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S01 E18 - Trending Now - Canadian Made RVs!
Words by Jan Lee
Canada is well-known for its beautiful scenery, numerous provincial and national parklands, enticing beaches and abundant camping opportunities, which rank it as one of the most popular RV destinations all year. What many don’t know, surprisingly, is that Canada has a strong hub of RV manufacturers. An increasing number of trailers and motorhomes that you see on the roadways are manufactured by Canadian-born companies.
Canada’s RV industry is relatively small compared to the U.S. market as approximately 90 percent of the models purchased by dealers are imported from south of the border and abroad. Companies like Winnebago, Airstream and Coachman are household names and have set standards for what is referred to as the go-anywhere, anytime recreational vehicle.
However, Canadian manufacturers have created their own benchmark for success with the ability to find that sweet spot between ample amenities and fuel efficiency at the gas pump. Eco-conscious materials, aerodynamic designs, and a number of unique amenities have become an even greater incentive among consumers for supporting Canadian RV manufacturers.
There are approximately more than a dozen home-grown RV manufacturers in Canada that build a variety of models, ranging from compact teardrop trailers to motorhomes of all classes. One manufacturer has even gained notoriety for its ultra-insulated truck campers, providing yet another way for dedicated RVers to hit the road any time of the year.
Listed and described below are five of some of the most popular Canadian RV manufacturers with the details that set their brands apart and why their models are becoming more popular across the country and abroad.
Triple E Recreational Vehicles - LTV
The 8 m (24.9 ft) Wonder from Leisure Travel Vans allows easy parking and backing up from your favourite campsite.
Leisure Travel Vans and Triple E RV
Triple E RV is one of Canada's oldest RV manufacturers. Launched in 1965 by PW Enns and his family, Triple E became popular for its wide range of towables and motorhomes and has been capturing the attention of consumers ever since. Following the purchase of Leisure Travel Vans in 2008, the company expanded into the class B+ market and began offering RVers more streamlined preferences. The line currently has two models, the Unity and Wonder manufactured at its facility in Winkler, MB.
"Right now, one of our most popular models is our Unity Rear Lounge (RL)," said Stephen Gray, Leisure Travel Vans marketing representative. The 8 m (25 ft) dual-zone floor plan is reminiscent of layouts in Class A motorhomes, but with an even greater eye toward economizing space. Both models come with a variety of creative floor plans and are sold through Canadian and U.S. dealerships.
Outback Trailers
The Outback with its lightweight fibreglass construction.
Outback Trailers (Trillium)
For many of its customers, the Outback is true Canadiana. The Trillium trailer - named after Ontario’s official flower - dates back to the early 1970s. In 1999, The Thoen family purchased Trillium’s base moulds and resurrected the popular model as their new, refurbished line called the Outback. According to the company, the redesign included a larger kitchen and updated appliances. The new Trillium was a hit and currently continues to expand.
The Outback’s moulded fibreglass and aluminum construction are uniquely suited for ultra-light towing and durability. The 4 m (14.3 ft) trailer comes with 200-watt lithium batteries for better off-grid camping experiences and is offered in four floorplans including a base model and designs with a mini-couch and extended counter galley, plus a bathroom and front dinette models. Expect to see the 2022 Outback with solar panels and other practical additions. The company is also about to embark on a 5 m (16 ft) trailer after listening to customer feedback.
The Outback models can be ordered online from its manufacturing facility in Calgary, AB. www.trilliumtrailers.com
Sun Fun Campers
The Sun-Fun Teardrop Camper is compact and versatile.
Sun-Fun Teardrop Trailers
Sun-Fun Teardrop Trailers is another example of Canadian innovation built on a single, adaptable model. Teardrop trailers first came into popularity during the 1930s in the U.S. and continue to have a strong following, particularly among campers who like keeping travel simple and light.
“The most popular aspect of a Sun-Fun Camper is the 100 percent aluminum frame and structure making it the lightest 2 x 2.4 m (5 x 8 ft) platform in Canada,” said Craig Elliott, who launched the Warman, SK, business in 2015 when the teardrop trailer industry was still relatively new to Western Canada.
The light structure also makes it environmentally friendly. According to Elliot, 98 percent of the materials incorporated into the insulated trailer are recyclable. The trailer comes with a pre-wired solar panel connect, rear galley, built-in queen-size bed, cabinets, a roof rack that can be modified to accommodate a tent and more. The Sun-Fun is available by factory order.
Armadillo Trailers
The Backpack from Armadillo Trailers comes with a variety of options, including an under-carriage storage drawer for those extra supplies or tools.
Armadillo Trailers
Armadillo Trailers has been in business for approximately 10 years and also owes part of its success to history. The Armadillo, which is owned by brothers Jason and Mike Jong, is available in two models including the 4 m (13.4 ft) Armadillo and the 4.3 m (14 ft) Backpack. The extra 15 cm (6 in ) of the latter model allows for roomier living and a king-size bed. But it also allows for increased choices and personalization. According to Carson Armitage, who manages the company’s marketing, the Backpack ‘table for two’ model is their most popular.
Nonetheless, both come with a wide variety of amenities including a kitchen with a fridge/freezer, glass-top stove and 12V deep cell battery and converter. Customers can also choose a rooftop solar power system and other options. The Armadillo and Backpack can be ordered online from the company’s headquarters in Armstrong, BC.
Roulottes ProLite
Many of ProLite’s trailers can be towed with a compact or an SUV.
ProLite
Based in Saint-Jerome, QC, ProLite opened its doors in 2000 offering lightweight fibreglass trailers that are designed for Canada’s seasonal travel demands. Its models range from the 4 m (12.2 ft) two-person Suite (that can be towed with a compact) to the 7 m (24.3 ft), six-person Xtreme, which features all the standard amenities of a full-service RV.
New for 2022 is the 5 m (17.6 ft) Evasion, which sleeps five. For those who prefer a lighter, more compact unit with the independence found in larger models, the 4.1 m (13.6 ft) 12 V and 3.6 m (12.10 ft) Eco models come with a kitchenette and solar power. The popular 5 m (16.9 ft) E-Volt on the other hand is electric and relies on renewable energy. ProLite trailers can be ordered through its dealer base throughout Canada and in select locations across the eastern U.S.
Consumers from the U.S. who want to order an RV from these Canadian manufacturers should confirm the delivery schedule, particularly if U.S./Canada COVID-19 travel restrictions are still in place. But Canada’s RV manufacturers are back online and seem ready to meet the demands of the coming summer season. Be sure to keep an eye out for the second instalment of this article in our June/July issue, which highlights even more choices of Canadian-made trailers and motorhomes.