Trending Now - Canadian Made RVs Part 2

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Canadian-Made RVs Part II
The last few years have been a boon for RV travel. According to a 2021 survey by Rvezy, more than 72 percent of Canadians surveyed opted for RV travel rather than fly. Its popularity has also been great for the Canadian RV manufacturing industry. This is part two in our series featuring the makes and models that Canadian manufacturers can not build fast enough.
Todays show was written by Jan Lee
A prolonged microchip shortage and other supply chain issues related to COVID-19 shutdowns made it difficult for many manufacturers, distributors and dealers to meet demand last year. However, improved microchip supply and growing interest in RVing is now helping to turn that around.
Fibreglass continues to be a favourite medium in Canadian RV production. Highly weather-resistant to Canada’s colder climates, it’s the go-to choice among some manufacturers since it conforms to a variety of models and layouts - from truck campers and class A motorhomes to travel trailers and fifth wheels. As we reported in a recent podcast, Canadian Made RVs Part I, fibreglass can be a light-weight seamless construction, translating into potentially lower costs at the fuel pump and higher re-sale values down the road.
We continue to look at Canadian-made RVs that have a dedicated following in Canada and the US with models that deliver the utmost in convenience, with all the comforts and ambiance of home.
Roadtrek
Roadtrek’s most popular Class Bs are built on a RAM ProMaster chassis with an array of amenities for travellers who enjoy having everything close at hand in a well-designed unit. The Zion Slumber is Roadtrek’s most popular model, which features an extended roof to offer an additional sleeping area for two and a king-size bed (or two single-size beds) that converts to a lounge. The Slumber also includes a marine toilet and shower. It can also be outfitted with solar panels.
Also built within Ontario’s borders, based in Hensal, ON, General Coach opened in the 1950s with a single travel trailer. For 2022, it rolled out the Citation Reward trailer, which is available in three floor plans that include 25 ft, 28 ft and 31 ft models.
The Reward is designed with a unique V-shaped roof for efficient aerodynamics with two doors at the front and rear. It has interior and exterior storage and a variety of optional features including solar panels and a backup camera. The company also manufacturers specialized trailers for theatre, office and event use.
www.generalcoachtrailers.com
Pleasure-Way
Moving west we find Pleasure-Way, located in Saskatoon, SK., which opened in 1986 when Merv Rumpel rolled out its first Class B motorhome. Today, the company is run by Rumpel’s sons and offers RVers six models, which are all built on either a Mercedes Benz Sprinter diesel or Ford Transit gas chassis. The Rekon 4x4 four-season class B is one of Pleasure-way’s most popular models.
“It’s a unique build for Pleasure-Way and represents our first offering into the very popular and growing adventure or overlanding van segment,” says Pleasure-Way representative, Grant Walters. “Our build-out and design focused entirely on the unique demands of the adventure traveller (with amenities that support off-grid camping).”
No discussion of 4x4 RV’s is complete without talking about Northern Lite’s truck campers, which are a common sight in Western Canada. The Kelowna-based company manufactures campers for both long- and short-bed trucks with many amenities.
Northern Lite campers are designed for Canadian winters and built with a two-piece fibreglass construction. The company appears to have worked hard to address many of the issues that are sometimes attached to truck campers.
Watch the video on the Northern Lite Limited Editions on KZbin at Snowbirds & RV Travelers magazine.
Built on the westcoast, Escape Trailer's models have been on the market for approximately 20 years. The company is relatively new compared to many of its competitors. What makes Escape endearing to its consumer base is the company's customer service, which includes one-on-one interaction between the manufacturer and RVer.
Escape trailers are a one-piece fibreglass design. No seams, no drafts, no dust. Even the wheel wells are part of the fibreglass mold limiting access to those little critters that want to move in with you. Have a look at escapetrailer.com to see the models, options, and to learn more about fibreglass construction in RV’s. Or if you would rather watch a video search for Escape Fibreglass trailers and 5th wheel on KZbin on our channel Snowbirds & RV travelers magazine.