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What’s New in RVs for 2023
Did you know 2021 was one of the RV industry's most significant sales years on record? With over 600,000 RVs shipped, and an increase in sales of almost 40% compared to 2020, the pandemic put production into overdrive. The isolation and travel restrictions of the...
Cooking with Mushrooms: Roasted Portobello Mushroom Caps
Have you noticed all the buzz about mushrooms lately, too? From Star Trek: Discovery’s spore drive to learning that oyster mushrooms can eat plastic, we understand why some might refer to 2022 as the year of the mushroom. As avid RVers, we love foraging and cooking...
Operating Costs of Owning an RV
Are you considering buying an RV? If so, considering the operating costs of owning an RV is critical. Most people are aware of apparent expenses like gasoline and insurance but forget about the hidden fees of RVs. This blog outlines several factors that will help...
Canadian RV Shows to Get You Through Off-Season
There’s no better way to ignite your imagination for the upcoming RV season than to wander through one of Canada’s RV shows. Surrounded by fellow adventurers, it’s an excellent opportunity to take in all the possibilities the vendors and sponsors offer. Whether or...
3 Traditional Fowler Family Winter Recipes: Crepes, Winter Pudding & Hot Chocolate
Family traditions are funny. How these traditions come to be is often an exciting story. For the Fowler family, most of our favourite winter traditions centre around food and beverages we can share as we celebrate the holidays and ring in a new year. We make and...
How Accurate Are the Weights Listed by the Manufacturers?
As an RVer, you likely know more about towed weight than most, including some salespeople. This comes down to years of hands-on experience. You’re probably familiar with terms like gross weights, maximum weights, pin weights, combined weights, dry weights, tongue...
6 User-Friendly Apps to Help Stay Connected Over the Holidays
You're definitely not alone if you're heading out of town for the holidays. One survey shows that more than 90 per cent of Canadian snowbirds plan on taking a winter trip — so you'll be in good company! As much fun as it is to hit the road and have an adventure,...
Introducing the Ember 191MSL for Overlanders
The RV industry is full of well-known brand names, typically owned by a few larger companies. Collections of brands owned by larger companies like Forest River and Thor have been common in the industry for a while. In fact, this is the norm in most businesses where...
Secrets of Loretta Lynn’s Ranch: A Campground Worth Experiencing!
When heading south, finding unique and exciting campgrounds to park your trailers, fifth wheels, and motorhomes is always challenging. Loretta Lynn’s Ranch in Hurricane Mills, Tennessee, is up to the challenge. The ranch is conveniently located seven miles north of...
Ram and Chevy’s New HD Pickup Trucks Take on the Texas Auto Show
The Texas Auto Show, an attraction of State Fair of Texas, brings together a world-class auto show for 24 days each year. Excited to see what new models and features would be introduced for 2023, I attended the auto show and paid special attention to the Truck Zone...
Holiday Gift Guide: What to Get for The RVer In Your Life
Another holiday shopping season is well underway. Whether you’re shopping for a loved one or yourself, these are some of our favourite holiday gifts RVers will use and love all year long! Show them a new way to experience RVing with a Terego membership. Do you know...
What Makes the Palomino Backpack Truck Camper 2912 Stand Out?
A truck camper may not be the top choice for most RVers, but it fits the bill perfectly for a particular segment of campers. Truck campers aren’t new to the market, but the models offered today differ from what’s been available. If you haven’t looked in a while, it...
How to winterize the water system in your RV without using antifreeze
Preparing for winter is an annual chore that defines us as Canadians. Putting on our snow tires, turning off our outside water, getting our lawn furniture into storage, and preparing our RVs for their long, cold winter nap. Like most of you, I’ve always used RV...
Expert Review: Introducing GMC’s new 2024 Sierra HD pickup truck
This past September, each of the Detroit builders travelled to Dallas, Texas, to show off their new 2023 heavy-duty (HD) pickup trucks at the State Fair of Texas. Although the pickup truck GMC introduced was their 2024 Sierra HD, we’ll probably still see it in...
Celebrate the Holidays with this Super Easy Bûche de Noël (Yule Log) Recipe
Here we are at the end of another RV season. We enjoyed the last glorious autumn colours, warmed our feet and hands at our final campfire, and winterized the RV. Now is a great time to start thinking about holiday baking, and this easy yule log recipe is one you...
Explorer RV Club’s 2022 National Rally: Here’s What Happened
The 2022 Explorer RV Club National Rally was held at Camping Transit Campground in Lévis, Quebec, from September 15 to 18. A few members came in the day before to get an early start. The weather started wet, but the forecast didn’t disappoint, and the sun came out...
2023 Crossroads Redwood 4200FL
Every year, in mid-September, the largest consumer RV show takes place in Hershey, PA. One of the units that impressed me was a new floor plan from Redwood. I thought it was worth highlighting. This sizeable fifth wheel is a four-season, full-timing unit and has to...
Understanding How Diesel Fuel is Priced in Canada, the USA, and the World
Fuel prices are a hot topic lately, not just at the pump. It’s all over the news, so I decided to dive deeper and get into the nitty gritty on gas pricing. Recently, Ram announced that it is dropping its 3L EcoDiesel from the lineup. This follows Ford quietly...
New Ford Super Duty shown at Texas State Fair
over three million people attend the Texas State Fair in Dallas each September. That's enough to show off new trucks in a unique and special area featuring all the brands. This is something they have been doing since 1913, and just one reason why I think it's worth...
5 Fall Road Trips in Ontario that are Absolutely Worth the Drive
While we may think that Summer is everyone's favourite season after a long cold winter, it doesn't seem to be the case. A quick Google search of polls will show you that Fall ranks highest every time. Living in Canada and especially Ontario, it's easy to see why....
Soup’s On!
what’s not to love about a heart-warming bowl of bean soup on a fabulous, chill Autumn Day? Satisfying your hunger, easing the pressure on your food budget, and giving you culinary bragging rights in the campground, are three things you can count on with a bowl of...
The Beauty of Ocracoke Island
our camper van was the last one onto the small ferry. It was a reasonably calm day—the waves of the Atlantic Ocean between North Carolina’s Hatteras Island and Ocracoke Island had the vessel bobbing lightly. But when you’re last on, the view out the back window is...
