How to Successfully RV with Your Pet
What's an adventure without your best friend? If you're interested in RVing, you probably want to bring your pets — and you probably don't want to pay to board them for weeks upon weeks. But traveling with pets can be a challenge, too. Here's a guide for...
A Look at the Flagstaff Micro Lite 21 FBRS
The Flagstaff brand has been around since the ’70s. Ownership has changed, but its place in the market really hasn’t — it’s a premium brand, and with that distinction comes a premium price. On a recent cold April day, I reviewed one of Flagstaff’s trailers, the...
Understanding Canada’s Premier RV Emergency Roadside Service
Have you ever experienced that moment of panic after hearing a bang or a clunk as your RV or vehicle comes to a stop? If so, you know it means you are most likely in need of assistance. Unfortunately, a lot of us have been there. Exclusive to Explorer RV Club...
When an RV Awning Became a Life-Threatening Problem
It was the first day of November when we crossed the USA-Mexico border at Nogales south of Tucson. Six rigs in a small caravan, driving into Mexico. Five couples and Janice on her own with her dog. About two hours after crossing the border, we watched in horror as...
6 Tips Before Heading Out in Your RV
Whether its your first time out ever or just your first time out this season, here are a few tips/reminders to get you going. Get Acquainted or Reacquainted With Your RV Take the time to get to know where everything is in your RV — understanding how your RV works...
The All-New 2022 Nissan Frontier
Nissan, as a truck manufacturer in the North American market, is one of the smaller players. So, while its market share is small, its truck history is anything but. Nissan can trace the roots of the new Frontier back to its entry into the US market in 1959. And, as...
4 Watercraft Suited for RV Travel
RVers love the water. Whether it’s the ocean, lakes or rivers — wherever RVs congregate, water is never far away. And while it’s pleasant to just sit and watch an off-shore sunset, it’s more fun to get out on the water. Of course, travelling with any kind of...
RVing Locally: A Fun Drive Along Rideau Canal
As the pandemic stretches on, it’s as important as ever to look close to home for travel opportunities. Travelling by RV — we describe it to friends as our “rolling self-isolation unit” — does give us more control, but it is still important to minimize risks....
6 Simple Tips to Make Your Camping More Eco-Friendly
The pandemic has definitely turned more people to RVing and camping as a way to get out and safely travel. From glamping to boondocking, there are many different ways to camp and enjoy the great outdoors. Whatever your camping interests may be, our goal should be...
What’s New with 2021 Heavy Duty Pickup Trucks
Fierce is almost too weak a word for the level of competition in the truck market – even in the Heavy Duty (HD) segment. Why is that? This is a growing segment – and the trucks are expensive. Well over 20% of total North American truck sales are now HD pickups –...
Before Purchasing a Used RV Here Are 9 Questions You Should Ask
RV dealerships across Canada have seen sales soar during 2020, and the start of 2021 follows the same pattern. The pandemic is driving the number of RV sales up along with prices, as people turn to camping vacations in new and used luxury RVs. This is a...
5 Simple Ways to Stay Safe While Enjoying RVing in 2021
Are you feeling a bit cooped up after nearly a year of coronavirus restrictions? If so, travelling by RV can be a safe and exciting way to see more of the Canadian countryside. Whether 2021 is your first season of RVing or you have been at it for a while, there’s...
Entertaining From Your Trailer
We received wonderful news this week that our seasonal site will open on May 1! Although this timing is subject to local COVID19 regulations, we’re thinking about the kind of RV season we want this year. Knowing that cross-country travel in 2021 is on hold, we’re...
Review of the 2021 KZ Escape E17 Hatch Travel Trailer
Just in time for the spring camping season, KZ has introduced a new trailer that RV Pro (a trade publication) is calling one of the “Best New Models” for 2021. Now, what follows is a vertical review – as I have not actually tested one. I am, though, looking forward...
The Yukon: Valleys Unpeopled and Still
Robert Service nailed it with the lines in his poem, “The Spell of the Yukon.” There are valleys unpeopled and still; There’s a land-oh it beckons and beckons. And I want to go back and I will. We toured the majestic Yukon by motorhome and vowed to return...
How to Maintain Your RV Septic System
If you have a self-contained RV, then you probably have three holding tanks. The fresh water holding tank, the grey water holding tank that collects dirty water from the sinks and shower, while the black water holding tank is for the toilet only. The grey and black...
Some Helpful Tips to Help You Save During the 2021 Tax Season
Tax season is upon us! For many Canadians, this means it's time to sit down and start filing. Of course, nobody wants to pay more in taxes than they need to. This is why it's so important to stay on top of the most recent changes to Canadian tax law. Not sure where...
Make This Easter Special When Celebrating at Home or in Your RV
With the weather throughout much of Ontario hovering around negative 20 degrees Celsius, it can seem like Easter and spring weather will never arrive. However, both will be here before you know it. Like last year, families may need to get creative when...
What New RV Gear Are You Considering for This Camping Season?
Like many of you, I browse the internet in the depths of winter, dreaming about the start of the spring camping season. And, what’s better to salivate over than new RV gear. So, whether looking to update, replace or buy for the first time, it’s simply a fun way to...
Will SpaceX Deliver Affordable Satellite Internet in 2021?
It was March 2020 and the Canadian government told Canadian citizens, RVers, snowbirds, and vacationers to return to Canada as soon as possible. The Canadian government made the call because of the health risk from the COVID-19 virus. Visibility was low due to...
6 Easy RV Makeover Ideas That Won’t Break the Bank
There's a lot of pressure these days to have a "Pinterest-worthy" RV interior. At the end of the day, however, it's most important to have an RV that you love with a space that's functional for you and your loved ones. Still, if you're looking to upgrade your RV,...
Review of the 2021 Forest River Cherokee Wolf Pack
Recreational vehicles are a conveyance, a home away from home, and a base for travel adventures. However, more and more of today’s RV owners characterize themselves as riders, so manufacturers have responded with some very interesting units. Known as “toy-haulers,”...
How to Handle RV Recalls
You do everything you can to keep your RV safe and properly maintained. Unfortunately, mistakes in manufacturing and defective parts can put you and your loved ones at-risk. When a safety defect is found on an RV, an official recall is issued and formal notices are...
Financial Tips for Saving Money in 2021
It's no secret that many Canadians have been struggling to make ends meet; in fact, even in 2019 (before the start of the coronavirus pandemic), an estimated 48% of Canadians reported that they have less than $200 left in their bank accounts after paying their...
4 Watercraft Suited for RV Travel
RVers love the water. Whether it’s the ocean, lakes or rivers — wherever RVs congregate, water is never far away. And while it’s pleasant to just sit and watch an off-shore sunset, it’s more fun to get out on the water. Of course, travelling with any kind of...
What New RV Gear Are You Considering for This Camping Season?
Like many of you, I browse the internet in the depths of winter, dreaming about the start of the spring camping season. And, what’s better to salivate over than new RV gear. So, whether looking to update, replace or buy for the first time, it’s simply a fun way to...
2020 Gift Guide for the RVer in Your Life
Some practical, some fun and some just downright awesome. The best gift is one that you would like to keep for yourself. We have found plenty of gifts that you might just want to do that exact thing this holiday season. Lifestraw Go BottleWith a 2-stage...
Enjoy Peace of Mind for Your RV with KYCS Locate
Having your beloved RV stolen is always a heartbreaking affair. But it is made much worse when it ends up deep in the woods ravaged by drug activity or simply never to be seen again. Thankfully, you can prevent those awful scenarios with help from KYCS Locate....
