure time with us. Please take a few minutes to visit the website at www.rvlifemag.com where you will find archives filled with entertaining and informative articles on every aspect of the RV experience. If you enjoy this issue, please check out our special subscription offer on page 32. William E. Taylor, Publisher Be sure to keep up-to-date with the latest news, technical tips, product announcements, and travel stories while on the road by visiting us at our new website, www.rvlifemag.com! Digital Media: MICHEL JULIEN Contributing Writers: PHYLLIS HINZ LAMONT MACKAY CRAIG RITCHIE JAMES STONESS ANDY THOMSON Advertising Sales: [email protected] 1-800-354-9145 EXECUTIVE OFFICES: TORONTO: 1121 Invicta Dr., Unit 2 Oakville, ON L6H 2R2 Tel: 905-844-8218 Fax: 905-844-5032 MONTREAL: 970 Montee de Liesse, Suite 310 St. Laurent, PQ H4T 1W7 Tel: 514-856-0788 Fax: 514-856-0790 VANCOUVER: Bob and Carole Taylor, 1745 Rufus Drive North Vancouver, BC V7J 3L8 ADMINISTRATION: President/CEO: WILLIAM E. TAYLOR Group Publisher: MELANIE TAYLOR-WALLIS VP/General Manager: ROY C. BAIRD VP/Special Projects: NORM ROSEN Accounting: NANCY MUELLER Camping Canada’s RV Lifestyle Magazine is published seven times a year by Camping Canada Magazine Ltd. Reproduction of any material appearing in this magazine in any form is forbidden without prior consent of the publisher. Subscription rates: Canada (prices include G.S.T.) 1 year (7 issues) $19.99: 2 years (14 issues) $32. U.S. subscriptions:1 year (7 issues) $30 US. Other: 1 year (7 issues) $60 CDN. Single copies are $4.95 for regular issues, and $5.95 for the annual RV Buyer’s Guide and the annual Campground Directory issues. Subscription inquiries 1-800-354-9145 Advertising rates available on request. Editorial contributions must be accompanied by return postage and will be handled with reasonable care. The publisher assumes no responsibility for return of safety of artwork, photographs, or manuscripts. Camping Canada Magazine reserves the right to refuse any and all advertising and disclaims all responsibilities for claims or statements of facts made by its advertisers or independent columnists. PUBLICATIONS MAIL AGREEMENT #40010957 Undeliverables to: 1121 Invicta Dr., Unit 2, Oakville, ON L6H 2R2 MONTREAL, QUEBEC © 2016 CAMPING CANADA MAGAZINE PRINTED IN CANADA LIGHTENment Seek en Featuring a full line-up of ultra lightweight travel trailers, TA N D A DVA N GREEN M A RT E A G E G LA E E RT H H A ACTURING UF P N SSES CE RO IN CLA ST SS BE HEARTLAND RV is your best choice for affordable luxury and value! LA N D A DVA N www.HEARTLANDRVS.com TA HITCH HINTS by Andy Thomson WEST COAST ADVENTURE We took advantage of the holiday season to explore the RV destinations west of the Rockies I n early December I had a meeting to attend in Phoenix, so we left a couple of weeks early and spent some time on the California coast. We stayed a week in Malibu at a great park right across the Pacific Coast Highway from the beach. We then spent a few hours driving along all the coastal roads through Los Angeles to Crystal Cove State Park on the south side of Los Angeles. We had planned to visit several museums and other attractions in Los Angeles but most days found us just walking on the beaches. Crystal Cove is a great park with simply gorgeous views over the Pacific with miles of beach. It has no hook-ups. When we told others we were heading there I was surprised how many could not believe we would spend six nights dry camping as though it was some massive hardship. So I thought I would list a few tips I have learned about dry camping over the last 50 years of traveling. Most of these were handed down to me so I can’t really take any credit for them and I am sure there are many others. For dry camping you need power, water and a way to empty the waste tanks. 6 RV Lifestyle | Volume 44 Number 5 POWER: a) When dry camping with most RVs you will not have 110 power. The Airstream is equipped with a small inverter that can run the TVs or a laptop. However the inverter uses a lot of battery power so you want to be careful how much you operate it. b) Unless you bother with a generator you won’t have air conditioning. There is a dramatic difference in how well different RVs stay cool. Look for as much ventilation as possible on all walls if possible. Window awnings are great for keeping the heat out as well. c) If you do a lot of dry camping in open areas you cannot beat having a solar panel. We would have easily gone all week with an 80 watt panel without charging the batteries. d) Two batteries are more than twice as good as one when dry camping, besides doubling your capacity you can also recharge much faster. e) The Airstream has LED lights, these Touring by the ocean on the Pacific Coast Highway have a fraction of the power drain of the old bulbs so you can actually be a little reckless with your lighting. They are still a little pricey so if you have an older unit just change the bulbs you use frequently. f) Recharging the batteries when you don’t have solar panels or a generator needs to be done with your tow vehicle. I don’t see a problem with that as the car is quieter than a generator and you don’t have to carry anything extra around with you. You can plug the car into the trailer to charge the batteries but this is a very slow process and on many vehicles today the charge line does not operate without running the car engine. 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 rvlifemag.com com It’s rare and well done at the same time. KE Y LA RG O When it comes to keeping campers happy, there aren’t many places as perfectly prepared as Florida’s Lower Keys. In fact, with everything from primitive waterfront campsites to fully equipped RV lots, it’s pretty much made to order. fla-keys.com/lowerkeys 1.800.872.3722 A ISL KEY W EST BIG PINE KEY & THE LOWER KEYS MARA THO N MO RA DA HITCH HINTS by Andy Thomson g) Once your trailer battery is down to around 11 volts you need to recharge. The best way to charge the trailer batteries is to hook the car up to the trailer with some jumper cables. This will charge much faster than the built in charge line and it can charge with the engine turned off. STEP 1: Connect the cables negative to negative – positive to positive. Actually look for the symbols on the batteries as some trailers use a black wire for positive which is the negative on the car so don’t just match wire colors. STEP 2: You would think you would start the car right away but these days the cars alternator can produce more power than the batteries can accept. Let the batteries equalize for 10-15 minutes. The car will start as the battery voltage won’t drop below the 11 volts you began with. STEP 3: Start the car and let it idle for 15 minutes. This will bring the car battery up to about 80% and continue to charge the trailer batteries. continued from page 6 Make sure you check the elevation of where you will be traveling in the west in the winter. We drove a lovely road Highway 60 from Phoenix to I-25 just south of Albuquerque. I did not realize for most of the 300 miles Highway 60 was between 7 & 8000 feet so we had a 100 miles of snow storm to deal with, in the mountains, on a two lane road. Well I guess you have to keep life interesting but I-10 would have been quicker. STEP 4: Turn the car off but leave the cables connected for 15 minutes or so. If you are only on the site for one more day this is likely enough power. If you are planning to be there for a few more days run the above cycle a couple of more times. After three cycles the batteries should be in the high 12’s which will take care of them for a couple of days of normal use. To give you an idea I kept notes on what I did for the six nights in Crystal Cove. We ran the inverter about one hour each day, but the largest drain was running the furnace as night temperatures were dropping to 50 degrees. Some rugged souls don’t mind camping in the cold but our trailer does not drop below 8 RV Lifestyle | Volume 44 Number 5 rvlifemag.com 70 degrees. During a Canadian summer you don’t need a lot of lights because the days are long but in the south in the winter days are not much longer than here so if you spend the evening in the trailer you need lights from 5:00 pm to whenever you hit the hay. We arrived on a Sunday with fully charged batteries. They ran without needing a charge until Wednesday morning when the voltage was down to 10.9. I cycled the car three times and then let it sit connected for a couple of hours while we went to the beach that morning and they were at 13.3 afterwards. Friday evening we were down to 11.3 which likely would have run us through the night but I gave it one more 15 minute charge cycle which brought it up to 11.9. The next morning we were back down to 10.8 but were pulling out anyway so not a problem. FRESH WATER: I am not a big fan of public showers and there is no way Heather is going to be caught in one so we use the shower in the trailer. You want to be sure you have a showerhead with a shut off so you can be easy on water. We had a shower every day we were there and washed dishes. We have done a lot of dry camping and are pretty good at saving water but we don’t get crazy about it. It’s amazing how little you use when you need to carry it. For water I carry a couple of collapsible five gallon jerry cans which take up very little space. At this park there were a few taps spread around so I only had to carry the water about 200 feet. I have been in parks where the only water is at the main