How to Choose the Right RV Traveller’s Insurance Policy
Insurance coverage is a must whether you regularly travel in your RV or plan the occasional trip. When most RVers think about insurance, they think about the policies they have on their vehicles. And while it's true that RV insurance is important, there's another...
Drive in Style with these Popular Off-Road Trucks
Social trends are always very evident in the world of fashion; the same is true for the automotive world. Over the past decade, it's seemed like truck and SUV manufacturers have been pumping out more off-road designs than ever. Some are just paint and plastic nods...
6 User-Friendly Apps to Help Stay Connected Over the Holidays
You're definitely not alone if you're heading out of town for the holidays. One survey shows that more than 90 per cent of Canadian snowbirds plan on taking a winter trip — so you'll be in good company! As much fun as it is to hit the road and have an adventure,...
Holiday Gift Guide: What to Get for The RVer In Your Life
Another holiday shopping season is well underway. Whether you’re shopping for a loved one or yourself, these are some of our favourite holiday gifts RVers will use and love all year long! Show them a new way to experience RVing with a Terego membership. Do you know...
Drive in Style with these Popular Off-Road Trucks
Social trends are always very evident in the world of fashion; the same is true for the automotive world. Over the past decade, it's seemed like truck and SUV manufacturers have been pumping out more off-road designs than ever. Some are just paint and plastic nods...
Understanding EnerGuide: Know the Fuel Efficiency Before You Buy a New Vehicle
As fuel prices increase and we seek relief, discussions around fuel economy become more important. While we can’t change gas prices, we can try to make more affordable choices as drivers. From changing our driving style to considering newer, more fuel-efficient...
What’s New in Class B Motorhomes
The Class B motorhome, or camper van, is unique among recreational vehicles. That fact impressed me over 20 years ago when I took my then 10-year-old son, Stephen, and me on a Class B motorhome test. I was making notes inside, and Stephen was wandering through the...
What to Consider When Buying New Tires
What do you really get for a higher price? If a higher-priced tire is better, how so? Whether for your trailer or tow vehicle, when buying new tires, consider what traits you’re getting for that purchase price and how they will impact the on-road performance of...
What Makes the CURT Echo Trailer Brake Controller So Attractive?
Did you know that not every vehicle comes with a trailer brake controller? Even vehicles that can tow and are promoted as towing vehicles don’t always come with one. Why? The answer is the aftermarket, but this is not news because aftermarket trailer brake...
Safe Driving Reminders: RV Licensing & Weight Limits
As you get ready for another camping season, it’s a great time to brush up on your towing skills. Here are some safe driving reminders and towing regulations you should know. First, consider these collision statistics from Ontario’s Ministry of Transportation’s...
Must Have RV Accessories for 2022
It’s time to gear up for another RV season! With so many different gadgets available, how do you know what you really need? To help you narrow it down, here are some of our favourite RV accessories we think will help improve your life out on the road. ...
How to Clean Your RV Like a Pro
Experienced RVers know the drill when it comes to prepping their vehicle for spring. When the temperatures start to warm, the to-do lists come out and the work begins. A proper cleaning, inside and outside, is included on most RVers spring prep lists, but it should...
Servicing Your RV Brakes: How Important is it?
R V Season is quickly approaching, and while we all start planning our next road adventures, I’d like to spend some time talking about servicing your RV brakes. Did you know the brakes are one of the most often overlooked systems on a trailer? Most owners are aware...
What to Look for When Choosing a Fifth Wheel Hitch
You can’t tow your fifth wheel if you don’t have a hitch. The fifth wheel hitch is an important accessory that links your camper to your tow vehicle, ensuring that you can travel safely on the road. However, not all hitches are suitable for your tow vehicle,...
Safe Winter Towing Tips
W hether you are heading out with your RV for a winter adventure or hitting the trails with your snowmobiles or ATVs, towing in the winter requires a different skill set. If you are already experienced in winter towing – well, a refresher never hurts! Towing has...
How Does the RV and Vehicle Recall Process Work?
Unless you have experienced a recall first hand, most of us are not aware of how the process works. In this article, I will explain the basics based on my understanding of the recall process. Recalls are usually issued from manufacturers and/or governments and can...
RVing Safely: How To Share The Road With Trucks
With the United States finally opening to cross-border traffic, many RVers are going to be heading south this winter. That means hours and hours of driving on interstate highways heading to warmer climates. As sure as the snow will disappear as you head south, so...
Toyota Tundra’s i-FORCE Engine: What Are The Benefits?
On December 3, Toyota dealers will begin taking orders for the all-new 2022 Toyota Tundra. In total, 23 models and trim configurations will be available and Canadian pricing has just been announced. Starting with the base model, the Tundra 4x2 SR, Double-Cab with a...
What Do You Need in an RV? 3 Things to Consider
Despite what you’ve heard – size matters. OK… give me a minute and follow my thoughts. If you’re reading this you already own an RV. That’s a given. When you bought that RV, you were at a certain age and your life was at a stage that suited the specific purchase...
Choosing Your New Tow Vehicle: What You Need To Know
Let’s get the obvious out of the way first: trailers come in all sizes and with various purposes. They can weigh 200 to 30,000 lbs. If you own one, you already know the weight of yours and this is the first note on your buying list. Looking for a new tow vehicle...
In Diesel Technology the Future is ‘Green’
Engine choice in today’s Heavy-Duty segment of the pickup truck market is diesel biased with up to 80% of new HD trucks so equipped. In fact, this number has been growing steadily in the past decade driven by a combination of increasing reliability and fuel...
5 Travel and RV Friendly Bikes to Consider
Many RVers opt to take their bikes on the road with them, a task which usually involves bike carriers fixed to the rear of the trailer. Sure, that works – but there is another way that saves space and is far more convenient. I’m talking about bikes specifically...
Hankook Introduces Its First Trailer Tire – the Vantra Trailer
Global tire company Hankook, is now offering the Vantra Trailer Tire, which will fit most popular trailers. The company statement boasts that it is designed with advanced durability and stability to withstand heavy-duty conditions. “As our first-ever products in...
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 Bottle With 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 in striking...
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 Sherpa 50 solar...
Secrets of Loretta Lynn’s Ranch: A Campground Worth Experiencing!
When heading south, finding unique and exciting campgrounds to park your trailers, fifth wheels, and motorhomes is always challenging. Loretta Lynn’s Ranch in Hurricane Mills, Tennessee, is up to the challenge. The ranch is conveniently located seven miles north of...