RV Camping Essentials: Your Must-Haves for 2020
The coronavirus crisis has forced millions of people worldwide to stay at home. Soon the restrictions will be lifted, and people will be rushing to escape into the Great Outdoors. RVing is the best way to experience nature while remaining comfortable in their home...
What Are the Benefits of an A/C Soft Starter?
It’s no secret that air conditioning soft starters have truly transformed the RV industry. However, even with so many happy RVers enjoying soft starters, there are still plenty of people with questions about this handy technology upgrade. If you love to camp in...
Keep Cool This Summer Boondocking With SoftStartRV
For an RV enthusiast, there are few things more appealing than the idea of spending time exploring rugged campgrounds in our many forests and national parks. Can you imagine what it would be like to take your rig out for a summer backcountry camping trip in the...
Smartphone Photography Tips
Today’s modern cell phone is more than capable of taking high quality photographs that will satisfy the needs of most vacationers. While some would suggest that an expensive camera is the way to go if heading out on an extended holiday or camping trip,...
A Look at the New 2020 Nissan Titan
For 2020, Nissan has done a mid-cycle refresh on the Titan. Physically the key change is to the grille and front bumper - taking on what Nissan calls the “Warrior look” (this refers to a Warrior concept truck shown at the Texas Auto Show a number of...
Planning Your First Canadian RV And Cycle Trip
When you combine the fact that Canada offers fantastic cycle trails and cycling is a favourite activity of many RVers, it’s hardly a surprise that many RV’s carry bicycles. After all, it’s a great feeling to be able to wake up and know that you are only...
Gear to Go
As warm weather approaches, we can’t wait for the first camping trip of the season! Here is some great gear to add fun (and convenience) to your adventures, whether you’re planning a weekend trip or a few months on the road. Goal Zero The Goal Zero...
RVing Locally: A Fun Drive Along Rideau Canal
As the pandemic stretches on, it’s as important as ever to look close to home for travel opportunities. Travelling by RV — we describe it to friends as our “rolling self-isolation unit” — does give us more control, but it is still important to minimize risks....
The Yukon: Valleys Unpeopled and Still
Robert Service nailed it with the lines in his poem, “The Spell of the Yukon.” There are valleys unpeopled and still; There’s a land-oh it beckons and beckons. And I want to go back and I will. We toured the majestic Yukon by motorhome and vowed to return...
The Hidden Treasures of Vermont
For many Canadian RVers, the dark and cold of winter feels especially long this year. There is uncertainty around the impact of the coronavirus on travel plans and the border sits closed (an especially brutal circumstance for snowbirds who are used to getting away...
Our Stay at the Bottom of the Canadian Shield – An RV Family Playground
It had been a summer of crowded campsites and restricted transient RV movement. RVers just stayed put, maintaining social distancing at campfires, and breathing through masks while shopping. Summer carnivals were closed to prevent the spread of COVID-19. By...
Enjoyed a Cruise and Returned to a Pandemic
Tying a cruise into an RV trip had always sounded like a good idea. We could take advantage of a last-minute deal and save hundreds of dollars by eliminating the airfare from Toronto. It still seemed to make sense in mid-February when we booked a seven-day Western...
The Charming Little Town of Chemainus: Canada’s Mural Capital
Thousands of tourists from all over the world visit this charming little town that overlooks the Strait of Georgia on Vancouver Island. It wasn’t always that way. When Chemainus was established in the mid-1800s, forestry was the principal industry, and while it...
The Best RV Road Trip Route from Vancouver to Calgary
Even though current social distancing measures are as active as ever while the pandemic floats across the world, this does not mean that you have to put all your vacation plans on the wayside. Some outdoor activities, such as camping and solo hiking, are still very...
Our 22-Day Prairie Tour from Manitoba to Saskatchewan
Valerie and I live in Dryden, Ontario and recently completed a tour of the prairie provinces in our very small RV. Pandemic restrictions had been lifted when we left and most RV parks were open. We would phoned ahead in case of changes. This is a summary of our...
How a Pandemic Turned Us Into First-Time Rvers
There is no parenting book called “What to do with your kids during a pandemic”. When COVID-19 took away the everyday life that we always knew, and had everyone staying home, my husband and I found ourselves both working from home with three kids and a wild Jack...
Preparing Your RV to Enjoy Winter Camping in Canada
Winter RV camping can be an exciting and unique experience, provided you are prepared and take the necessary precautions. You can enjoy the winter landscape while staying warm and safe. Preparing your RV before a winter trip is key. By preparing your RV for cold...
Florida’s Forgotten Coast – Memories of the Past
Many snowbird RVers are wondering how to handle their travel plans this winter. Like many others, we have put our plans to travel south on hold. At this point in time we don’t know when the border will open, but we are also choosing to err on the side of caution...
Has COVID-19 Altered Your Winter RV Plans?
Four couples sat in pairs around a campfire discussing their plan of action for the COVID-19 winter of 2020. We were at Rideau Acres Campground one evening in July. The chairs, placed in pairs around the campfire, each pair six feet from the next. Social...
The Timeless Landscape of the Four Corners
The high desert of the American Southwest (which includes the Four Corners) is a very popular winter destination for Canadian RVing snowbirds. But for the 2020/21 fall and winter, with the boarders closed and the pandemic situation still unfolding, many travellers...
Lac Megantic: Phoenix of the Eastern Townships
Too many Canadians have unfounded fears about travelling through French speaking Quebec. They get on the Trans-Canada Highway and motor through La Belle Province end to end without stopping. By blasting past the rural beauty of the rolling landscape in the Eastern...
Quebec’s Eastern Townships: The Perfect RV Getaway
I love paper maps. It’s not that I don’t find the electronic wizardry of a GPS handy (Make a U-turn when possible! Recalculating!), but some trips just seem to go smoother when I can uncap my yellow highlighter and trace the small country byways and roads. The...
Our 29-Day RV Adventure from Texas to Florida – Part Two
The continuation of our journey around the Gulf of Mexico. A journey of adventure and discovery that we took in February 2020. A 29-day RV road trip from Brownsville, Texas, to Cedar Key, Florida. The idea for our RV road trip around the Gulf states of the USA came...
Nanaimo – The City and the Bar
Thar she blows! Sure enough, just 200 yards ahead of our zodiac was a small pod of killer whales (Orcas), surfacing repeatedly with spumes of vapour shooting from their blowholes. Rebeka, a very knowledgeable marine naturalist and our tour guide with Vancouver...
How to Celebrate Canada Day During COVID-19 Restrictions
As safety measures continue in an effort to keep COVID-19 cases as low as possible, Canada Day parades, festivals, and other in-person events are off the table. Thankfully, event organizers have set their sights on new ways to celebrate to keep the fun...
Our 29-Day RV Adventure from Texas to Florida – Part One
The idea for our RV Road Trip around the Gulf states of the USA came from a casual meeting with a stranger. Linda and I met this stranger (Bill) while at an RV Park in Alamo, Texas. Bill was a man who had made the journey twenty-eight years earlier. He told us his...
What You Need to Know About Camping on Crown Land
With campsites opening back up, everyone is rushing to grab their favourite spots. Although they fill up quickly, you can skip the worries about snagging a spot by turning your attention to Crown land instead. This type of land is open to everyone who...
Tide’s Out! Our Adventure at The World’s Highest Tides Ecozone
New Brunswick is rich in hands-on experiences with natural wonders and beauty along the shores of the Bay of Fundy. The Bay of Fundy tides are the highest on the planet at 53 feet vertical in the Minas Basin at the closed end of the bay. They are an...