office area so in those I drive up and carry the water back in the trunk of the car. We arrived with a full tank, and the Airstream has a relatively large 54 gallon tank. I added 30 Gallons on Wednesday which easily lasted us until we left. it inside the trailer. I have seen them strapped to ladders, tied behind the LP tanks and tied to bumpers etc. Not the nicest looking accessory on your RV. We have on occasion made a framework that carries one under the trailer between the frame rails, if I did a lot of dry camping that is what I would do. For me it was just as simple to drop the trailer on the car and take it up to the dump station, which I did on Wednesday morning while Heather was getting some work done. GREY WATER: Over the 50 years I have been around RV’s one of the more controversial topics has been what to do with grey water. Before 1974 most trailers only had a black water tank, the grey water drained directly into the sewer hose if you were hooked up or onto the ground if you were not. Most people carried a small shovel so they could dig a little opening in the ground, then they drained using a cut off garden hose. This eliminates surface water. Then in the early 70’s it was decided that this was wrong and grey water should not be drained onto the ground, but of course many people continued to do so. As time went by grey tanks became larger and few people drained grey water. However now in the Southwestern states they are having a drought and it turns out that a couple of million California homes and many large facilities recycle their grey water for irrigation. There is now some actual research being done on how to safely use grey water. For example it should not be drained where it will not soak into the soil (hence the small shovel), it should not be drained out of growing season and never where it can run into fresh water. It turns out maybe our parents or grandparents weren’t wrong after all. One of the neighbours in the park asked me what I was doing with my grey water and said I would drain it at the dump-station when I emptied the black tank. He mentioned that the shrubs around our campsite could likely use it more, considering how dry the plants looked it likely was not a bad idea. I asked him what the park rangers would say and he said that officially they say not to but unofficially they hope you will help. So I borrowed his hose and shovel and drained the water into the ground adjacent to a few of the shrubs. Perhaps they were looking a little healthier by the time I left. I only drained about 40 gallons over the six days so not a great deal. That soil was so dry it was instantly absorbed and likely did do some good. I don’t think I would do the same thing if I was next to a lake in an already damp area and I think you would want to know what the local rules are. However maybe in time we will have some actual guidelines on how to make positive use of grey water. So dry camping is not that tough or uncomfortable and it only takes a little time. Parks that don’t have hookups are often in some incredible settings. It also gives you more flexibility when you travel not having to worry whether you will have hookups. BLACK WATER: There are two ways to empty tanks, one is to tow the trailer up to the dump station and the other is to use a portable tank that you can transfer into. The downside to the portable tanks is their size. You sure don’t want to store rvlifemag.com Volume 44 Number 5 | RV Lifestyle 9 RV TIPS by Garth Cane 2016 FORD F150 THE PICKUP TRUCK Entirely re-imagined T he all-new 2016 Ford F-150 introduced a new aluminum body to the Ford lineup. The militarygrade aluminum reduces the trucks’ weight by up to 700 pounds allowing it to be more agile and fuel efficient while making it more durable and powerful than previous models. The F-150 can now tow more than any other light-duty pickup truck – up to 5,534 kg (12,200 pounds). Regardless of model configuration or engine choice, every truck customer benefits from up to 700 pounds of weight savings the new truck delivers. This is projected to have fuel economy ratings in the range of at least fivr percent and as much as 20 percent better gas mileage than today’s truck, depending on the model. “Our objective was to find materials that allowed us to design the truck to be as tough – or tougher – than the current model, yet could help it be hundreds of pounds lighter for better capability and fuel economy,” said Pete Friedman, manager, Ford manufacturing research. 10 RV Lifestyle | Volume 44 Number 5 “Out of all the materials we tested, we carefully selected only certain grades of aluminum that met our high performance standards in all of our tests, while allowing us to trim hundreds of pounds from the truck.” New for 2016 is a 360-degree camera view that uses exterior cameras to create a bird’s-eye view of the truck to help drivers park, maneuver in tight spots, and navigate narrow roads and trails. Integrated loading ramps enable easy loading of ATVs, motorcycles and mowers. BoxLink combines metal brackets and custom cleats to secure a variety of accessories in the cargo box – from ramps to storage bins to bed dividers. Ford introduced the first trailer sway control for the 2009 Ford F-150, the Ford system senses differences in movement between truck and trailer, using the wheel brakes in both vehicles to counteract sway. In 2015 they added Smart Trailer Control to the truck’s productivity screen to show the driver which lights on a trailer connected to the truck aren’t working – meaning the driver or a passenger doesn’t have to get out of the truck and walk around the trailer. Backing up a trailer can be tricky. This is the most unwelcome part of towing your trailer. The truck’s front wheels have to be turned the opposite direction the driver wants the trailer to go. Turn too hard and the trailer can hit the vehicle, or jackknife. Whether working alone continued on page 12 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. rvlifemag rvlifemag.com com Reach the peak and take in the view of the Rocky Mountains. )XOÀOOLQJ\RXUEXFNHWOLVWKDVQHYHU EHHQHDVLHUZLWKWKHYHUVDWLOHDQG OX[XULRXV5RDGWUHN=LRQ 7KH=LRQRIIHUVDEHDXWLIXOO\GHVLJQHGRSHQFRQFHSWLQWHULRUZKHUHDWWHQWLRQWRGHWDLODQG XVHRIVSDFHKDVEHHQSHUIHFWHG7KHUHLVVRPHWKLQJIRUHYHU\RQHLQWKLVFRDFKIURPWKH RXWGRRUHQWKXVLDVWWRWKHKREE\LVWWRWKHFKHILQWKHIDPLO\WKH=LRQRIIHUVPRUHVWRUDJHDQG IXQFWLRQDOLW\WKDQHYHUEHIRUH:LWKJUHDWIXHOHFRQRP\HDVHRIGULYLQJDQGSDUNLQJDQGWKH DELOLW\WRVHDWXSWRÀYHDQGVOHHSXSWRWKUHHWKH=LRQLV\RXUSHUIHFWEXFNHWOLVWFRPSDQLRQ Begin your adventure today Contact us at 1-888-ROADTREK (762-3873) WRÀQGRXWPRUHwww.roadtrek.com RV TIPS by Garth Cane or with a spotter, backing up a trailer can be a tension-filled ordeal. Pro Trailer Backup Assist helps take the frustration out of backing up. This makes it easier for drivers of all skill levels to back a trailer up to park an RV or in a campsite. The technology allows drivers to steer a trailer instinctively by turning a knob left or right to indicate direction; the truck controls its steering and limits vehicle speed. Ford engineers developed the system leveraging advanced camera technology and tested it for almost a decade. The technology automatically steers the truck to turn the trailer the desired amount. The system may limit vehicle speed to enhance occupant comfort over various road surfaces. The result is less time required to back up a trailer with improved confidence – it even helps towing experts by reducing time lost to maneuvering mistakes. Have you entered a curve and found that you are going too fast? Curve Control helps drivers maintain control of their vehicle by automatically reducing torque and applying four-wheel braking. This can reduce vehicle speed by up to 16 km/h (10 mph) in approximately one second – assisting drivers in staying on their intended path. The available lane-keeping system is continued from page 10 With all the latest in electronics, the fully-equipped F-150 models offer luxury that rivals the top of the line touring sedans and SUVs. designed to help prevent a driver from drifting outside of the intended driving lane. The system is designed to detect the left- or right-hand road lane markings using a camera mounted between the windshield and rearview mirror. A vibration in the steering wheel is used to alert the driver. The system can also provide steering torque to help guide the vehicle back into the lane if needed. Adaptive Cruise Control is a gift on long trips when you follow other vehicles that don’t maintain a constant speed. Segment-exclusive adaptive cruise control and collision warning with brake support uses radar in the front of the Below: The Pro Trailer Backup Assist knob controls the truck steering to make reverse steering with a trailer more instinctive. Left: Now you can tailgate with the convenience of cupholders! continued on page 14 12 RV Lifestyle | Volume 44 Number 5 rvlifemag.com HAMILTON TORONTO KITCHENER January 22-24, 2016 February 11-15, 2016 April 15-17, 2016 Players Paradise Sports Complex www.rvshowhamilton.ca Toronto Congress Centre www.rvshowtoronto.ca Kitchener Memorial Auditorium www.rvshowkitchener.ca For more information: FULLY equipped parts & accessories store at all shows! w w w . o n t a r i o r v d a . c a RV TIPS by Garth Cane continued from page 12 SPECIFICATIONS F-150 LARIAT Power: 3.5L ecoboost V6 355 hp, 420 lb torque Exterior Length: 232” / 5.8 m Seating Capacity: 5-6 Transmission: Select shift 6 speed Front Suspension: coil on shock, double