View - RV Lifestyle

Transcription

View - RV Lifestyle

2/16/11
4:58 PM
1121 Invicta Dr., Unit 2,
Oakville, Ontario L6H 2R2
Publications Mail Agreement
#40010957
RV Cover 40-1
Page 1
V ol. 40 No. 1
$4.95
ÅÅÅÅ
ÅÅÅ
Since 1968, Carriage has been creating the very finest
luxury fifth wheels in the industry at a fraction of the cost of
high-end motorhomes. How? By eliminating the two most expensive
components – the chassis and engine. Livability, luxury, durability,
affordability – that’s what Carriage Resort Vehicles™ are all about.
Call us at (800) 832-3632 or visit us on the web
at carriageinc.com to find a dealer near you. Isn’t
it time you put a little R back into your life?
002 contents 39-7
2/16/11
4:56 PM
Page 3
Contents
Features
26
BLAST FROM THE PAST
40
UTAH – BACK COUNTRY ADVENTURES
The first in a series of classic flashbacks commemorating
RV Lifestyle Magazine’s 40th Anniversary!
James Stoness takes us to Monument Valley, and beyond!
Road Tests
32
36
46
Departments
6
TRIPLE E REGENCY GT29T ~ By Norm Rosen
Hitching your wagon – sometimes, a
bit of creativity can go a long way!
12
RV TIPS ~ By Garth Cane
18
WAGONMASTERS
~ M.B. and Karen Wilson
Knowledge is the key to RV
enjoyment.
Discover Shipshewana, IN – one of
the best shopping areas on the RV
roads to adventure!
ROADTREK RS - ADVENTUROUS ~ By Norm Rosen
The flagship of the Roadtrek fleet rides on a Mercedes Benz
chassis!
HITCH HINTS ~ By Andy Thomson
26
Luxury touring for the whole family!
THE COOKING LADIES
~ Phyllis Hinz and Lamont Mackay
Slow Cooker Exotic Island Meatballs
– the highlight of “Girl’s Night Out
with the Cooking Ladies!”
ADVENTURER RV 910 FBS
The classic truck camper.
30
LETTERS
~ From Tech Editor Garth Cane’s Mailbox
RV Repairs and modifications..
RV Lifestyle Magazine archives are open for
your viewing pleasure – www.rvlifemag.com
ON THE COVER
See the full content of recent issues at
our new digital edition website –
www.rvlifemag-digital.com
The new Roadtrek RS - Adventurous –
the latest in a long line of Canadian class B
motorhomes. See the road test on page 32.
Photo by Norm Rosen
Volume 40 Number 1 | RV Lifestyle
3
Pub page 39-7
2/15/11
3:33 PM
Page 4
Publishers MESSAGE
volume 40 number 1
40 Years On The
Road!
t seems like yesterday, when Andre
Gagnon, Tony Lavoie, and I decided to hit the road with a new publication for the Canadian RV enthusiasts - Camping Canada Magazine. It
was to be an annual directory of campgrounds, complete with a buyer’s guide
to help the Canadian family choose the
ideal RV for their needs.
Back in 1971, the travel trailer was
the queen of the RV industry, easily
towed behind the family sedans of the
era, and offering all the comforts of
home. There were more than 40
Canadian RV manufacturers in those
days, producing some of the finest trailers in North America… some of the
designs would compare favourably
with modern trailers, even considering
the substantial advances in engineering
and materials that have occurred over
the years.
In 1971, my young family loved to
live the RV lifestyle. We camped
almost every weekend, traveling north
and south along the eastern seaboard,
and east to west, discovering the splendour of the Canadian countryside.
Today, my grandchildren are avid
RV enthusiasts… but I still feel as
young as ever, and my wife and I often
take off for an RV vacation - we are the
quintessential “recycled teenagers”
enjoying the RV roads to adventure
once again, now that our children have
families of their own.
I
Just as our family has grown within
the RV demographic, many of our readers have been with us since the very
beginning. It is not unusual for people
to come up to us at RV shows, or in
campgrounds, and tell stories about
their childhood trips - always in an RV
that carried a copy of Camping
Canada’s campground directory issue.
As our 40th Anniversary year
unfolds, we will be revisiting some of
the key moments in Canadian RV history - for those who were along for the
ride it will be a flashback to a bygone
era; for younger readers, a window onto
their parent’s youth.
As you prepare to enjoy this very
special issue of RV Lifestyle Magazine,
I would like to thank you, and all the
generations of campers in your family,
for joining us on these RV roads to
adventure. It has been a wonderful voyage, and I am looking forward to sharing many more years of wholesome
family vacations with readers throughout Canada. Publisher: WILLIAM E. TAYLOR
[email protected]
Associate Publisher: MELANIE TAYLOR
[email protected]
Editor: NORM ROSEN
[email protected]
Technical Editor: GARTH CANE
Senior Corporate Advisor: WALTER CALLAGHAN
Production Manager: MARLENE JOLICOEUR
[email protected]
Design:
GISELLE BANSAL, CAROLINE BOWKER,
TAMARA TAYLOR
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: 514-856-0787/88 Fax: 514-856-0790
VANCOUVER:
Bob and Carole Taylor, 1745 Rufus Drive
North Vancouver, BC V7J 3L8
ADMINISTRATION:
President: WILLIAM E. TAYLOR
VP/General Manager: ROY C. BAIRD
VP/Special Projects: NORM ROSEN
General Manager: PIERRE SAVOIE
Public Relations Director: JO-ANN SEARLS
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 1-800-461-9128
Advertising rates available on request.
William E. Taylor
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
Visit our
website at
www.rvlifemag.com
4
RV Lifestyle | Volume 40 Number 1
MONTREAL, QUEBEC
© 2011 CAMPING CANADA MAGAZINE
PRINTED IN CANADA
Winnebago
2/14/11
12:30 PM
Page 1
Hitch Hints
2/15/11
3:34 PM
Page 6
Hitch HINTS
by Andy Thomson
Hitching
Your Wagon…
Sometimes, a bit of
creativity can go a
long way!
T
hroughout the year, we Hi Andy:
We have a 2007 GMC Canyon with a
receive hundreds of let- 5500 lb. towing package. Our “lite”
trailer is 21’ long and has a dry
ters and e-mails from readers weight of 3800 pounds. We find the
trailer very hard to tow and the fuel
who request advice on specific mileage is terrible when towing. It
also tends to be affected quite a bit
trailer-tow vehicle combina- by crosswinds and passing trucks.
tions. In many cases, a relatively We have a weight distribution hitch
simple modification to the rig
can substantially enhance towing characteristics.
Two recent examples come
to mind – let’s take a look at
some creative solutions that
your local RV dealer can help
you with, in your quest for the
ideal RV combination.
2007 GMC Canyon
6
with a sway control. A friend suggested I write to you before we buy a
new truck. We like the size and fuel
economy of the Canyon for daily use
but it looks like we will need to get a
full size with a V/8.
Rich
Hi Rich:
If you would like to keep your
Canyon, and save a lot of money, I
think I can help you out here. Your
trailer is light enough in weight and it
is marketed as a “lite” trailer, but it
has a poor design from an aerodynamics standpoint. The front is relatively
square in shape, with very little slope.
To add to this, the trailer sits rather
high in the air. If you look underneath
you will see a 3” tall axle riser
between the main frame rails and the
torsion axles. The good news is that
the manufacturer retained the wheel
130#-&.
40-7&%
GMC.GM.CA
STRONGER
PAYLOAD
CAPACITY (6,635 lb.)1
SMARTER
TOWING
STABILITRAK® & TRAILER SWAY CONTROL2
AND MORE
HORSEPOWER & TORQUE
(397 hp) • (765 lb.-ft.)3
THE NEXT GENERATION 2011 SIERRA HD
NEVER SEND A TRUCK TO DO A SIERRA’S JOB.
1. 2011 Sierra 3500HD DRW 2WD Regular Cab. Up to 3,009kgs (6,635lbs) when properly equipped. Maximum payload capacity includes weight of driver, passengers, optional equipment and cargo. Compared
to 2010 model. 2. Compared to previous model years. 3. 2011 Sierra 2500/3500HD with 6.6L Duramax Diesel engine and 6 speed Allison transmission. Compared to 2010 Sierra HD. ©2011 General Motors.
Hitch Hints
2/15/11
3:35 PM
Page 8
Hitch HINTS
In RV Lifestyle Magazine, Volume 39, Number 5, we tow-tested an Earthbound trailer hitched to a Dodge Charger.
wells - so there is plenty of tire clearance to lower the trailer. A good welding shop can fairly easily remove the
riser and remount the axles to the
frame rails. This will cost around
$1,000.00 to do but it is much less
expensive than trading trucks, and
even if you did get a larger truck the
modified trailer will still tow easier.
The other benefit of lowering the trailer is that it will handle better due to
the combination of a lower centre of
gravity and less sidewall height for
crosswinds to get a hold of.
While the 3-inch height modification
does not sound like a lot, lowering the
height this amount will help quite a bit –
but it likely won’t be enough to achieve
the optimum towing performance from
your truck/trailer combination, so
there is one more thing to do. Your
Canyon has a great 3.7 litre 5-cylinder
engine, with 242 HP and 240 ft. lbs. of
torque; the problem is that it is saddled with a lot of drag in the tow vehicle and rolling resistance in the tires.
Although the 3.73:1 axle ratio sounds
good, it has to turn rather large
265/75R x 15” tires. Besides the large
overall diameter, these tires have a
great deal of sidewall sway, which
combined with the long overhang on
the Canyon makes it quite a handful in
the wind that you are experiencing.
8
If you change to 235/75R x 15” LT
load range “C” tires you won’t
believe you are driving the same vehicle. These tires will increase your
engine RPM by 6% which will have
you further into the powerband when
towing. They will also have a fraction
of the sidewall sway, which will dramatically improve the handling in
crosswinds both towing and solo.
Interestingly, you might assume that
the fuel efficiency would drop with the
increased RPM, but due to the
decrease in rolling resistance it will
actually improve slightly when driving
solo, and substantially when towing.
When you change the tires, the computer can be reprogrammed so the
speedometer reads accurately – this
can be done by a GM dealer or any
good service station. We have made
this change to several Canyons. One
of our technicians has one that he
never tows with, but he made the
change to improve the driveability.
Let me know how it works out for you.
Hello Andy:
I am relatively new to towing a
travel trailer. I often see in RV
magazines lash-ups that seem
improbable based on my research
on tow ratings of domestic vehicles.
I drive a Ford Flex and tow a small
trailer very comfortably. We are
considering moving up to a larger
trailer, but I am always worried
about the trailer's dry weight.
Your issue Vol 39/No 5 had on
the cover a Dodge Charger pulling
an Earthbound Trailer. When I
look up the Earthbound weight on
their website and compare it to what
I know of the Charger's tow capability it doesn't add up. I had a
Charger before the Flex and moved
to the Ford for the room and tow
rating. Are you always taking care
to show weight appropriate lash-ups
or is this misleading?
Kent
Edmonton, Alberta
Hello Kent:
I like your line “lash-ups”, nothing
we do would be just “lashed up” - we
want that combination to be very
solidly put together.
We have several customers who tow
with the Flex, and the Edge, which is
almost identical in towing performance. Most of our customers are
towing 28-30’ trailers. Your question
is somewhat related to the one above
in that just looking at weight and tow
Hitch Hints
2/15/11
3:35 PM
Page 10
Hitch HINTS
rating will not necessarily get you a
great combination.