4 Enjoyable Nights in Breaux Bridge, Louisiana
In our North American travels, Linda and I have passed through Louisiana several times but have never stopped. Yet Louisiana’s history and culture are unique and inviting. As part of our February, 29 day RV road trip, we chose to make a four-night stop using...
From Nova Scotia to Newfoundland by Motorhome
The vehicle ferry to Newfoundland is an adventure in itself for mainlanders on their first trip to the Rock. We boarded with our motorhome at North Sydney, Nova Scotia for the seven hour voyage to Channel- Port Aux Basques, NL. The cost for two passengers and our...
4 Great Ways to Connect with Nature During COVID-19
The world has changed in recent months. Canadians who love spending their time enjoying the great outdoors and exploring the world from the comfort of their RVs suddenly find themselves landlocked at home. If you fall into this group, it doesn’t mean...
Report from the Road, Part Two: An Unexpected End
Picking up where we last left off – I finished writing part one in Chéticamp, Cape Breton Island, and headed out for the next leg of my coast-to-coast-to-coast trek. The Hostage Island (aka Prince Edward Island) leg of the trek started on a less than...
The Magic of Boldt Castle – An Anniversary to Remember
It was under a clear blue sky, on that warm September afternoon, that the twin diesel engines of the cruise ship, Thousand Islander II, gave a final thrust as the captain placed the boat gently against the floating dock at Heart Island, New York State....
Coasting Through Oregon
Each fall, my wife Sandy and I head south from British Columbia in our RV to spend the winter in Arizona or California. Over the years, we’ve taken several routes south through Oregon. However, coastal highway 101, bordered by the Pacific Ocean to...
Report from the Road, Part One: Starting on the East Coast
I’m a photographer, documentary filmmaker and writer who sold my house in May 2019 and began preparations for a year-long, coast-to-coast-to-coast trek around Canada. The goal is to go as far east, west and north as possible by road, visiting all 10...
Quick Visits and Quicker Meals
Among the many wonderful aspects of RVing are our choices regarding where we park our units. Whether we define ourselves as fulltimers, weekenders or somewhere in-between, staying at a seasonal site provides us with a base camp and a launching-off...
The Flavours of New Orleans: Exploring the Big Easy
I have a plate of what could be the best bread pudding in all of Louisiana. It’s studded with raisins, drizzled with decadent whiskey sauce and just happens to be the one recipe the chef at The Court of Two Sisters is never allowed to change. This is...
2019 National Rally Wrap Up
Hello fellow RV folks, I wanted to share the fantastic time that we had at the 2019 Explorer Club’s National RV Rally, which was held at Summer House Park (on Miller Lake), near Tobermory and the Bruce Peninsula National Park. This park has something...
Surprising Saskatchewan
This is the sixth year that my son Dale and I have spent one week on the road for Canadian RVing, and the first time we are headed out west. I won’t begrudge the reader who might expect that we will be writing about the Alberta Rockies or the forests of...
Liard River Hot Springs Provincial Park
Whenever we travelled the Alaska Highway, up or down, the Liard River Hot Springs was a must stop. Sometimes it was just for an hour or two for a quick soak. Other times we stayed for a night or two. (We lived in the Yukon from 1982 to 1998.) The Liard...
A Look at the Flagstaff Micro Lite 21 FBRS
The Flagstaff brand has been around since the ’70s. Ownership has changed, but its place in the market really hasn’t — it’s a premium brand, and with that distinction comes a premium price. On a recent cold April day, I reviewed one of Flagstaff’s trailers, the...
The All-New 2022 Nissan Frontier
Nissan, as a truck manufacturer in the North American market, is one of the smaller players. So, while its market share is small, its truck history is anything but. Nissan can trace the roots of the new Frontier back to its entry into the US market in 1959. And, as...
What’s New with 2021 Heavy Duty Pickup Trucks
Fierce is almost too weak a word for the level of competition in the truck market – even in the Heavy Duty (HD) segment. Why is that? This is a growing segment – and the trucks are expensive. Well over 20% of total North American truck sales are now HD pickups –...
Review of the 2021 KZ Escape E17 Hatch Travel Trailer
Just in time for the spring camping season, KZ has introduced a new trailer that RV Pro (a trade publication) is calling one of the “Best New Models” for 2021. Now, what follows is a vertical review – as I have not actually tested one. I am, though, looking forward...
Review of the 2021 Forest River Cherokee Wolf Pack
Recreational vehicles are a conveyance, a home away from home, and a base for travel adventures. However, more and more of today’s RV owners characterize themselves as riders, so manufacturers have responded with some very interesting units. Known as “toy-haulers,”...
What’s New in RVs for 2021
With a new year comes new hope and a renewal of energy for all of us. Frankly, this statement along with promises to diet, exercise and quit smoking, are perennial fixtures for each of us at every New Year’s. So, in other words, what’s old is annually new again....
2021 Jeep Gladiator and Wrangler Get New EcoDiesel Engine
A year after its introduction, the Jeep Gladiator pickup truck has added another powertrain to its options list. This is the third generation EcoDiesel. This V-6 engine delivers increased torque and horsepower in the Gladiator; along with better fuel economy and...
A Walk-Through of the 2021 Airstream Flying Cloud 30FB
Today we’re going to take an in-depth look at something special — Airstream’s 2021 Flying Cloud 30FB. Now the thing with Airstream is that even people who know nothing about RVs know what an Airstream is — that’s the power of an icon. But to really...
A Look at the 2021 Keystone Bullet 290BHS Travel Trailer
We recently had an opportunity to drive the new 2021 GMC Yukon AT4 – a full-size SUV with a new design that makes it one of the best people movers on the market. With true 7-passenger seating it also is a great tow vehicle. To highlight this aspect of its new...
A Look at the 2021 GMC Yukon AT4 & Denali
The new 2021 GMC Yukon is the sister to the Chevy Tahoe – which we just recently reviewed. Of course, most of their architectural features are common; however, the Yukon has its own fans mostly because of the Denali trim package that historically has accounted for...
An In-Depth Review of the Flagstaff E-Pro 19RD
The E-Pro line-up of trailers from Flagstaff are meant to fit a market that wants a lightweight trailer that will tow with today’s smaller SUV’s, while still offering all the amenities that a plugged-in buyer demands. That summation is what I gleaned from the E-Pro...
A Look at the All-New 2021 Chevy Tahoe
Chevrolet has just revealed the fifth generation of the Tahoe. This full-size SUV (that shares much with the larger Suburban) has been in this market since 1995; and it continues to own it. In fact, in Canada as much as 40% of the full-size market is served by the...
What Every RVer Should Know About Solar Power and Batteries
Powering your RV with solar energy is a smart thing to do. Drawing power from the Sun is clean, efficient and quiet. So why doesn’t everyone do it? Well, the fact is that most new RVs now have integrated roof mounted solar panels that feed the house batteries....
A Look At The New 2021 Thor Sequence 20K
The Class B motorhome, or Camper Van, is rather unique among recreational vehicles. That fact was impressed on me over 20 years ago when I took my then 10-year old son, Stephen, along with me on a Class B test. I was making notes inside and Stephen was wandering...
A Look at the All-New 2021 Ram 1500 TRX
It’s always exciting when a new pickup truck is revealed – and I do mean new; not a new trim package or some paint and plastic add-ons. Case in point the Ram 1500 TRX. This is an all-new pickup truck. The 2021 Ram 1500 TRX is a very special pickup. It’s a desert...
