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Health Canada cautions campers about portable butane stoves

Received from Health Canada – September 14th,2021

Summary

  • Product: Portable butane stoves (usually used for camping).
  • Issue: There is an increased risk of explosions or flash fires, which could result in burn injuries, if directions for use are not properly followed.
  • What to do: Follow the instructions and directions closely when using these stoves.

Issue

With camping season ongoing and the increased popularity of camping over the course of the pandemic, portable butane stoves are likely being heavily used across Canada.

Health Canada is reminding Canadians to follow the instructions closely when using portable butane stoves. If the directions for assembly and use are not properly followed, there is an increased risk of explosions or flash fires, which could result in burn injuries. This can happen if the disposable butane gas canister overheats and explodes, or vents extra gas which then ignites.

The Department has received reports of incidents related to certain portable butane stoves that use a disposable butane gas canister that lies horizontally and is enclosed in the body of the stove during use. There is some variation of features for different models and brands, but the appearance is very similar with the gas canister being enclosed in the body of the stove. (see photo below as an example)

The Department has received 13 reported incidents related to explosions, uncontrolled flames or flash fires caused by this type of portable butane stove since 2013. These incidents were generally related to issues such as consumers installing the cooking grate or butane canister incorrectly or to a voluntary product recall in 2017, and some reported serious burn injuries.

What you should do

To avoid flash fires or explosions from the disposable butane gas canister overheating:

  • Always read and follow the warnings and directions for use before using any portable butane stove.
  • Always use the stove with the cooking grate the right-way up; with pot supports facing upwards.
  • Never place a stove near other sources of heat or place additional stoves side-by-side.
  • Only use pots and pans that fit the size of the cooking grate on the stove, so they do not cover the gas canister.
  • If you or someone else has an incident involving a portable butane stove:

What Health Canada is doing

Health Canada is informing Canadians of the potential risks associated with these products and providing tips on how to use the products safely.

The Department is currently communicating with certain importers of the related products to determine if compliance actions are required, and will continue to inform Canadians if new safety information is available. Under the Canada Consumer Product Safety Act (CCPSA), the Department will take compliance and enforcement action when there is reason to believe that a product poses a danger to human health or safety.

The Department is also reviewing the latest version of the Canadian Standard Association standard for portable butane stoves, CSA/ANSI Z21.72:19/CSA 11.2:19, which was published in 2019. This standard has a new test to address the issue of the gas canister overheating when used or installed incorrectly.

Health Canada is committed to helping protect Canadians from potentially dangerous consumer products. The Department regularly monitors consumer products on the Canadian market and will continue to do so to help keep consumers safe.

Link to Advisory

https://healthycanadians.gc.ca/recall-alert-rappel-avis/hc-sc/2021/76109a-eng.php

Media enquiries

Health Canada
(613) 957-2983
[email protected]

Public enquiries

(613) 957-2991
1-866 225-0709

Get out and enjoy camping in the fall- the best season in Canada!

Fall RV Camping is the Best!

Many people believe the beginning of Autumn marks the end of camping season.  Fortunately, many have the wisdom and time to take advantage of the best season to camp!  It’s one of the most beautiful times to be out in nature.  The fall leaves are changing color, the weather tends to be cooler and the air is crisp.  You have just the right weather for a campfire while still enjoying outdoor activities in and around your campground.

Here are a few tips to help you so that you will want to make Fall RV Camping an Annual Trip!

Check Foliage Maps before making Campground Reservations to glance at the Fall colours coming your way.  Some say that a lightly overcast day actually improves the colours of the leaves, making them pop against the skies but others prefer to bask in Autumn’s brilliance under blue skies and full sun!  For the best experience, not only should leaves be near their peak colours but the weather should be agreeable too.

Choose the right Campground and remember to choose a campsite in the sun!  For Fall camping it’s better to choose a site in the sun to help stay a bit warmer on cooler days.

Be sure you determine your goals for the trip and prepare for ample activities that are suitable for a change in weather.

Pack the right clothing – think layers!  Sometimes temperatures will be colder than expected and sometimes kids are having so much fun playing they inadvertently get soaked!  Choosing the right clothes will make your Fall camping trip much more enjoyable.  Bring a mixture of clothes because Fall weather can change in an instant.  Pack with all types of weather in mind!

Bring hot cocoa or apple cider to sip while you sit around the campfire with your family!

Pack comfort meals and bring along the crockpot or the Dutch oven.

Make your favorite fall recipe and enjoy a nice meal after a long day of hiking or kayaking.

