Elderly couple dies in RV fire in British Columbia

The RVDA of Canada and CCRVA are urging the federal government to protect RV trade under CUSMA renegotiations, invest in campground infrastructure, and expand technician training. Approximately 95% of RVs sold in Canada are made in the US, making open trade essential for affordability and small businesses. The associations also call for reclassifying private campgrounds under tax law to lower rates from 50% to 15%, and for funding to upgrade electrical grids for EV charging. The industry supports 141,000 jobs and generates $16.2 billion in economic value annually.

Almería is putting up physical barriers to keep motorhomers off its former fairground — while Turkey simply evicts them from the beach. Lightship is quadrupling its electric-caravan factory in Colorado, even as 50% of Italian motorhome renters turn out to be under 35. Plus 800 kg of hashish in a motorhome at the Spanish border, Anker's 800 W charger running off the alternator, and Carstay as the mobile HQ of a Tokyo festival — all in this issue.

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.

Manufacturers have unveiled four diverse camper models: the compact Roam Rider SL for short-bed pickups, the off-road Tactical Overland Skookum trailer, the Thule Widesky rooftop tent, and the budget Freedom Camper XL pod from Redneck Blinds.

The RVDA Convention/Expo 2026 call for proposals closes May 8; Curt Steinhorst will keynote. FRVTA Executive Director Dave Kelly retires after 38 years. RVIA subcommittees met on standards, and CRVA will hold its annual meeting on May 20.

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.