A Look At Half-Ton Small Diesels
RVers tow – it’s what they do. Because of this, they appreciate the torque and fuel economy a diesel engine powered truck provides. Of course, for decades only large diesels in HD trucks were available. Half-tons were ignored by the manufacturers.That all changed...
Overview of the New 2021 Ford Bronco
The Bronco is back! Ford has re-introduced a storied name plate from its past and fixed it to an off-road inclined SUV that seeks to blend the modern with a romanticized past. Have a look at the silhouettes of the three models and you’d have to say they may just...
A Look at The All-New Coachman Clipper Express
I’ve been reviewing RV’s for 25 years so you’d think that I could confidently claim to have “seen it all” by now. Well, turns out, I can’t. By contrast, early on in my career, I remember thinking how little trailers changed from year to year – but, again, that...
Overview Of The New 2021 Ford F-150
Since 1948, the F-series pickup truck has been a constant in the Ford lineup; and what started as a post-war, work-only vehicle has over the last 70 years morphed into a do-everything-for-everybody phenomena - a vehicle that is now so important to...
An Overview of the 2020 Toyota Tundra
For 2020, Toyota is adding trim packages to the Tundra portfolio. According to Cyril Dimitris, Vice President, Toyota Canada, 2020 sees a total choice of 17 model and trim configurations “making it easier than ever to find the perfect full-size partner” said...
2020 Keystone Hideout 186LHS: A Family-Friendly RV
The Canadian Recreational Vehicle Association recently sent out a report showing the first quarter import numbers for every class of RV (January 1, 2020 to March 31, 2020). As you’d expect they are down – about 30% from the same period in 2019. The main reason was...
Enjoy Peace of Mind for Your RV with KYCS Locate
Having your beloved RV stolen is always a heartbreaking affair. But it is made much worse when it ends up deep in the woods ravaged by drug activity or simply never to be seen again. Thankfully, you can prevent those awful scenarios with help from KYCS Locate....
The Future of RVing: Introducing The Smart RV
The RV industry rarely offers new, cutting edge technology – but, they do know a good idea when they see one. In this case I’m talking about the new Smart RV; an innovation that lets you check and run systems right from your phone. Following in the footsteps of the...
Is Now a Good Time To Buy A New Truck?
While we are all dealing with the day-to-day realities of this world-wide pandemic, it may be hard to think further ahead than today – particularly if a new truck was a purchase that you had been planning for this year. Most people faced with the loss...
A Look at the 2020 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel
For 2020, Ram is offering its new third-generation EcoDiesel in every version of the 1500-series truck it sells. This availability also includes every trim level including the base Tradesman; which is a great price-point advantage when all you want is...
Northern Lite’s Seamless Travel Trailer – The Boreal 23FB
British Columbia based Northern Lite has been building truck campers for over 30 years. Certainly, it’s what the brand is best known for; but this year they are ramping up production on a new travel trailer called the Boreal 23FB, and while I’ll get into the...
What Are the Benefits of an A/C Soft Starter?
It’s no secret that air conditioning soft starters have truly transformed the RV industry. However, even with so many happy RVers enjoying soft starters, there are still plenty of people with questions about this handy technology upgrade. If you love to camp in...
Keep Cool This Summer Boondocking With SoftStartRV
For an RV enthusiast, there are few things more appealing than the idea of spending time exploring rugged campgrounds in our many forests and national parks. Can you imagine what it would be like to take your rig out for a summer backcountry camping trip in the...
A Look at the New 2020 Nissan Titan
For 2020, Nissan has done a mid-cycle refresh on the Titan. Physically the key change is to the grille and front bumper - taking on what Nissan calls the “Warrior look” (this refers to a Warrior concept truck shown at the Texas Auto Show a number of...
2021 Chevrolet Suburban – The Next Generation
It’s often called the Texas minivan, as a tongue-in-cheek wink at its size. It’s also the darling of US government agencies and has been a supporting actor in hundreds of movies. It’s none other than the Chevrolet Suburban – a truck that has been built continuously...
RV Test: 2020 Keystone Avalanche 320RS Fifth Wheel
Fifth wheel travel trailers make up the bulk of new RV sales in Canada today. This trend has been growing for a while now, and I see no reason for this market domination to slow in the future. But why have fifth wheels sold so well?The success of the...
2020 Canadian Truck King Challenge Fuel Study
For the seventh year in a row the Canadian Truck King Challenge has produced a fuel economy report that comes out of what we call “real-world” testing. And, we are proud to say that the Ministry of Natural Resources has once again supported us in...
2020 Canadian Truck King Challenge
The results are in! The Canadian Truck King Challenge focused on testing the midsize truck segment this year. We look at what’s happening in the truck world and test what Canadian truck buyers are most interested in as each model year rolls out, and...
2020 RV Buyer’s Guide
Whether you’re a couple who only goes for occasional weekend trips or a family who lives on the road, you can find an RV, trailer or camper that provides everything you need – depending on what you can afford. A long-time luxury leader, the Newmar...
2020 Jeep Gladiator
Jeep, one of the hottest brands selling today, is doubling down on its success with a brand new midsize pickup truck for 2020. Called the Gladiator (a revived Jeep truck name from the ’60s), it will look to score sales in the rebounding midsize market as well as...
How to Successfully RV with Your Pet
What's an adventure without your best friend? If you're interested in RVing, you probably want to bring your pets — and you probably don't want to pay to board them for weeks upon weeks. But traveling with pets can be a challenge, too. Here's a guide for...
Understanding Canada’s Premier RV Emergency Roadside Service
Have you ever experienced that moment of panic after hearing a bang or a clunk as your RV or vehicle comes to a stop? If so, you know it means you are most likely in need of assistance. Unfortunately, a lot of us have been there. Exclusive to Explorer RV Club...
When an RV Awning Became a Life-Threatening Problem
It was the first day of November when we crossed the USA-Mexico border at Nogales south of Tucson. Six rigs in a small caravan, driving into Mexico. Five couples and Janice on her own with her dog. About two hours after crossing the border, we watched in horror as...
6 Tips Before Heading Out in Your RV
Whether its your first time out ever or just your first time out this season, here are a few tips/reminders to get you going. Get Acquainted or Reacquainted With Your RV Take the time to get to know where everything is in your RV — understanding how your RV works...
4 Watercraft Suited for RV Travel
RVers love the water. Whether it’s the ocean, lakes or rivers — wherever RVs congregate, water is never far away. And while it’s pleasant to just sit and watch an off-shore sunset, it’s more fun to get out on the water. Of course, travelling with any kind of...
6 Simple Tips to Make Your Camping More Eco-Friendly
The pandemic has definitely turned more people to RVing and camping as a way to get out and safely travel. From glamping to boondocking, there are many different ways to camp and enjoy the great outdoors. Whatever your camping interests may be, our goal should be...
Before Purchasing a Used RV Here Are 9 Questions You Should Ask
RV dealerships across Canada have seen sales soar during 2020, and the start of 2021 follows the same pattern. The pandemic is driving the number of RV sales up along with prices, as people turn to camping vacations in new and used luxury RVs. This is a...
5 Simple Ways to Stay Safe While Enjoying RVing in 2021
Are you feeling a bit cooped up after nearly a year of coronavirus restrictions? If so, travelling by RV can be a safe and exciting way to see more of the Canadian countryside. Whether 2021 is your first season of RVing or you have been at it for a while, there’s...
