🇨🇦 Canada — OpenVan.camp

The BC SPCA removed a cat and four dogs from an RV in Chilliwack on April 1. The vehicle contained urine, feces, and garbage, and the animals had skin conditions and were covered in soot.

Spain introduced new road sign S-128 and banned camper vans from parking near beaches. Germany responded with a 3.82-metre electric camper van — fits anywhere, furniture not included. JAL now rents out motorhomes from Narita with miles earned per rental. Storm Ali blowing a traveller's caravan off an Irish cliff, and the Outbound demo for PS5 — all in this issue.

The Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen has classified the couple's dwelling as an "RV," which under local bylaws prohibits year-round occupancy. The couple disputes this, stating their 400-square-foot home built by Summit Tiny Homes is designed for permanent, full-time living. District staff recommend denying the temporary use permit, citing safety standards and wastewater disposal concerns. The RDOS board will review the options and vote on the matter at its Thursday meeting.

The Canadian Recreational Vehicle Association will hold its Annual General Meeting on May 20 in Quebec City. The agenda includes receiving the 2025 financial statement, appointing an accountant, and electing directors for 2026-2027.

The municipally owned RV sani-dump station in Salmon Arm opened for the season on April 10. Located at 1100 20 St. SW, the facility features two dump ports, a $10 usage fee, garbage disposal, and a landscaped area. The station recorded 900 users during its first full operational season last year.

Chilliwack firefighters extinguished a camper fire in a driveway on Saturday night. The call came in around 10:04 p.m. for a vehicle fire on Chilliwack River Road, and by 10:10 p.m. the camper was fully engulfed, requiring additional fire units.

ARI Motors released a camper van the size of a regular van — and it's now Germany's smallest production electric camper at €30,000. JAL decided its passengers hadn't traveled enough and offered a sequel: a motorhome pickup straight from Narita. The lawsuit against Stellantis over "cheat" diesel software, a yellow DHL van in the hands of a retiree, and 413 million campsite overnight stays across Europe — all in this issue.

British Columbia authorities are clearing an RV camp at the Cole Road rest stop in Abbotsford, which had been in place for over three years. Utilities at the site were shut down in November 2025 due to vandalism, with full cleanup expected by the end of April. The camp housed up to 57 people at its peak in April 2025, with only two residents remaining at the time of the eviction.

Volunteers removed an abandoned camper left directly in front of a prohibition sign in the forest. A team of 10 people dismantled the motorhome and hauled approximately 820 kg of waste to the landfill within a few hours.

Belleville Police arrested a 43-year-old Hamilton man following an attempted theft of an RV from a business on Old Highway 2. The suspect fled in a truck, damaging three vehicles and the RV before colliding with a pole; witnesses detained him until police arrived. He faces charges including robbery with violence, dangerous operation, and failure to comply with a probation order.

According to the 2025 promobil reader survey, 64% of motorhome owners experienced malfunctions in the last 12 months. Basic skills in furniture repair, electrical systems, water systems, and tire changing are required to address common breakdowns independently. A recommended roadside toolkit includes duct tape, cable ties, screwdrivers, Teflon tape, and a multimeter.

Square Glade Games has announced Outbound, a cozy open-world crafting adventure where players control a camper van. The game is scheduled for release in April 2026. Gameplay focuses on exploration and freedom of movement.

Halifax Regional Municipality has notified RV residents at Shubie Park that the winter residency program will end in fall 2024. The three-year temporary program provided electricity, snow removal, and sewage services for $250 per month. Program participants, many on fixed incomes, must now seek alternative housing options.

Spain set a motorhome registration record — and immediately tightened the rules. On Mallorca, 150 caravans took over a sports complex car park because renting a flat costs more. Solar Butterfly returned from a solar-powered trip around the world, and Bryansk promises a camper for 3.9 million roubles — in this issue.

Pebble has introduced the fully electric Flow travel trailer. The model features a 45 kWh battery, 1.1 kW solar panels, and an automatic Magic Hitch coupling system, providing up to 7 days of off-grid operation. The trailer was showcased at the Florida RV Supershow in 2026.

