Celebrating 50 years of the Canadian Recreational Vehicle Association

How a split from the mobile home sector in 1975 gave RVs their own national voice

When the Canadian RV Association (CRVA) was founded in 1975, it marked the start of a new era for the industry. Until then, Canadian RV manufacturers had been grouped together with the mobile home sector under the Canadian Mobile Home and Travel Trailer Association. But as the RV lifestyle gained momentum, it became clear that recreational vehicles and mobile homes had very different priorities, challenges, and regulatory needs. Out of that realization, the CRVA was born.

Fifty years later, the association has grown from a grassroots effort into a national voice for Canada’s RV industry. To mark this milestone, we sat down with CRVA President Shane Devenish to talk about the association’s origins, its impact over the past five decades, and the road ahead for RVing in Canada.

What was the RV industry like in Canada when the CRVA first began?

When the CRVA was founded, the industry was just starting to take shape. One of the largest threats at the time was that provinces were beginning to draft their own RV regulations, which would have created a patchwork of inconsistent rules across the country making it hard for a Manufacturer in Alberta to sell to Ontario if the building standards were different between provinces for example.

To address this, CRVA partnered with CSA to develop the CSA Z240 RV Series—a single, national RV building standard. That move was a literally a game-changer for the Canadian RV industry. It created consistency and safety across the board and set the stage for our industry’s future growth.

In 1978, we had 67 RV manufacturers building to that CSA standard, that included:

• 32 Travel trailer manufacturers
• 30 Truck camper manufacturers
• 37 Motorhome builders
• 4 Folding trailer companies

Unfortunately, the Canadian manufacturing landscape today looks much different than it did back then. With the implementation of free trade in 1989, the effects of a par dollar and finally the Great Recession, we have lost most of our manufacturing base since that time.

How would you describe the current state of the RV industry in Canada?

As we all know, the RV industry saw a massive boom during the pandemic. With other forms of travel off the table, we saw a lot of Canadians turned to RVing as the only way to get out, explore and get outdoors for their mental health. 

That brought a wave of new buyers into the lifestyle. Yes, some of them sold their RVs since, but we’ve been really pleased by how many stuck around. It has really shown everyone that RVing isn’t just a trend, we had something people could truly connect with.

During the 1st quarter of this year, we saw a spike in wholesale shipments as dealers rushed to bring in inventory ahead of a potential counter-tariff deadline that the Canadian government had threatened in response to the implementation of unfair U.S. tariffs, in February.

These U.S. tariffs have created serious uncertainty for dealers, manufacturers and our Canadian consumers. And while the counter-tariffs on the towable market didn’t end up taking effect, and tariffs on motorhomes into Canada eliminated as of June 26th, the threat of them distorted the market and caused a lot of stress throughout the supply chain.

What trends are you seeing in how Canadians are using and purchasing RVs today?

One of the biggest shifts we’re seeing is how prepared consumers are today before they are ready to make a purchase. People are doing way more online research before they ever step into a dealership. By the time they arrive, they’ve often already decided on the make, model, and floorplan they want. That’s changed the dynamic for dealers in a big way.

We’re also seeing stronger interest in smaller, lighter, and more fuel-efficient units, things that are easier to tow and park. It’s appealing to younger buyers, downsizing boomers, and even new Canadians who want a more accessible entry point into RVing.

And the way people are camping is evolving too. There’s a growing appetite for non-traditional stays—farm visits, wineries, and off-grid options through platforms like Terego and Harvest Hosts. 

People want memorable experiences, not just a parking spot but our Campgrounds will always be a priority because of their amenities and services that they provide. 

What challenges does the RV industry currently face in Canada?

Good question. There are a few big challenges for us in 2025, but most revolve around the current economic uncertainty and trade relations with the United States. The 25% tariff on Canadian-built motorhomes—introduced under the Trump administration—has made it much harder for Canadian manufacturers to compete in the U.S. market and we are actively advocating with both U.S. and Canada Trade representatives to exhibit fairness and free trade to get them removed.

But interestingly, the disingenuous statements made by the U.S. President towards our country since the election has had an incredible effect on Canadian patriotism and we are seeing more Canadians than ever looking to buy Canadian-made goods while choosing to travel domestically this year, with many opting for cross-country RV adventures. 

According to Go RVing Canada’s “Great Canadian Getaway Gap” report, “the desire to explore Canada is stronger than ever—and that’s driving growth in our campground sector.”

Other challenges we have as an industry include labour shortages, especially for RV technicians to work in our dealerships, and high interest rates, which make it harder for first-time buyers to finance their RV purchase.

And I would be remiss not to mention a need to expand and modernize our campgrounds and of course the ongoing CRA small business tax deduction issue for small family operated campgrounds. 