How to Maintain Your RV Septic System
If you have a self-contained RV, then you probably have three holding tanks. The fresh water holding tank, the grey water holding tank that collects dirty water from the sinks and shower, while the black water holding tank is for the toilet only. The grey and black...
Make This Easter Special When Celebrating at Home or in Your RV
With the weather throughout much of Ontario hovering around negative 20 degrees Celsius, it can seem like Easter and spring weather will never arrive. However, both will be here before you know it. Like last year, families may need to get creative when...
Will SpaceX Deliver Affordable Satellite Internet in 2021?
It was March 2020 and the Canadian government told Canadian citizens, RVers, snowbirds, and vacationers to return to Canada as soon as possible. The Canadian government made the call because of the health risk from the COVID-19 virus. Visibility was low due to...
How to Handle RV Recalls
You do everything you can to keep your RV safe and properly maintained. Unfortunately, mistakes in manufacturing and defective parts can put you and your loved ones at-risk. When a safety defect is found on an RV, an official recall is issued and formal notices are...
What You Need to Know Before You Tow: Licensing and Tow Weights
Trucks and trailers keep getting bigger and heavier. Every new model year and generational update seem to constantly be pushing those limits. This is a trend that is obviously welcomed because RVers keep buying them. With this in mind, I think it’s a good time to...
7 Storage Space Solutions for Your RV
Anyone who owns an RV can attest to the fact that an RV doesn’t exactly have the largest amount of storage space inside, and when you have to bring all your necessities and treat it as a second home while on your camping or hiking trips, your storage space inside...
5 Ways to Safely Celebrate This Unique New Year’s Eve
We've almost made it. We're almost done with 2020, otherwise known as one of the most bizarre years most of us have ever experienced. If you’re like most of us, you’re more than ready to relegate 2020 to your rear view mirror. We’ve all had to alter our plans and,...
Announcing Our Virtual Winter RV Show for 2021
We have something big to announce and we wanted you to be the first to know. ORVDA is absolutely thrilled to announce that we're producing Ontario’s Mega RV Show, Canada’s largest virtual RV event. Join us online February 5th to 7th to see over 500 RVs, including...
Enjoyed a Cruise and Returned to a Pandemic
Tying a cruise into an RV trip had always sounded like a good idea. We could take advantage of a last-minute deal and save hundreds of dollars by eliminating the airfare from Toronto. It still seemed to make sense in mid-February when we booked a seven-day Western...
How to Make a Camp in the Winter
Setting out to enjoy a few days in the beauty and solitude of nature is a special treat during the winter months. Trails are less crowded, the scenery is breathtaking and you’re sure to find plenty of snowy spots to hunker down. With so much natural beauty out...
Full-Time Employees to Full-Time Rvers
"Life is too short to be restricted by the lifestyle of home ownership," said Jasmine. Jasmine, together with her husband Paul, became full-time RVers in the Fall of 2018. Both in their mid-40's, with no kids at home, they wanted to see and experience North America...
How a Pandemic Turned Us Into First-Time Rvers
There is no parenting book called “What to do with your kids during a pandemic”. When COVID-19 took away the everyday life that we always knew, and had everyone staying home, my husband and I found ourselves both working from home with three kids and a wild Jack...
Preparing Your RV to Enjoy Winter Camping in Canada
Winter RV camping can be an exciting and unique experience, provided you are prepared and take the necessary precautions. You can enjoy the winter landscape while staying warm and safe. Preparing your RV before a winter trip is key. By preparing your RV for cold...
What Every RVer Should Know About Solar Power and Batteries
Powering your RV with solar energy is a smart thing to do. Drawing power from the Sun is clean, efficient and quiet. So why doesn’t everyone do it? Well, the fact is that most new RVs now have integrated roof mounted solar panels that feed the house batteries....
Has COVID-19 Altered Your Winter RV Plans?
Four couples sat in pairs around a campfire discussing their plan of action for the COVID-19 winter of 2020. We were at Rideau Acres Campground one evening in July. The chairs, placed in pairs around the campfire, each pair six feet from the next. Social...
COVID-19 Be Damned, Our Annual Family Reunion Pressed On
Our family has been gathering for a reunion in Algonquin Provincial Park for the last 15+ years until 2020. The infamous introduction of COVID-19 caused our plans to change to camping in a field. Every year my 3 sisters, their kids, my mom and dad, would travel to...
What You Need to Know for Planning Your Fall Camping Trip
Summer has come to an end and thanks to the Coronavirus pandemic, many people may have not felt comfortable travelling during the summer. However, as the worst starts to pass you can start to think about your next holiday - and fall is a great time to do so. After...
What You Need To Know About Towing A Trailer
If you want to hit the road and leave your worries behind, but don’t have an RV, then learning how to tow a trailer is your first order of business. With that move, you can have all the luxuries of an RV in a trailer you can tow behind your current rig. Even...
How to Stay Safe at the Campground During COVID-19
With COVID-19 circulating through communities still, it is difficult to find fun things to do with your family. Many places are closed, while others may not feel safe to visit, causing you to stay home more often than not. Cabin fever may start to set in as a...
A Look at The All-New Coachman Clipper Express
I’ve been reviewing RV’s for 25 years so you’d think that I could confidently claim to have “seen it all” by now. Well, turns out, I can’t. By contrast, early on in my career, I remember thinking how little trailers changed from year to year – but, again, that...
Nanaimo – The City and the Bar
Thar she blows! Sure enough, just 200 yards ahead of our zodiac was a small pod of killer whales (Orcas), surfacing repeatedly with spumes of vapour shooting from their blowholes. Rebeka, a very knowledgeable marine naturalist and our tour guide with Vancouver...
Top 4 Things You Need To Boondock & Avoid The Crowds
If you are ready to go camping, but want to skip the crowds, then boondocking is the answer to your problems. To boondock, you just select a camping spot far off the grid, like on Crown land, then get busy having fun without worry about bumping into...
2020 Keystone Hideout 186LHS: A Family-Friendly RV
The Canadian Recreational Vehicle Association recently sent out a report showing the first quarter import numbers for every class of RV (January 1, 2020 to March 31, 2020). As you’d expect they are down – about 30% from the same period in 2019. The main reason was...
Enjoy Peace of Mind for Your RV with KYCS Locate
Having your beloved RV stolen is always a heartbreaking affair. But it is made much worse when it ends up deep in the woods ravaged by drug activity or simply never to be seen again. Thankfully, you can prevent those awful scenarios with help from KYCS Locate....
Our 29-Day RV Adventure from Texas to Florida – Part One
The idea for our RV Road Trip around the Gulf states of the USA came from a casual meeting with a stranger. Linda and I met this stranger (Bill) while at an RV Park in Alamo, Texas. Bill was a man who had made the journey twenty-eight years earlier. He told us his...
What You Need to Know About Camping on Crown Land
With campsites opening back up, everyone is rushing to grab their favourite spots. Although they fill up quickly, you can skip the worries about snagging a spot by turning your attention to Crown land instead. This type of land is open to everyone who...
The Future of RVing: Introducing The Smart RV
The RV industry rarely offers new, cutting edge technology – but, they do know a good idea when they see one. In this case I’m talking about the new Smart RV; an innovation that lets you check and run systems right from your phone. Following in the footsteps of the...
4 Fun Card Games to Play While Stuck at Home
Boredom has probably set in. Being home for months on end is harder than anyone anticipated. Finding new things to do is becoming almost impossible. Your closet’s have been cleaned out, that junk drawer you’ve been tossing random pens and elastic bands...
