Inside the Industry

From dealerships and RV resorts to the industry's leading manufacturers, RVwest goes behind-the-scenes of these companies to see how RVs are made; get the inside scoop on the latest technology and profile people who are involved in the business. Here are the most recent inside the industry stories:

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  RVing leaves a smaller carbon footprint

  A family of four taking an RV vacation generates less C02 emissions than the same family travelling by plane, renting a car and staying in a hotel. Find out more about how to take an eco-friendly vacation.

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  Powered by water

  With rising fuel costs threatening the lifestyle of thousands of RV owners, the team at Pure One Environmental Inc., based in Santa Ana, California, have installed a six pack of water-converting hydrogen fuel cells under the hood of a local resident’s motorcoach.

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  Bring your own balcony

  RV owners who believe their rig has it all will think twice when they see the newest innovation from Country Coach: the Veranda.

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  From humble beginnings

  It may be surprising to some, but one of Western Canada’s biggest and busiest RV dealerships is located just 20 minutes south of Calgary in High River, Alberta. High River Autoplex & RV, which is right beside busy Highway 2, is owned and operated by Doug McLaughlin.

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  RVers motor on

  High fuel costs have definitely affected the RV industry, but according to a press release dated July 23, 2008, by the Recreational Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA), RV vacations are still the least expensive.

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  Recognizing green efforts

  Livin’ Lite Recreational Vehicles, manufacturer of the QUICKSILVER line of ultra lightweight Automotive Campers, has been named Roaming Times’ “GREEN RV of the YEAR”.

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  A new kind of camping

  Campgrounds and RV resorts across the country are increasingly marketing the 400-square foot cottage-like units to accommodate people who don’t have an RV or travellers who need more space for visiting family and friends.

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  Voyager RV honoured

  Winnebago Industries, Inc., manufacturer of Winnebago®, Itasca®, and ERA™ brand motor homes, is pleased to recognize Voyager RV Centre in Winfield, B.C., as its top Itasca brand dealer in Canada for 2007/2008.

• A perfect union

  Winkler-based Triple E Recreational Vehicles has acquired Morden-based Leisure Travel Vans (1999) Ltd., effective March 31, 2008.

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  Move over, men

  Women RV technicians are finding satisfaction and respect in the industry.

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  New digs for Runners RV

  One of the Kootenays’ largest RV dealerships has settled into a new shop.

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  Built on trust

  It’s hard to imagine that this business began in a mobile trailer parked along South Fraser Way in nearby Chilliwack.

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  On the leading edge

  Bates International is recognized for its success as an RV rental franchise.

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  Restoring the past

  Joe Thoen enjoys bringing fibreglass trailers back to their former glory.

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  Right time, Right place

  Coming up to its 30th anniversary, Leisure Travel Vans Ltd. is in the midst of a huge expansion of its line of Class B RVs from one to four models.

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  Wanted: RV techs

  SAIT RV tech program expands to meet needs of booming Alberta.

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  Building their own future

  Ingenuity and a sense of community have kept this family-owned company going for three generations.

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  The creation of an RV

  General Coach invites visitors into the factory to watch RVs being made.

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  On the road to Eldorado

  Ron Hall uses his passion for and experience with the RV lifestyle to run Eldorado RV.