The Flex and the V/6 Charger have
almost identical towing capability.
The Charger has a little longer wheelbase and a little more overhang so
they are about equal there. Both have
independent suspension all around
and pretty good tire and wheel combinations. The Charger benefits from a
lower centre of gravity and less aerodynamic and drivetrain drag, but the
Flex has 6 speeds as opposed to 5.
Bottom line - the towing capability is
almost identical. As for interior space
there is no contest.
The Flex is a very safe and stable tow
vehicle, it is much better than many vehicles with considerably higher tow ratings.
It has two limiting factors. The first limiting factor is the factory hitch receiver.
Although the Flex has a 4500 lb. tow rating, many trailers in that weight class will
be too much for the standard receiver.
This hitch is fastened to the extreme ends
of the subframe. The receiver will just
twist instead of properly transferring
weight to the front wheels. Fortunately,
it is one of the easiest vehicles to strength-
10
en the hitch on. The hitch receiver tube
just needs to be extended above the spare
tire to the structure for the rear suspension. Then it can handle substantial hitch
weights without a problem. I believe there
is a shop in Edmonton capable of doing
this modification.
The Flex also has a great engine.
The 3.5 litre produces plenty of power
and it is mated to the same 6-speed
automatic that is used in the Buick
Enclave etc. Where it is limited is in
overcoming aerodynamic drag. The
lower gears will easily pull weight over
hills or get weight moving, but you
need to be able to shift up to a taller
gear and slow the engine down when
cruising at highway speed. When you
are looking for a larger trailer, do not
be overly concerned about its weight or
length - what you want to find is the
most aerodynamic shape and the lowest
profile that suits your needs. I would
also suggest that you try towing any
trailer you select before you finalize the
purchase.
Feel free to send any follow up questions and thanks for writing.
Andy RV Lifestyle Magazine
archives are open for your
viewing pleasure –
www.rvlifemag.com
See the full content of
recent issues at
our new digital edition
website –
www.rvlifemag-digital.com
Roadtrek
2/14/11
12:38 PM
Page 1
RV Tips
2/16/11
4:59 PM
Page 12
RV TIPS
by Garth W Cane
Knowledge is
The Key
Many RV shows and
rallies offer seminars
by RV experts.
Garth Cane explains the mysteries of RV
batteries at the Kitchener RV Show.
12
A
t many RV Shows, I am asked
where RV’ers can get more
information similar to that
provided by Andy Thomson and
myself during seminars.
“Where can I get lessons on how to
drive my new RV?”
“How do I learn how to back up
my new fifth wheel trailer?”
“What can I do myself to help keep
all the systems in the RV working?”
Whether you want to learn more
about how your RV works, or how to
enjoy the RV lifestyle, or how to
enjoy your hobby, seminars at rallies
and RV shows are the place to be.
But there are many ways to learn
more about your RV, and the fascinating destinations that await you on
the roads to adventure. RV’ers who
belong to camping clubs such as the
Good Sam Club, the Family Motor
Coach Association (FMCA), The
Family Campers and RV’ers, and
many other local camping groups,
have the opportunity to make new
friends and learn from other people
who attend these rallies.
It is interesting to sit in a campground in the afternoon and watch as
people start to arrive and set up camp.
We often learn by watching others,
but we need to pay attention to the RV
owners who have more experience
than we do. People who RV are
always willing to share their knowledge. The questions often touch on
the same subjects: Why do you tow
with a specific vehicle? What type of
hitch is best, and how do you connect
all the services once you have parked
your RV on the campsite? How do I
open and close the awning to get some
protection form the sun and rain?
Large camping clubs have regional
rallies where new products are exhibited, and you can see many of the
newest models of RVs. At Good Sam
and FMCA rallies, experts from the
industry present seminars on many
different topics that can range from
how to do simple mechanical things
to the selection of tires, where to find
good places to camp, what to do
about insurance, and how to live fulltime in an RV after retirement. These
bella vista
2/17/11
3:07 PM
Page 1
RV Tips
2/15/11
3:40 PM
Page 14
RV TIPS
sessions are usually presented by
employees of companies who supply
the RV industry with products and
services. They can give you the inside
information that is not readily available in owner’s manuals, and you
might meet interesting people who
can perk up your interest for making
crafts, or tell you about touring an
area, or provide tips on driving.
I have been a board member of the
“Recreation Vehicle Safety &
Education Foundation” for several
years. This is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to the improvement of recreation vehicle safety, with
a focus on consumer education.
RVSEF began as A'Weigh We Go
(AWWG) in 1993 - an RV weighing
program. Our seminar programs and
weighing service became the recognized source for accurate, unbiased
information for the RV owner who
was serious about operating his RV
safely. AWWG was the beginning of
a revolution in the RV industry, and
was responsible in part for the weight
disclosure labels now found in new
RVs, as well as a heightened interest
Andy Thomson gives seminars at many shows.
14
by RV manufacturers in the weight of
their products. RVs that are overweight contribute to accelerated wear
and tear, handling and tire problems.
In the late 1990s, we began to realize that there were many subjects
other than weight safety that need to
be addressed to help the RV owner,
such as electrical, towing, driving, fire
prevention, electrical, towing, tires,
weight, propane, and motor fuel.
Today, RVSEF brings safety education to over 100,000 RV’ers annually,
through seminars at over 100 RV rallies, dealer shows and industry events
as well as Lifestyle and Educational
Conferences. RVSEF exists solely
through industry support, and these
supporters are sincerely interested in
the safety and welfare of the RV’ing
public as well as the health of the RV
industry. Corporate sponsors include
insurance companies, tire manufacturers, and RV suppliers.
Over the years, RVSEF has presented seminars on the many different
aspects of safety and driving at
regional rallies sponsored by Good
Sam, the Escapees Club, and the
Family Motor Coach Association.
One of the newer seminars has been a
driving program where RV’ers spend
two morning sessions in the classroom
focusing on driver awareness to help
you gauge your own driving abilities.
Years ago, you could take your new
RV to a shopping mall to safely practice turning, backing up into a space,
and finding out how much space is
required to stop your RV in a hurry.
Today, most shopping centres are full
of cars all week long, so the alternative is to find a college campus or
large parking lot at a factory that is
closed for the weekend. In the United
States, many insurance companies
allow a 10% reduction in insurance
premiums for those who have taken
the course. It is more beneficial to the
insurance industry to educate drivers
in better handling skills than to pay to
repair an RV after you have had an
accident.
This year, from May 6 to the 8th,
RVSEF will hold a conference for
RV’ers at the Carroll Knicely
Conference Center in the Western
Kentucky University at Bowling
RV Tips
2/17/11
3:12 PM
Page 15
DEALERS
WOLVERINE FORD SALES
10102-97th Street
High Level, AB
1-800-362-4282
780-926-2291
www.wolferineford.com
NO LIMITS MOTORSPORTS
38921 Progress Way
Squamish
(604) 815-4444
www.nolimitmotorsports.com
POWER MERCHANTS
4025 - 50 ave (Hwy. 29)
St Paul, AB
(780) 645-4499
www.powermerchants.ca
SNOW CITY CYCLE
1255 Kennedy Rd
Toronto, ON
416-752-1560
www.snowcity.com
15
RV Tips
2/15/11
4:46 PM
Page 16
RV TIPS
Green. This provides a unique educational opportunity to meet and interact
with other RV’ers and talented
instructors from the RV industry, who
will teach courses so that you can
acquire good unbiased information
about the workings of an RV and the
RV lifestyle.
Sessions will be held in the
University classrooms with room for
200 RV families to attend, and you
will stay in your RV at one of the nearby campgrounds, Bowling Green
KOA, or Beech Bend Park. Bowling
Green is just an hour north of
Nashville, and the area has many interesting places to visit. The city is
known for its high hills and rolling
wheels, in addition to its historic beauty and unique charm. Bowling Green
KY is the home of Camping World,
and the Corvette Factory and Museum.
Other attractions in the area are
Mammoth Cave National Park, Lost
River Cave Valley, The Historic Rail
Park and Train Museum. For more
information on the conference and an
enrollment application, go to
www.rvsafety.com.
Some of the topics covered at this
conference include: weight & tire
safety; road use laws; matching your
truck to your trailer; carbon monoxide; brake controls, hitches & proper
hookup; chassis; towing with a
motorhome; supplemental braking;
enhanced steering controls; suspension systems; electric systems; generators; propane systems; water systems; RV appliances; general maintenance; fire & life safety; RV financing; insurance; roadside assistance;
understanding warranties; inspecting
an RV for purchase; cleaning and protecting your RV; decisions about fulltiming; high speed internet on the go;
managing your digital photos; solar
systems; finding your way with GPS;
dealing with medical issues on the
road, and many others.
Another great source of information
is in the Letters to the Editor column
printed in each issue and the archive
section of articles in back issues on
our website www.rvlifemag.com.
Complete current issues are available
in digital form on www.rvlifemag-digital.com. WEBSITES WITH MORE
INFORMATION FOR RV’ERS.
www.rvsafety.com
Recreation Vehicle Safety &
Education Foundation
www.fmca.com
Family Motor Coach
Association
www.goodsam.com
Good Sam Club
[email protected]
Family Campers & Rvers
www.escapees.com
Escapees RV Club
The RV Safety & Education Foundation (RVSEF)
announces the addition of the Northampton Community College ‘Recreational Vehicle Driver Education’ program
to the RVSEF ‘RV Lifestyle, Education & Safety Conference’
being held May 6-8, 2011 at Western KY University’s
Carroll Knicely Conference Center in Bowling Green KY
(additional fee required). This ‘Behind – The – Wheel’ RV driver training program
includes classroom, hands-on backing and road driving skills in your RV.
Instruction is tailored to your needs from newbie to experienced RV operators,
and includes motorized as well as towable RV’s. Space in this program and the
‘RV Lifestyle, Education & Safety Conference’ is limited and on a first come first
serve basis. Register now 321-453-7673 or for more information visit
RVSEF @ www.rvsafety.com .
16
RV Tips
2/17/11
2:38 PM
Page 17
17
Wagon Masters-2
2/15/11
3:43 PM
Page 18
Wagon MASTERS
Destination:
by M.B. & Karen Wilson
Shipshewana, Indiana!
For years, we drove
right by one of the
best shopping
destinations in
Indiana!
Craft barn in downtown Shipshewana.
Lots to see in home made crafts.
18
O
ne of the most frequently asked
questions to come over the
Wagonmasters e-mail is “How
do you find so many interesting places
to visit?” The answer is simple: listen to
your friends - they can tell you all about
their RV travels, and recommend the
best destinations!
For years, we have travelled
Interstate 80, on our way to western
destinations. We also travel quite frequently on I-69, heading south to RV
adventures in the sunbelt states. We
never imagined that a small town at the
junction of I-80 and I-69 could be a
gem of a place to visit!
Several years ago, we were on the
homeward leg of a Wagonmasters
Caravan, cruising north on I-80, when
our tailgunner, Glen Dowson, squawked
over the CB radio, “breaker one-nine,
breaker one-nine – hey M.B. - have you
ever been to Shipshewana, Indiana?” I
didn’t even have to think about the
answer - “Shipshewana? Nope. Never
been there.” All of a sudden, our CB
radio crackled to life. One after another,
our Caravanners informed us that just
south of our current position, in the
town of Shipshewana, Indiana, there
was the largest Flea Market in this part
of North America. It was almost time
for lunch, and we were informed, in no
uncertain terms, that the food in
Shipshewana was out of this world.