Tide’s Out! Our Adventure at The World’s Highest Tides Ecozone
New Brunswick is rich in hands-on experiences with natural wonders and beauty along the shores of the Bay of Fundy. The Bay of Fundy tides are the highest on the planet at 53 feet vertical in the Minas Basin at the closed end of the bay. They are an...
Northern Lite’s Seamless Travel Trailer – The Boreal 23FB
British Columbia based Northern Lite has been building truck campers for over 30 years. Certainly, it’s what the brand is best known for; but this year they are ramping up production on a new travel trailer called the Boreal 23FB, and while I’ll get into the...
4 Enjoyable Nights in Breaux Bridge, Louisiana
In our North American travels, Linda and I have passed through Louisiana several times but have never stopped. Yet Louisiana’s history and culture are unique and inviting. As part of our February, 29 day RV road trip, we chose to make a four-night stop using...
From Nova Scotia to Newfoundland by Motorhome
The vehicle ferry to Newfoundland is an adventure in itself for mainlanders on their first trip to the Rock. We boarded with our motorhome at North Sydney, Nova Scotia for the seven hour voyage to Channel- Port Aux Basques, NL. The cost for two passengers and our...
What Are the Benefits of an A/C Soft Starter?
It’s no secret that air conditioning soft starters have truly transformed the RV industry. However, even with so many happy RVers enjoying soft starters, there are still plenty of people with questions about this handy technology upgrade. If you love to camp in...
Mobile Gourmet – Falafel In The Galley Kitchen
My, how things have changed in our Canadian RV community since our last post on Bees and RV’s. No one has escaped the impact of COVID-19. Our hearts go out to those who have lost family or friends to the virus. Some of us have lost our regular sources...
Keep Cool This Summer Boondocking With SoftStartRV
For an RV enthusiast, there are few things more appealing than the idea of spending time exploring rugged campgrounds in our many forests and national parks. Can you imagine what it would be like to take your rig out for a summer backcountry camping trip in the...
Spring is Here – Are the Tires on Your RV Safe?
RVs, in a sense, are a unified collection of subsystems all working together. Chassis, suspension, walls, roof, electrical, HVAC, plumbing, appliances, fixtures and the thousands of fasteners holding everything together. Yet all of this rests on just a...
Smartphone Photography Tips
Today’s modern cell phone is more than capable of taking high quality photographs that will satisfy the needs of most vacationers. While some would suggest that an expensive camera is the way to go if heading out on an extended holiday or camping trip,...
4 Great Ways to Connect with Nature During COVID-19
The world has changed in recent months. Canadians who love spending their time enjoying the great outdoors and exploring the world from the comfort of their RVs suddenly find themselves landlocked at home. If you fall into this group, it doesn’t mean...
Report from the Road, Part Two: An Unexpected End
Picking up where we last left off – I finished writing part one in Chéticamp, Cape Breton Island, and headed out for the next leg of my coast-to-coast-to-coast trek. The Hostage Island (aka Prince Edward Island) leg of the trek started on a less than...
Here Are 10 Fun Things to Do While at Home
The spread of COVID-19 throughout Canada and other parts of the world has affected day-to-day life tremendously. In an instant, normal routines have been turned upside down. Now, to do your part to slow the spread, you and your family are being asked to...
Make Your Travel-Inspired Oasis Right at Home
Stuck at home when where you really want to be is miles away exploring new sights, sounds, and experiences in your beloved RV? We get it. You were meant to be an explorer. You are someone who likes to be the driver’s seat in your life, charting new...
The Magic of Boldt Castle – An Anniversary to Remember
It was under a clear blue sky, on that warm September afternoon, that the twin diesel engines of the cruise ship, Thousand Islander II, gave a final thrust as the captain placed the boat gently against the floating dock at Heart Island, New York State....
“TFSA” Tax Free Savings Account: Is It For Me?
Each year I am asked about investing into a TFSA. Lets look at the pros and cons.The TFSA is sheltered from taxes. It is a good short term investment that holds after tax dollars. There is not a tax deduction as with the RRSP. Do note that the...
Bees and RVs
Blame it on the honeycomb display at Tournebroche Bistro in Québec City. We’d spent a few days at Camping Transit RV Park in Lévis, taking advantage of their complimentary shuttle service to the ferry to the heart of the Old City and to enjoy Chef...
Planning Your First Canadian RV And Cycle Trip
When you combine the fact that Canada offers fantastic cycle trails and cycling is a favourite activity of many RVers, it’s hardly a surprise that many RV’s carry bicycles. After all, it’s a great feeling to be able to wake up and know that you are only...
Coasting Through Oregon
Each fall, my wife Sandy and I head south from British Columbia in our RV to spend the winter in Arizona or California. Over the years, we’ve taken several routes south through Oregon. However, coastal highway 101, bordered by the Pacific Ocean to...
Report from the Road, Part One: Starting on the East Coast
I’m a photographer, documentary filmmaker and writer who sold my house in May 2019 and began preparations for a year-long, coast-to-coast-to-coast trek around Canada. The goal is to go as far east, west and north as possible by road, visiting all 10...
The Pre-Trip Inspection: Better Safe Than Sorry!
Every RVer knows, in a general way, what a pre-trip inspection is – otherwise, known simply as the “circle check.” It’s a walk around your rig looking, touching and mentally evaluating the road worthiness of your tow vehicle and trailer (or motorhome)...
Quick Visits and Quicker Meals
Among the many wonderful aspects of RVing are our choices regarding where we park our units. Whether we define ourselves as fulltimers, weekenders or somewhere in-between, staying at a seasonal site provides us with a base camp and a launching-off...
An RV’s Best Friend: Emergency Roadside Service
RVs define the joy of driving. Wherever you travel – mountains, desert or prairies – an RV allows you to experience the countryside in your own time; you always control the next stop, and you are completely free to create your own journey. Protecting...
Ontario is Discontinuing Out-Of-Country Emergency Health Care Coverage For Travelling Canadians
If you're planning a vacation out of the country next year, add one more item to your to-do list: Rethinking your emergency travel insurance coverage. Why? Because starting on January 1, 2020, Ontario will cut the travel insurance coverage that's...
Eco-Friendly RVing
Eco-Friendly RV Cleaning and Maintenance for Nature LoversCanadians have increasingly embraced sustainability as a core value, with the recently published Global Sustainable Travel Report showing that 84% of Canadian travellers wish to travel in a more eco-friendly...
Helpful Ways To Stay Environmentally-Friendly In Your RV
Living an Earth-conscious life is becoming a huge priority all over the world. Many people are becoming more diligent about recycling, choosing to use eco-friendly products, and eating more plant-based foods. While there are countless pieces of advice on how to...
2019 National Rally Wrap Up
Hello fellow RV folks, I wanted to share the fantastic time that we had at the 2019 Explorer Club’s National RV Rally, which was held at Summer House Park (on Miller Lake), near Tobermory and the Bruce Peninsula National Park. This park has something...
How to Tow a Car Behind Your Motorhome
Motorhomes are wonderful. They provide travellers with the freedom to go anywhere in comfort. Well… almost anywhere. Anyone who has driven one of these robust mobile homes can tell you that it isn’t easy traversing narrow, winding roads or small towns. Class A...
Hollywood Vintage Trailers: Classics Built for the Modern World
Reviving the classics is ubiquitous across every industry. From Dodge re-imagining the old Dart, to Disney mystifying new audiences with unforgettable stories. Heck, you can still be scolded by the unfortunate few who claim “Disco never died.” But amongst all the...