wishbone, independent Rear Suspension: hotchkiss non-dependant live, leaf springs, outboard shock absorbers Steering: rack and pinion, electric power assist Brakes: four wheel vented disc, ABS Fuel Capacity: 87.4 L Turning Diameter: 47.1’ / 14 m Price: $41,181 (starting at) $54,199 (MSRP as tested) The new 2016 F-150 is the toughest, smartest and most capable F-150 ever. With a full range of trim levels you can order your F-150 in basic or all-dressed configurations. truck to measure the distance and speed of vehicles detected ahead. Using this information, the F-150 can automatically maintain a consistent following distance set by the driver. The speed will be maintained if adaptive cruise control is activated and the vehicle is traveling at least 24 km/h (15 mph). Collision warning triggers visual and audio alerts if the system detects the following distance is diminishing too quickly and a collision may occur. It also pre-charges 14 RV Lifestyle | Volume 44 Number 5 the brakes if the driver needs to stop suddenly. New LED headlamps and LED taillamps provide excellent nighttime visibility, and the Trailer hitch assist adds a new rearview camera feature that incorporates a dynamic line based on steering wheel angle in the display to help customers line up their truck and trailer with no spotter or need to exit the vehicle. The 2016 F-150 is available with four choices of powertrain. The 2.7-litre EcoBoost® V6 with standard Auto StartStop that produces 325 horsepower and 375 lb.-ft. of torque and a maximum payload rating of 2,250 pounds with maximum tow rating of 8,500 pounds The 3.5-litre EcoBoost twin-turbo engine delivers V8-like 420 lb.-ft. of torque and 365 horsepower to enable towing of up to 12,200 pounds – more than enough to handle a fully loaded, three-horse trailer or large RV trailer. It has earned an industry-leading maximum payload rating of 3,180 pounds. The 5.0-litre V8 with twin independent variable camshaft timing has improved power and efficiency, deliver- ing 385 horsepower and 387 lb.-ft. of torque. Smart engineering enhancements such as a new long-runner intake manifold, revised intake cam duration and new pulse-separated exhaust manifolds help raise towing capability by 1,100 pounds to a maximum 11,100 pounds, and payload to 3,300 pounds. The 3.5-litre V6 with twin independent variable camshaft timing produces 283 horsepower and 255 lb.-ft. of torque. It has a maximum payload of 1,910 pounds and maximum tow rating of 7,600 pounds – unsurpassed for standard V6 light-duty pickup trucks. The F-150 supercab is available with either a short or a long box in 4x2 or 4x4 configurations. The short box has an overall length of 232 inches, and a height of 76 inches and carries 23 US gallons (86 litres) of fuel. The new 2016 F-150 is more than the toughest, smartest and most capable F-150 ever. The F-150 King Ranch, Platinum and Limited editions offer passenger convenience features rivaling high-end luxury vehicles, making F-150 versatile and exceptionally comfortable to drive. rvlifemag.com WE MAKE GETTING THERE PA R T O F T H E VACATION ...where the journey is the destination The hitch may be small, but don’t underestimate its importance. The engineered metal can make the difference between a comfortable ride and a nail biter. That’s why B&W developed a line of hitches based on a single goal: creating a smooth, worry-free ride. 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 LUXURIOUS MOTORHOMES FOR RENT MIRADA SELECT 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 Volume 44 Number 5 | RV Lifestyle 15 THE COOKING LADIES by Lamont Mackay and Phyllis Hinz DEVILED HAM SPREAD IN A BREAD BOWL (Makes 15 servings) INGREDIENTS PIER 21 The Gateway to a New Life O ne in every five Canadians has a connection to Pier 21 in Halifax, Nova Scotia. For 43 years between 1928 and 1971, one million immigrants, refugees, war brides, evacuee children, and displaced persons passed through this immigration gateway. Now a national historic site, Pier 21 also served as the departure point for 500,000 Canadian military personnel during the Second World War. While walking through the building, we caught a glimpse of the immigration experience. Ships’ rosters displayed the names of passengers who bundled up everything they could to start a new life in Canada. A cut out of the tight quarters of a transatlantic crossing created an appreciation for the space and luxury 16 RV Lifestyle | Volume 44 Number 5 we have in our RV. Photos and films depicted the questioning and customs procedures every immigrant had to face. A railroad car represented the long journey many took across the country from Halifax to unknown cities or distant, isolated farm communities. Personal stories of the newcomers described the many challenges. It was an emotional time, the joy and excitement of a new beginning and the sadness at leaving loved ones and a homeland behind. Displays of suitcases and battered trunks include personal treasures that people carried with them to begin again. In preparation for the unexpected, many hid food in their luggage. Sausages, hams, bread, olive oil, and wine were confiscated by Canadian customs officials. North American food was often confusing for new arrivals. They considered cornflakes to be something for animal, not human, consumption. Fluffy, sweet white bread was mistaken for cake. Even mustard was different, yellow not brown. Many of the ingredients in this happy hour and holiday entertaining recipe would have been familiar to people entering Canada at Pier 21 – smoked meat, cheese, dark mustard, and multigrain bread. 7 oz (200g) smoked ham, cubed 9 oz (250g) light cream cheese, softened 1 cup (250 mL) shredded medium cheddar cheese 3 tbsps (45 mL) sweet green relish 1 small onion, quartered 1 garlic clove, quartered 1 tbsp (15 mL) Dijon mustard 1 round loaf multigrain bread, unsliced DIRECTIONS Place the cubed ham in a food processor. Process until finely chopped. Add the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, relish, onion, garlic, and mustard. Process until smooth. Cut the top off the loaf of bread and hollow out the centre of the loaf. Break the bread lid and the removed centre of the loaf into bite-size pieces. Fill the bread cavity with the deviled ham. Serve with a small cocktail knife to spread the deviled ham on the pieces of bread. When the bowl is empty, cut it into bite-size pieces as well. Please visit The Cooking Ladies’ website at www.thecooking ladies.com or email them at info@ thecookingladies.com rvlif rvlifemag.com lifemag com T h e To w i n g S p e c i a l i s t s New & Pre-Owned RV Sales & Service since 1970 1.866.587.2950 CanAmRv.CA [email protected] 6068 Colonel Talbot Road, London ON Let the Adventure Beg in... AirstreamAltoAvengerCrusaderDRVGenesisLaCrosse Pleasure-WayrPodStreamliteSurveyorSynergyTracerVista Cruiser by Garth Cane LETTERS Hi Garth, We have recently subscribed to your magazine at the fall RV show in Toronto. We got our first issue and are pretty excited about buying our first RV. We haven’t yet purchased it as we are still in the searching stage and thought we could get a little advice from the experts. A four-season trailer is our number one priority. We are looking for a couple’s trailer and are open to either a travel trailer or a fifth wheel, a foursleeper or less with a maximum outside length of 31 ft. Money wise we would like to keep it under $50,000. We are concerned with the height of a fifth wheel and fitting into the parks campsites. Should this be a concern? Any suggestions on four season travel trailers or fifth wheels so that we can start looking in the right direction would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for any help you can give us, Toni-Lynn and Allen Hi Toni-Lynn and Allen, One of the questions is, what do you consider a four-season RV? Do you intend to camp in the snow and below zero weather or are you interested in driving to the sunny south travelling for a few days through Ohio and other cold states before you arrive in nice weather? Trailers have adequate insulation for living for short times in cold weather, but they are not intended for living for extended times in the cold. If you are buying a fifth wheel, look for double pane windows, these are not often found in travel trailers. The longer the length of the trailer, the more comfortable the layout for extended living, but there is more area that the furnace has to heat. Many large fifth wheels have two furnaces. Shorter trailers are easier to manoeuver in campgrounds, but you have less room for storage and to move around inside. There is not much trouble with the height of most 31 ft. fifth wheels as the trees have been 18 RV Lifestyle | Volume 44 Number 5 trimmed in most campgrounds. With a 31 ft. travel trailer it is wise to tow with a larger SUV or a 4x4 truck, although Andy Thomson has had great success with several cars towing larger trailers. Today’s trucks are more luxurious than some cars. A fifth wheel trailer towed behind a truck is actually shorter on the road than towing the same length of travel trailer since part of the trailer overhangs the bed of the truck. There are several RV shows this spring, so you can compare different brands and layouts to find out the best choice for your family. Garth ................................................................... Dear Garth: I have been to a few parks in Ontario and if you do not buy a trailer from them or an affiliate, they charge a pad fee that can range