When so many of our RV friends
were so excited about Shipshewana, we
decided to change course and investigate this new RV destination.
Shipshewana is located in rural
Wagon Masters-2
2/16/11
4:49 PM
Page 19
Top to Bottom: Shipshewana RV Park,
right next door to the Flea Market. Early
morning and this is another isle to walk
and see what is for sale.
Newbury Township of LaGrange
Country in northern Indiana.
Agriculture is the primary industry, followed by retail and a light industry of
manufactured homes and recreational
vehicles. The town is less than one
square mile in size with a population of
approximately 550 people. Despite its small size, the town
hosts one of the nation’s largest flea markets and some 150
retail shops. Over half a million peoplecome to
Shipshewana each year to shop in the Flea Market and stroll
through the town. It was nothing short of a revelation as far
as Karen was concerned – ever since that first visit, you just
have to mention the word “shopping” to Karen, and in a
heartbeat we are planning another Road Trip to
Shipshewana! A few phone calls to our RV friends and
within an hour a whole group of us will be on our way.
We generally plan on going south on a Sunday, and
staying until Thursday, because the Flea Market is only
open on Tuesday and Wednesday, and you really
The Blue Gate Restaurant.
You do not come out hungry.
19
Wagon Masters-2
2/15/11
3:45 PM
Page 20
Wagon MASTERS
need two days to visit the Flea Market.
Let me tell you - this is one very large
Flea Market!
There is so much to see in this part of
Indiana. Culture and character are woven
through the town of Shipshewana and
Newbury Township. The area is defined
by its surrounding Mennonite and Amish
communities and the friendly character of
the town is what makes it so attractive to
the residents and the thousands of visitors
that come from all over North America
Arriving in style in Shipshewana, Indiana.
each year.
Our home away from home for our
visits to Shipshewana is the KOA in
Middlebury, Indiana, about a ten-minute
drive to Shipshewana. Here we have full
hookups, information on what to visit in
the surrounding area and a very nice pool
to relax in at the end of the day.
We usually start our adventures in
Shipshewana on Monday, by walking
around the town and visiting many of
the shops. Karen loves all the small
shops and the many handmade items.
When it is time for lunch we often
Left: Karen & M.B going on a buggy ride of
Shipshewana and Amish Country.
Below: Vendors booths at the Flea Market.
Wagon Masters-2
2/15/11
3:46 PM
Page 21
Several Horse and Buggies at the Hardware Store.
decide to go “Family Style Dinning”.
We make our way over to the Blue Gate
Restaurant and let me tell you - the food
is fabulous! You will not go hungry in
Shipshewana.
When the Blue Gate Restaurant &
Bakery opened it doors on August 4th,
2001 in Shipshewana, the entire town
was invited for dinner. As one of
Indiana’s largest restaurants, the Blue
Gate comfortably seats 600 (more than
the town’s population). Built to reflect
the surrounding community, the Blue
Gate resembles a rambling white farmhouse; similar to those that dot the surrounding Amish countryside. This is
an award-winning restaurant serving a
world famous “family-style meal” that
features pressure fried chicken and
three other meats, real mashed potatoes, Amish noodles, plus lots of other
sides and 25 varieties of pies to choose
from. When we finish our lunch in the
Blue Gate Restaurant we always visit
the Blue Gate Bakery. Fresh baked
goods are made daily in this bakery.
Huge rolls, a variety of pies, and their
famous Peanut Butter and Apple Butter
are favourites. Our group of RV
SHIPSHEWANA AREA
CAMPGROUNDS
Elkhart Co/Middlebury Exit KOA
52867 State Road
Middlebury, Indiana 46540
Phone 574-825-5932
Shipshewana Campground
South
1115 N. Van Buren Street
Shipshewana, Indiana 46565-8804
Phone 260-768-4669
Shipshewana RV Park
250 E. Farver Street
aaaa
Shipshewana, Indiana 46565
Phone 260-768-4129
21
Wagon Masters-2
2/16/11
4:48 PM
Page 22
Wagon MASTERS
Our campsite at the KOA
Kampground.
Our waitress brings me my Lemon Pie. Boy
was it good.
are favourites. Our group of RV
friends always take home several pies
and so do we.
After lunch, we like to go for a
buggy ride around Shipshewana and
through the Amish Country. This is a
great way to end your first day in
B.C.
TRIANGLE RV CENTRE
10299 McDonald Park Rd.
Sidney, BC
Vancouver Island
250.656.1122
1.800.665.9942
www.trianglerv.com
22
Shipshewana. On one trip, our buggy
driver told us that you could book a
dinner or lunch at an Amish home.
You must book this in advance, so plan
on doing this when you visit
Shipshewana. In the evening, we relax
at the KOA pool and plan the next
ALBERTA
ARRKANN TRAILER
& RV CENTRE
1904 - 80th Avenue, Edmonton, AB
780-440-4811
Toll Free: 1-800-216-4811
www.arrkannrv.com
ONTARIO
day’s expedition to the Flea Market.
After an RV breakfast, it’s off to the
Shipshewana Flea Market and let me
tell you Karen can’t wait to get there.
There is lots of parking and yes, you
have to pay to park, but there is no fee
to enter the Flea market. We suggest
CAN AM RV CENTRE
6068 Colonel Talbot Road
Lambeth Stn., London, ON
1.866.226.2678
www.canamrv.ca
PQ
ROULOTTES A.S. LÉVESQUE
Trois-Rivières
1.866.722.9000
Saint-Hélène
1.888.791.2727
www.roulotte.ca
Wagon Masters-2
2/15/11
3:49 PM
Page 23
More shops in downtown Shipshewana.
most aisles are gravel covered. The majority of the Flea
Market action is outside, with a few buildings housing
stalls and facilities. There are several washrooms and
places to eat. Take your time and make it a two-day event,
as there is a lot to see, do and buy.
The Shipshewana Flea Market is the largest flea market
in the Midwest. It is open on Tuesdays and Wednesdays
from the first of May to the end of October. You will find
hundreds of vendors selling everything from fresh fruit to
handcrafted furniture and lots more. Each week, the campgrounds and the hotels fill up with people coming from all
over North America. We met people from Nashville,
Toronto, and Montreal, New York and even a few from as
far away as Tampa, Florida. Right next door to the Flea
Market is the Shipshewana RV Park, with full hookups,
but no pool. At the time of writing this article the
Shipshewana RV Park did not take reservations. If there is
a space when you arrive you get to park. First come, first
served.
Shipshewana a small treasure on the RV map. It is well
worth the visit. There are many attractions and campgrounds in the area. Everyone can have a good time in
Shipshewana, a family town with family traditions. Take care & happy RV’ing
M.B. & Karen Wilson
Wagon Masters
E-mail [email protected]
Amish Horse & Buggy.
23
Cooking ladies
2/15/11
3:44 PM
Page 24
The Cooking LADIES
by Lamont Mackay
and Phyllis Hinz
Girls’ Night Out
with The Cooking Ladies
V’ers know how to have fun.
Ladies especially. We recently
headlined a sold out crowd of
430 women at “Girls’ Night Out with
The Cooking Ladies” at Victoria
Palms Resort in Donna, Texas.
To begin our performance, we told
the story of a previous “Girls’ Night
Out with The Cooking Ladies” because
we wanted our audience to know just
how seriously we take our job.
The previous event was sold out as
well, with over 300 women present. We
demonstrated recipes and told fun stories about our adventures on the road in
a motorhome. Just like the audience at
Victoria Palms, they laughed and
applauded in all the right places. There
was one difference. Part way through
our previous event we noticed that there
was a slight murmur over to one side of
the hall. We thought we were losing the
audience. We automatically picked up
the pace, raising our energy levels to
keep everyone’s attention.
R
1
medium-sized onion, finely chopped
24
oz. (680 g) frozen pre-cooked small meatballs
cup (250 mL)
pineapple juice
1
cup (250 mL)
ketchup
1/4 cup (60 mL)
brown sugar
2
tbsp (30 mL)
soy sauce
2
tbsp (30 mL)
cider vinegar
tbsp (30 mL)
cornstarch
1/4 cup (60 mL)
pineapple juice
1/2 cup (125 mL)
sweetened flaked coconut, toasted
Please visit The Cooking Ladies’ website at
www.thecookingladies.com
or email them at [email protected] 24
If you want to see and hear women
having fun, watch for a glimpse of
“Girl’s Night Out with The Cooking
Ladies” on YouTube. We’ll post a
link on our website.
(MAKES APPROXIMATELY 48)
beef broth
1
2
HAPPY 40TH ANNIVERSARY RV
LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE!
SLOW COOKER EXOTIC ISLAND MEATBALLS
INGREDIENTS
1/2 cup (125 mL)
When our presentation was over, a
long line of women came up to thank us
and tell us how much they had enjoyed
the show. One woman in particular
approached Phyllis and said, “You two
are so professional because, when that
woman passed out, and the ambulance
arrived, and she was taken out on a
stretcher, you didn’t miss a beat.”
“What woman?” Phyllis replied.
Exotic Island Meatballs is one of
the recipes we demonstrated.
Meatballs have always been a longtime favourite at potlucks and at
happy hour. They are also great for
celebrations.
DIRECTIONS
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
In a slow cooker, add onion, meatballs, beef broth, and pineapple juice.
In a bowl, combine the ketchup, brown sugar, soy sauce, and cider vinegar.
Pour the mixture over the meatballs. Stir well. Cover.
Cook on low setting for 6 to 8 hours.
Combine cornstarch and remaining pineapple juice in a small bowl.
Stir until smooth.
Add the cornstarch mixture to the hot slow cooker pot and stir until thickened.
Place the meatballs in a serving dish. Sprinkle with toasted coconut.
can am ad
2/14/11
12:39 PM
Page 1
40th archieves
26
2/15/11
3:46 PM
Page 26
40th archieves
2/15/11
3:46 PM
Page 27
40th archieves
28
2/15/11
3:48 PM
Page 28
40th archieves
2/15/11
3:49 PM
Page 29
Letters
2/15/11
4:26 PM
Page 30
Letters
RV Repairs and
Modifications
LETtERS
by Garth W. Cane
Radiant Floor Upgrade
Resident technical
expert Garth Cane
answers your RV
questions
Dear Garth:
I have a 2000 Prowler RV. It has
never been moved. It is my home. I am
going to check out prices for wood
flooring and I want to put radiant heat
under the floors. Do you know how to
do this? I live up in the Santa Cruz
Mountains and I am so cold. I am
retired now and have the time to do the
project - I just need to learn how to do
it. Thank you. I would greatly appreciate your input.
Shay Cotter,
Soquel, CA
Hello Shay:
You need a product called Nu-Heat
for installation in your trailer. Go to
www.nuheat.com for information
about the product and how to do the
installation.Southbound Service…
Titanium Axles
Dear Garth:
I recently purchased a new 2008
Titanium trailer. Today I received a
notice of defect concerning the axles.
Do you feel that this is something to be
concerned about and should I take it to
the dealer to have the axles changed?
Thanks,
Vernon Dougherty
Send us your
questions
Attention: Letters
RV Lifestyle Magazine
1121 Invicta Drive, Unit 2
Oakville, Ontario, L6H 2R2
or email
[email protected]
30
Hello Vern:
As a result of the Titanium trailers
using wheels that had zero offset, there
was too much pressure on the outer
bearings of the Dexter axles. It is very
important to have this defect repaired.