Remodelling your RV
RVs are more than just an escape. In fact, for many, RVs are homes on wheels. So, whether you are part-time or a full-time RVer, eventually décor tastes will change and there is going to be an urge to spice things up. So should you go out of your way to...
Cooking in Unique and Small RV Spaces
Welcome to our first contribution to the Explorer RV Club blog. Our sincere hope is that the techniques we’ll be sharing in these blog posts will help you strengthen your skills and confidence when cooking in unique and small RV spaces. We want this to...
Boondocking South of the Boarder
Whether you’re taking your RV on a long journey to a particular destination, just aimlessly cruising the highways and byways of America, or just looking for a place to hang out close to home for the weekend, you’ll be in need of free or cheap places to...
Renovating One of Canada’s Original Mini RVs!
Mary Lou and I are avid enthusiasts of the vintage Boler Camper Trailer, perhaps one of the smallest and most compact certified RVs ever manufactured. With interior dimensions of just 10 feet long, 6 feet 1 inch high and 6 feet 6 inches wide, we say,...
Planning an Extended RV Trip
There are few things in life that are more exciting – and more daunting – than planning for an extended vacation. And while some people choose to leave the finer details to their travel agent, organizing a well-planned vacation is up to you when you own...
RV Fires: Essential Procedures for Keeping Your RV Safe
Do you assume that your RV is perfectly safe? Think again. Experts from the National Fire Protection Association estimate that 20,000 RVs catch fire every year. These fires can occur in just about any setting or situation imaginable. Fires are sparked both when RVS...
Hauling the Big Boy Toys
RV travelling is one of the most rewarding experiences that a couple can do in their golden years. Lynda and I have been travelling in an RV for several years, and we are always planning and anticipating our next adventure. Our favorite adventure is our...
RVing on the Pacific Rim
RVing on the Pacific Rim Larry MacDonald As I write this, the view from the back window of our fifth wheel is spectacular! A setting sun is casting an orange glow over the seascape, and gentle ocean waves are spilling over rocky islets and cascading...
Getting More from Your RV Investment
Owning an RV sounds like an awesome idea to most Canadians. With an RV you have the freedom to travel whenever your schedule allows, you create your own travel plans and most importantly, the whole family can come along for the ride. But while you may...
Buying and Maintaining RV Batteries
Buying and Maintaining RV Batteries Your batteries are among the most important components of your RV setup. They’re expensive, so when you need a replacement you want to make sure that you’re buying the right one for your needs, and you want it to be...
Our Favourite Place on Earth
It is easy to say that southern Utah is our favourite place to explore and hike, but it is almost impossible to select only one favourite destination in this high desert region of the Colorado Plateau. This is the land of open blue skies and endless...
Buying an Affordable Pickup Truck
Buying an Affordable Pickup Truck For the past few years the majority of RVs bought in Canada have been of the towable variety. That means, excluding some of the smaller micro-campers and trailers, most RV buyers either already have or are looking to...
Buying Your First RV: What You Need to Know
Buying Your First RV: What You Need to Know Now that you’ve decided to buy an RV, you have to determine what type you want. Before you settle on a specific type, think about what you will be using the RV for. Will you be retiring to travel around the...
A Walk Above the Trees
With its snow-capped mountains and blue ocean, no wonder Vancouver has been voted one of the best cities in the world to live in. The Capilano River RV Park is situated in the best position for easy exploring. It was hard to believe that only a few...
Tire Safety & Maintenance
Your tires are the main support for your RV and help to make sure you travel safely through a multitude of different road conditions each year. But even though they are one of the most important safety aspects of any vehicle, tires are often overlooked when it...
9 Tips for Successful RVing With Kids
9 Tips for Successful RVing With Kids So you’re thinking about buying an RV, or maybe you just have. You’ve been dreaming for a long time of all the great road trips you and your family will take. There’s just one doubt nagging at you, one that haunts...
Spring Truck Maintenance
Springtime is a busy season for most truck owners across the nation as they begin to prepare for many months of travel and adventure. It’s time to shake off the last of the winter snows and get ready to get out and enjoy the many perks of owning a...
Getting Your RV Spring Ready
As the warmer spring weather approaches, most RV owners are feeling that familiar itch to get back out on the open road. But after spending a great deal of time and effort to properly winterize your RV, you may also be dreading the spring maintenance process....
A Complete Guide to RV Classes and Types
A Complete Guide to RV Classes and Types Whether you’ve decided to purchase your first RV or just looking to expand your RV knowledge, this guide will breakdown the types of RVs you can find on the road. Drivable RVs Choose a drivable RV based on...
Announcing Our Virtual Winter RV Show for 2021
We have something big to announce and we wanted you to be the first to know. ORVDA is absolutely thrilled to announce that we're producing Ontario’s Mega RV Show, Canada’s largest virtual RV event. Join us online February 5th to 7th to see over 500 RVs, including...
Our Cautiously Optimistic Announcement Regarding the 2021 Rally
Explorer RV Club was established almost 25 years ago by Joe Martin, an insurance broker who saw the need for a group to bring like-minded people together to share stories, information and anything else they could think of. It is Explorer RV Club’s purpose to make...
Coronavirus Update
In recent days, we have seen an increased level of concern related to the spread of novel coronavirus (COVID-19). We understand that this may be an unsettling time and wanted to provide an update on the actions being taken to ensure the health and...
Ontario is Discontinuing Out-Of-Country Emergency Health Care Coverage For Travelling Canadians
If you're planning a vacation out of the country next year, add one more item to your to-do list: Rethinking your emergency travel insurance coverage. Why? Because starting on January 1, 2020, Ontario will cut the travel insurance coverage that's...
Entertaining From Your Trailer
We received wonderful news this week that our seasonal site will open on May 1! Although this timing is subject to local COVID19 regulations, we’re thinking about the kind of RV season we want this year. Knowing that cross-country travel in 2021 is on hold, we’re...
Chili: The Ultimate Comfort Food with a Twist
Although we’re glad to see 2020 in our rear-view mirrors and optimistic that most Canadians will be vaccinated against COVID-19 this year, we know we’ve a long road ahead of us before we can safely enjoy all those pre-COVID pleasures we’ve put on hold. Close to the...
Festive Holiday Drinks to Try at Home or at the Campsite
The season of celebration is upon us! What better way to ring out this forgettable year and welcome in the new than with a warm glass of spiced spirits. Mix up your holiday traditions this year with something a little different in your mug or champagne flute with...
A Side Dish to Complement Your Holiday Feast
One of the gems in Southwestern Ontario is St. Jacob’s Farmer’s Market. Located an hour’s drive from Toronto and about 15 minutes from Kitchener-Waterloo, St. Jacob’s Farmer’s Market is the largest in Canada, attracting a million visitors a year. Situated on the...
Eh is for Apples Grown in Canada!
Ah September! The real beginning of the new year for your two teaching Galley Chefs. Things sure look and feel different from this time last year as teachers and students gear up for different ways of learning. What hasn’t changed, though, is the arrival of that...
Why Not Add Some Local Life and Food to the RV Travel Itinerary?
Its such good news that campgrounds and museums are carefully reopening after the COVID-19 lock down. Although some inter-provincial travel restrictions still exist at the time of this writing, we certainly have plenty of choices as we venture out in...