from 500 to 2800 dollars plus the seasonal rent. Are these pad fees common to the USA? This could be very expensive if you want to go to different places each year. They claim this fee is for park improvements. Are they still going to charge me pad fees each time, and is this legal like a condo fee? Thanks, Derek Newbie to Full-Time Hi Derek, Most of the sites in today’s campgrounds are used by seasonal campers who want to be able to use all the facilities, water, electric, sewer, access to the pool, the games room, the fishing dock, etc. Since modern RVs are hungry for electricity, many operators have been forced to upgrade their electrical system at substantial cost. Canada’s new environmental regulations have also forced many campgrounds to upgrade their water and sewage system. The dealer who sells RVs has a chance to gain back some of that cost. Many RVers actually decide where they want to park their RV before the purchase it from a dealer or campground. Pad fees have been around the Canadian campground industry for many years, often by different names. Campground owners who sell new RVs want to save their camping spaces for people who buy from them. If the trailer came from an outside dealer, the dealer was asked for a fee to be able to put the trailer on a site. This is similar to people who join a golf club. They are asked to buy a share in the club plus their annual membership fee. Many new owners of RVs discover campgrounds that they like by visiting the many RV shows in their area, or look through our Annual Campground Directory to find out what facilities they have and the directions to get there. They often take time to travel around the area with their car to check out any campgrounds that they might want to take a closer look at. Does the campground have the facilities that you need, it is close enough for travel from your home each weekend, or do the present campers have noisy parties at night. Some campgrounds allow dogs, some are senior oriented (no small children). Changing campgrounds each year can be expensive. If you are towing your RV around the country with your car or truck instead of being a permanent camper, you will pay more for each night stayed than that the total that you would pay 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. rvlif rvlifemag.com ifemag com for several months at a seasonal campground. I hope some of this helps your with your decisions. When you decide to go fulltime, you need to develop a permanent address for your income tax, driver’s licence, RV insurance, OHIP, and others. You cannot use a postal box address to get a driver’s licence. Some RVers use their son or daughter’s address- I have been told that a campground address is not approved. One of our readers told me recently, that after they sold their house, the insurance company cancelled their RV insurance. ..................................................................................................... Dear Garth: We have owned 3 travel trailers now that have developed “soft” floors. One dealer told us this is caused by compression of the Styrofoam core used in lightweight trailers. Another has said it is due to moisture and everything would have to be removed, dried and reinforced. These trailers have been used in the south during the winter months and moisture should not be an issue. Have you ever encountered this issue and what would be your recommendation? If left untreated what is likely to happen? Ron Stewart, Clinton, ON Hi Ron, Soft floors are often caused by dampness seeping into the wood substrate. This is most common near doorways and under windows. When the door is open, rain often falls on the floor of doorway and is absorbed by the plywood. Marine grade plywood is not used in travel trailers so the flooring can absorb quantities of water vapour. Often a soft floor occurs near the hot water heater when the tank develops pinholes due to electrolytic action of the water and the metal of the tank. Even though the weather in Florida is much nicer sometimes than Canada, there is a great deal of moisture in the air. I’m sure that the whole floor isn’t soft, but just small sections. I have seen RV floors at dealers’ lots that have become soft from prospective buyers trying to see if the floor is good by bouncing up and down on the floor to check its condition, resulting in fatigue of the plywood. Let me know where the floor is soft, and we might be able to help. ..................................................................................................... off-road trailer-ites. Take a look at the installation video on the (www.andersenhitches.com) website. This is a new form of sway control different from the EAZ-Lift or Reese. So far I have not been able to do a road test with it. The video looks good and it appears easy to install. There as many opinions as to the best sway control system as there are manufacturers. My own experience has been with Reese, EAZ-lift and Hensley. Garth ..................................................................................................... WEIGHT DISTRIBUTION TIPS When a trailer is nose heavy it forces down the rear of the tow vehicle, taking weight off the front wheels that are used for steering , braking, and traction. Excess weight on either the front or the rear of a trailer will make it unstable. When the fresh water tank is located under the bed at the front of an RV it is designed to be full when travelling. If it is empty the trailer nose would be too light for stability. Federal requirements require brakes on trailers that weigh over 1300 kg ( some provinces allow small variances). The manufacturer’s engineers that I work with at the Canadian Standards Association tell me that their drivers delivering empty toy haulers to dealers often have difficulty with cross-winds because a heavy tongue weight and light rear upsets the trailer balance. Hi Garth, I have just bought a 31 ft. Pioneer trailer and towing it with a 2014 dodge ram 1500. I have been looking at sway control weight distribution system and the one I have been looking at is the Anderson weight distributing system. I would like to know if you have any thoughts about this system. Is it the best one out there? Allan MacDonald Hello Allan, The Anderson sway control hitch is relatively new to the RV market. They have built aluminum hitches for years for the rvlifemag.com Volume 44 Number 5 | RV Lifestyle 19 ROAD TEST The Sonic 167 features a rear galley with ample counter space. 20 RV Lifestyle | Volume 44 Number 5 The U-shaped dinette slides out to accommodate up to six people. rvlifemag.com Venture RV Sonic Lite 167 VMS Compact p comfort! Text and photos by Norm Rosen W The front bedroom is compact but comfortable. e had the pleasure of visiting the team at Ingersoll RV, Ingersoll, Ontario, to check out the 2016 Sonic Lite 167 VMS by Venture RV, one of the leading names in lightweight and ultra lightweight travel trailers. Venture RV is a division of K-Z RV of Shipshewana, Indiana, a subsidiary of Thor Industries, Inc. one of the world’s largest RV manufacturing groups. Founded in 1972, K-Z RV specializes in building travel trailers and fifth wheels for active RV families. The Venture RV line of lightweight towable trailers was created several years ago to build travel trailers specifically designed to match the towing capabilities of today’s family vehicles. From the outset, Venture RV earned an excellent reputation for building quality products, winning the RVDA Dealer Satisfaction Award for travel trailers for the past 15 years – an accomplishment unrivalled in the RV industry. Designed by engineers who enjoy camping, the trailers embody many innovative features that enhance your camping experience. Volume 44 Number 5 | RV Lifestyle 21 VENTURE RV Road Test HIGH-TECH LIGHTWEIGHT The Sonic Lite 167 embodies some of the leading edge technology in the RV industry, with a one-piece fibreglass roof spanning the trailer from the front profile to the rear bumper. This construction concept virtually eliminates the possibility of leaks around the sidewall seams, windows, doors, compartments and corner seams. The Sonic Lite trailers have aluminum framed floor, sidewalls and roof structure for lightweight durability. The aluminum roof rafters reduce weight and help to lower the centre of gravity of the unit, which enhances handling characteristics. The aerodynamic shape adds to the excellent towing performance, and the fiberglass exterior is infused with colour to keep the Sonic Lite looking great for years to come. This trailer is designed to travel, with self adjusting brakes, and radial tires on high polished aluminum rims. The Norco BAL E-Coated and epoxy painted Huck bolted frame is ideally suited for a trailer of this size. A Darco moisture barrier keeps the underbelly sealed from moisture and insects. The front panel has a Diamond Plate rock guard to repel road dirt and debris The Sonic Lite is built for a variety of weather conditions. The 16,000 BTU furnace allows you to enjoy three-season camping comfort – the R-14 fiberglass insulated roof and floor keep the trailer warm in the cool weather, and cool in the hot summer sun. Exterior features include large passthrough storage with motorhome style We towed the Sonic with a 2016 Chevrolet Equinox LT – manufactured across town at the GM of Canada CAMI Automotive Plant. This crossover utility vehicle is one of GM North America’s best selling models. slam latch cargo doors, tinted safety glass windows, and