Your local dealer will be able replace
the axles to correct the problem.
Unfortunately, since Glendale is in
bankruptcy, you will have to pay for
this service.
Sidewall Repairs
Hello Garth:
I own a 2004 model 25J Fleetwood
Wilderness trailer. On return from my
last outing of the season, I had the misfortune of being in the wrong spot at
the wrong time and was sideswiped on
the right side by a vehicle that had collided with another while I was waiting
in line to make a left turn. Thank goodness, no one was hurt but my trailer
sustained a damaged double entrance
step, a broken awning support and
some bending and rippling to some of
the smooth finish aluminum side wall
panels. As Fleetwood has gone bankrupt, the repair shop that is preparing
the estimate for my insurance company
is having difficulty locating aluminum
side panels, with the same profile, to
replace the damaged ones. Would you
happen to know where we might find
two or three panels? Any information
you could provide would be greatly
appreciated.
Ian Mundy,
St.Bruno, QC
Hello Ian:
I have forwarded the photo of your
damaged trailer to Rick Allain of
Peterborough RV, who stocks many different types of aluminum siding. He has
the tools to manufacture matching siding for almost all brands of trailers.
Readers may be interested in the website - www.peterboroughrv.com
Add some Zip to your Credit
Card!
Hello Mr. Cane:
I thoroughly enjoy reading your articles in the RV magazine. I read a few
months ago about how to use your
credit cards without having a zip code which is often the case in the US.
Unfortunately, I have misplaced this
magazine and the article. I was wondering if you could give me this info.
I am also interested in the North
American 3-month telephone service
for $69 and wondered where I find
some more info on this.
Faith McGinn
continues on page 50
2011 Regency GT
Dream Big, LiveLarge
For 2011, Triple E has once again created an unbeatable line of recreational vehicles. Newly designed units
bursting with amenities, spacious interiors and beautifully crafted furnishings are now available. When
the temperatures get extreme, it’s all protected by Triple E’s exclusive Climate Guard® system, the best
interior comfort and exterior protection package available in the industry. This is the season to get the
good times rolling in a brand new Triple E RV!
www.tripleerv.com
THE ALL NEW UNITY.
Meet the newest member of the
Leisure Travel Vans product family,
H]HPSHISLPU[^VKPZ[PUJ[ÅVVYWSHUZ
The Unity U24MB features an
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PUK\Z[Y`ÄYZ[VU[OL:WYPU[LYMVY3;=
Power reclining lounging chairs,
a huge spacious bathroom, and
european styled curved cabinetry
are just a few more of the long list of
MLH[\YLZMV\UKPU[OLHSSUL^<UP[`
To see the Murphy Bed in action,
HUK[VÄUKV\[TVYL]PZP[
www.leisurevans.com/unity.
Serenity
Libero
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RV_LifeStyle_July_2010.indd 1
Leisure Travel Vans is proud to offer the most comprehensive &
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models have industry leading features and the highest quality of
^VYRTHUZOPW3LPZ\YL;YH]LS=HUZPZ[OL3LHKLYPU*SHZZ)0UUV]H[PVUZ
10-08-05 11:29 AM
Roadtrek
2/17/11
4:16 PM
Page 32
Swivel the quad captain’s chairs and set up
your pedestal table and four can dine in style
in the RS-Adventurous.
32
With the rear bed in touring configuration, you have a
U-shaped lounge, or an elegant dining area. Choose from
two rear bedroom layouts twin or king bed.
Roadtrek
2/15/11
4:23 PM
Page 33
W
The compact galley on the left, and the full
washroom, on the right, include more than
a dozen patented Roadtrek innovations!
e first met Jac Hanemaayer back in 1974, he rolled into
Montreal, and stopped by our Camping Canada Magazine
office to invite us to take a look at a brand new type of RV. He
described it as a cross between a class A and a class C, but it
was much more than the traditional class B motorhome of the era. The
original Home & Park motorhome incorporated the first truly functional
bathroom, with full shower, that we had seen in a motorhome of this size.
The vehicle had a host of innovative features that Jac had designed – and
all of these distinctive Home & Park developments were in the process of
patent applications.
To say that we were impressed with that motorhome would be an understatement. It was a landmark in the Canadian RV industry – so different from
anything else on the market that when we visited the annual RV industry
trade shows, engineers from rival companies could often be seen crawling
under the Home & Park motorhomes to see how Jac accomplished so many
interesting adaptations to the conventional van chassis. This continues to this
day – 37 years of innovations, and we have photos of people at the shows
checking out the patented engineering features of the Roadtrek models!
Home & Park Motorhomes recently changed its name to Roadtrek
Motorhomes. Today the original spark of creativity remains strong in the
Kitchener, Ontario company. Under the guidance of Jac’s son, Jeff
Hanemaayer, the Roadtrek motorhomes have become the benchmark for
the North American class B motorhome segment, with tens of thousands of
loyal owners across the continent. Since 1990, Roadtrek has been the most
popular class B motorhome line in North America – it seems that everywhere you roam, there is a Roadtrek in someone’s driveway… Dolly Parton
and her husband have two Roadtreks… Ronny Hawkins has one, and so do
thousands of families throughout Canada, the United States and even Japan
– it truly is “a motorhome that drives like a family van”.
Roadtrek
2/15/11
4:25 PM
Page 34
Road Test ROADTREK
We selected the Roadtrek RSAdventurous for our 40th Anniversary
issue because it embodies the essence of
Canadian RV manufacturing ingenuity.
Totally at home as a family van, and the
ideal size for a couple or a small family,
this is the epitome of the class B
motorhome category.
In the 21st Century, fuel efficiency is
a key element in the feature list for any
RV. The 2011 RS-Adventurous is built
on the highly acclaimed Mercedes-Benz
Sprinter chassis – to our minds, this is a
fitting match of two legendary brands.
The Mercedes Sprinter chassis is a
world-class vehicle, with vast numbers
in use in commercial van applications
throughout the world. If you haven’t driven a European-designed chassis, you
are in for a treat. Built for getting in and
out of the narrow streets of Europe, the
Sprinter chassis is delightfully maneuverable. Engineered for use in countries
where fuel is priced far beyond what we
are used to in North America, the CRD
turbo diesel V-6 engine delivers excellent fuel efficiency. Intended for use
where the hills are called “Alps” the
chassis is powerful and responsive – a
combination that is very hard to beat,
regardless of where you drive!
The Mercedes-Benz engineering
shines through as you navigate the highways and byways of North America. The
Electronic Stability Program integrates
traction control and anti-lock braking
systems to optimize handling in response
to the load carried in the vehicle.
Steering and controls are more like a luxury car than a traditional family van – the
five-speed automatic transmission is
smooth and quiet – the 10-way
adjustable seats have lumbar supports
and headrests - you could drive all day
long in total comfort, and feel refreshed
when you reach your destination. It is an
immensely pleasurable driving experience, on any roads, in any conditions.
There are several interior floor plans
and two chassis lengths within the
Roadtrek Sprinter line. We tested the
largest model first, then the compact version. You can determine which model
best suits the needs of your family.
Comfort and Convenience
The 2011 RS-Adventurous provides
comfortable sleeping accommodations
for two to four people, with two rear
bedroom configurations – our test model
had the optional rear power sofa that
converts into a 78” x 69” king-size bed
or 78” twin like beds. You can select a
34
dinette that converts to the same size
king or twin beds, as you prefer. With
the quad front captain’s chairs, you can
dine and entertain in the front of the
vehicle, and keep the rear bed(s) set up
for the convenience of you and your
travel mate(s), rising or retiring at different times.
While most of the class B
motorhomes utilize fully-reclined captains chairs for sleeping accommodations, the Roadtrek RS-Adventurous has
a better idea – optional folding mattresses rest on top of the four seats to create
two completely flat very comfortable
single beds. During the day, the mattresses fold and stow in the rear bedroom, and
you can swivel the captain’s chairs to
watch TV, or enjoy the scenery as you
tour – if you don’t anticipate the need to
sleep more than two people in the vehicle, you can store the optional mattresses
at home for another trip. For most
Roadtrek owners, the usual configuration
of the front lounge area has the quad captain’s chairs are swiveled to create a very
comfortable dining area for four people.
Travelling in a class B motorhome is
a unique experience. Every square inch
of space has been utilized, often with
dual applications. While there are more
than a dozen patented innovations in the
2011 model, the most unique and ingenious aspect of the Roadtrek remains the
washroom, which features a space-saving design that integrates toilet, sink, and
shower, without taking up too much of
your valuable interior floor space.
Jet-Age Galley
The galley in a Roadtrek is reminiscent of an executive jet, where you have
all of the appliances in as compact and
efficient a space as possible. For most
Roadtrek owners, the ease of travelling
in a class B motorhome, compared to a
travel trailer or a larger motorhome,
tends to encourage the storage of a limited amount of food and supplies on board
– it’s so easy to take a trip into town to
“stock up”. The 3.8 cu. ft 3-way refrigerator is a good size for a vehicle of this
type, and the microwave/convection
oven is ideal for a small group. You
wouldn’t expect to have a large galley in
a vehicle of this type, but it is amazing
what you can do in a Roadtrek – after
preparing a few meals, you realize that it
has all the kitchen facilities you really
need for up to four people. There is even
a 12V macerator, which is a real convenience when it comes time to empty the
waste water tanks. Instead of relying on
gravity through a conventional 3” sewage
hose, solids and liquids are chopped and
ejected through a 1-1/4” hose.
Ideal for Two or Four, Tours up
to Seven!
One of the major questions that people ask when they first step into a
Roadtrek is “will this be big enough?”
The answer, of course, depends on your
travelling plans, and your expectations.
For two people, the class B motorhome
offers a cozy and efficient mode of travel
that can double as a family van. For the
small family, the generous exterior cargo
capacity can expand your versatility.
Whether you use the full campground
hook-ups or enjoy “dry camping” the
Roadtrek is one of the most convenient
ways to travel. Depending on your
S P E C I F I C AT I O N S
ROADTREK
RS-ADVENTUROUS
Length
Width
Height – exterior Height – interior
Wheelbase
Rear axle ratio
Engine
22’ 9”
6’8”
9’ 7”
6’ 3”
170”
4.10
Mercedes 3.0 L CRD
V6 turbo diesel
Horsepower
190
Torque
325 ft. lbs.
Transmission 5-speed auto, Heavy-duty
Fuel capacity
100 L
Unloaded weight
8150 lbs
GVWR
11,030 LBS
GCWR
15,250 LBS
Towing capacity
5,000 lbs.
Sleeps
2–4
LP
50 lbs.
Roof a/c
11,000 BTU
Furnace
Suburban 16,000 BTU
Fresh water tank
105 L
Grey water tank
80 L
Black water tank
40 L
Water Heater
6 gal.
MSRP, FOB Kitchener, Ontario:
$111,125 base, $120,800 with options
Many thanks to our friends at Owasco RV
in Whitby, Ontario, for their assistance
with the PDI on our test vehicle.
For more information, please visit the
Roadtrek dealer in your area, or surf to
www.roadtrek.com/RVLM
Triple E
2/15/11
4:42 PM
Page 36
A
ll new for 2011, from one of Canada’s most respected motorhome manufacturers, is the Triple E
Regency – a new approach to 21st century travel, built on the Ford 14,500 GVWR, E-450 chassis, powered by the popular 6.8L EFI V-10 Triton gasoline engine, producing 305 h.p. and 420 ft. lbs torque.