Remember chili and soups cook well in crockpots while you are off enjoying the day.  You will be happy to have one less task off your plate.  Relax

Evening Campfires are much more fun when the weather is a bit chilly.  The Autumn Season is the perfect time for roasting marshmallows and staying warm around the campfire. Be sure to be safe and put out your fire afterwards!

For a list of Campgrounds across Canada visit Go RVing Canada  or CCRVC.  Happy Camping!

Keeping your dog safe while hiking the trails

Hiking with dog on Footprints in Time Trail Bonnechere, Summer 2015 Photographer: Evan Holt

Courtesy of Ontario Parks- http://www.ontarioparks.com/parksblog/dogs-invasive-species-preventions/

The beauty of a hike does not need to be enjoyed alone; your dog can be a great companion as you adventure through your favourite park.

Do it well by planning before stepping foot, or paw, on the trail.

Choose the right trail

A little preparation will go along way when it comes to your dog’s well-being. Before venturing on a trail, consider the difficulty of the hike and the ability and experience of your dog.

Female hiking with on-leash dog along Fen Lake Trail, Blue Lake, 2017 Photographer: Evan Holt

If your dog has never hiked before, prepare them with longer walks on tougher terrain. Build up stamina and toughen paws by going longer distances each time.

If your dog struggles to complete a walk or has difficulty with mobility, a hike might not suit the dog.

Look for places that are easy on the paws. This includes shady trails with soft leaf- or needle-covered terrain. Stay away from paths littered with sharp rocks, steep drops, or areas with heavy mountain bike use.

Carry the right gear

A dog can take the weight off your back, literally.

A fit dog can carry one third of its weight in gear. This is an opportunity to fill the dog’s pack with dog food, treats, water, bowls, and extra gear for you if there is room.

Woman crossing a boardwalk with a dog

Other necessities include bandages and antiseptic for wounds, a liquid bandage for split or cut paws, and tweezers for tick removal. All these items ensure a safe trip for your dog.

Saddlebags and backpacks are sold by many reputable outdoor companies, and come in several shapes and sizes to fit the needs of your dog. It is important to adjust the saddlebag, so it is snug, but not so tight that it chafes. You should be able to fit two fingers under the straps.

The best way to protect your dog from cuts and wounds is to use dog boots. With a good pair of boots on their paws, it will be much easier for dogs to adjust to the terrain, especially if they are indoors most of the week. Invest time searching for the right pair of boots and consider how often you’ll go hiking and the type of terrain you’ll be encountering.

Other items to bring include a comb, a small towel, and a brush for invasive species removal.

Be a responsible dog owner

While on the trail with your dog, be mindful of wildlife and other park-goers.

Keep your dog on a leash, unless you’re visiting an off-leash trail, beach or exercise area.

Stay on marked trails. Dogs (and humans) can disturb sensitive protected areas and species when the wander off a trail.

Dog drinking on campsite tent in background Driftwood PP, July 2015 Photographer: Evan Holt

When you encounter others on the trail, step aside and yield to ensure safety.

Abide by the mentality of “leave no trace.” Bag all waste, and dispose of it appropriately.

Don’t let your pup spread invasive species

Invasive species have many pathways of spread. For instance, invasive plant seeds move easily in soil, so muddy boots or vehicles can move invasive plant seeds.

Some seeds have special hooks to help them hitch a ride. Thus, invasive plant seeds can spread on our shoes, socks, clothing, and pets.

Learn more about invasive plants and how they spread.

Dogs are especially susceptible to contributing to the spread of invasive species. Insects or seeds of invasive plants can easily attach to your dog’s fur or paws, and ultimately spread to new areas.

Once you finish your hike, carefully inspect your dog’s paws for any dirt or seeds and use a towel to remove any debris. Use a fine comb to filter through your dog’s fur and remove any dirt, plants, seeds, or bugs. Finally, use the brush to give your dog a last final cleaning.

Check out this video for a demonstration:

Invasive species can easily travel through your gear and hiking boots as well. After your dog has been taken care of, clean dirt and debris off your gear and brush off your hiking boots.

As an added precaution, we recommend that you bring an extra pair of shoes to wear home. That way, you can wash your boots immediately upon returning.

Together, you and your pet will enjoy a hike and be an invasive species fighting team!

We’re counting on everyone to do their part to stop the spread of COVID-19 by following the advice of public health officials. 

4 tips for choosing the perfect RV

By Ontario Parks and Canadian RV Association

The ability to take your “home away from home” all over the province has never been more appealing.