Boho Camper Vans has introduced the Buttercup camper van based on a Ram ProMaster chassis. Off-grid capability is provided by a 500-watt solar array, a battery bank, a 3,000-watt inverter, and a Starlink antenna. The vehicle is equipped with a kitchen, a water system featuring a 125-liter tank, and a standard-size bed.

FOGATTI has introduced the updated InstaCool Ultra climate system for RVs. The unit with 16,000 BTU cooling and 12,500 BTU heating capacity is designed for shoulder season use, features app control, and is priced at $1,249.99 until March 31, 2026.

A 2025 Airstream Pottery Barn motorhome is listed for sale in Langley, British Columbia. The asking price is $228,241, and the vehicle has 0 kilometers on the odometer.

Spain tightened inspections for camper vans — meanwhile in Torrox, 50 motorhomes occupied a riverbed. Italians 3D-printed a motorhome from plastic in four days, Hyundai unveiled an 800-volt electric camper, and 34 million Americans are hitting the road. Demolitions in Turkey, bans in Scotland, and a woman who drove along the Baltic in an electric Smart — all in this issue.

The Canadian Recreational Vehicle Association is gathering industry data to extend the Electronic Logging Device exemption for driveaway/towaway operators. The current exemption, crucial for efficient RV delivery to dealerships, expires in October 2026. CRVA reminds transportation companies to submit information by March 31 to support a data-driven request to Transport Canada.

Mobile RV service technicians are emerging as a complementary resource to dealerships for reducing RECT (repair event cycle time). They support remote customers, handle overflow work, and perform on-site diagnostics, repairs, and maintenance. This approach addresses technician shortages and the geographic dispersion of RV owners across widespread markets.

Port Alberni council extended the move-out deadline for residents of an RV lot on Redford Street by six months. The city is examining potential bylaws for long-term RV park zoning, as current regulations don't permit extended tenancy in recreational vehicles. The required reports and regulatory work are expected to take over a year to complete.

Canadian company VanLife Campers has launched the new FOX camper van on a Ford Transit chassis. The all-wheel-drive model is designed for four-season use and features a kitchen, a bathroom with a shower, and a queen-size bed. Production capacity is around 150 vans per year, with sales now available in Montreal and Quebec City.

Warendorf introduced paid motorhome parking — and lost its tourists. Japan quietly reached 607 RV parks while Nagoya showed a camper on a rocket launcher chassis. The Turkish coastal ban, a Polish trailer with a side shower, and Korean rentals straight from the train — in this issue.

The article's author describes a motorhome trip through the Canadian province of Alberta as an option for beginners. The material mentions the silence at a campsite near the Rocky Mountains and sounds of nature, but specific dates, routes, or technical details of the trip are not provided.

The municipal sanitation station in Merritt resumed water service on March 10, 2026, following the winter closure. The renovated facility at 1302 Voght Street operates year-round and provides two dump stations with potable and rinse water. Alternative locations are listed at Canadian Tire gas station and Moon Shadows RV Park.

Fisher & Paykel has announced a partnership with the Canadian motorhome manufacturer Loki. The appliance brand will provide its integrated solutions for Loki motorhomes, including the Series 9 refrigerator and Series 7 dishwasher.

A cougar was spotted under a Parksville woman's RV on March 15, 2026. The incident occurred around 7 p.m. at Park Sands Beach Resort, prompting park management to issue a warning to stay indoors. The animal later left and has not returned.

The Claybanks RV Park in the City of Merritt opens on April 1, 2026, and remains operational until October 31. Reservations for the summer 2026 season opened on January 21, 2026, at 2:00 pm.

Class B campers show one of the highest growth rates in the camping industry over the past five years, despite their high cost. The base price for a ready-made camper starts at $150,000, while models based on the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter with a full set of equipment can reach $300,000. As a more affordable alternative, removable kits for converting minivans are offered starting at $5,300.