Explorer RV Club’s 2022 National Rally: Here’s What Happened
The 2022 Explorer RV Club National Rally was held at Camping Transit Campground in Lévis, Quebec, from September 15 to 18. A few members came in the day before to get an early start. The weather started wet, but the forecast didn’t disappoint, and the sun came out...
5 Fall Road Trips in Ontario that are Absolutely Worth the Drive
While we may think that Summer is everyone's favourite season after a long cold winter, it doesn't seem to be the case. A quick Google search of polls will show you that Fall ranks highest every time. Living in Canada and especially Ontario, it's easy to see why....
The Beauty of Ocracoke Island
our camper van was the last one onto the small ferry. It was a reasonably calm day—the waves of the Atlantic Ocean between North Carolina’s Hatteras Island and Ocracoke Island had the vessel bobbing lightly. But when you’re last on, the view out the back window is...
Discover The Best Fall Festivals in Canada
Fall in Canada inspires wonder. Colourful leaves, tasty produce and a brisk breeze invite you to enjoy the great outdoors. Why not discover the best fall festivals in Canada as you celebrate the 2022 season. Schedule a fall RV trip and get to know our nation's...
RVing East of Ontario’s Algonquin Park—the Ottawa Valley
Journeying east of North Bay, along the Ottawa Valley, the sparkle of Algonquin Park can sometimes make it feel like the area's other worthwhile highlights are left in the dust. Take time to stretch out the route and linger at some of the smaller parks and beaches...
RVing in White River: Winnie the Pooh Hometown Festival
Last September, we set out on an RV road trip. One of our stops was in White River, Ontario. When we arrived at our camping area, we learned we had just missed the Winnie the Pooh Hometown Festival. Winnie the Pooh Hometown Festival The town of White River is...
Maine RV Road Trip: What to See & Where to Stay
Maine doesn’t make you wait long for a scenic view. Within minutes of crossing at Calais—a popular entry point from New Brunswick—we were already pulling over to snap photos of scenic coves, lighthouses, and the powerful Atlantic Ocean. Maine is a vast New England...
South Georgian Bay: What to Eat, See & Do for RVers
On a Saturday morning in Thornbury, there’s a lot of main street action in the small town that’s one of the hubs of Ontario’s South Georgian Bay region. Hungry visitors circle around a mainstay: the Thornbury Bakery Café, where fruits of the predawn baking shift...
Exploring the Rocky Mountain Hot Springs
Experiencing natural wonders like the Rocky Mountain hot springs, geysers, mud pots and paint pots have made their way onto the bucket lists of RVers and adventurers everywhere. And if you are as lucky us, this dream is accessible by road at any time of the year....
3 Maple Syrup Festivals in Canada You Don’t Want to Miss
When the snow starts to give up its hold on the Northern hemisphere and the days grow longer, that can only mean one thing: It's time for maple syrup festivals in Canada! For many Canadian families, a trip to the sugar bush is a springtime tradition. It's easy to...
RV Road Trip: Exploring the Badlands of South Dakota and Montana
An RV road trip to the Badlands of South Dakota and the Foothills of the Rocky Mountains in Montana is a unique experience. The close encounters with wild animals, and the natural and manmade monuments, leave images in your mind that you will never forget. For...
Music Museums That Tell a Story Pt 2: Rock and Roll, Motown & Jazz
Music is often described as the universal language bringing us all together. The stories of music history, genres, and instruments are told at music museums and studio tours across North America. Pop in a CD or cue up your MP3 files and dive deep into some of these...
Music Museums That Tell a Story Pt 1: Blues, Soul, Country & Bluegrass
Music is “the universal language” and it certainly appeals to a large cross-section of travellers. One of America’s gifts to the world has been its roots music – it’s said that jazz, blues, and rock and roll are America’s great contribution to world culture. From...
Celestial Tourism Sites You Need to Visit On Your Next RVenture
Most astronomy and celestial tourism sites are away from cities and heavily travelled roadways. That’s the point – to get away from sources of light pollution, to gaze toward the heavens and to marvel at the splash of stars, planets and galaxies. Often, these...
5 Reasons Why You Should Go Camping With Your Grandchildren
It was July. Our 5th Wheel Trailer was parked in an RV Park in Kingston. We had just finished an early morning game of Pickleball when our daughter arrived with her three children. Grandchildren, — we have more of them than I have fingers, but three is a manageable...
5 Things to Add to Your Travel Plans Next Summer: British Columbia Edition
*Note from the Editor: As you’ll read below, British Columbia is one of Canada’s most magical and diverse places to explore in your RV. It should be noted, however, that as of August 2021 there are still increased dangers and risks associated with travel to many...
What you Need to Know to Get Across the US Border from Canada and Back in August 2021
A Word of Caution: The coronavirus pandemic is still a rapidly changing situation, which means that conditions and rules can change quickly. We recommend that you search for the most recent Canadian-US border travel information before starting out on your journey...
A Weekend in the 1000 Islands: Fish and Chips, Pirates and Cycling, Oh My!
As full-time Canadian RVers, Linda and I have spent 15 of the last 16 winters in the southern USA and Mexico. Unfortunately, the winter of 2019/2020 proved to be the exception. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the borders were closed, and like most other Canadians, we...
Upper New York State: Exploring the “Rough”
In the world of RVing, the rural parts of upper New York state are like two cousins; one dressed up with all the rough edges polished off, the other a down-to-earth, jean-jacket-wearing tomboy. Of course, this makes it easy to customize a road trip, depending on...
A Refined RVing Experience in New York State
Crossing the Thousand Islands Bridge from eastern Ontario into upper New York State is akin to having a road trip menu spread out before me. If we want a rustic experience where we can commune with nature, we turn east and head for the beautiful Adirondacks. If...
A Spectator at the Adams River Sockeye Salmon Run
It was October as we drove north in our fifth wheel trailer. North from Vancouver to the Tsutswecw (Roderick Haig-Brown) Provincial Park, British Columbia, to experience the Adams River, Sockeye Salmon run. We had come to witness some 34-million Sockeye salmon...
Where, When and How to Camp with Bald Eagles in Canada
The Attack Came with No Warning…You are standing with a small group of campers, at the Hartt Island RV Resort, waiting, staring into the distance on the edge of the clifftop, 20 metres above New Brunwick’s Saint John River, on a warm, clear evening in July....