The assurance that your living space is safe for your family, combined with the freedom to travel where and when you want, has proved to be an ideal way for Ontarians to enjoy the great outdoors while maintaining physical distancing.

With help from our friends at the Canadian RV Association (CRVA), we’ve created a list of hot tips to guide you through finding your perfect RV:

1. Know what you want out of your RV

Here are a few questions you might want to consider:

  • How do you plan to use your RV? Are you looking to travel full-time or occasionally?
  • Who will be travelling with you? Choosing a floor plan and size will depend on your group size and relationships
  • Are you a recent retiree with plenty of time to enjoy all the bells and whistles in an RV, or are you a busy entrepreneur looking to have a work station on the go?

Remember, this is your RV, your new vacation home, and your dream!

family in front of trailer

It is critical to spell out exactly what you want at this stage, so you won’t be disappointed later.

2. Motorized or towable? That is the question…

Towables are the most popular type of RVs. If you’re looking at one of these RVs, you must have a vehicle capable of towing it.

person sitting in front of tent trailer

The width, length, and height are important determinants when you are going to tow and park your RV. Weight-wise, your tow vehicle should absolutely never tow a camper that is too heavy!

The advantage of buying a motorized RV is that you don’t have to worry about a tow vehicle. A motorhome combines the transportation and living quarters into a convenient and comfortable road trip experience.

RV

There are three classes of motor homes: A (bus style), B (van style), and C (truck style), which offer you different lengths and size, price tags, floor plans, and other options.

Motorhomes may be best for you to consider if you do not currently have a tow vehicle or you are looking for a larger living area.

Visit CRVA for a good reference and more detailed summary of RV types.

3. Narrowing it down

Now comes the really difficult decisions!

There are so many different RV floor plans. Some may be better for your purpose based on your intended use and the number of people in your travelling party.

family on campsite with trailer

Consider the following:

  • Do you like to enjoy cooking and spending time in your kitchen at home? If so, you may look for a floor plan with a large kitchen, including an island and lots of storage
  • There are three holding tanks in most RVs: fresh water, gray water, and black water. You can stay off-grid depending on their usage and size of the tanks. Solar panels and generators are available to provide you with a power source without having to plug-in at a campsite
  • Do you want to bring some of your toys along for the ride? If you have a SUP, bicycles, or kayaks, then a toy hauler or RV with racks may be a must!

family in front of RV

As you can see, there are a vast number of options and features available.

4. Take your time

We know it’s hard to digest all the information available about RVs. Believe us, you’re not alone.

campers and staff on campsite

The information we’ve provided here is just the beginning.

Getting an RV is a big responsibility. Consult with your friends, in chat rooms or showrooms, or even chat up other RVers at a park (provided you’re social distancing) before making your decision. You can also try renting an RV (or plan a few trips) to test out different features and types.

Wishing you the joy of the journey!


Ontario Parks thanks corporate partners like the Canadian Recreational Vehicle Association for their support.

CNBC explores the reasons why RV sales are surging over the last several months.

EDITOR”S NOTE: In this video report, CNBC explores the reasons why RV sales are surging over the last several months. The video is broken into four different segments; RV History & Overview, Spectacular Growth, Downsides, and Pandemic Life & The Future, and it includes interviews with RVtravel.com Editor & Publisher Chuck Woodbury and Go RVing’s Karen Redfern in the US.

Once considered a pretty dowdy way to travel, CNBC stated, RVs have benefited from slick industry ad campaigns, low gas prices, and a renewed interest among Americans of all ages. Data indicate first-time buyers are pouring into RV dealerships and shows, looking for their own happy home on the road. But long-timers say new buyers need to do their research before buying, and understand what the RV life is really about.

Canadian Recreational Vehicle Association and The Toronto Spring Camping and RV Show provides donation to support Burlington Families during COVID-19 pandemic

Burlington, Ontario – For immediate release June 5th, 2020

Chamber of Commerce member the Toronto Spring Camping and RV Show dropped by the Burlington Food Bank on June 8th and presented a check in the amount of $2500 to Executive Director Robin Bailey to support their food drive in the community.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has adversely affected Burlington similarly to that of every other major city in Canada” said Shannon O’Callaghan, CRVA’s Toronto Spring Camping and RV Show Director. “This crisis came at us so quickly and new families are needing to rely on the Food Bank as a result.  We are very fortunate to be able to support our community and our fellow residents during this unprecedented time of need” continued Ms. O’Callaghan.

