Trip Resources

Most RVs are taller than passenger vehicles so you will need to learn quickly about road clearances, service station canopies, bridge heights, and to watch for low hanging obstacles such as tree branches. The vehicles owner’s manual, and our staff are the best sources for helping you determine the maximum road height for your RV.

Some highways either restrict or recommend non-use for vehicles over a certain length. All major routes in the immediate area will easily accommodate all RV sizes. For remote destination and less developed areas proper judgement is required as not all roads would be considered RV friendly.

The additional weight and size (length) of an RV makes it less manoeuvrable than a passenger vehicle. A safe manoeuvre in your family car may be dangerous in the RV. Since it is heavier, the RV may not stop as quickly and you will need more following distance. Defensive driving in an RV requires making changes slowly, braking gradually, and being familiar with its handling characteristics. We strongly advise all renters to begin very slowly and ensure they know the vehicle and how it behaves before going on any major routes and roadways.

Always wear your safety belt when driving. Even though many motor homes accommodate passengers in places where safety belts are not required by federal law (i.e., dining table), if the area has a safety belt, wear it. Riding in a place which is not equipped with a safety belt increases the danger of injury in case of an accident.

RVs are naturally slower than passenger vehicles. It takes longer to climb a hill in an RV because it’s heavier than a passenger vehicle. Keep this in mind, practice good manners, and observe the law by using turnouts when there are five or more vehicles behind you that wish to pass. The drivers behind you will be able to see ahead more easily if you try not to drive next to the center of the lane. If you are on a major route or somewhere where passing occurs frequently you should leave enough  room for a vehicle to easily merge in front of you.

Reversing and backing up are very similar and can be done easily and complication free by using your mirrors and good judgement.

When backing up, ensure that you have your hands securely placed on the bottom of the wheel with one hand on contact at all times. Ensure that no sharp movements are made while backing up and that you maintain sufficient space between the vehicle and any obstacles in place, for easier placement do not hit the gas pedal hard, rather allow the vehicle to naturally move backwards for as long as possible.

When reversing it is best practise to ask someone to stand outside the vehicle to make sure the driver avoids and obstacles not seen in the mirrors. If another person is not available the driver should get out and do a 360 walk of the vehicle to make sure there are no obstacles in the way.

Bad weather conditions such as winds, fog, snow, and ice, are hazards to all drivers. A motor home driver has an advantage over other passenger vehicles because of the added weight over the drive wheels. This gives the vehicle better traction in bad weather. However, its added weight can also make it more difficult to move if it gets stuck. Plan your trips to avoid bad weather conditions as much as possible. Remember, if hazardous weather conditions require the use of windshield wipers you must also turn on your headlights.

Provincial regulations vary from province to province and sometimes region to region. If you are planning to travel over an extended time to a variety of areas you should be familiar with the local rules and regulations. Below is link to a summary of regulations prepared by the Recreational Vehicle Dealers Association of Canada. The list covers important restrictions, safety laws, vehicle requirements and more.

www.rvda.ca/default.asp?action=RVDA_regulations