Exploring Ontario’s Iconic North of Superior Region
Mitch Carter gets misty eyed when he talks about the De Havilland Beaver, a workhorse aircraft that is almost three times his age. Mitch is a “floor ranger” (a docent) at the Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre in Sault Ste. Marie. The Soo, as the city is known, was...
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 unspoiled,...
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 you can’t...
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 the west and the...
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 provinces, the...
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...
What’s New in RVs for 2023
Did you know 2021 was one of the RV industry's most significant sales years on record? With over 600,000 RVs shipped, and an increase in sales of almost 40% compared to 2020, the pandemic put production into overdrive. The isolation and travel restrictions of the...
How Accurate Are the Weights Listed by the Manufacturers?
As an RVer, you likely know more about towed weight than most, including some salespeople. This comes down to years of hands-on experience. You’re probably familiar with terms like gross weights, maximum weights, pin weights, combined weights, dry weights, tongue...
Introducing the Ember 191MSL for Overlanders
The RV industry is full of well-known brand names, typically owned by a few larger companies. Collections of brands owned by larger companies like Forest River and Thor have been common in the industry for a while. In fact, this is the norm in most businesses where...
Ram and Chevy’s New HD Pickup Trucks Take on the Texas Auto Show
The Texas Auto Show, an attraction of State Fair of Texas, brings together a world-class auto show for 24 days each year. Excited to see what new models and features would be introduced for 2023, I attended the auto show and paid special attention to the Truck Zone...
What Makes the Palomino Backpack Truck Camper 2912 Stand Out?
A truck camper may not be the top choice for most RVers, but it fits the bill perfectly for a particular segment of campers. Truck campers aren’t new to the market, but the models offered today differ from what’s been available. If you haven’t looked in a while, it...
Expert Review: Introducing GMC’s new 2024 Sierra HD pickup truck
This past September, each of the Detroit builders travelled to Dallas, Texas, to show off their new 2023 heavy-duty (HD) pickup trucks at the State Fair of Texas. Although the pickup truck GMC introduced was their 2024 Sierra HD, we’ll probably still see it in...
2023 Crossroads Redwood 4200FL
Every year, in mid-September, the largest consumer RV show takes place in Hershey, PA. One of the units that impressed me was a new floor plan from Redwood. I thought it was worth highlighting. This sizeable fifth wheel is a four-season, full-timing unit and has to...
New Ford Super Duty shown at Texas State Fair
over three million people attend the Texas State Fair in Dallas each September. That's enough to show off new trucks in a unique and special area featuring all the brands. This is something they have been doing since 1913, and just one reason why I think it's worth...
Overland trailers – a different RV experience
Most RVers are familiar with the terms dry camping and/or boondocking. These simply mean you are on a site without hookups or services. Most of us don't want to do this. However, a select group seeks out wilderness locals, without services, on purpose. These folks...
Need a Little More Space? Look at These Class B-Plus Motorhomes
Class B motorhomes have increased in popularity due to the new chassis’ available to the manufacturers. Other reasons RVers love them include their easy drivability and compact design. However, Class B motorhomes are just a little too small for some. In this case,...
Reviewing the Luxurious 2022 GMC Sierra Denali Ultimate
The GMC Sierra is undeniably the little sister to the Chevrolet Silverado – particularly in the United States, where it outsells its GMC sibling by at least three to one. Despite smaller sales numbers, it is still a major player, and General Motors wants to close...
1970 Pickup Trucks: A Brand-New Era
Summer is here, and it’s the perfect time for some light reading and lazy memories of the past. Usually, I review and report on what’s new in the world of towing and pickup trucks, but sometimes it’s nice to look at what came before to see just how far we’ve come...
Introducing the new Cruiser RV Hitch 17BHS
Cruiser RV has been specializing in lightweight travel trailers since 1988. The Hitch is one of their newest product lines and it’s available in four floorplans, each aimed at getting a group of four (or even five) out into the outdoors. This year I took a closer...
First Drive Review: All-Electric 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning Pickup
The Ford F-150 Lightning, all-electric pickup truck, has begun shipping to customers. This electric truck is no longer some future concept; prophesied by industry experts who crow about the coming of an all-electric automotive industry. No, this truck is real, and...
In Pursuit of Mobility: Accessible RVs
RVing is a pursuit not limited by age or mobility. In fact, with a significant percentage of RVers being older, varying degrees of mobility issues are common. This raises the question – if you find yourself in a wheelchair, are your RVing days over? Not if you...
Chevrolet Silverado: What’s New In 2022
The Ford Raptor has dominated the off-road truck market for over a decade. Last year, Ram joined the market with its 700-plus hp desert racer, the TRX. In 2022, GM is finally making an appearance. This year, Chevy is adding the ZR2 off-road treatment to its...
Is the Volta Power System the Future for RVs?
Electric, Electric, Electric – it’s a top-of-mind story these days; particularly in the automotive world. So, don’t be surprised when I tell you that electric RVs are here, and more are on the way. However, the real practicality of more electric power in RVs has...
Use Less Energy with the 2022 Thor Gemini Motorhome
Did you know Earth Day was started in the United States in 1970? That’s even before the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was established. From its humble beginnings in Wisconsin, it spread to become a world-wide observation in 1990 and now today, across the...
Perfect for Two: Palomino’s Real-Lite Mini RV
The Real-Lite Mini from Palomino is what I call a couple’s trailer – that’s just my label. However, it can also be viewed as an escape vehicle for folks new to RVing who want to get into something smaller that they can tow with the vehicle they already own....
2022 Truck and SUV Roundup
Sales for RVs, boats and powersports like ATVs have gone through the roof this past year. The why of it is simple – folks have a severe case of cabin fever and they just want out. These toys all support getting them out into the outdoor lifestyle. Of course, these...
What’s New in RVs for 2022
A new year has begun and the start of the next RVing season is just around the corner. As we continue to face the COVID-19 pandemic, many RV shows have been cancelled, making it difficult for RVers to walk around and see what’s new in the industry. To help, I have...
Reviewing the 2022 StarCraft Super Lite Maxx 16FBS
The Super Lite Maxx lineup from StarCraft consists of four floorplans – each for under 25-foot trailers that were designed with couples in mind. The newest, the 2022 16FBS, is also the smallest. This model release is in keeping with the current “let’s just get out...