Mobile Gourmet – Falafel In The Galley Kitchen
My, how things have changed in our Canadian RV community since our last post on Bees and RV’s. No one has escaped the impact of COVID-19. Our hearts go out to those who have lost family or friends to the virus. Some of us have lost our regular sources...
Bees and RVs
Blame it on the honeycomb display at Tournebroche Bistro in Québec City. We’d spent a few days at Camping Transit RV Park in Lévis, taking advantage of their complimentary shuttle service to the ferry to the heart of the Old City and to enjoy Chef...
Quick Visits and Quicker Meals
Among the many wonderful aspects of RVing are our choices regarding where we park our units. Whether we define ourselves as fulltimers, weekenders or somewhere in-between, staying at a seasonal site provides us with a base camp and a launching-off...
Cooking in Unique and Small RV Spaces
Welcome to our first contribution to the Explorer RV Club blog. Our sincere hope is that the techniques we’ll be sharing in these blog posts will help you strengthen your skills and confidence when cooking in unique and small RV spaces. We want this to...
When an RV Awning Became a Life-Threatening Problem
It was the first day of November when we crossed the USA-Mexico border at Nogales south of Tucson. Six rigs in a small caravan, driving into Mexico. Five couples and Janice on her own with her dog. About two hours after crossing the border, we watched in horror as...
How to Maintain Your RV Septic System
If you have a self-contained RV, then you probably have three holding tanks. The fresh water holding tank, the grey water holding tank that collects dirty water from the sinks and shower, while the black water holding tank is for the toilet only. The grey and black...
6 Easy RV Makeover Ideas That Won’t Break the Bank
There's a lot of pressure these days to have a "Pinterest-worthy" RV interior. At the end of the day, however, it's most important to have an RV that you love with a space that's functional for you and your loved ones. Still, if you're looking to upgrade your RV,...
How to Handle RV Recalls
You do everything you can to keep your RV safe and properly maintained. Unfortunately, mistakes in manufacturing and defective parts can put you and your loved ones at-risk. When a safety defect is found on an RV, an official recall is issued and formal notices are...
7 Storage Space Solutions for Your RV
Anyone who owns an RV can attest to the fact that an RV doesn’t exactly have the largest amount of storage space inside, and when you have to bring all your necessities and treat it as a second home while on your camping or hiking trips, your storage space inside...
What Every RVer Should Know About Solar Power and Batteries
Powering your RV with solar energy is a smart thing to do. Drawing power from the Sun is clean, efficient and quiet. So why doesn’t everyone do it? Well, the fact is that most new RVs now have integrated roof mounted solar panels that feed the house batteries....
Winterizing Your RV: What You Need to Know
With the camping season winding down, you will find that winter is not far behind. This means it’s time to start thinking about winter storage for your RV. If you are a do-it-yourself kind of person, you can save by learning how to winterize your RV yourself....
How To Service and Operate Universal RV Systems
At its simplest, an RV is a house on wheels, and just like at home you have systems that service your house, water, electric, gas and HVAC. Knowing your systems and keeping them in good repair is vital. Here are basics to learn so you can relax. THE LP GAS SYSTEM...
How to Repair a Broken Water Line in Your RV
If you have a broken water line in your RV, you must promptly complete repairs before continuing on your travels. Ignoring even the slightest leak can result in a huge mess and severe water damage in a short period of time. Mold could even start to grow, sidelining...
Backing Up Is Hard To Do
The Pandemic has changed our lives this year; that’s a fact. Most would say for the worse, however I’ve found that with the restrictions and resulting slower pace of life, I have more time to invest in the details that I previously skipped over. This...
Spring is Here – Are the Tires on Your RV Safe?
RVs, in a sense, are a unified collection of subsystems all working together. Chassis, suspension, walls, roof, electrical, HVAC, plumbing, appliances, fixtures and the thousands of fasteners holding everything together. Yet all of this rests on just a...
Tire Safety & Maintenance
Your tires are the main support for your RV and help to make sure you travel safely through a multitude of different road conditions each year. But even though they are one of the most important safety aspects of any vehicle, tires are often overlooked when it...
Spring Truck Maintenance
Springtime is a busy season for most truck owners across the nation as they begin to prepare for many months of travel and adventure. It’s time to shake off the last of the winter snows and get ready to get out and enjoy the many perks of owning a...
Getting Your RV Spring Ready
As the warmer spring weather approaches, most RV owners are feeling that familiar itch to get back out on the open road. But after spending a great deal of time and effort to properly winterize your RV, you may also be dreading the spring maintenance process....
Understanding Canada’s Premier RV Emergency Roadside Service
Have you ever experienced that moment of panic after hearing a bang or a clunk as your RV or vehicle comes to a stop? If so, you know it means you are most likely in need of assistance. Unfortunately, a lot of us have been there. Exclusive to Explorer RV Club...
Before Purchasing a Used RV Here Are 9 Questions You Should Ask
RV dealerships across Canada have seen sales soar during 2020, and the start of 2021 follows the same pattern. The pandemic is driving the number of RV sales up along with prices, as people turn to camping vacations in new and used luxury RVs. This is a...
Some Helpful Tips to Help You Save During the 2021 Tax Season
Tax season is upon us! For many Canadians, this means it's time to sit down and start filing. Of course, nobody wants to pay more in taxes than they need to. This is why it's so important to stay on top of the most recent changes to Canadian tax law. Not sure where...
Financial Tips for Saving Money in 2021
It's no secret that many Canadians have been struggling to make ends meet; in fact, even in 2019 (before the start of the coronavirus pandemic), an estimated 48% of Canadians reported that they have less than $200 left in their bank accounts after paying their...
How to Manage Debt After the Holidays
With 2020 having been such a challenging year, many people treated themselves to a little retail therapy... okay, a lot of retail therapy. Whether you've splurged on a few special gifts for loved ones or treated yourself to something special, it's important to...
Charitable Giving: Why And How To Give
With the upcoming holiday season likely being the first time you won’t visit loved ones, exchange gifts and enjoy a festive meal – now’s as good of a time as any to count your blessings, spread cheer and do a little good. As the end of the year approaches, consider...
Save Money by Measuring Your RV’s Tire Pressure Monthly
The Rubber Association of Canada is an industry group for tire manufacturers. However, they have taken it upon themselves to educate and inform Canadian drivers not only about tires, but on how to stay safe and save money on that rubber that we all need on our...
Is 0% Financing Really As Good As It Seems?
As you hem and haw while shopping for your new car, truck, or SUV at the dealership, the salesperson might come by and wave 0% financing around to entice you to sign on the dotted line. You might feel like you’ve just snagged the deal of a lifetime, but the truth...
Is Now a Good Time To Buy A New Truck?
While we are all dealing with the day-to-day realities of this world-wide pandemic, it may be hard to think further ahead than today – particularly if a new truck was a purchase that you had been planning for this year. Most people faced with the loss...
“TFSA” Tax Free Savings Account: Is It For Me?
Each year I am asked about investing into a TFSA. Lets look at the pros and cons.The TFSA is sheltered from taxes. It is a good short term investment that holds after tax dollars. There is not a tax deduction as with the RRSP. Do note that the...
Getting More from Your RV Investment
Owning an RV sounds like an awesome idea to most Canadians. With an RV you have the freedom to travel whenever your schedule allows, you create your own travel plans and most importantly, the whole family can come along for the ride. But while you may...
Buying an Affordable Pickup Truck
Buying an Affordable Pickup Truck For the past few years the majority of RVs bought in Canada have been of the towable variety. That means, excluding some of the smaller micro-campers and trailers, most RV buyers either already have or are looking to...