Be prepared: Getting ready to hit the road this season

It’s May, and the RV season is officially here! If you’re like me, you’re itching to get out on the road after such a long winter. But if we want a season that’s as safe and trouble-free as possible, we first need to do a little prep work. And for those of us in Ontario, we also need to understand and comply with the RV driver’s licence amendments that came into effect last year.

What are the new requirements in Ontario for driving an RV?

Ontario has introduced new driver’s licence requirements for driving recreational vehicles. The type of licence you need depends on how much your unit weighs:

Each province sets its own weight and licensing rules. If you’re not an Ontario resident, please check with your provincial ministry of transportation for your province’s RV driving licence requirements.

When Martin and I travelled in our Class A, we both maintained our Ontario DZ licences (with air brake endorsements). Now that we’ve downsized to a Class C weighing less than 11,000 kg, we need only our Class G licences. Even though I don’t require the RV endorsement to drive my RV, I took the 45-minute online RV endorsement training and, I’m relieved to say, passed the test. Based on my experience, I recommend that every RV driver take this training, even if your vehicle is under 11,000 kg. It’s a great refresher and a good way to kick off the new driving season with increased safety awareness.

Some refresher pointers to consider before heading out on the road

1. Ensure your rig is well-maintained and safe

To make sure we’re fully prepared for a safe and enjoyable RV season, here’s a useful checklist from Orbit Insurance Services. If you’re pulling a trailer, here are seven pointers for getting your truck ready.

2. Ensure you have the right level and types of insurance

• • • • Does your current level of insurance coverage meet your needs for your RV, your trailer, and your toad? Members of the Explorer RV Club receive a 10% discount when insured with Orbit Insurance Services.
      • Do you have out-of-province health care coverage? In partnership with Orbit Insurance Services, members of the Explorer RV Club have access to travel insurance from TuGo and Blue Cross, tailored to meet your needs.
      • Do you have emergency roadside assistance? Explorer RV Club members receive a group-rate discount for one of the best emergency roadside service programs on the market!
      • Do you require pet insurance if you’re travelling with furry companions this year?

3. Check your emergency supplies and equipment

We need to plan for extreme weather and wildfire conditions on our journey. Here are some suggestions to help prevent us from being caught off guard:

• • • Install a mobile weather app such as AccuWeather, The Weather Channel, or WeatherCAN on your phone. Some GPS apps also include weather and wildfire alerts. Google Maps offers information on temperature, air quality, weather conditions, and wildfire locations.
    • Invest in a weather alert radio so you can receive weather and wildfire alerts that don’t rely on cellular networks. Check that your weather alert radio has NOAA public alert certification, SAME (Specific Alert Message Encoding) technology, an alert-blocking feature, multiple power sources (solar panel, hand crank, rechargeable battery, and USB ports), an audible alarm and built-in flashlight, tuning for both AM/FM and digital, Bluetooth capability, and a digital or LCD display screen.
    • Check that your emergency kit and your grab-and-go bag are fully stocked.
    • Keep some extra cash on hand and find a safe place outside your rig to store an extra set of keys.

4. Get your planning underway

It’s certainly not too early to start planning your trip! Explorer RV Club members receive discounts on their annual memberships with Terego, Boondockers Welcome, and Harvest Hosts. Check out the Explorer RV Club website for the full list of offers for members, including a Petro-Canada SuperPass access card, Passport America membership, campgrounds, and RV dealers.

And of course, book your spot now for the 2026 Explorer RV Club Rally, September 17–20, 2026, at Summer House Park in Miller Lake, Ontario!

Being prepared by knowing how provincial RV regulations may affect us, keeping our rig well-maintained, and having the right insurance coverage, emergency supplies, equipment, and documentation will go a long way toward ensuring we have a great RV season. Happy trails!