Toyota Tundra’s i-FORCE Engine: What Are The Benefits?
On December 3, Toyota dealers will begin taking orders for the all-new 2022 Toyota Tundra. In total, 23 models and trim configurations will be available and Canadian pricing has just been announced. Starting with the base model, the Tundra 4x2 SR, Double-Cab with a...
Expert’s First Drive in the All New 2022 Nissan Frontier
The flaming fall colours were the backdrop to my recent first drive of the 2022 Nissan Frontier. We were trekking through the Gatineau hills on the north side of the Ottawa River in Quebec – on road and off. My first impression of the Frontier (a truck that has...
A Look Inside the Crossroads Hampton Destination Trailer
Not every RVer wants to roll on down the road. Many find a location that they really like and they stay put. This makes them permanent campers and they find these sites most often in a RV park that caters to seasonal rentals. Of course, when you stumble on this...
Why the New Thor Tranquility Class B Stands Out From the Crowd
It is nice to see that some RV shows are returning; like the long-running Hershey (PA) RV Show held just recently. Scanning the list of RVs being shown there I happened on a new Class B from Thor Motor Coach that is just a bit different than most. What caught my...
An Experts Review of the All New 2022 Toyota Tundra
Toyota is never in a hurry. At least it seems that way owing to the pace of its introductions and the changes it makes to its vehicles. The new Toyota Tundra is an excellent example of that trait. Looking at the new 2022 Toyota Tundra it’s easy to see its...
An Expert Review of the All New Ford Bronco
The new Ford Bronco is billing itself as an icon. It may be a bit soon to give it that title, but it does legitimately hold the title of inventor of the Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) label. Back in 1964 they used that term in an advertising campaign – and it’s been...
A Look at the Sol Horizon by inTech RV
The first time I saw an inTech trailer I was struck by the forward tilt look of the unit. It looked retro and modern at the same time – and that’s not an easy thing to design. The next striking feature on this trailer is the huge, curved, front tinted window – but...
Smart Solutions for Safe RVing as Climate Change Increases Extreme Weather Events
Recent events like the flooding in Europe and wildfires taking place in British Columbia, Ontario, Spain, Greece, and California are the kinds of threats we will soon be facing on an increasingly regular basis. The most natural question to ask in times like this is...
Thor Introducing New Class B RV Models: Rize and Scope
Called the Rize and Scope, these new Class B camper-vans from Thor Motor Coach offer classic ‘van-life’ features with a couple of new twists. One that stands out is the pop-up roof, reminiscent of the one seen in the Volkswagen Westphalia. This feature is optional,...
2021 Pickup Truck Roundup
This has been a highly turbulent year for truck sales. After an unprecedented plunge in sales in 2020 last Spring, the market has roared back just in time to experience the full pain of plant shutdowns, limited parts supply, and a worldwide micro-processor...
An Expert’s Review: Northern Lite Sportsman Plus 8-11
Who buys truck campers? I know truck campers are popular out West, primarily because they appeal to horse owners who already have trucks and tow horse trailers behind them. I also know that fisherman, hunters, ATVers, etc. – all of whom often need to tow trailers,...
SAE Tow Ratings System: Still Towing Strong 10 Years On
It’s been a decade since the Society of Automotive Engineers (along with any respective consumer and government agencies) hammered out a common, agreed upon method of testing vehicles to establish tow ratings. Called J-2807, this agreement ensured a reliable and...
Expert Review: The Compact 2022 Ford Maverick
Ford is bringing an all-new truck to market later this year – and it’s a compact with a big impact. Resurrecting a model name from the 70s – the new Maverick compact pickup is partly based on the current Ford Escape. So while it’s small, it’s also all truck. With...
The 2021 NuCamp TAG Teardrop Trailer ‘Tears’ it Up
To those new on the trailer scene, the photos in this review might provoke such reactions as ‘Ooh’ and ‘Ahh’ or you might react with a “Wow, what a cute idea for a trailer!” However, Teardrop trailers have been around since the 1930’s and have always appealed to...
The Smart RVers Guide to Staying Cool at any Budget
RVing is a family adventure, now more so than ever as younger families and extended families are taking to the road as well as a smart solution to summer travel plans. And as we know from our own families, certain family members have different or increased needs...
Cruz’in with the All-New Hyundai Santa Cruz
The Canadian pickup truck market just got a new player. Hyundai has jumped head-lights first into the market with a new compact pickup offering – the Santa Cruz - that promises to tow up to 5,000 lbs despite its moderate size. This makes the release great news for...
Expert Review: TAXA Mantis – the Ultimate Overlanding RV
There is a relatively new niche emerging in the world of RVing, and it’s called Overlanding. Have you heard of it? If you have, it probably puts you into one of two camps: Interested in this camping concept – or not interested at all. So, what is it that makes this...
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, only large diesel in HD trucks was available for decades. The manufacturers ignored half-tons. That changed when Ram...
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 right now, the...
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...
3 Traditional Fowler Family Winter Recipes: Crepes, Winter Pudding & Hot Chocolate
Family traditions are funny. How these traditions come to be is often an exciting story. For the Fowler family, most of our favourite winter traditions centre around food and beverages we can share as we celebrate the holidays and ring in a new year. We make and...
How Accurate Are the Weights Listed by the Manufacturers?
As an RVer, you likely know more about towed weight than most, including some salespeople. This comes down to years of hands-on experience. You’re probably familiar with terms like gross weights, maximum weights, pin weights, combined weights, dry weights, tongue...
Soup’s On!
what’s not to love about a heart-warming bowl of bean soup on a fabulous, chill Autumn Day? Satisfying your hunger, easing the pressure on your food budget, and giving you culinary bragging rights in the campground, are three things you can count on with a bowl of...
Tips for Improving Your Towing Skills
In the height of summer, highways can become congested as people head out on their adventures. The roads are full of vehicles and drivers of varying experiences and backgrounds. Some are even towing for the very first time. A quick tune-up of your defensive driving...
How to Plan a Successful Group Meal + Our Favourite Shrimp Recipe
Can you bake a pan of squares, put together a potato salad or pick up a couple of dozens of gourmet buns? Because that is all you need to do to be part of our family group meals. For example, we just had a family meal for our Father’s Day celebration––it was a...