a lighted safety step. IN THE GALLEY For a compact travel trailer, the Sonic Lite 167 provides a very well equipped rear galley, complete with sink, twoburner cook top, convection microwave, vented range hood and 4.2 cu. Ft. refrigerator. The L-shaped countertop is spacious for an RV of this size, with overhead and under counter cabinets that are TOWING THE SONIC 167 We paired the Sonic 167 with a 2016 Chevrolet Equinox LT, provided for our road test project by Searles Motor Products of Ingersoll, Ontario. This popular family vehicle is manufactured at the GM of Canada CAMI Automotive Plant in Ingersoll, which employs approximately 3,000 people. The Equinox is the second most popular vehicle in the GM line. The Equinox LT is a crossover utility vehicle that can tow up to 3,500 pounds when powered by the optional 3.6-liter 22 RV Lifestyle | Volume 44 Number 5 V6 engine with 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission. This combination produces 301 hp and 272 lb-ft of torque. Fuel efficiency for the LT FWD model with the V6 engine is rated at 13.8 L/100 KM city, 9.8 highway, 11.75 combined. The AWD version sips just a bit more fuel, but offers the advantages of allwheel drive. Fuel efficiency while towing will vary depending on load, road conditions, topography, and your driving style. very well finished and designed by engineers who have obviously had camping experience – every component is ideally placed and very well finished. We were very impressed with the overall fit and finish of the interior components of this trailer. From the use of roller ball bearing drawer glides to the high efficiency LED lighting, the Sonic Lite is outfitted with quality materials that are an excellent value at this price point. We liked the Lux Maple mortise and tenon hardwood cabinet doors and the attention to detail in the galley area – the mocha latte mosaic backsplash is a styling touch that adds function and flair to the unit. Every square inch of usable space is planned out for your convenience – there is even a “shoe cubby” under the cabinet beside the door so you don’t track dirt into the trailer. DINING COMFORT While the Sonic Lite is compact on the outside, the slide-out dinette section provides a very comfortable expansion 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'$59'$ 2016 Venture RV Sonic Lite Ingersoll RV and Trailers Offering Affordable Family Vacationing Ingersoll RV & Trailers carries the full line-up of Venture RV Sport Trek and Sonic models. We also carry the LOOK cargo and specialty trailers. Call today to have us build one for your needs. Ingersoll RV & Trailers • 307 Harris St., Ingersoll, ON • 519-425-2237 Just ½ km off of the 401 at exit 218 Plank line www.ingersollrvandtrailers.ca rvlifemag.com Volume 44 Number 5 | RV Lifestyle 23 ‘Sales of New and Used Travel Trailers ‘Sa 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 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 TA I GLO 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 24 RV Lifestyle | Volume 44 Number 5 OTHER AVAILABLE PRODUCTS PROTECT YOUR BOAT FOR WINTER 1 888 628.4456 | navigloo.com rvlifemag.com VENTURE RV Road Test On warm summer days, the standard residential type 8,000 BTU A/C works well. If you camp in very hot weather, the optional 13,500 BTU roof A/C would be a good idea. flush system. Your sewer hose stores in the rear bumper, and there is a water heater bypass valve to drain the system for winterizing. OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT IN THE BATHROOM The bathroom has a nice vanity configuration with a section that can be used as a make-up table. to the interior living area. The U-shaped dinette area has Flip Side reversible cushions and a table that can be lowered to form a very comfortable bed. Overhead and under seat storage areas provide easy access to your gear. The “Black Diamond” décor package is lively and attractive, and all upholstery is high quality. BRIGHT AND CHEERFUL INTERIOR The interior layout and décor of a compact travel trailer can transform the unit into a home away from home, and the Sonic Lite gets top marks for comfort and design. From the designer carefree Congolese® linoleum flooring (with three-year warranty) to the skylight overhead, this little trailer has all the features your family needs for a comfortable camping experience. Tall campers will love the 82” interior headroom in this unit. We liked the use of pleated nightshades on the windows. Entertaining the family in the Sonic Lite 167 is a matter of taste – the trailer has a very good Bluetooth DVD/CD/ MP3/AM/FM stereo system with remote control and two interior speakers, and you can order the optional LED TV. rvlifemag.com While the Sonic Lite 167 is a compact travel trailer, the bathroom is quite spacious, with a 36” bathtub in the shower/ tub surround and a foot flush toilet. The 6 gallon DSI gas/electric water heater supplies the shower and galley with enough hot water for a family of four. A tank monitor system lets you keep an eye on your fresh water, grey water, and black water levels. The Lux Maple mirrored medicine cabinet provides storage. A large skylight with power vent and high efficiency LED lighting brighten the bathroom. While the Sonic Lite is very well equipped with a full range of standard equipment, there are a few options that you may want to include when you order your trailer. The low-profile 13,500 BTU roof air conditioner is a good idea if you enjoy warm weather camping, and the lighted power tongue jack is a big help if you hitch and unhitch on a regular basis. The LED TV with swing arm bracket is a must-have option for many families. The trailer is pre-wired for an optional Zamp® Solar panel and an optional backup camera. THE BOTTOM LINE IN THE BEDROOM The front bedroom area features a 60” x 74” bed, a shirt closet wardrobe, and overhead storage above the designer padded headboard. The memory foam mattress is very comfortable, and the reversible quilted comforter is a nice décor touch. The bedroom window has a designer valance and pleated nightshades. IN THE CAMPGROUND The Sonic Lite is outfitted with a mandatory Exterior Luxury Package that includes many of the features you need to enjoy the RV experience. Park the trailer at a campsite and it only takes a few minutes to stabilize the unit with the four Secure Stance BAL scissor jacks, then connect your 30-amp marine type electrical hookup and extend the slideout and the awning. If you arrive after dark, you will find the exterior lighting to be very convenient, with exterior compartment lights, multi directional LEDs on the awning, a porch light, and a convenient motorhome-style lighted grab handle at the front door. On a warm summer day you can relax under the awning and enjoy stereo sound from the twin marine grade speakers. The Sonic Lite has an exterior shower with hot and cold water, and a black tank The Venture RV Sonic Lite 167VMS is a compact and lightweight travel trailer that meets the needs of today’s RV travelers. Easy to tow, and easy on the budget, this trailer embodies the latest in RV design and technology to match many of the popular family tow vehicles. S P E C I F I C AT I O N S VENTURE RV SONIC LITE 167VMS Length Width Height Interior height Weight (UVW) Hitch weight (dry) GVWR NCC (net cargo capacity Water heater Fresh water Black water Grey water Furnace (opt) LP Gas Tires Awning MSRP as tested: F.O.B. Ingersoll, Ontario 20’4” 90” 9’ 5” 82” 2,898 lbs 350 lbs 4,000 lbs 1,102 lbs 6 gal DSI 39 gal 30 gal 30 gal 16,000 BTU 20 lbs 15” 11’ $24,952 Many thanks to the team at Ingersoll RV for their assistance with this road test project. Volume 44 Number 5 | RV Lifestyle 25 TheofLure the Ocean Southern California people, places and beaches Story and Photos by Lynn Benjamin O ur visits to the ocean in Southern California have been terrific. Even though we previously avoided spending time there, we have overcome our reluctance! California had never been our favourite place to visit in the winter, it’s too busy and definitely too expensive. We were so pleasantly surprised. We had a couple options to get there. Interstate 10 goes from Quartzsite, Arizona through the resort areas of Indio, Desert Hot Springs, and Palm Springs to meet up with Interstate 15 and then over to Oceanside. Indio to Palm Springs looks like one very large community. The road is lined with gated commu- nities and an abundance of shopping malls. Most of the parks along this route are packed with annual snowbirds who have been coming down for years and generally stay all winter. Interstate 8 from Yuma travels along the sand dunes and the Mexican border through cultivated farmland and the fields of the Imperial Valley. It goes all the way to San Diego. Speed and shopping are not our forte so we took the Interstate 8 option. Instead of travelling all the way on the interstate, we veered off to the Ocean View Road (Highway 101) as soon as we could. It was stop and start all the way to San Diego but there was a lot to see. Main photo: Cardiff-by-the-Sea 26 RV Lifestyle | Volume 44 Number 5 Some people enjoy living on their boats… some enjoy the RV lifestyle. Either way, the beautiful scenery and balmy weather of Southern California attracts visitors from across North America. Volume 44 Number 5 | RV Lifestyle 27 TheofLure the Ocean Swami’s State Beach SAN DIEGO While Palm Springs developed as an old-time health spa in the early 1900’s, San Diego is steeped in history. It represents over a century of wars