We would like to thank Robin Bailey, Bernie Parent, Scot Cameron and all of the hard-working volunteers at the Burlington Food Bank for their efforts and personal contributions to help make our neighbors and friends in our community safe and healthy.

We would also like to challenge other businesses in Burlington to provide any financial support that they can afford to the Food Bank in their communities.

About the Canadian Recreational Vehicle Association:

The Canadian Recreational Vehicle Association has been in existence for over 40 years and works continually to promote the quality and safety in the RVs that are sold in Canada

About the Toronto Spring Camping and RV Show:

The Toronto Spring Camping and RV Show is the largest RV Show in Canada and the only RV Show produced by the Canadian Recreational Vehicle Association.

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Media Contact: Shane Devenish

Contact Information: (905) 315-3156

[email protected]

THE TORONTO SPRING CAMPING & RV SHOW: 7 THINGS THAT CAUGHT OUR EYES-written by Adam Doolittle

THE TORONTO SPRING CAMPING & RV SHOW: 7 THINGS THAT CAUGHT OUR EYES

This past weekend we were delighted to be visiting Toronto to take in the largest RV show in Canada – the Toronto Spring Camping & RV Show. We’ve been to a few RV shows in the past but nothing ever quite like this one. It was hosted at the Internation Centre in Mississauga where they jammed 5 massive halls with over 500 RVs in all shapes and sizes. There truly was something for everyone at this show. There was also an 11,000 sq ft parts & accessories location where we spent plenty of time eyeing up some new gadgets and accessories for our RV.

What was really exciting for us was that we were invited by the show to come and present on the Havelock Country Jamboree Stage where we talked about the full-time RVing lifestyle. We spoke about our journey into full-time RVing and took lots of questions from future full-time RVers about everything from condensation to mail to WiFi and everything in between.The Toronto Spring Camping & RV Show Adam & Kate Full Time Canada

Something that was a lot of fun during the show was that we were interviewed by Global News’ Jennifer Valentyne to help promote both the show and the full-time RVing lifestyle. Check it out…

In between our times on stage and chatting with fellow RVers we had a chance to wander the halls checking out all the beautiful new RVs and the various products being offered by various vendors. Here are some of the things that caught our eyes over the 4 days we were at the show.

RV Easy & Outdoorsy

Buying an RV is an expensive endeavor but there’s some good news – you can actually make money from your RV with RV Easy & Outdoorsy. Both of these brands offer a peer-to-peer marketplace where you can make your RV available for rent. It’s essentially like AirBnB for your RV. Considering the fact your RV likely sits unused (unless you’re full-timers) for the majority of the year this is a great way to make some extra cash to help pay off your RV and pay for your own adventures when the time comes to hit the road.

If you don’t have an RV and are looking to rent one, the available rentals across Canada and the US are a lot more comprehensive than the traditional RV rental centres. Perhaps you’re looking for a specific type of RV for your getaway. Maybe it’s a toy hauler that you want to use to take your motorbike out to the track with or maybe you’re looking for the sleekness that an Airstream provides. Every type of make and model can be found on these peer-to-peer marketplaces.Outdoorsy

Shark WiFi

The one question we seem to always get asked about full-time RVing is about staying connected on the road. Throughout our time full-time RVing we have used and been very pleased with using WiFiRanger as a wireless signal booster. This past weekend we got an introduction to another product on the market – Shark WiFi. Tim and the guys at Shark WiFi actually set us up with WiFi throughout the weekend so that we could play our presentation on stage including a rather large video file that worked effortlessly.

Shark WiFi offers personal mobile routers along with affordable data plans that keep you connected on the road through their own private network. Their units are super powerful compared to using data on your phone which is how you end up with a stronger and faster signal with their product. One of the highlights of the product is that they claim to be able to provide a strong signal in remote areas which is obviously a bonus since that’s often where you end up when you’re RVing.

Airstream

If there’s any type of RV at an RV show that automatically pulls you towards them it has to be Airstreams. They’re just an absolute classic in the RVing world. Even people who know nothing about trailers know about Airstreams thanks to their classic look and how they seem to always pop up in movies or tv shows.

Until this weekend, neither of us had ever stepped foot in an Airstream and were really looking forward to seeing some up close for the first time. One of the dealers at the show had a handful of Airstreams on display surrounded by large crowds going in and out of them. Our first impressions upon seeing the Airstreams were that they are truly built to last which, unfortunately, you can’t say about a lot of other RVs on the market. There’s a reason why you still see Airstreams from the ’60s on the road – their construction is superior.