Ready to Eat Local? Your Guide to the Best Seafood in Canada
If you’re a seafood lover, there are so many incredible fish and shellfish to try as you explore Canada in your RV. To enjoy the freshest flavours around, it’s important to know what’s in season because not all seafood is available year-round. To help you out,...
6 Fun Outdoor Activities to Try with Your Dad
When the temperature has (finally) warmed, and summer is just around the corner, there's no better place to be than out in nature. So, when Father's Day rolls around, why not spend it enjoying the fresh air with Dad? Of course, there's nothing wrong with dinner at...
How Well Do You Know Your Canadian Trivia?
Canada is a land of beautiful landscapes, interesting people, and diverse history. Learn more about our country’s past with some Canadian trivia. Are you ready to see what you know? 1. The Huron-Iroquois word Kanata means _____.2. What is the official tartan of...
Secrets to Making the Best BBQ Pork Ribs with a Coffee BBQ Sauce
In Canada, BBQ often means ‘grilled’ while BBQ means low, slow, well-sauced and often smoked centre-of-the-plate deliciousness south of the border. Here are some secrets to making the best BBQ pork ribs and tips for making a tasty coffee BBQ sauce. BBQ Pork Ribs:...
5 Reasons to RV With Terego This Spring
After a long winter spent within your home’s four walls, what could be better than trading them in for your four walls on wheels? Here are five reasons why you should plan an RV trip with Terego this spring. 1. The temperature is perfect One of the best parts about...
8 BBQ & Rib Festivals in Canada
Everyone loves a rack of ribs smothered in BBQ sauce. If you are in search of the best pulled pork this year, add one of the many BBQ and rib festivals in Canada to your RV vacation plans this summer. Here are some of the biggest smoke-offs from across the country...
Top 7 Lakes to Go Fishing in Ontario
Whether you favour ice fishing or prefer to take your boat out on a warm summer day, you are sure to find just the right place for fishing in Ontario. The province is home to 250,000 lakes and nearly one-fifth of the world’s water supply. You can also take...
The Fun of Volunteering on the Road
Are you a retired RVer with an abundance of free time? Volunteering is an excellent way to spend it and giving back to your local or global community is even more rewarding than you may think. While you won’t get paid for your time, volunteering provides a number...
Fun Food Trails to Explore On Your Next RV Road Trip
You might want to fasten your seatbelt, because a trip along the food trails of Canada and the U.S. could be a wild ride. And what better way to explore than in your RV? It’s the perfect setting for pandemic-friendly takeout; it provides the opportunity to shop...
How to Make Perfect Pancakes and Homemade Syrup
Five generations of my family have been cooking, serving and enjoying pancakes. These leavened discs of deliciousness remain the top choice for weekend brunch, even when camping. What follows is my hard-earned family recipe and tips for how to make pancakes and...
How to Make the Best Dutch Oven Chocolate Cake
Nothing says I love you like the gift of chocolate. This Valentine’s Day, when you gift your sweetheart a box of chocolate, or the Dutch oven chocolate cake that follows, remind yourself that this delicious confection has a very long history as an aphrodisiac,...
New Year’s Resolutions: How to Set & Stick to Them in 2022
We all feel a desire for change from time to time, but it seems to be most potent in the month of December — right before we hit the new year. It's fitting, then, that this is right around the time when we all start thinking about our New Year's resolutions. Do you...
5 Holiday Gift Ideas for the RVer in Your Life
It’s that time of year again! With November coming to an end, the holiday shopping season is well underway. If you’re a planner, you might already be in the process of searching for the perfect gift for someone on your list. Or if you’re a last-minute shopper, you...
How to Make a Delicious Jambalaya Over the Fire
Dutch ovens can be used to bake, boil, fry, sear, simmer, and roast nearly anything you want to cook – and it cleans up with just plain hot water. If you can handle the added weight in your gear, it is a must-have for cooking at basecamp too. This piece of...
How to Prepare Your RV for Storage and Increase its Lifespan
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 Celebrate Halloween in Your RV
Planning an RV trip this Halloween? If so, then you may be wondering how you can keep the spooky spirit of this holiday alive even as you travel. Whether you'll be blazing your own trail or spending much of your time at an RV campground, there are some creative...
How to Prepare Carnitas on a Swedish Log Fire
Caramelized onions, shredded pork and fresh red and green peppers all wrapped in a warm tortilla make this dish something your guests will brag you up for making. Crimson flames licking a skillet have a way of holding your attention, and it’s not just the delicious...
5 Reasons Why You Should Go Camping With Your Grandchildren
It was July. Our 5th Wheel Trailer was parked in an RV Park in Kingston. We had just finished an early morning game of Pickleball when our daughter arrived with her three children. Grandchildren, — we have more of them than I have fingers, but three is a manageable...
Best Ways to Access Your Cash While Travelling in the U.S
Whether you’re a snowbird planning your annual trip to the warmth of the American South or a short trip to one of the US coasts when the land borders open to Canadians, you’ll need to ensure you can access money. Most of the time, travelling through the US for...
Smart Solutions for Safe RVing as Climate Change Increases Extreme Weather Events
Recent events like the flooding in Europe and wildfires taking place in British Columbia, Ontario, Spain, Greece, and California are the kinds of threats we will soon be facing on an increasingly regular basis. The most natural question to ask in times like this is...
Dining Outdoors the Dutch Oven Way with Tim Fowler
There is a good reason the Dutch oven was one of the must-haves when the early European settlers first started making their way across the North American continent. The Dutch oven was nearly indestructible; it would bake, boil, fry, sear, simmer, and roast nearly...
A Reader Shares His Own Experiences in Response to our ‘No Place to Park in ON Parks’ Series
After reading the ‘Nowhere to Park in Ontario Parks’ series published through Explorer RV Club, the following account details John Kim’s personal experiences with the Ontario Parks reservation system. It is a reflection on the research and views of Dr. Paul Eagles...
Nowhere to Park in Ontario Parks Series – Pt. 3/3
The Backstory of Our Back Country Ontario Provincial Parks contain 19,157 front country campsites. About 42 per cent of these 8,000 sites have electrical hookups, and there is an established goal in place to have 50 per cent with electricity. Of these 8,000....
A Weekend in the 1000 Islands: Fish and Chips, Pirates and Cycling, Oh My!