But the reality is, the RV industry has always weathered tough times, and it has become better every time. The industry is strong and resilient, and we will get past this uncertainty to continue on with a very bright future ahead.

What are some of the most significant contributions the CRVA has made to the RV sector?

One of the most important things we’ve ever done as I mentioned previously is establishing the CSA Z240 RV Series building code, which brought national standards and consistency to RV manufacturing in Canada. That was a huge step forward to demonstrate safety and gain consumer trust.

Beyond that, CRVA and RVDA of Canada came together to strategically form Go RVing Canada in 1997, which does a fantastic job of promoting the RV lifestyle, reaching new audiences, and showing Canadians what RVing is all about. Their campaigns and research have helped drive real growth in this sector and they do a great job.

Additionally in 2013, CRVA and RVDA again joined to help establish the Canadian Camping and RV Council (CCRVC), which focused on supporting private campground owners and the provincial associations across the country. 

CCRVC (now Canadian Camping and RV Association) has been key in advocating on zoning by-laws, land use, taxation, infrastructure funding, and workforce development—issues that directly impact where RVers stay and the quality of those experiences.

Finally, I am extremely proud of our relationship with RVIA in the US, sharing information, aligning on advocacy, and finding common solutions. We’re a close-knit community, and I’m a big believer that strong relationships with all partners and industry stakeholders is how real progress is made.

How is the CRVA celebrating this 50-year milestone?

50 years as an association is a long time, and our Board felt it was important to mark the milestone in a way that was memorable, meaningful, and national.

To celebrate our 50th anniversary, earlier this year we launched the CRVA 50th Anniversary RV Tour—a cross-country initiative that quite literally brings our story on the road. 

I have been towing a custom-wrapped trailer donated by General Coach in Hensall, Ontario from our hometown of Burlington to Vancouver and back this summer. It has been a real pleasure meeting with our RV consumers, campground owners and our dealers across Canada who have been so supportive.

We have also been grateful to meet so many that are not that familiar with the RV lifestyle at events such as the Burlington Sound of Music Festival and the Vancouver Craft Beer and Music Festival—and we’ve got many more stops planned for the rest of the summer. 

Our goal this year is to meet Canadians where they are, thank them for being a part of our industry and for sure support Care Camps financially, a cause that means a great deal to us.

Care Camps is a charity that helps kids with cancer experience the healing power of nature through specially equipped oncology camps. 

In conjunction with Go RVing Canada, we launched the “RV the North Giveaway,” where for only $25 a ticket, one lucky winner will take home the $100,000 General Coach travel trailer, with all proceeds supporting Care Camps. 

Other than the RV trip and cause , CRVA redesigned its logo to proudly reflect our 50-year milestone, and has brought to light our history and special milestones through dedicated social media posts, spotlighting key industry accomplishments. 

It has truly been a year of celebration so far, not just of where we’ve been but also where we are going as an industry.

What does this anniversary mean to you personally and to the organization as a whole?

This anniversary is incredibly personal for me. I started my career in the RV industry way back in 1985 with a company called ITT Commercial Finance, a wholesale floorplan lender—and it has been my passion ever since. 

I had served on CRVA’s Board of Directors for several years, and when our previous Executive Vice President retired in 2014, I was very fortunate to be chosen as his successor. Honestly, this role has been my dream job.

What I love most is being able to work with people I’ve known for decades, going to meetings with old friends, and yes, even arguing with government and regulatory bodies when needed to support our members and partners for what is right and needed.

For CRVA, the 50th anniversary has not only been a chance to reflect on just how far we’ve come. It marks five decades of protecting, promoting, and advancing the RV lifestyle in Canada. 

But more than that, it’s sparked renewed energy and commitment across our entire industry. We are not looking back, but instead focused on what we can achieve together in the future.

Where do you see the Canadian RV industry heading in the next 10 to 20 years?

If the past few years have taught us anything, it’s that the RV industry is incredibly adaptable and we need it to be our strength moving forward. 

Over the next 10 to 20 years, I see the Canadian RV industry continuing to evolve in some exciting ways to meet trends and consumer trends. Manufacturers are already experimenting with lighter materials, better fuel efficiency, and alternative power sources like solar and hybrid systems. 

Next, the customer journey will become even more digital. Buyers are doing their homework online, and I expect to see that continue with virtual tours, You Tube and Tik Tok walk throughs, etc. 

Finally, I hope to see RVing becoming more inclusive and accessible. Whether it’s younger families, new Canadians, or people discovering the lifestyle later in life, there is definitely room for everyone to join us. 

In conclusion, the road ahead is bright—and I’m confident the next generation of RVers and industry leaders will take it even further over the next 50 years!