Slide behind the wheel, and you are right at home – our test vehicle featured power adjustable
Ultraleather driver and passenger captain’s chairs, tilt steering wheel, remote control heated mirrors, power windows and door locks. All of your controls are, of course, at your fingertips, including an In-dash
AM/FM/CD/DVD/NAV/Bluetooth and rear view camera monitor. The vehicle is pre-wired for satellite radio, but
the service has to be arranged through your local provider.
On the road, the Regency is a smooth and stable ride, with all of the features you could ask for a [pleasant driving experience. The automatic 5 speed transmission with overdrive and “Tow Haul Mode” is ideally suited for a
vehicle of this size, and the Triple E engineers have included a rear hitch receiver with a 500 lb hitch weight
capacity and 5000 Lb tow rating – ideal for towing a boat, utility trailer, or SUV. Rear airbag assist suspension lets
you adjust the ride to adapt to your requirements.
Construction
Triple E has an excellent reputation for quality, and the Regency is certainly built to withstand the Canadian
climate. Vacuum bonded aluminum framed sidewalls are insulated and finished with thermal break gel coat fiberglass. The roof is a domed vacuum bonded aluminum frame construction, insulated, with Kemlite FRP Flexroof
exterior. The floor of the RV section of the vehicle is steel framed with a vacuum bonded insulated construction.
The automotive chassis is undercoated for durability. Windows are frameless thermal tinted “awning” style, and
Triple E
2/15/11
4:43 PM
Page 37
The compact galley features contoured countertop
and a full array of appliances. Flip up the counter
extension for gourmet cuisine on the road.
With facing slide-out sections, the Regency
GT29T offers a very spacious front living
room and entertainment area.
37
Triple E
2/15/11
4:43 PM
Page 38
Road Test TRIPLE E
baggage doors are flush radius style.
Fibreglass running boards and flares
are strong and stylish, and there is a
lighted assist handle at the entry door
that really helps, especially when you
have older guests on board. The Regency
exterior is finished with full body paint
and clear coat. All in all, top quality components and materials are
utilized throughout the vehicle. An A&E 9000 patio
awning with aluminum
Weather Shield is standard
on this vehicle. We recommend the optional slide topper awnings to keep rain
and leaves off the slide-out
sections – this helps keep
the seals clean and adds to
the appearance and longevity of the vehicle.
Interior Opulence
The Regency is a very
interesting combination of
luxury and affordability –
step into the motorhome
and you are immediately
impressed with the selection of comfort and décor
components. The unique floorplan provides a front lounge with slide-outs on
both sides of the vehicle – on the driver’s
side, an “Easy Bed” sofa nestles into the
slide-out, inviting visitors to relax in the
5-inch thick cushions finished with Fauxleather upholstery; on the passenger side,
a booth style dinette with round pedestal
table seats four – the drop-leaf table
offers space for additional guests, with
enough room to comfortably place occasional chairs in the center aisle. The
Faux-leather dinette is both comfortable
and spacious. Large windows surrounding the front lounge area make this a very
attractive place to enjoy your evening –
the entertainment center built into the
cabover section includes a 26” LED TV,
for your listening pleasure, the Regency
is equipped with a full stereo system,
including AM/FM/DVD/CD/Tuner and
Home Theater sound.
In the evening, the sofa and dinette
transform into very comfortable sleeping
accommodations, with enough space in
the center aisle to comfortably walk past
the beds. Privacy drape surrounds the
cab to block the light.
detailing of the wood trim adds elegance to
the vehicle. The contoured shape of the
countertop and the wood laminated
beveled edge add a very nice touch of elegance. We liked the generous amount of
cupboard and drawer space, and the full
extension ball bearing drawer tracks.
Te galley is equipped with a large
stainless steel bowl-shaped
sink, with brushed nickel
faucet and pull-out spray.
There is a 3-burner glass
cooktop and a microwave
convection oven for your
gourmet adventures. A
Dometic double door
LP/electric 7 Cu. Ft. refrigerator with raised panel
door inserts completes the
galley facilities.
While the galley is
compact in this unit, the
counter space is augmented
by a counter extension.
Fluorescent and halogen accent lighting throughout the motorhome is tasteful and the skylight in the
living area adds a very nice
natural light to the interior
of the vehicle. Pleated day/night shades
and decorative window treatments let
you manage the interior lighting effects
throughout the vehicle.
The galley area has Easy Clean
vinyl flooring, which blends nicely
with the serged carpet in the bedroom
and living area.
In The Bedroom
The spacious rear bedroom features an
innerspring 60” x 74” mattress bed, with
the headboard nestled into a slide-out to
provide additional space. Decorative bedspread and toss cushions match the interior of the vehicle. A generous hanging
closet at the foot of the bed includes a
vanity table and an LCD TV.
Just forward of the bedroom, the full
bathroom features a separate toilet and
shower stall. A skylight brightens the
area. The arrangement of doors in the
bathroom area lets you close the rear section of the motorhome, or close the bedroom section.
In The Campground
Triple E has always designed
motorhomes to be fully-equipped and
In The Galley
very convenient. This is evident as soon
We were particularly impressed with as you arrive in your campground – all
the fit and finish of the cabinetry and galley of the hook-ups are contained within
components – the rich cherry finish and the cargo compartments on the driver’s side
38
of the vehicle. There is an exterior shower with shut off valves (for winterizing
purposes), and we often use this to rinse
off various components before we stow
them in the cargo compartments. An
anti-freeze pick-up kit is provided for
winterizing the vehicle.
The Regency is equipped with a standard 4.0 KW Onan MicroQuiet® generator with auto changeover switch, very
useful for “dry camping” situations. All
of the RV systems – fresh water, grey
water, black water, and battery levels can be checked from the monitor panel
inside the vehicle.
The Bottom Line:
For comfort and convenience, it
would be difficult to beat the 2011 Triple
E Regency GT29T – large enough for a
family to tour the country, compact
enough to be easy to drive, and reasonably fuel efficient for a vehicle of this
type, it is the modern answer to the
requests of Canadian RV families –
affordable luxury in a very well built
Canadian motorhome. S P E C I F I C AT I O N S
TRIPLE E REGENCY
GT29T
Length
Width
Height (incl. a/c)
Wheelbase
Exterior storage space
GVWR
UVW
NCC
Fuel capacity
Fresh water tank
Black water tank
Grey water tank
Propane
30’ 11”
7’ 11”
10’ 6.5”
218”
52 cu. ft.
4,500 lbs
12,278 lbs
2,222 lbs
209 L
137 L
122 L
122 L
17.5 gal
Base MSRP for Triple E Regency GT29T
F.O.B. Winkler, Manitoba:
$121,723
For more information, please visit
www.tripleerv.com
Prolite
2/17/11
2:53 PM
Page 1
Cobble Hill, BC
ARBUTUS RV & MARINE
(250) 743-3800
www.arbutusrv.ca
Chelmsford, ON
NICKEL BELT CAMPING
1-800-575-1292
www.nickelbeltcamping.ca
Salmonarm, BC
COUNTRY CAMPING
LEISURE
(250) 832-6688
www.countrycampingrv.com
Mount Forest, ON
WELLINGTON
HIGHLANDS RV
(519) 509-4678
www.wellingtonhighlandsrv.com
Saskatoon,SK
TRX RV
(306) 384-4900
www.trxrv.ca
Myrtle Station, ON
CAMPKIN'S
1-888-743-9378
www.campkins.com
Ottawa, ON
OTTAWA CAMPING
TRAILERS LTD
(613) 822-2268
www.ottawacamping.ca
Tecumseh, ON
LEISURE TRAILER
SALES
(519) 727-3400
www.leisuretrailers.com
Château-Richer, QC
LES ROULOTTES E. TURMEL
(418) 824-3401
www.roulotteturmel.com
Rouyn-Noranda, QC
REMORQUES DU CUIVRE
(819) 762-5050
www.remorquesducuivre.com
St-Jérôme, QC
ROULOTTES PROLITE
1-888-438-3112
www.roulottesprolite.com
Chicoutimi, QC
ROULOTTES MLR
1-888-545-6663
www.roulottesmlr.com
Sherbrooke, QC
ÉVASION PLEIN
AIR ESTRIE
(819) 821-4866
www.evasionpleinairestrie.com
Ste-Thérès de Gaspé, QC
LELIÈVRE MÉCANIQUE
SPORT
16, rue du Havre CP 130
(418) 385-4990
New Glassgow, NS
STONE SUPERIOR
HOME LTD
(902) 752-3164
www.stonesrv.com
Sept-Îles, QC
ROULOTTES RT
(418) 962-3031
www.roulottesrt.com
Utah
2/15/11
4:14 PM
Page 40
Balanced Rock
Guarding the Valley
Slipping head
By James Stoness
40
Utah
2/15/11
4:15 PM
Page 41
Pharaoh and the wall
M
ovie director John Ford discovered the natural beauty of
Utah in the 1930’s and never
looked back. His film, ‘Stagecoach’
filmed in Monument Valley won great
praise for its magnificent backgrounds.
He directed 12 films in Utah making
the public aware of the tremendous
scenery found there.
Not many of us would have wanted
to visit Utah’s back country in those
years. Young actor John Wayne had to
take a 200 mile long dirt trail to get to
the filming location in Monument
Valley. Now we whiz along in our air
conditioned RV filled with wonder and
amazement at the beauty that we see.
People used to say that Utah did not
have much land of any value because
of its location in the high desert of
southwest North America. When
Mormons arrived in the area of what is
now Salt Lake City they saw something others had missed. They saw an
opportunity for a home, and made the
barren desert bloom using water coming down from the mountains. They
built small dams and irrigation canals
White Rim Trail
and much to the disbelief of many, created an agricultural oasis.
But that was only one small area in
the whole state of Utah. Soon other
small settlements grew around water
sources often with vast distances
between them. It took the exposure of
film to create interest in the general
public for visiting the barren desert.
Now the state has a large number of
Federal and local parks and nearly all
of them feature areas of exceptional
beauty, and the preservation of these
lands.
Today’s RV’ers have a plethora of
things to do that can range from quiet
camping, to jeeping, to biking and hiking. That’s the nice thing about Utah.
You can drive right into the midst of
spectacular scenery with your RV, and
if you want more, you take to the trails
with your 4WD vehicle, your bicycle,
or your feet. A word of caution is necessary. It is necessary to go into the
desert properly prepared. This is still
desert. It’s rugged and remote, and can
be deadly.
The town of Moab is almost sur-
Canyonlands at sunset
rounded by preserved park land.
Travellers on US I-70 can easily reach
Arches National Park near Moab. This
park features a wide variety of fantastic arches, pedestals and balanced
rocks. The phenomenal Landscape
Arch spans 93 metres. It is a gracefully
designed slender arch and getting slimmer all the time. In 1991 a chunk of
rock almost 1/5th of the total length of
the arch dropped out from the bottom
of the arch. This arch should be visited
soon. It can not last! This is erosion in
action. On your drive into the park you
pass a group of massive figures that
seem to be guarding over the road.
Between strangely eroded figures, and
arches, it keeps you alert trying to be
first to see the next one. The drive to
the campground is 30 kilometres into
the park, and it fills up fast in some
seasons. If there is no room, you have
to leave the park for the night.
Most of the rock found in this part
of the desert is sedimentary sandstone.