and settlements. The footprint of the indigenous peoples remains even though the area was overtaken by the Spanish, then became part of Mexico, and finally was established as California in the USA. 28 RV Lifestyle | Volume 43 Number 6 At the southwestern tip of California lies the coastal city of San Diego and a pocket of colourful history. It is a mere 200 miles from the infamous desert oasis of Palm Springs and just minutes from Tijuana, Mexico. San Diego is a gold mine for history buffs. Within the city limits of San Diego, the ‘Old Town’ (now a California State Park) has captured and restored many of the colourful characteristics of the past. Covering about 230 acres and modelled after the original pueblo of San Diego, the Park contains reconstructions of many public buildings such as Mason Street School, the first public school house in San Diego. The Old Town is also home to the first Courthouse in San Diego, the San Diego Union Newspaper and Print Shop, and the Colorado House. Some other sights in the Old Town include Steeley Stables, a stable and barn that exhibits horse-drawn buggies, wagons, carriages and western memorabilia, and Black Hawk Smithy & Stable, a reconstructed blacksmith shop with daily demonstrations of blacksmithing. Taking a stroll along the streets of the Old Town was like visiting the past. The adobe houses, the shops, the market places and the restaurants were all alive and bustling. As in the old days, the shops line the streets and offer homemade products. In Old Town it’s not too hard to imagine yourself strolling down a street in the 1850’s, and free tours are offered regularly. Take advantage of the trolley rides, try to visit the shops and muse- ums, and make sure to amble through the artists areas. While you’re there, experience authentic Mexican foods, or just people watch – one of our favourite past-times. THE LURE OF THE OCEAN The most prized surfing beaches lie in and around Encinitas, about 30 miles north of San Diego. CARDIFF-BY-THE-SEA Cardiff-by-the-Sea was our favourite beach to just sit and watch. Ships pass back and forth on the horizon as they come and go to San Diego. The waves splash up against the rocks only to rush back out to the ocean, leaving the stones wet and waiting. Back again, stronger and higher waves envelope the spot they just left – always changing. All descriptions of people stroll along the shore. on the cliff above the reef. Although we are not surfers ourselves, we’ve spent hours just watching them. The strength it must take to paddle out to their chosen spot, wait for just the right wave, battle to gain their footing and ride the wave until they either reached the shore or fell off the board. Almost compulsively, they would do it all again. Many surfers will choose to end their rides before the wave reaches the beach because the distance from the beach to the main peak is several hundred yards from shore. SWAMI’S STATE BEACH Swami’s State Beach is an internationally renowned surfing destination for all levels of boarders, especially longboard and shortboard surfers. The beach is named after Swami Paramahansa Yogananda, a swami from the SelfRealization Fellowship Ashram sitting Swami’s State Beach TheofLure the Ocean Leucadia Beach South Carlsbad State Beach LEUCADIA BEACH ENCINITAS SOUTH CARLSBAD STATE BEACH Leucadia is built on the cliffs above the ocean. Four levels of the staircase lead down to our first view of the surf, the birds, the people and the beach. We carefully picked our way down the steep staircase admiring the incredible native flowers as the “keep-fitters” raced up and down at two steps at a time to keep up their heart rates. Just beyond the bottom of the stairs, a local artist was creating a massive sand sculpture. Over on the other side, a bunch was involved in a photo shoot that could only be done against that backdrop. This beach did not seem to have as many surfers as others but it is right in town and used extensively by visitors and residents alike. Many of the beaches charge for parking so every road is lined with vehicles no matter what the time of the day. The Carlsbad Beach extends along Highway 101 just north of Leucadia. There didn’t seem to be much surfing but the whole area was crowded with people: playing beach volleyball, fishing, or just captivated by the everchanging tides and waves. In Oceanside, we stopped to talk with a woman polishing her husband’s motorcycle, “He promised to take me out for a long ride if I polished it for him,” she said. She was standing in front of a parked small Class C motor home that 30 RV Lifestyle | Volume 44 Number 5 shhe call she called lled d hher er ““clothes cloth l hes closet closet.” l ”T Their heiir boat sat in the marina across the road and was smaller than the motor home. Southern California has a culture of its own. Whether it is the fellow running up and down the staircase leading to the beach, or playing volleyball, fishing or just sitting mesmerized by the water and the waves, it is an experience like no other. OWASCO RECREATIONAL VEHICLES SALES, SERVICE, RENTALS Exclusive “Gold Circle” Jayco Dealer EXPERIENCE THE OWASCO DIFFERENCE Canada’s #1 Volume Roadtrek Dealer t1SPWFOUP4FSWF:PV#FTU4JODF t'VMM-JOF4FMFDUJPOGSPN+BZDPBOE3PBEUSFL t-BSHF4FMFDUJPOPG2VBMJUZ1SF0XOFE6OJUT t-BSHF-VYVSZ3FOUBM'MFFU t.BTTJWF1BSUT*OWFOUPSZ t'VMM3BOHF4FSWJDF%FQBSUNFOU “Come and see why we are an Award winning Jayco and Roadtrek Dealer” Experience the Owasco feeling Proven to serve you best since 1972 2000 Champlain Ave., Whitby, ON L1N 6A7 401 and Thickson just east of Toronto (905) 683-CAMP (2267) Toll Free: 1-866-579-2267 www.owascorv.com Volume 44 Number 5 | RV Lifestyle 31 Tech Tips Road Tests Destinations Hitch Hints and More! A FRESH NEW LOOK! OU R TO W IN G EX PE RT S TE ST RV AE RO DY NA MI CS ! pg. 10 SUBSCRIBE TODAY! 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EXPIRY DATE com rvlifemag. er 2015 l Novemb Display unti • RV S TS NT NT HIIN CH HI TC TCH ES ES S • HIIT LE PS CL TIP ICL HIIC EH VE • RV TI WV OW 5 TO 15 1 RE… 01 • 20 D MORE ND AN S TS T C CT UC DU OD PRO PR g n i p p Sho s w o h the S SPECIAL REPORT RV TRENDS FOR 2016 RV fifth wheel trailers designed to be towed enthusiasts and families NINE TYPES OF RV new to the RV lifestyle The RV market is segmented into by pickup trucks. The motorized segare in for a treat as the 2016 models five basic categories – towable trailers, ment includes three sub-categories: class appear at RV shows across the country. motorhomes, truck campers, toy haulers A models built as a single unit on specially designed bus-type chasThe RV industry has sis; class B models engineered enjoyed two years of strong to transform full size van chassis sales in the United States, into fully equipped recreationwhich has enabled manufacal vehicles; and class C models turers to incorporate a wide that combine the automotive range of new technology into cab and chassis of a van with the new units. the RV components of a travel The quest for lighter, strontrailer. The toy hauler segment ger and more affordable RV includes towable and motorized models has prompted engineers models, and it is expanding at to rethink the materials and cona very rapid pace – but we still struction methods used in many group the units as a single cateof the units, making the class of gory, although this will no doubt 2016 the most advanced models Large fifth wheel trailers like this Starcaft FW377RDEN expand in coming years. ever produced – at very reason- include residential appliances and state-of-the-art lighting able prices. and electronics. We gathered our RV Lifestyle OVERALL TRENDS FOR 2016 Road Test Teams to compile a and park models. Within the towable special report on the new models and category there are two sub-categories: All of the RV segments have benthe trends to look for as you shop the travel trailers, designed to be towed by efitted from advances in the consumCanadian RV Shows. cars, light trucks, vans and SUVs, and er electronics field, with a full range rvlifemag.com Volume 44 Number 5 | RV Lifestyle 33 Shopping s the Show of enhancements to the entertainment options in the units. LCD TVs are appearing as standard or optional equipment, stereos are more sophisticated than ever before, and many RV models have special apps that enable you to control and monitor systems from your smart phone. On the RV engineering and construction side, advances in manufacturing and materials have made the vehicles more colourful, more durable, and lighter – all promising to increase long term viability of the vehicle and enhance resale values. The most notable advances have come in the redesign of key chassis components like slide-out systems, entry stairs, and The elegant way to travel is in a top of the line class A motorhome, like this Entegra 45A Cornerstone model. Interior appointments rival luxury penthouses… pull-out cargo access systems. TRENDS IN MOTORIZED RVS The 2016 class A motorhomes are sporting larger slide-out sections, thanks to advances in construction materials and slide mechanisms. Engines are slightly more fuel efficient and emissions are cleaner as all of the chassis manufacturers aim for their clean air goals. Many of the class A motorhome chassis now feature electronic dash components which enhance daylight visibility. In the class B sector, dominated by three Canadian manufacturers (Leisure Travel Vans, Pleasure-Way, and RoadTrek) the big news is the use of two of the industry’s best platforms - the Ram ProMaster chassis and the Mercedes Benz 3500 Sprinter chassis, both running cleaner and more efficiently this year. Class C motorhomes have been making a bit of a comeback in recent years, especially in the toy hauler role, where advances in rear loading ramp design and technology have substantially enhanced the popularity of the vehicles, especially when the ramp can also be used as a rear patio. TRENDS IN TOWABLE RVS The most exciting sectors of the towable RV category for 2016 are the lightweight and ultra lightweight models, and Hybrid travel trailers like the Jay Feather 16XRB have beds that extend from the front and back walls to expand your interior living space. 