As full-time Canadian RVers, Linda and I have spent 15 of the last 16 winters in the southern USA and Mexico. Unfortunately, the winter of 2019/2020 proved to be the exception. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the borders were closed, and like most other Canadians, we...
6 Ways to Upgrade & Upcycle on Budget When Renovating a Used RV
Whether it’s people choosing to live in their RV permanently, or using them for vacations and weekend trips, RV ownership has been on the rise over the past few decades. The freedom of the open road and the ability to explore and seek out adventure has drawn a lot...
The Importance of Good ‘Seasoning’: A Summer of Simmering in Place
The Perfect Way to ‘Season’ for these Two Chefs? A No Pressure Summer of Slow Camping Using High Pressure Cooking Methods to Spice Up their Staycation! It looks like this dynamic culinary duo may be changing their tastes and bucking the usual trend this summer....
How to Make a Career out of Part-Time Writing from your RV
Life on the road is an adventure. Living in your RV and moving from one location to the other is unlike anything else! You’ve got your freedom, your spontaneity, and the ability to make the most out of every day ahead of you. But, unless you’ve got unlimited funds...
No Place to Park in ON Parks Series: Pt. II
In 1971, I was a student naturalist in Turkey Point Provincial Park. One holiday Saturday morning, a family arrived at the park office, which also served as the campground office, at about 10 o’clock. The father came into the office looking tired and haggard. He...
How To Stay In Touch With Loved Ones While On the Road
Taking off in an RV often means being away from home and your neighbourhood for weeks or months at a time. While the RV lifestyle means fun and freedom for most people, it can also be difficult to know you will not see some of your loved ones for a while. The good...
Must-Learn Tips for Easy Eco-RVing: Galley Kitchen Edition
With increased rates of vaccinations and potential loosening of COVID-19 public health restrictions, many of us with a hefty case of cabin fever are itching to explore the great outdoors this summer. We all know that the RVing experience comes with learning...
Your All-New and Revised 2021 RV Prep and Pre-Trip Planner
Campgrounds are finally opening (HOORAY!) and RVers are anxious to get out of the house and on the road. But before you rush off with your rig, be sure to do your pre-trip inspections as always. This year, it will be particularly important because RVs and...
The Smart RVers Guide to Staying Cool at any Budget
RVing is a family adventure, now more so than ever as younger families and extended families are taking to the road as well as a smart solution to summer travel plans. And as we know from our own families, certain family members have different or increased needs...
Why There is no Space to ‘Park’ in ON Parks
It is now well-recognized that outdoor recreation activities are very positive for our health; physical, social, and psychological. There is a global effort entitled Healthy People; Healthy Parks, of which Ontario Parks is a supporter. Ontario Provincial Parks...
6 Must-Read Books For RVers
If you're an adventurer who loves the outdoors, RV life is probably or should be on your must-do list. Taking your RV out to explore different destinations, nature, wildlife, and people is one of the best ways to allow your adventurous spirit to truly enjoy your...
Building Your Boat Safety Kit: The Essentials and More
Across the United States and Canada, Safe Boating Awareness Week is observed the week of May 22, 2021. From the 22nd through the 28th, the National Safe Boating Council aims to spread awareness of some essential boating safety guidelines to the estimated 16 million...
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 travelling 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 anyone else....
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 unspoiled,...
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 you can’t...
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 Stéphane Roth’s...
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 in striking...
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 the west and the...
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 provinces, the...
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 currently...
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 purchase a...
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 be a...
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 the space you...
Canadian RV Shows to Get You Through Off-Season
There’s no better way to ignite your imagination for the upcoming RV season than to wander through one of Canada’s RV shows. Surrounded by fellow adventurers, it’s an excellent opportunity to take in all the possibilities the vendors and sponsors offer. Whether or...
Understanding How Diesel Fuel is Priced in Canada, the USA, and the World
Fuel prices are a hot topic lately, not just at the pump. It’s all over the news, so I decided to dive deeper and get into the nitty gritty on gas pricing. Recently, Ram announced that it is dropping its 3L EcoDiesel from the lineup. This follows Ford quietly...
Ontario Staycation Tax Credit: Explore Ontario & Save!
For Ontario residents there’s never been a better time to plan a staycation! As part of the Ontario government’s plan to emerge from the pandemic stronger than ever, they are encouraging travel within the province with a new Ontario Staycation Tax Credit. If...
Everything We Know About the Zero Emissions Winnebago e-RV
The Winnebago e-RV was introduced at the Florida RV Super Show as its first all-electric, zero emissions motorhome concept. “This is an exciting time for Winnebago Industries and the outdoor lifestyle industry as a whole. We are proud to continue our innovation...
Restricted Towing Zones: What to Do If Your Vehicle Breaks Down
Recently, Ontario’s Ministry of Transportation introduced restricted towing zones on sections of its provincial highways. The goal of this pilot program is to clear busy highways of vehicles in need of immediate assistance more efficiently and safely and prevent...
Ontario’s Restricted Tow Zone Pilot: What Does it Mean for Drivers?
A breakdown on any of Ontario’s 400-series highways is an anxiety producing experience – now add to that the flurry of tow trucks that descend on a disabled vehicle like crows to roadkill. That ended as of December 13 – at least for the next four years. With their...
What you Need to Know to Get Across the US Border from Canada and Back in August 2021
A Word of Caution: The coronavirus pandemic is still a rapidly changing situation, which means that conditions and rules can change quickly. We recommend that you search for the most recent Canadian-US border travel information before starting out on your journey...
SAE Tow Ratings System: Still Towing Strong 10 Years On
It’s been a decade since the Society of Automotive Engineers (along with any respective consumer and government agencies) hammered out a common, agreed upon method of testing vehicles to establish tow ratings. Called J-2807, this agreement ensured a reliable and...
No Place to Park in ON Parks Series: Pt. II
In 1971, I was a student naturalist in Turkey Point Provincial Park. One holiday Saturday morning, a family arrived at the park office, which also served as the campground office, at about 10 o’clock. The father came into the office looking tired and haggard. He...
Night of the Knitted Turtle: The Bancroft Turtle Bombing of 2018
This is an update adapted from an article written by Barb Shaw for kawarthaNow in 2018 that was also picked up by Global News. Bancroft, Ontario is a small ‘close-knit’ town and community, but quite a well-known one for a variety of reasons, like its proximity to...