If we were casually RVing on the weekend there’s no doubt we’d love to have an Airstream. The quality inside and out is second to none. While we enjoyed walking through the Airstreams, we both agreed that there’s no way we could full-time RV in one. The lack of slideouts means less space and also less storage which is important to us.

Airstream Globetrotter

StepAbove

One of the things that have constantly driven us crazy since we purchased our RV four years ago is our RVs exterior steps. They are so flimsy and seem like they’re always about ready to break. We even had them replaced with a newer set which are a bit sturdier but still was not very solid. As soon as we started walking into the various trailers at the RV show this past weekend we instantly remarked how great the steps were on the units. Then we realized that a high percentage of the RVs were outfitted with StepAbove RV steps. We both instantly remarked how great and sturdy these steps were compared to all the past RV steps we’ve had with our RV.

Later we looked into the parts & accessory hall of the RV show and discovered that there were various options available from StepAbove so that pretty much every RV could be outfitted with them. If you’re tired of bouncing up and down when you’re entering and exiting your RV you should definitely check out these steps. I’m pretty sure we’re going to be getting them for our RV soon.

Wayfarer Insurance

Insurance is never a fun topic to get into but it’s one that definitely requires some deep thought. It’s also not necessarily easy to get insurance for your RV if you live in it full-time. We stopped by to have a quick chat with the Wayfarer Insurance rep about some of their offerings. Wayfarer offers coverage for full-time RVers and additional coverage for a lot of different aspects of your RV. Be sure to check out their various offerings as there very well could be something that works better for you than your current insurance provider.

Maddie & Kiki

Cooking outdoors is such a big part of the RVing lifestyle but it’s something we’ve never done much of since we started full-time RVing. During the RV show, we had the pleasure of watching the Maddie & Kiki grilling demonstration which really fired us up and got us wanting to cook more outdoors with the grill. If you fancy yourself a bit of a cook or want to get more inspired to cook around the campsite be sure to check out their recipes. We had the opportunity to taste some of their grilled dishes during their demonstration and WOW were they ever tasty!

Grand Design Solitude

Since we purchased our RV four years ago we haven’t really looked at replacing our RV. Naturally, being at an RV show for four days there was no way we weren’t going to check out some of the 2020 models to see what was new and exciting for this year’s models of RVs. With over 500 RVs onsite there was no way that we could step into each and every one of them. With this in mind, we specifically set a plan to only look at fifth wheels that weren’t too large (35+ feet) and didn’t have bunk rooms. This helped us to efficiently look around at our possible future home. In the end, we found 3 RVs that we really liked and out of them, there was one that was above and beyond – the Grand Design Solitude 310GK.

We instantly fell in love with everything about this RV. It was the perfect size with the perfect layout and tonnes of storage. It had a full-sized refrigerator and a large stove, a king-size bed and so much more. Plus, you could tell that this RV was built better than most others. We both said to each other, “this is the one.” The only difficulty – we weren’t ACTUALLY looking to buy an RV this weekend but wow, did this RV grab our serious attention. It’s an absolute beauty and one that we’ll be keeping our eye on in the future whether its a used unit in a couple of years or a newer version.

Gran Design Solitude

While we attended the RV show mainly to talk about our journey into full-time RVing, we had a tremendous weekend meeting fellow RVers and also checking out the various RVs and products on the market. The Toronto Spring Camping & RV Show is a must-attend event whether you’re looking for a new RV or just want to get inspired for the camping season ahead.

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How to get the most of attending an RV Show

Guest Article by Full Time Canada

While we may be in the dead of winter, you may already be dreaming of warm summer nights by the lake or tucked peacefully into the forest with your RV. Starting around this time of year, RV shows are popping up all over the country in anticipation of the camping season ahead. On display are all of the new and fancy models, flashy new camping gear and a lot more.

 

Kate and I are very excited to be attending Canada’s largest RV Show – the Toronto Spring Camping & RV Show from February 27 – March 1. Not only are we excited to get to check out all of the new models of RVs on display, but we’re also excited to announce that we’ll be presenting on the Havelock Country Jamboree Stage multiple times over the course of the RV show talking about our full-time RV lifestyle. We’ll be talking about our journey into the full-time RV lifestyle in hopes of inspiring others to consider this alternative lifestyle. We hope you can join us at the show.