In places it is underlain by a thick
deposit of salt. The weight of the rock
above the salt beds forces up some of
41
Utah
2/15/11
4:16 PM
Page 42
UTAH’S SPECTACULAR COLOURED ROCKS
the salt which in turn pushes up the
sandstone to form great domes. In
other places the sandstone drops into
the void left by salt moving upward.
Faults have cracked the domes crossways creating the necessary shape for
future arches.
West of Arches NP is Canyonlands
NP with its innumerable, steep walled
canyons, huge mesas and tall buttes
edged by the Colorado and Green
Rivers. The colours produced here at
dawn and again in the evening are
unbelievable. The cliffs flame with the
sun, changing colours continuously. If
you can’t take great pictures here, it’s
not the camera’s fault.
A reasonably easy 4WD trail that
passes through the ‘Island in the Sky’
section of Canyonlands NP and Dead
Horse State Park is reached from the
Moab area on U-279, a scenic route
along the Colorado River. After about
30 kilometres the pavement ends near a
Potash Plant and the trail begins. After
a while you enter Canyonlands
National park and come to an intersection where you could take the three day
White Rim Road that encircles the
Island in the Sky mesa. We chose to
take the Shafer Trail, an old road that
climbs the cliff to the plateau. The
scenery consists of red rock cliffs and a
deep canyon with the river far below.
As we drove toward the base of the
600 metre cliff it towered above us.
There were ragged terraces slightly
visible but it certainly looked as if
there was no way up. Yet as we
approached we could see a faint line
etched into the cliff wall switchbacking
back and forth along the wall. Once
you start climbing you’ll find it is narrow and if anyone needs to go by you
coming in the opposite direction it is
necessary to find one of the wider
spots on the road and wait. Oh, did I
forget, rough? There are lots of
grooves caused by water rushing
across the trail, and always scattered
rocks that have fallen from the cliffs.
Slow travel is necessary to protect the
tires, and sometimes your vulnerable
underside when you have to straddle
some larger rocks. Remember, up hill
traffic has the right-of-way. On steep
hills upward traffic needs to keep up
their momentum.
Of course, there are no guard rails
and the edge drops off to places you
don’t want to go. It’s steep, crooked,
with stunning switchbacks, and has ter42
rific views of the country to the south
as you climb. It is a great drive! If you
select this route, keep in mind that at
one time trucks carried potash out of
the valley on this trail. That must have
been scary considering the brakes on
those older vehicles.
We reached the top of the Island in
the Sky and took time to look back
over the Shafer Canyon and the trail.
The far off views are spectacular.
There is nice camping on the mesa top,
but we were camped near Moab and as
the day was progressing we wanted to
get back before dark. We also had to
take time to visit Dead Horse Point
State Park. The name arose when some
horse herders penned up a bunch of
horses on the plateau which is high
above the river. For some reason they
never returned and the horses perished
from thirst with water only a few thousand feet below. The name isn’t exact-
but with careful selection of which
rock to drive on we made it across.
The road drops steeply between two
canyon walls that you can almost
touch from the window. These are bad
places for rock slides because you
won’t be able to proceed any farther.
In one place a huge blocky rock like a
railroad car leaned against the cliff
leaving a small space to drive under.
The road surface was rough mud with
stones, and even in low 4WD there
was tendency for the tires to skitter on
the looseness. In the distance we
could see the highway, or at least
approximately where it should be,
way below us. On the windshield
there appeared a few drops of rain,
teasing us, worrying us. It should be
mentioned, that if this soil gets wet, it
becomes slick, slippery mud, impossible to get traction, or to stop.
So we hurried, gauging the need
Stark tree
ly inviting, but the views down across
the desert are. You can see a tangle of
canyons, buttes, mesas, and rivers that
stretch to the horizon. It’s no wonder
they call that section of Canyonlands
NP the ‘Maze’ and ‘Needles’.
It was time to be getting back. The
sky to the west was dark and ominous
with flashes of lightning. A little way
from Dead Horse Point SP the Long
Canyon trail branches off south and
will take us back to the Colorado River
and the highway back to Moab.
Great scenery of the La Sal
Mountains and the red rock near
Moab filled the horizon as we
dropped off the plateau into a narrow
defile that looked like the trail ended.
Indeed it was washed out in a couple
of places with creek channels across it
for speed with the need to go slowly
and carefully down around the steep
switchbacks. The highway looked so
close, and just when we thought we
were making headway, a long switchback ran back the other direction. It
was narrow, but we did not encounter
anymore washouts. And still we continued as fast as we dared towards the
highway. We knew if the rain came
there would be no choice but to park
and wait until the road dried the next
day. Then, suddenly, we emerged from
Long Canyon onto the highway. We
pulled out onto the pavement, thunder
banged, and the sky opened. The rain
was so heavy it even forced its way in
around the windows. But, we were off
the dirt road and just in time too.
For a nice drive that does not
Utah
2/15/11
4:35 PM
Page 43
Island in the Sky
Sculptured rocks
Arches National Park sign
Canyonlands view
Castle Valley buttes
43
Utah
2/15/11
4:18 PM
Page 44
UTAH’S SPECTACULAR COLOURED ROCKS
require 4WD take the La Sal Mountain
Loop drive, that if driven counter
clockwise, climbs into the cooler, tree
cloaked La Sal Mountains where there
are good views of the higher peaks and
as you turn northward you get great
views of the buttes in Castle Valley.
Moab has become famous for
‘Slickrock Bike Trail’ a challenging 20
km course of hills and rolling smooth
rock. With views of the La Sal
Mountains or the spires of Arches NP
it should be a fun experience, yet riders
often miss some of the beauty as they
keep their eyes on the irregularities of
the trail and the nearby side canyons.
Shafer Trail from mesa top
Slickrock refers to the vast areas of
rolling bare sandstone that makes up
much of the region.
We often are asked how we find our
way on jeep trails that are notoriously
poor in directional signs. To guide us
we use Delorme Topo USA. This computer software allows you to study the
areas of these trails in 2D and 3D. It
helps immensely in planning where
you might want to go since it shows
you the topographic maps and all the
land features. The GPS feature shows
you exactly where you are on your laptop map which is important at
unmarked intersections, when selecting
Shafer Trail
MACLEOD'S FARM
MACHINERY LIMITED
Lower Onslow, NS
(902) 662-2516
www.macleodpolaris.com
FIVE STAR
MOTORSPORTS
Chilliwack, BC
(604) 792-8804
[email protected]
RICKWARD’S SMALL MOTORS INC.
Kearney, ON
(705) 636-1596
[email protected]
44
2/15/11
4:19 PM
Page 45
the wrong side trail might take you
miles out of the way.
We have visited Utah’s desert in
the heat of the summer but our
autumn trips have been the most comfortable. There is so much beauty in
the area you’ll probably enjoy yourself any time of the year. When snow
covers the arches and fins of Arches
National Park the contrast with the
coloured rock can be very dramatic
but you have to contend with winter
travel. However, for unexpected beauty and enjoyment a visit to Utah
should enter into your travel destinations sometime soon. FOR
I N F O R M AT I O N
www.nps.gov/arch/
for Arches National Park
www.nps.gov/cany/
for Canyonlands NP
OWASCO RECREATIONAL VEHICLES
SALES, SERVICE, RENTALS
Exclusive “Gold Circle”
Jayco Dealer
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45
Letters Ad Index
2/17/11
2:51 PM
Page 46
or RV enthusiasts, one of the
advantages of owning a pickup
truck is the freedom to select
three types of RV alternatives - you can
hitch up to a travel trailer, go for the
gusto with a fifth wheel, or slide a truck
camper into the load bed for the
most compact and maneuverable
RV camping experience.
The payload, or GVWR (gross
vehicle weight rating) and
GAWR (gross axle weight rating)
of your truck will determine how
elaborate a truck camper you can
carry - this information is found
in the owner’s manual, and on a
label attached to the chassis just
inside the driver’s door.
The truck camper can provide
the ideal combination of comfort, convenience, and mobility for up to six people. When combined with a 4x4 pickup,
you can literally camp anywhere that the
truck can go… the only difference is the
height clearance and weight distribution
F
46
of the combination, which will change
the handling characteristics of the truck.
You can still tackle some pretty rough
roads, but you will want to drive more
carefully with the camper on board, and,
of course, always be sure that the
camper is securely “tied down” to the
truck with the appropriate fasteners.
Your RV dealer will assist you with the
accessories and techniques that you will
need to mount and remove the camper.
Canada’s leading truck camper manu-
facturer, Adventurer, was founded in
1969 by Erdman Epp, and until the company’s recent move to Yakima, WA, the
campers had been built in British
Columbia. The company has an excellent
reputation for customer satisfaction, and a
solid commitment to quality construction. Three generations of
RV’ers have benefited from the
company’s straightforward approach
to building truck campers - in the
words of the founder - “ Our mission
is to be industry leaders in manufacturing recreational vehicles, and as a
team do everything possible to
ensure our customers’ vacation
dreams are realized”
On our recent trip to the RVIA
trade show in Louisville, KY, we
had the opportunity to check out the
2011 Adventurer 910FBS - the largest
nine-foot model in the company’s line,
designed to fit long-bed trucks. This
model features a dinette slide-out that
substantially increases the interior
Letters Ad Index
2/17/11
4:13 PM
Page 47
space in the camper. An optional in-slide
fold-down bunk bed with 125 pound
capacity makes this an ideal choice for a
family of five. The interior is bright and
comfortable, with lots of storage space there is a deep roll-out storage drawer
under the dinette, and an under-floor
storage compartment that can accommodate items up to 80” long.
The bedroom at the front of the
910FBS features a 60” x 80” queen
bed, with residential type innerspring
mattress, surrounded by storage compartments. A double-mirrored
wardrobe on the passenger side of the
camper provides a generous amount of
hanging closet space. Flooring and
solid shaker-style maple cabinet doors
and drawer fronts highlight your
choice of three décor packages.
Window treatments with pleated pulldown shades, designer coordinated
bedspread and pillows, and the tasteful
interior make this camper a very
attractive home away from home.
It is obvious that this unit has been
designed by experienced campers everything is exactly where it should be
- no features are missing, and all of the
latest technical and convenience
advances are either standard or optional.
At The Campsite
With the mobility of a truck camper,
many families find that the ideal trip
takes them to the backcountry, and the
ability to be self-sufficient is a major
advantage. The Adventurer is designed
for dry camping, and it has a special
compartment to accommodate an
optional Onan generator.
Entertaining the family is a pleasure
in this camper, with standard and
optional equipment to suit your needs.
An optional 15” LCD Flat Screen 12Volt TV with Triple Pivot Arm can be
mounted in the bedroom, and it is
designed to swing around for easy
viewing from the lounge.
An optional AM/FM/CD/DVD/MP3
Sirius ready entertainment system manufactured by MB Quart ® , a leading
German audio/visual supplier, can be
installed in selected Adventurer models.
This component has been designed to
handle hard bumps and moist environments typical of marine and camping
travel conditions.
In The Galley
The 910FBS has a fully-equipped
galley with oversize and rugged
acrylic sink, easy clean sealed burner
range and oven, and adjustable shelf
slide-out pantry. A flip-up counter
extension increases your food preparation space. The refrigerator/freezer
combination is placed beside the
dinette to balance the weight of the
unit, and this contributes to ease of
movement throughout the camper you don’t block anything when you
open the refrigerator door.
The u-shaped dinette and oval table
can easily accommodate four people, and
the open floor space provides more than
enough room for a free-standing chair.
The table slides and swivels into position
for easier access to the seating area.