34 RV Lifestyle | Volume 44 Number 5 rvlifemag.com Many RV shows feature an on-site parts and accessory store. For a calendar of RV shows across Canada please see page 46. For updates please visit the website at www.rvlifemag.com the larger travel trailers and fifth wheels, with both ends of the spectrum benefitting from lighter materials and components. The bottom line for RV enthusiasts is that you can enjoy larger models at the same or lighter weight than earlier designs, or take advantage of the lighter load to save money at the fuel pump. TRENDS IN PARK MODEL TRAILERS RV enthusiasts who prefer to stay in one RV resort location for an extended period will be delighted with the new wave of park models for 2016. Manufacturers have incorporated the latest in residential appliances and appointments to create RV residences that truly rival cottages in every respect except cost. From single-wide units to doublewides, the décor, interior and exterior designs are spectacular, ranging from rustic to ultra modern units spanning a wide price range. TIPS FOR SHOPPING THE SHOWS Many RV buyers visit the RV Shows with only a vague idea of what may be For compact mobility, class C motorhomes like this Quantum WS31 model from Thor Motor Coach provide all the comforts of home at a realistic price point. available to suit their family’s needs and budget. In some cases, they choose units that are either too large or too small for their needs. Over the years, our Road Test Teams have found that the best approach to selecting an RV is to start by looking at a variety of models – towable or motorized, that seem to be appropriate, and plan to spend at least ten minutes inside each of the units. Sit down in the dinette and look at the floor plan – imagine spending a full day in the vehicle during a rainstorm – is there enough space to give every member of the family a “comfort zone”? Are the RV appliances in the galley conveniently placed – can you reach the various cupboards and storage compartments? Does the RV have the flair that matches your lifestyle? Once you have narrowed the selection to a specific type and size of RV, it is time to let your local dealer help you fine-tune the process. Your RV dealer has years of experience to share with you, and their goal is to have as many happy customers as possible… buying an RV is not like buying a car – this is a purchase that has to please the entire family, and if you choose wisely, your RV could be your campground castle for a generation. GO ONLINE FOR MORE INFORMATION There are several websites where you can locate an RV dealer in your area. Start with the Go RVing Canada site at www.gorving.ca and take a look at a compendium of information on choosing an RV, then click on the “RV Dealers” link at the top of the page to locate an RV dealer in your area. Check out our RV Lifestyle Magazine website for links to a wealth of information, and our archive of back issues – follow the link to www.rvlifemag.com . rvlifemag.com Volume 44 Number 5 | RV Lifestyle 35 10 s r e l u a H y o T TOP RV Lifestyle presents ten Toy Haulers offering style, convenience and comfort while transporting your toys on the road. 36 RV Lifestyle | Volume 44 Number 5 LANCE CAMPER Lance TH 2612 The TH 2612 from Lance Camper just might be the toy hauler you have been waiting for. Whether you’re transporting a custom cruiser, race bikes, surfboards, hunting gear, or any other toy the Lance TH 2612 will get them to your destination safely and securely. The 2612 boasts over 12’ of unencumbered cargo space, more than enough room for a Polaris RZR XP 4 1000! Standard features include a 100-gallon water tank, 40 gallon fuel tank, electric side & rear awnings w/LED lighting, designer interior decors, blue LED accent lighting, A/C, microwave and more! Options include keyless entry, 4K Onan generator, central vacuum, automatic tracking satellite dish, solar panel, roof rack and ramp door patio railing system. www.lancecamper.com Volume 44 Number 5 | RV Lifestyle 37 FOREST RIVER Fury 2912X – Prime Time RV Primetime RV’s Fury 2912X is a toy hauler with the size to take your toys anywhere you want to go. Nearly 34 feet long and 11 feet high, this trailer has space for you and all your toys. With 2,500 lbs. of carrying capacity, this lightweight toy hauler is no pushover. Its hitch weight clocks in at around 790 lbs. The Fury’s lightweight design and durable laminated construction make it easy to tow, and its available features and equipment will make it feel uniquely your own. The Fury 2912X has an aerodynamic profile and a 12 and a half foot garage. www.forestriverinc.com Evergreen RV Tesla T3950 Evergreen RV’s Tesla T3950 toy hauler is everything an RV enthusiast is looking for. At 43-and-a-half feet long and 102 inches wide, the Tesla T3950 is tough enough to cart around your toys, but allows enough comfort to tour the countryside. The Tesla’s Titan 2.0 wide body chassis allows owners of the Tesla T3950 to travel around in style. The luxurious interior of this RV includes a fireplace, crown molding ceilings, reclining leather sofas and a 50-inch LED TV in the living room. The Tesla T3950’s GVWR is 21,000 lbs. and has a cargo carry of 4,700 lbs. www.goevergreenrv.com Winnebago Scorpion 4014 Winnebago Industries’ newest addition to their Fifth Wheel toy hauler offering is the 4014 Scorpion, and it just might be their best one yet. The 4014’s Drop Frame Chassis and Power Rear stabilizer jacks make it stand out from the crowd in a big way. Winnebago’s Sport overall length is an impressive 44’10”, a GVWR of 20,800 lbs. and has more than enough space for the RV enthusiast who wants to travel in comfort while having ample space for all their toys. The 4014 Scorpion sleeps ten, has three slideout sections, a 16-foot awning and has an outside hookup for TV and speakers. www.winnebagoind.com 38 RV Lifestyle | Volume 44 Number 5 KZ-RV Venom 3911 Holding Tanks A/C Shrouds Skylights Available Nationwide www.icondirect.com 1-888-362-4266 40 RV Lifestyle | Volume 44 Number 5 The Venom 3911 from KZ-RV is the perfect blend of traditional RV sensibilities and modern featurerich toy haulers. KZ-RV designed the Venom to be a traditional take on a modern day toy hauler. Its wide body and comfortable design allow the RVer to travel in style, and its ETRAK tie-down system, enhanced sound system and silent, efficient air conditioning make it a twenty-first century machine. New to the Venom 3911 was the myRV system tablet. A standard feature in the Venom, the myRV system is a new way of controlling setting and monitoring the status of the RV from one tablet. The tablet (included with the RV) connects to the Venom through wi-fi and can control the slidebox, awnings, most of the exterior lights, and the six point hydraulic leveling gear among other things. www.kz-rv.com Jayco Seismic 4250 When it comes to reliable light-weight toy haulers Jayco’s Seismic 4250 fifth wheel is definitely on the top of their game! The 7,000 lbs. axles will glide you to your destination in comfort with plenty of room for storage. Inside you can enjoy an all stainless steel appliances, air conditioned living room and bedroom, residential corian countertops with genuine stone polished glass backsplash, frameless solar reflective windows, fiberglass sunken tub shower and a 39” LED TV with push button pop up lift system in the bedroom. The 4250 comes with insulated exterior slam baggage doors and beaver tail garage storage. There is standard undercarriage LED light package with app control and an optional exterior tailgater camp kitchen. www.jayco.com Thor Motorcoach Outlaw 37RB The Outlaw 37RB is a new take on an old favourite. Thor Motor Coach developed the Outlaw 37RB to combine the features of their renowned Class A Motorhomes with the addition of being equipped with a garage in the back. This motorized toy hauler has a second slideout section and a permanent queen sized bed. Like all of Thor’s toy haulers, the 37RB comes equipped with the Rapid Camp system. Rapid Camp is a wireless control system allowing users to set up camp at a distance of 50 feet away. Levelling jacks, slideouts, generator, patio awnings and patio lights can all be controlled through Rapid Camp. www.thormotorcoach.com Crossroads RV Altitude SL ATL 225 The ATL 225 is one of four toy haulers offered by Crossroads RV, and is a variant of Crossroads TT model. The ATL 225 takes advantage of the TT’s more traditional conventions but is modified with a toy deck on the front of the trailer. The Altitude SL is a versatile, hearty, comfortable and cost-effective way to experience the outdoors. A member of Crossroads’ Action Camping segment, the ATL 225 offers a 17.8 GPH quick-recovery water heater, slideout dinette, and queen bed. The ATL 225 is measured at 35’11” exterior length and 11’2” exterior height. With a GVWR of 9442 and a hitch weight of only 642 pounds, the ATL is a big trailer that manages to stay light on its feet. www.crossroadsrv.com rvlifemag.com Volume 44 Number 5 | RV Lifestyle 41 RV PRODUCTS New Gear! Accessorize at your campsite! We present some of the latest gadgetry and tools to enhance your travels this season! 