Since we’re attending Toronto Spring Camping & RV Show, it had us thinking about how you can get the most out of attending an RV show whether it’s this RV show or one in your hometown. Since we’ve been to a few RV shows in the past we’d like to pass along some tips that can help you navigate and better experience an RV show.

When To Go To The RV Show

More often than not, RV shows take place over 3-4 days during a week. Usually, they run from Thursday or Friday through Sunday. So when should you attend? Does it really matter? In the past, we’ve found that the busiest times at RV shows tend to be Friday night and throughout the day on Saturday. With that in mind, we’d recommend visiting on Thursday (if it’s an option) or on Sundays as both days tend to be a bit quieter. Why does this matter? We found that the busier an RV show is when you visit the less likely you’re going to get the most out of the show. For instance, say there are a couple of models of RVs that you particularly want to check out but once you get to the show you quickly discover every model seems to have endless amounts of people coming in and out of the RVs. This can make it difficult to fully check out the RVs and make it difficult to find a representative to talk to if you wanted to. The same goes for the booths with all the cool new camping gear. Usually, there are large groups of people surrounding the booths making it more difficult to check out everything. Sure, a little patience can go a long way but why worry about testing your patience when you can simply go when there are fewer people there.

Attend With A Plan

Before attending an RV show, have a clear idea in mind as to why you’re attending the show. Are you just there to pass the time and look around? Are you there 100% to purchase an RV? Do you just want to see the new gadgets and toys? Whatever reason you’re attending an RV show it’s good to go in with a plan so that you know exactly what you want to learn and look at and where to find it. The best thing you can do prior to attending an RV show is to check out the RV show website and take a look at the floorplan. From that floorplan, make a detailed plan of attack of how you will navigate through the show to see exactly what you want to see. Be sure to check out the schedule for seminars and other events happening at the RV show so that you can make sure to fit them into your schedule.

Check Out The Seminars

Whether you’re just getting into RVing and camping or you’re a seasoned veteran, you should make sure to check out the various seminars at RV shows. There’s a lot of valuable information to be discovered at these seminars that you might not easily get otherwise. Usually, each RV show will have a set of expert presenters who will talk about various topics pertaining to RVing. You’ll likely learn about RV maintenance tips, how-tos and a lot more from these seminars. Check the full schedule of seminars before attending the show so you make sure you get to see the ones that are most valuable to you.

Look At The New Products, Toys and Gadgets

If you already have an RV, one of the highlights of attending an RV show can be checking out the new RV products, gadgets and toys. There are a lot of great new products being released each and every year that can make the RV lifestyle easier and more enjoyable so it’s worth checking out the vendors at the RV show to see what’s new. If you’re looking to update your current RV, you can also find a lot of interesting new gadgets that can be helpful. It’s amazing how many different RV products can be found that use Bluetooth technology these days.

Preparing To Shop For An RV

While a lot of people are simply at an RV show to simply just look at the RVs, there are a lot of people there who are seriously considering purchasing an RV. If you’re one of those people that are there with the goal in mind of buying a new RV there are a few things to consider. First, it’s best to know exactly what type of RVs and makes/models you’re interested in before attending the show. You can do some pre-show research online that will help you spend your time more efficiently once you arrive at the show. This will give you lots more time to fully inspect the details of the models you really want to check out and also more time to talk to the representatives onsite.

It’s also good to look around online at the prices of the models you’re interested in. Often, you’ll hear that RV shows have the best prices of the year. Yes, that can be true but it can also simply be a ploy to get you to attend the show. If you already know the rough price range a certain model is selling at in other locations, you’ll be able to enter negotiations a lot easier and be more likely to end up with the deal you were looking for.

One thing to keep in mind if you’re purchasing an RV at an RV show is don’t feel pressured to buy. RV salesmen have a job and sometimes they can be a bit pushy in their sales tactics. You’ll likely run into every type of salesperson at an RV show. If you don’t feel comfortable with a certain salesman, don’t hesitate to walk away. At an RV show, a salesman might use the tactic that, “you won’t get a better price than now.” That could possibly be true but if you needed a little extra time to make a decision you could likely get the same deal a week or two later by visiting the dealership directly.

Make sure if you’re buying an RV to always negotiate. Never simply purchase an RV at the listed price. There’s almost always some wiggle room. If there’s not much wiggle room in the price, you can also ask that the dealer throw in some additional products that you would likely have to buy when setting up your RV. We did this when purchasing our RV and it helped us save a few hundred bucks in products.

Here’s a full list of RV shows happening in Canada via GoRVing

What tips do you have for attending an RV show?