Canadian-Made RVs Part II

New features and contemporary designs are just a few of the highlights of these models that are manufactured north of the border.

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Words by Jan Lee

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 and stay in rented accommodations. Its popularity has also been great for the Canadian RV manufacturing industry.

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. A number of Canadian manufacturers we reached out to recently reported that they will have 2022 models available this summer.

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 feature, Canadian Made RVs Part I (Snowbirds and RV Travelers Volume, 19 number 2), fibreglass can be attributed to lighter construction, translating potentially to lower costs at the fuel pump.

Class Bs are also known for their lighter, eco-friendly benefits. One of their greatest selling features is the compact, go-anywhere concept with quality construction, which is mounted on top of a van chassis and commonly outfitted with a raised roof.

We continue to look at Canadian-made RVs that have a dedicated following in Canada and the US as all of the models provide optimal convenience and function.

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 even be outfitted with solar panels.

“The under-hood generator utilizes the vehicle’s environmentally fuel-efficient, whisper-quiet engine rather than a traditional noisy, smelly, underslung generator that typically doesn’t focus on environmental considerations,” said Jacob MacLeod, marketing coordinator for Roadtrek.

“All Roadtrek models have a factory two-year warranty and complimentary roadside service assistance.”

The company, which was launched in 1974, is based in Cambridge, ON., and its eight models are sold through its dealer base, which can be found on its website at www.roadtrek.com.

General Coach

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 8 m (25 ft), 8.5 m (28 ft) and 9.4 m (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 manufactures theatre and office trailers.

The Citation Reward can be ordered through Can-Am RV Centre in London, ON. According to General Coach’s CEO, Roger Faulkner, more distributors are on tap. “We are in the midst of setting up a dealer body across Canada.”

www. generalcoach.com

Pleasure-Way

Pleasure-Way, located in Saskatoon, SK., 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 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).”

The company’s real-time video platform - Go-Live - allows customers to speak directly with factory representatives virtually from their homes. Customers can also access manuals and other information online. Pleasure-Way’s motorhomes are available in dealerships throughout the country and can be reached at www.pleasureway.com

Northern Lite

Northern Lite’s truck campers are a common sight in Western Canada. The Kelowna-based company manufactures campers for both long- and short-bed trucks with many amenities.

“Our most popular unit is the 2022 10-2 Limited Edition with a Dry Bath,” says Northern Lite’s marketing manager, Brad Trites. Dry-bath units have a separate, roomier shower section compared to wet-bath models. “The 10-2 is our largest true four-season camper with 2 m (6.8 ft) of headroom” (a comfy addition that many older truck campers don’t carry).

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.

According to its website, Northern Lite’s truck campers are wider, thus negating the need for slide-outs and the models have a moulded design to increase aerodynamic flow. The plush interior includes hardwood cabinetry and solar panels to ensure comfortable times off the grid.

Northern Lite products are sold through dealerships. There are more than 40 spread across Canada and the US, including six in BC.

www.northern-lite.com

Escape Trailer

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.

Rather than purchase a model through a dealer, buyers can personalize a trailer to include the colour of the countertops, type of flooring, and colour decor. Canadian customers can also pick their RV up at the manufacturing facility while models for customers south of the border go to designated a hub in the US.

According to Daryl Rose, marketing manager for Escape Trailer, the newest edition to the Escape series for 2022 is the Escape 23, which includes two floorplans, the E23C and the E23T. While both feature a dry bath and large dinette in the rear, the E23C has a walk-around two-person bed and the E23T features twin beds. Both sleeping arrangements are located in the front. The E23 is also the company's first model with an entry door towards the rear of the trailer and that is built on an all-aluminum chassis.

www.escapetrailer.com