Why There is no Space to ‘Park’ in ON Parks
It is now well-recognized that outdoor recreation activities are very positive for our health; physical, social, and psychological. There is a global effort entitled Healthy People; Healthy Parks, of which Ontario Parks is a supporter. Ontario Provincial Parks...
Hankook Introduces Its First Trailer Tire – the Vantra Trailer
Global tire company Hankook, is now offering the Vantra Trailer Tire, which will fit most popular trailers. The company statement boasts that it is designed with advanced durability and stability to withstand heavy-duty conditions. “As our first-ever products in...
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 currently...
Cooking with Mushrooms: Roasted Portobello Mushroom Caps
Have you noticed all the buzz about mushrooms lately, too? From Star Trek: Discovery’s spore drive to learning that oyster mushrooms can eat plastic, we understand why some might refer to 2022 as the year of the mushroom. As avid RVers, we love foraging and cooking...
3 Traditional Fowler Family Winter Recipes: Crepes, Winter Pudding & Hot Chocolate
Family traditions are funny. How these traditions come to be is often an exciting story. For the Fowler family, most of our favourite winter traditions centre around food and beverages we can share as we celebrate the holidays and ring in a new year. We make and...
Celebrate the Holidays with this Super Easy Bûche de Noël (Yule Log) Recipe
Here we are at the end of another RV season. We enjoyed the last glorious autumn colours, warmed our feet and hands at our final campfire, and winterized the RV. Now is a great time to start thinking about holiday baking, and this easy yule log recipe is one you...
How to Make Zucchini Boats on the BBQ or Campfire
One of the delights of having a seasonal RV site is the opportunity to learn from our fellow RVers. This year we’ve been learning how to grow vegetables from our home on wheels. Some of our fellow RVers have planted extensive vegetable gardens, including green and...
How to Make a Horiatiki Salad on the Road
Like many of our fellow RVers, our plans for extensive travel this summer have taken a course-correction. Although we’ll be on the road this year (including to the Explorer RV Club rally), inflation and higher fuel costs have led us to scale back on both the number...
How to Make Wild Rice Burgers Using Ingredients that Honour Canada’s Past
Like many Canadians, we’re viewing the July 1 holiday differently. While we continue to learn, and reflect on Canada’s history, we’re looking for ways we can respectfully recognize Canada Day. One way we can do this is through food. With the Canada Day menu we have...
Cooking Fish… in the Dishwasher!
Waking to the music of the cardinals and robins outside our window these past few mornings is the only sign we’ve needed to launch our plans for getting the RV de-winterized and setting up our seasonal site. Many of us will undoubtedly be getting ready for the...
An Easy Stone Soup Recipe for Global Recycling Day
One of our New Year’s resolutions is to continue to find ways to reduce our footprint when enjoying our RV adventures. Although we know it’s impossible to implement an entirely zero-waste RV experience in a 40-foot Class A diesel rig, we’re always looking for ways...
How To Make A Sweet Potato Galette Your Guests Will Love
The RV’s been winterized and stored, and we’ve bid “au revoir” to our snowbird full-timer friends as they headed to the border. We’re now back to our sticks and bricks life for the next few months and it’s a perfect time to think about holiday entertaining! Subject...
How to Make a Delicious Frittata on a BBQ
Migration season has arrived at our seasonal site just outside of Toronto. The days are shorter, the nights cooler, and the leaves are changing colours. Right now, right above us, 270 bird species are travelling through Toronto’s airspace, heading south to the Gulf...
The Importance of Good ‘Seasoning’: A Summer of Simmering in Place
The Perfect Way to ‘Season’ for these Two Chefs? A No Pressure Summer of Slow Camping Using High Pressure Cooking Methods to Spice Up their Staycation! It looks like this dynamic culinary duo may be changing their tastes and bucking the usual trend this summer....
Must-Learn Tips for Easy Eco-RVing: Galley Kitchen Edition
With increased rates of vaccinations and potential loosening of COVID-19 public health restrictions, many of us with a hefty case of cabin fever are itching to explore the great outdoors this summer. We all know that the RVing experience comes with learning...
How to Make the Canadian Cult-Classic Charcuterie Board Crisp (Easily)
Oh Canada, our home and native land – of fabulous and flavourful food! For many years, Canada was commonly called a ‘mosaic’, because it was made up of so many different pieces that came together to form one beautiful picture and people. That’s what these crisps...
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 our RVs. Are...
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 Stéphane Roth’s...
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 be a...
How to winterize the water system in your RV without using antifreeze
Preparing for winter is an annual chore that defines us as Canadians. Putting on our snow tires, turning off our outside water, getting our lawn furniture into storage, and preparing our RVs for their long, cold winter nap. Like most of you, I’ve always used RV...
How to Prepare Your RV for Storage and Increase its Lifespan
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....
Is it True You Should Never Change Your Tires on the Side of the Highway?
A flat tire is one of the most common vehicular breakdowns. Whether on your tow-vehicle or RV, a flat is an experience that just about every driver will experience in their driving lifetime. Because of this, it’s important to consider what you are going to do about...
6 Ways to Upgrade & Upcycle on Budget When Renovating a Used RV
Whether it’s people choosing to live in their RV permanently, or using them for vacations and weekend trips, RV ownership has been on the rise over the past few decades. The freedom of the open road and the ability to explore and seek out adventure has drawn a lot...
Your All-New and Revised 2021 RV Prep and Pre-Trip Planner
Campgrounds are finally opening (HOORAY!) and RVers are anxious to get out of the house and on the road. But before you rush off with your rig, be sure to do your pre-trip inspections as always. This year, it will be particularly important because RVs and...
Preventing Blowouts in Your RV
Since RVs are typically not used as frequently as your everyday vehicle, they require extra stringent tire maintenance. Scroll down for some tips that will help you minimize your chances of a tire blowout when driving your RV. Make Sure Your Tires are Fully...
How to Repair Your Fifth Wheel Landing Leg
It was a Monday lunchtime in September, nobody was around, kids were back in schools. Linda and I had just backed our fifth wheel trailer onto the Forestry Commission-approved dry camping site. We were at Kootenai Falls, Montana. Kootenai Falls is located between...
RV Roofing – What Should You Know
Not a lot of us spend our time on the road with our noses in the air, looking straight up. We’d miss all the scenery we’re on the road to see in the first place! When it comes to our immediate surroundings though, it should be noted that we frequently notice the...
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...