Canadian RV industry outlines policy priorities and launches marketing program

A 2015 Winnebago Navion 24G Class C motorhome is listed for sale by a private seller on AutoTrader.ca in Penticton, British Columbia. The price is $114,500 with 79,900 km on the odometer. It features a Mercedes V6 diesel chassis, dual slides, a queen bed, reclining seats, a 3600W generator, an 1800W inverter, and a 160W solar panel with 6V deep-cycle batteries. The seller notes new tires and a single-owner history.

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.

A proposed 127-site RV park near Mabel Lake sparked heated public hearings over fire and flood risks. Meanwhile, an Okanagan Falls couple challenges the classification of their tiny home as an RV, which bans year-round living.

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.