2 ON-DEMAND TANKLESS WATER HEATER New from Girard Products LLC, the GSWH-2 ON-Demand Tankless Water Heater does the job of a regular water heater without the bulky tank. Its 12 V motor 42,000 BTU’s provides the optimum performance for an RV plumbing system. The GSWH-2 is winter ready and its compact design fits in any tank water heater cut out opening. All you have to do is turn on the heater then add cold water to reach the desired temperature. Greenrvproducts.com HATCHLIFT KIT From the company of the same name, the Hatchlift Kit offered by Hatchlift Products LLC is a suitable replacement for most damaged or worn RV Baggage Doors. The kits include a 3M adhesive back mounting plate, gas spring and hardware for lightweight foam-core RV Doors. www.hatchlift.com 42 RV Lifestyle | Volume 44 Number 5 rvlifemag.com ELITE 26.5K FIFTH WHEEL HITCH PIN Cequent Performance Products’ 26.5K Elite series hitch is a versatile and heavy-duty solution to your fifth wheel towing needs. The 26.5K hitch series has an increased king pin/jaw contact design, king pin indicator and a self-latching jaw. It is rated for 26,500 lbs capacity and 6,525 pin weight capacity. www.reeseprod.com STEP STOOL This stool is a step above the competition. Less than a foot wide and constructed from aluminum, this foot stool is sturdy, lightweight and easy to stow. When folded, it is only seven inches deep, 12 inches wide and 17 ½ inches tall. The Step Stool from Stromberg Carlson can carry a maximum load of 330 lbs. www.strombergcarlson.com TANK WATCHDOG RV The Tank Watchdog RV from Electronic Applications, Inc. lets its users reliably monitor their tank and battery levels from an app installed on their phone. The Tank Watchdog RV reads up to 40-inch deep tanks and will notify you when your battery or tanks need attention. Four expansion boards can be added to monitor the RV from multiple locations. www.http://electronicapplications.com rvlifemag.com Volume 44 Number 5 | RV Lifestyle 43 RV PRODUCTS JUST IN-CASE ZERO CONTACT INTERFACE Snap don’t snip with Tekonsha’s Zero Contact Interface this spring! The ZCI isolates the trailer light operation from the tow vehicle’s electrical system, eliminating all contact with the vehicle’s lighting system. The interface uses sensors that snap around the wires to detect if there is any current. The ZCI is rated for up to 4.2 amps for turn/stop and 7.5 amps for taillight trailer circuits. DROP-IN HITCH The 20k Fifth Wheel Drop-In Hitch is a fifth-wheel solution from Reese that fits RAM 2500 and 3500 HD trucks with factory-installed OE rail systems. Rated 20,000 lb. capacity with 5,000 lb. pin weight capacity, the Drop-In by Reese is SAE J2638 compliant and has a limited lifetime warranty. www.reeseprod.com www.tekonsha.com EXTENDA-LINE CLOTHES DRYER Stromberg Carlson Products’ new Extend-a-Line clothes dryer is a convenient and eco-friendly way to dry clothes on the go. The six chromeplated anti-rest arms can support up to 60 lbs. With its wall mounted brackets the dryer can be used in your home or in RV’s without ladders. www.strombergcarlson.com 44 RV Lifestyle | Volume 44 Number 5 rvlifemag.com BEDLIFT KIT Bedlift Kits by Hatchlift are the perfect retrofit lift kit designed for RV bed compartments. Each kit includes full mounting hardware and two gas springs for installation on both sides of the bed. Sizes run from extra small to large and heavy and take about an hour to install. 1650 lbs SHOWN HERE 17' SIDEDOOR www.hatchlift.com Side door models NOW available! STARTING PRICE 8' Lil EL: Weighs 700 lbs., sleeps 4, c/w bath & kitchenette ................................................$7,300 10' DYL: Weighs 850 lbs., sleeps 4, 54" bed, c/w bath & kitchenette...................................$8,900 12' BOBBIE: Weighs 1,000 lbs., sleeps 4, & queen bed, c/w bath & kitchenette.................$9,800 14' CODESTER: Weighs 1,175 lbs., sleeps 5, 54" bed, c/w bath & kitchenette ..................$11,500 17' NIK & NAT: Weighs 1,450 lbs., sleeps 8, 54" bed, c/w bath & kitchenette...................$13,300 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 rvlifemag.com Volume 44 Number 5 | RV Lifestyle 45 SHOW TIME || January 22 – 24 Hamilton RV Show & Sale Players Paradise, Stoney Creek, ON Natalie Conway, RVDA of Ontario (888) 331-8885 www.rvshowhamilton.ca || January 28 – 31 47th Annual Calgary RV Show & Sale BMO Centre, Stampede Park, Calgary, AB Dan Merkowsky, RVDA of Alberta (888) 858-8787 • (780) 455-8562 www.rvda-alberta.org/shows.html || January 28 – 31 Halifax RV Show Exhibition Park, Halifax, NS Scott Sprague (888)454-7469 [email protected] See “Events” link at www.arvda.ca. || February 4 – 7 Montreal RV Show Palais de congrès, Montreal, QC Agar Grinberg, RVDA of Quebec (514) 338-1471 www.salonvr.com || February 11 – 14 36th Annual Edmonton RV Exposition & Sale Edmonton EXPO Centre Edmonton, AB Dan Merkowsky, RVDA of Alberta (888) 858-8787 • (780) 455-8562 www.rvda-alberta.org/shows.html || February 11 – 15 Toronto RV Show &Sale Toronto Congress Centre, Toronto, ON Natalie Conway, RVDA of Ontario (888) 331-8885 www.rvshowtoronto.ca AD INDEX Big Pine Key ..................................11 B+W Hitch .....................................15 Can Am RV Centre .........................17 Heartland ....................................... 5 Icon Direct .....................................40 Ingersoll RV and Trailers ...............23 JR’s Mobile RV Service .................23 46 RV Lifestyle | Volume 44 Number 5 || February 12 – 15 Red Deer RV Show Westerner Park, Red Deer, AB Peter Schmucker, Paradise RV (877) 506-1132 • (403) 340-1132 [email protected] www.rvshowreddeer.com; www.rvda-alberta.org/shows.html || March 10 – 13 Manitoba RV Show & Sale Winnipeg Convention Centre, Winnipeg, MB Dave Amey (204) 256-1916 [email protected] www.manitobarvshow.com || February 18 – 21 Earlybird RV Show The Tradex, Abbotsford Amanda Henschell Phone: 604-851-3256 www.rvshowsbc.com || March 11 – 13 Moncton RV Show Moncton Coliseum Complex, Moncton, NB Scott Sprague(888) 454-7469 [email protected] See “Events” link at www.arvda.ca || February 19 – 21 Central Alberta RV Show & Sale Westerner Park, Red Deer, AB (Parkland, Prairie & Stockman Pavilions) Al Ryz (888) 933-7326 • (403) 262-2121 [email protected] www.caRVshow.ca; www.rvda-alberta.org/shows.html || February 25 – 28 Toronto Spring Camping RV Show and Sale Toronto International Centre, Toronto, ON Shane Devenish (905) 315-3156 • [email protected] http://torontospring campingrvshow.com/ || February 27 – March 1 22nd Annual Ottawa Spring RV Show EY Centre, Ottawa, ON Michael Rodgers (877) 817-9500 www.ottawarvshow.com Koolatron .......................................31 K-Z RV ........................................OBC Little Guy Worldwide .....................39 McPhails of Harriston ....................45 Motor Home Travel........................15 Navigloo.........................................24 Ontario RV Shows .........................13 || March 17 – 20 Quebec City RV Show ExpoCité, Centre de foires, Quebec City, QC Agar Grinberg, RVDA of Quebec (514) 338-1471 www.salonvr.com || April 8 – 10 Vancouver Island RV Show & Sale Arbutus Meadows Equestrian Centre Nanoose Bay (Parksville), BC www.rvda.bc.ca || April 15 – 17 Kitchener RV Show & Sale Kitchener Memorial Auditorium, Kitchener, ON Natalie Conway, RVDA of Ontario (888) 331-8885 www.rvshowkitchener.ca Owasco ..........................................31 Pleasure-Way .............................. IFC Pro-Lite........................................IBC Roadtrek ..........................................7 Safari Condo ..................................19 Taylor Coach..................................45 Toronto Camping Centre ...............24 rvlifemag.com The ultra-light travel trailer specialists 12 models of ultra-light travel trailers are offered to you! Do not miss our elegant Sprinter Mercedes ACROSS CANADA BCRV SALES Chilliwack, BC LONGHAUL TRAILER SALES Listowell, ON ROULOTTES PROLITE Château-Richer, QC KELOWNA RV’S.COM Kelowna, BC EASTVIEW RV Kapuskasing, ON MONT VR ESTRIE Sherbrooke, QC SUNRIDGE RV Airdrie, AB EASTVIEW RV South Cochrane, ON CARAVANE 201 (2005 INC.) St-Clet, QC TRX RV, Martensville, SK EASTVIEW RV Timmins, ON ISLANDER RV St. John’s, NL TRX RV, Saskatoon, SK ROULOTTES PROLITE St-Jérôme, QC ISLANDER RV Grand Falls - Windsor, NL DJ CRUZ’S TRAILERS Winnipeg, MA CENTRE DE CAMPING D’AMOS Amos, QC P.E.I. HOME & RV CENTRE Charlottetown, PEI BRUNSWICK TRALER SALES NRV’S Beresford, NB JERRY’S RV TRAILER SALES & SERVICE New Minas, NS USA TRUCK CAMPER WAREHOUSE West Chesterfield, NH HW MOTORHOMES Canton, Michigan Lightweight Travel Trailers C326BHS estate decor Spree Connect offers 14 unique floorplans including several bunkhouse models, all offering gourmet kitchen and flexible sleeping options. Spree Connect is a lightweight, affordable line of travel trailers from K-Z that offers your family the amenities they're used to, yet doesn't skimp on stylish good looks. Bunkhouse floorplans allow kids the opportunity to have their own space, away from the parental units, and Spree Connect offers many from which to choose. Check them out today! QUALITY . RELIABILITY . INNOVATION kz-rv.com