Construction
The Adventurer truck campers feature a welded aluminum tube or wood
frame between an outer fibreglass shell
and an inner laminated panel. Solid styrofoam insulation assures all-season
comfort, sound dampening, and structural strength. Exterior walls have composite fibreglass skins for durability and
easy maintenance.
Flush-frame safety glass radius windows with gusseted corners are used on
most models, with Solar reflective glazing on most models, to provide privacy
and reflect UV rays. This adds to the
thermal efficiency of the unit.
Reflectic insulation and ducted heating
protects your holding tanks from cold
weather. For winter camping, whenever
the furnace is on, your tanks are protected.
One of the most important aspects of
a truck camper is the system that allows
you to install and remove the camper
from the truck - Adventurer uses the
Happi-Jac® camper jack system to provide more than 34” of lift. The HappiJac® screw jack safely and easily raises
and lowers the camper. The unique
concave footpad design reduces movement and offers improved stability
compared to convex footpads. The
front jacks are completely bolted
through the wall corners to achieve a
strong and stable platform.
Above your head, the fully framed
composite panel roof is fully load bearing and walkable. A one-piece roof
membrane with a 12-year limited warranty is standard.
Molded fibreglass front caps are
standard on all TCC®-Aluminum constructed campers, providing aerodynamic advantages as well as styling.
Adventurer truck campers are covered by the manufacturer’s 36 months
warranty, with components and accessories covered by their individual manufacturer’s warranties. Owners requiring
service on the road can visit any reputable RV dealership, and contact the
manufacturer to arrange for the appropriate service.
S P E C I F I C AT I O N S
ADVENTURER 910 FBS
Sleeps
Floor length
Exterior width
Interior height
Dry weight
Fresh water tank
Grey water tank
Black water tank
4
9' 10"
96"
77.5"
3293 lbs
44 gal
31 gal
31 gal
Base M.S.R.P. $25,550.00 USD plus
freight, options, taxes, registration
(if required) and dealer preparation
F.O.B. Yakima, WA.
The galley in the 910FBS is compact but fully equipped.
The u-shaped dinette is spacious for up to four
adults, and the swivel table makes access very easy.
An optional in-slide fold-down bunk is available.
For more information please visit
www.amlrv.com
Letters Ad Index
48
2/15/11
3:53 PM
Page 48
Letters Ad Index
2/15/11
3:53 PM
Page 49
COMING SPRING 2011
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We are located just outside
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49
Letters Ad Index
2/15/11
3:53 PM
Page 50
LETTERS continued from page 30
Hello Faith:
The secret for zip codes is really
nothing complex – for example, if your
Canadian Postal code where you
receive your monthly statement is L6H
2R2 (that’s the RV Lifestyle Magazine
office location), then punch in 62200.
For information on North American
calling plans, contact any Bell Canada
office.
Shopping for the Classic “C”
Greetings, Garth:
I am rather new to the idea of buying
an older Class C motorhome. I have stumbled into the harsh realities of few dollars
mean buying an older 1980's model.
However, when I go looking for ways to
access the common models of that period,
there seems to be no document out there
to help one such as myself. Has there ever
been a review in older issues of the positive and negatives of smaller class C RV's
from the 80's? (such as in 2011 don't go
near any of them?)
My thanks for any leads,
Rev. Quincy Collins
Dear Rev Collins:
Older Class C motorhomes are defi-
Conveniently located 30 minutes
West of Toronto
nitely less expensive than new units. Most
units in the 80's were built on a Ford Eclass chassis with a 460 cubic inch V8
motor. This is a very reliable engine that
can drive many miles before encountering expensive repairs.
Most RV owners do not travel more
than about 5000km in a year, so an average odometer reading for the mid eighties might be in the range of 150,000 km .
This is not a lot of mileage for a big block
Ford engine. Class C motorhomes of that
era range from 21' to about 29' long. The
shorter units were very popular with
young families with children. The longer
ones were favoured by retired people
who wanted a private bed in the back.
They were all equipped with a refrigerator, furnace, stove with oven, and water
heater. I prefer units that have fibreglass
siding on the living section instead of aluminum siding. The fibreglass stands up
better to wear and tear and it is easier to
keep new looking. Sometimes, you can
get a good deal when purchasing privately, for example, when there is a death in
the family, the survivor is willing to sell
for less to find a new owner for their RV.
When purchasing a unit of that age
from a dealer, they will usually request
STORAGE FOR
RV’S, BOATS
&TRAILERS
• 24 hour security access gate
TORONTO LOCATON
NOW OPEN
50
•
•
•
•
Paved surface & large turning radius
Minutes from 400 series highways
Summerizing / Winterizing specials
10 minutes to boat launch
Send us your
questions
Attention: Letters
RV Lifestyle Magazine
1121 Invicta Drive, Unit 2
Oakville, Ontario, L6H 2R2
or email
[email protected]
cash as the banks do not want to loan
money on a unit that old. Buying from a
dealer allows you the opportunity to have
the unit and all its appliances checked
out to see that they are working. This is
not a warranty, but gives some faith that
you are not going to have to replace an
expensive appliance soon after you have
make your purchase.
Towing at the Limit
Hello Garth:
We drive a 2005 Ford F150 King
Ranch 4x4 truck. We were told by the
dealership that our towing capacity is
8,700lbs. We are looking into buying a
34' RV (Wildwood 29BHBS). The dry
weight of this camper is 7,252lbs. We are
pretty sure that we would be able to tow
this RV but would like to be sure. We
would also like to know what it is that we
need to purchase in addition to safely tow
it. (IE: stabilizer hitch or weight distributing equalizer hitch?)
Brandy & Shane Landry,
Thibodaux, LA
Hello Brandy & Shane:
Forest River shows the Wildwood
29BHBS with a dry weight of 7695
pounds and a hitch weight of 875 pounds.
With the fresh water tank full and the grey
water and black water tanks empty at the
start of a trip, the trailer could weigh
7987 pounds. Sometime during a trip with
the fresh water tank empty, and the grey
water and black water tanks full, the trailer could weigh as much as 8537 pounds.
You would also have the weight of the full
propane tanks, food and clothing.
The trailer has a maximum weight rating (GVWR) of 11035 pounds. That is the
most that the axles are designed to carry.
Very few RV’ers ever load their trailer up
to that weight. That is a lot of trailer for a
half-ton truck to pull and stop.
Your King Ranch will be at or near its
maximum weight rating. You would probably be OK if you did not travel in mountainous areas and did not load the trailer
with too much stuff. Tow ratings are not
Letters Ad Index
2/15/11
3:54 PM
Page 51
written in stone. There is a certain amount of leeway allowed
by the manufacturer. The more work you expect your truck to
do, the sooner things wear out, such as tires, brakes, transmissions, and drive gears.
Many people have been successful towing units that are over
their truck’s rating. You must have an equalizer weight distributing hitch with sway control for a vehicle of this size. L o n g
trailers have more tendency to sway when going down a hill
with the trailer pushing against the tow vehicle. To prevent this
sway, a good quality sway control system is absolutely essential. The best is manufactured by Hensley Mfg. in Michigan.
This is a more expensive hitch, but I always say that the price
difference is less than the insurance deductible on an accident.
You can read RV Lifestyle Magazine online at
www.rvlifemag-digital.com . Be sure to read Andy Thomson's
column on tires and hitches.
Camping for a Living…
Hi Garth:
Do you have any info on working at campgrounds. There is
a group called Workamper and I am looking into them -are
there any others?
Paul Martin,
Mount Forest, ON.
Hello Paul:
Try entering "work campers" into the Bing search engine. It
will provide you with more than enough jobs in Canada and
the USA. Remember that Canadians cannot work legally in the
US unless they have a Visa (green card). AVAILABLE AT THESE DEALERS:
MACLEOD'S FARM
MACHINERY LIMITED
Lower Onslow, NS
(902) 662-2516
www.macleodpolaris.com
FIVE STAR
MOTORSPORTS
Chilliwack, BC
(604) 792-8804
[email protected]
RICKWARD’S SMALL MOTORS INC.
Kearney, ON
(705) 636-1596
[email protected]
51
RV Dealer List
2/14/11
12:43 PM
Page 1
Pick up your copy at these
fine RV Dealerships!
Alberta
Bucars RV Centre
off Hwy 2 N on
RANGE ROAD 10
Balzac, AB
403-207- 1666
Carefree Coach & RV
4510-51 Avenue,
Edmonton, AB
1-877-217-2008
Cars RV & Marine
6613 Sparrow Drive
Leduc AB
780-986-0444
DLRV Sales
1867 2nd Ave, West
Dunmore (Medicine Hat) AB
T0J 1A1
Eldorado RV Sales Ltd.
711 - 2nd Ave A North
Lethbridge, AB
403-329-3933
Field of Dreams
70 Commercial Crt, Calgary, AB
403-262-2121
Fraserway RV
536 Kingsview Way, Airdrie, AB
1-877-782-3434
Happy Trails RV Inc.
5211 100 St. Grande Prairie, AB
1-877-538-2120
Rangeland RV & Trailer Sales
Hwy 2 North. Balzac AB.
403-279-5200
RV City
8704 100 Street, Morinville, AB
780-939-2900
RV Festival
37400 Hwy 2
Red Deer County, AB
403-356-7878
RV Lifestyles Inc.
2620 Barlow Trail NE
Calgary, AB
1-888-291-0052
Skyline Travel Centre
2325-43 Street South
Lethbridge, AB
403-320-6454
Southside RV
2804 - 50th Avenue
Red Deer, AB
403-346-5577
Trailblazer RV Centre
2302 Sparrow Drive, Nisku, AB
780 955 0300
Uncle Ben's R.V. & Auto
37467 Hwy 2
Red Deer County, AB
1 800 300 8551
Vellner Leisure Products
1890 - 49 Avenue, Red Deer, AB
403-343-1464
Vision R.V. Corporation
26301A, Twp. Rd. 531A,
Spruce Grove, AB
780-962-0012
Western R.V. Country
37417 Highway 2 South,
Red Deer, AB
403-340-1132
Western R.V. Country
7506 Sparrow Drive
Leduc, AB
780-986-2880
Woody’s RV World
11700 - 29th Street SE
(Deerfoot Trail / Douglasdale)
Calgary, AB
403-258-2727
Woody’s RV World
1702-49th Avenue
Red Deer, AB
403-346-1130
British Columbia
Fraserway RV
30440 South Fraser Way
Abbotsford, BC
604-850-1976
Travelhome RV
20360 Langley Bypass
Langley, BC
1-877-747-7947
Fraserway RV
726 Rocky Lane Drive
Bedford, NS
1-800-263-5558
Freedom Coach RV
797 Division Street
Kingston, ON
877-328-7787
Jubilee R.V. Centre
1302B Salish Road
Kamloops, BC
250-372-0600
Jerry’s RV Trailer
Sales & Service
9384 Commercial Street
New Minas, NS
902-681-9501
Gimme Shelter Ltd.
635605 Hwy 10
Shelburne, ON
519-925-5261
Kustom Koach R.V. Centre
26875 Fraser Hwy
Aldergrove, BC
604-856-5722
Mike Rosman R.V. Sales
6395 Highway 97, Vernon, BC
250-545-1611
O’Connor RV Centre Ltd.
44430 Yale Rd. W.,
Chilliwack, BC
604-792-2747
Peden R.V. Superstore
10049 Galaran Road
Sidney, BC
250-656-3464
Penticton Toyota
Leisureland
2405 Skaha Lake Road
Penticton, BC
250-493-1107
True North R.V.
