We’re so lucky to be given a chance this summer to explore our own backyard with its abundance of natural sights to see and outdoor adventures to discover. As we look ahead to local travel in beautiful B.C, camping trips will be the way to do it.
Instead of defaulting to the typical tent-style camping, why not try elevating your average camp experience into something new and exciting? When planning your summer getaway with your fellow campers, consider taking out an RV instead!
RV travel offers road trip flexibility and a reliable, safe, and mobile home on wheels. By combining your transportation AND living quarters together, a recreational vehicle will allow everyone on the trip to enjoy their vacation time a whole lot more. Even better, there are dealerships like Fraserway RV that enable travellers to rent an RV with ease.
If this is your first time considering RV travel, preparation beforehand is key. Here’s a guide to what you need to know and take care of before getting out on the open road this summer...
YOUR LICENSE
Each province has their own determination of which classes of driver’s licenses are required to operate an RV. In B.C., the province’s standard Class 5 license allows the driver to drive a motorhome.
YOUR CREW
RV camping is the perfect opportunity to strengthen your bonds with your family members or close-knit quarantine crew. You’ll get to know and utilize everyone’s unique set of skills and resources as you support each other during your experience. Your group can designate people in unofficial roles of RV driver, navigator, itinerary master, or master chef.
For those responsible for driving during your trip, it’s important to note that all drivers must be present to sign the rental agreement during the time of the RV pickup.
RV at campsite. Photo: Fraserway RV
YOUR CHOICE OF RV
To determine which RV is best to take, you need to keep in mind how long you’ll be traveling for, what you’ll be doing on your trip, and the number of people coming. This will inform your ideal RV size dimensions as well as the required sleeping capacity you’ll need to have for optimal comfort for all on board.
For longer trips, you may wish to opt for more spacious and multipurpose RV models, such as the Class A motorhome. For groups, medium to the large motorhomes are built for 5-6 people. For couples and small families, a truck camper or a small motorhome will do.
YOUR CAMPSITES
With an RV, you have free reign to go pretty much anywhere you want, from the woods to the beach and everywhere in-between. Due to the special circumstances this summer, it is highly encouraged to make reservations in advance for overnight stays at camping spaces.
B.C. is home to several privately-run campgrounds and RV parks. For a comprehensive list, visit the Camping & RV in BC website, and contact each campsite and park to confirm if and when they’re accepting bookings.
YOUR BUDGET
As you research all of the options for renting your vehicle, insurance, campgrounds, gas, amenities and activities, meals, equipment, and other necessities for your RV excursion, you’ll need to keep track of all of the involved costs and fees by maintaining a trip budget.
If splitting the trip costs with friends, starting the budgeting process from the onset will make things smoother in the long run.
RV on the road. Photo: Fraserway RV
THE ESSENTIALS
When creating your trip to-do list, ensure you have the stuff you need to live in your home on wheels, from camping-appropriate clothes to outdoor grilling and cooking gear. In addition to consulting with the many RV checklists you’ll find online, certain RV rental companies may also offer convenience kits with your rental, which includes all of the essential items for a fully-stocked RV.
Also worth investing in are Wi-Fi routers and GPS devices, which will prove to be lifesavers when navigating the open roads, as well as portable solar panel to deliver sun-powered energy to batteries of all types, ensuring you won't be left stranded.
YOUR ROUTE
Before heading out on your journey, map out your route beforehand so you can plan ahead for necessity stops at gas stations and pinpoint any must-see detours along the way.
For instance, when taking your RV to and from the mainland and the islands by ferry, there are a few things to keep in mind. B.C. Ferries accommodates RV vehicles of 20 feet in length at their standard rates, adding extra charges for each additional foot.
In addition, make sure that you visit a dump station before boarding a ferry and shut off your propane tanks. Due to maritime law restrictions, RVs cannot be accessed during travel, so do ensure that you have everything you need before exiting your vehicle.
ASK MANY QUESTIONS
Ask your rental company all of your burning questions before driving off in your RV. For instance, ask the dealership to explain RV hookups so you know how to hook up to water, electric, and sewer easily. Take note of their toll free customer support number, which is provided for on the road assistance, if complications arise when you’re on route.
Now knowing all that you need to know beforehand, you should be ready to rev up the RV and hit the highway for an unforgettable summertime adventure!
As Canada’s only national full-service RV dealership, Fraserway RV is the vehicle to RV adventure. For more info and rentals, visit fraserway.com.