2078 Henry Avenue W.
Sidney, BC
250-656-5504
Voyager RV Centre Ltd.
9250 Hwy 97
Winnfield, BC
250-766-4607
Westgate RV Centre Ltd.
1460 Byland Road
Kelowna, BC
250-769-4525
Manitoba
Transcona Trailer Sales Ltd.
1330 Dugald Road
Winnipeg, MB
204-237-7272
Walt’s Trailer Sales Ltd.
5195 Portage Avenue
Headingley, MB
204-837-8388
New Brunswick
Aberdeen “The RV Place”
988 Rothsay Road
Saint John, NB
506-642-4678
Doug’s Recreation
Center Ltd.
116 Cougle Road
Sussex Corner, NB
506-433-4222
Leisure Time
Sales Ltd.
929 Hampton Road
Quispamsis, NB
506-849-3363
PNJ Enterprises Ltd.
697 Rue Principal
Beresford, NB
506-542-9669
RV World
15 Chapparal Road
Waasis, NB
506-446-3799
Sackville Auto Sales & RV
6 Cattail Ridge
Unit 1, Sackville, NB
506-364-0006
Newfoundland
Ashford Sales Limited
2 Ruth Avenue
Mount Pearl, NF
709-368-8061
Maloney’s RV Centre
P.O. Box 505
Mount Pearl, NF
709-782-5231
Nova Scotia
Adventure Sports Ltd.
802 Main Street., Dartmouth, NS
902-434-0227
Leisure Days RV Centre
45 Treaty Trail, Truro, NS
902-893-2619
Smith And Fraser Mobile
Homes
P.O. Box 1602
Antigonish, NS
902-803-2502
Forest City
Motorhomes Ltd.
4292 Dundas St E.
London, Ontario
519-268-3951
Globetrotter RV
12563 Highway 50
Bolton, ON
905-951-0552
Stone’s RV Home Centre
2689 Westville Road
New Glasgow, NS
902-752-3164
H B Cycle
RR #2 , Cameron, ON
705-328-bike
Ontario
Hiemstra Trailer Sales Ltd.
493 Third Street
London, ON
519-451-6924
1000 Islands RV
409 County Road # 2
Gananoque, ON
613-382-4400
Adventure RV Centre
343 Regional Road # 9
Waterford, ON
519-443-0291
Bella Vista RV Centre
31 Booth Street
Oro - Medonte (Barrie) ON
1 866 363 2878
Camper’s World R.V. Sales
1621 Victoria Street North
Kitchener, ON
519-745-0387
Camping In Style
7775 Baldwin Street N.
Hwy # 12, Brooklin, ON
905-655-8198
Campkin’s Camping
Centre Inc.
9760 Baldwin Street N.
Hwy # 12, Myrtle, ON
888-743-9378
Camp-Out RV Ltd.
Perth Line 125 FC 4006, R. R. #5
Stratford, ON
519-393-5938
Can-Am RV Centre
Box 370 Lambeth Stn
London, ON
519-652-3284
Cedar Trees Resort
5893 County Rd 9
Napanee, ON
613-354-1055
Christie’s Camper Sales Ltd.
9 Trout Lake Road, R. R. # 2
Sault Ste. Marie, ON
705-777-2200
Dee Jay Trailers
(Belmont) Ltd.
Box 384, Hwy # 7
Havelock, ON
705-778-3501
Don’s RV
890 Newgate Ave
Sudbury, ON
705-524-1912
Dwyer Hill RV Trailer
1229 Dwyer Hill Road
Ottawa, ON
800-982-5595
Earlton Camping
Centre Ltd.
Box 430, Hwy # 11 N.
Earlton, ON
705-563-2633
Elgin RV
R. R. # 3, St. Thomas, ON
519-633-7575
Ferguson RV World Inc.
1249 Talbot Street
St. Thomas, ON
519-631-1092
Morry’s Trailer Sales
RR # 2, Walkerton, ON
519-364-3748
Niagara Trailers
1224 York Road
St. Davids, ON
905-262-4518
Northgate RV Centre Ltd.
24265 Richmond St., R. R. #42
London, ON
519-227-4700
Ottawa Camping
Trailers Ltd.
4815 Bank St., R. R. #6
Ottawa, ON
613-822-2268
Outdoor Travel
Pier 25 110 Eastport Blvd.
Hamilton, ON
905-548-8585
Owasco RV Ltd.
200 Champlain Avenue
Whitby, ON
905-683-2267
Updated: February 2011
Tracy’s RV Centre
PO Box 173, 915 Hwy # 6
Millgrove, ON
905-689-6167
Trailer Centre
175 Hudson Dr.
Dorchester, ON
519-268-6622
Trailer Mart (1995)
5653 Colonel Talbot
London, ON
519-652-3773
Trailica Trailer &
RV Sales
1021 Limoges Road
Limoges, ON
613-443-7332
Travel-Mor
Trailer Sales
4863 Bank Street
Ottawa, ON
613-822-1666
Tyssen Camping
Trailers Ltd.
23056 Hwy 48, R. R. # 1
Sutton, ON
905-722-9865
Hughes RV
431139 R. R. # 2
Orangeville, ON
519-940-4252
Peterborough
RV Centre Inc.
1085 Hwy 7E, R. R. # 7
Peterborough, ON
705-745-4313
Inter-City RVs & Trailers
Box 16, Smith Falls, ON
613-283-3088
Pike Lake Golf Centre Limited
R. R. # 3, Clifford, ON
519-338-3010
J & B Trailer Sales Inc.
21 Allingham Lane, Box 99
Combermere, ON
613-756-6070
RV Canada
2908 Prince of Wales Dr
Ottawa, ON
613-224-7899
JR’s Mobile Service
301 Dundas Street W.
Napanee, ON
Recreation World RV’s
2320 Dawson Road, R. R. # 12
Thunder Bay, ON
807-767-3455
Waterdown Camping
Centre
59 Dundas Street
Waterdown, ON
905-319-1535
Kingston Outdoor Center
RV Sales
538 O’Connor Drive
Kingston, ON
613-389-9953
Ruston RV Centre
1428 Plains Road West
Burlington, ON
905-525-8400
Winter Trailer Sales Ltd.
301 Dundas Street W.
Napanee, ON
800-488-4975
Sauder’s Camping & Truck
1005 Reitzel Place, R. R. # 1
St. Jacobs, ON
519-664-2633
Woody’s Trailer World
1520 Arthur Street West
Thunder Bay, ON
807-577-5122
Larry Renaud RV Sales
2558 County Road # 20
Box 610, Harrow, ON
519-738-6222
Seaway Trailer Sales Ltd.
1115 Niagara St. N.
Welland, ON
905-735-8033
Leisure Days
2522 Cedar Creek Rd, Ayr, ON
877-299-4580
SNE Winnebago Ltd.
21859 Highbury Ave., R. R. # 1
London, ON
519-659-7000
Kelders Trailer Sales Inc.
9221 Lakeshore, R. R. # 2
Grand Bend, ON
519-238-2647
Leisure Days
165 Lombard Street
Smith Falls, ON
613-283-2345
Leisure Days
1352 Exmouth Street
Sarnia, ON
519-542-4678
Leisure Trailer Sales
204 Patillo Road, R. R. # 1
Tecumseh, ON
519-727-3400
Len’s R.V. Sales & Service
305 Main St West
Brighton, ON
613-475-1441
Listowel City Recreation
1199 Wallace Avenue N.
Listowel, ON
888-638-0754
Luxury Motorhomes
R. R. # 2
Carleton Place, ON
613-257-1299
McKenzie RV Trailers
2 Cardico Drive, Gormley, ON
905-888-8088
McPhail’s Of Harrison
P.O. Box 460, R. R. # 3
Harriston, ON
519-338-3422
Mobilife RV Centre
4166 King Street E
Kitchener, ON
519-653-5788
Motor Home Travel Canada
7200 Hwy 27 N, Woodbridge, ON
1 877 228 2218
Springmount RV Centre
P.O. Box 25, Hwy # 6 North
Owen Sound, ON
519-372-3485
Stayner Travel Trailer Ltd.
8975 Hwy # 26,
Wasaga Beach, ON
705-429-2600
Stratford RV Centre 2001
925 Mornington Street
Stratford, ON
519-348-5004
Sun ‘N Fun
PO Box 860, Waterdown, ON
905-689-8300
Sun Parlour Trailers Ltd.
5085 Walker Road
Windsor, ON
519-737-6503
The Hitch House Inc.
1490 Hwy 11 South, R. R. # 2
Shanty Bay, ON
877-722-0638
The RV Warehouse Inc.
65 Reive Blvd.
Cookstown, ON
705-458-4774
Tilbury Auto Sales
20600 Hwy 42 West
Tilbury, ON
519-682-2407
Toronto Camping
Centre
1841 Highway 7
Concord, ON
905-738-1421
Under The Sun
Trailers Ltd.
6669 Hwy # 7, R. R. # 5
Peterborough, ON
705-741-5000
Vos Trailers Ltd.
1560 Main Street, Box 800
Stittsville, ON
613-836-4841
P.E.I.
PEI Home & RV Centre
86 Kensington Road
Charlottetown, PEI
902-566-1440
Travellers R.V. Centre
Kelvin Grove, R. R. # 4
Kensington, PEI
902-836-3577
QUEBEC
Centre Du Camping
Remillard
1290 Boul St-Luc
Route 104 Est
Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, QC
877-388-3885
Saskatchewan
8th Street RV
Comp. 300, R. R. # 6
Saskatoon, SK
306-229-3520
DJ’S RV
Centre Ltd.
#1 Hwy & Thatcher Dr. East
Moosejaw, SK
306-694-6048
Swift Current Leisure
Wheels Ltd.
77 Ponderosa Trail North
Swift Current, SK
306-773-7700
Yukon
Fraserway RV
9039 Quartz Road
Whitehorse, YT
1-866-269-2783
RV 39-3 full sub ad
2/14/11
12:37 PM
Page 103
B IG
Free Digital Subscription
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3 YEARS $45.00 BEST
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Letters Ad Index
2/15/11
5:03 PM
Page 54
AD INDEX
Barker VIP Jacks . . . . . . . . . . 21
Hughes RV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Pro-Lite . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Bella Vista RV. . . . . . . . . . 13, 15
Koolatron . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Roadtrek . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
BRP Can-Am . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
KZ RV. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
RV Park ’N Go . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Can Am RV Centre . . . . . . . . . 25
Lance Campers . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Safari Condo . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Carriage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IFC
Leisure Travel Vans . . . . . . . . . 7
Snap-On . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . OBC
Earlton RV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
McPhails of Harriston . . . . . . 54
Stoness Travel Guides . . . . . . 50
Earthbound RV. . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Ottawa RV Show . . . . . . . . . . 48
Subscriptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Earthbound Dealers . . . . . . . . 22
Owasco RV Centre . . . . . . . . . 45
TRStandards . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Efoy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Pleasure-Way . . . . . . . . . . . . IBC
Triple E. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Fraserway RV . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Polaris ATV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Windsor RV Show . . . . . . . . . 48
Hensley Hitch . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Polaris Snowmobile . . . . . . . . 51
Winnebago . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
• Great West Vans • Cedar Creek • Wildcat • V Cross • R Pod
54
Pleasureway 35-5
2/14/11
12:38 PM
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12:31 PM
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