In Pictures: Highlights from the 2014 International RV Show
The Toronto International RV Show took place from February 27 to March 2. Here's a preview of this year's models.
The Canadian RV industry is valued at over $3-billion, and sales increased 18.4 per cent in 2010.
Five hundred models were on display at the International RV Show, including Class A motorhomes, fifth wheels and pop-up tent trailers.
According to statistics from <a href="http://gorving.ca/" target=_blank>Go Rving Canada</a>, there are over 1-million recreational vehicles (RVs) on the road in Canada.
Travel trailers in the under-4000-pound category range in size from the compact 13-foot models up to those measuring approximately 22 feet.
The Airstream Flying Cloud is a lightweight trailer with models ranging from 19 to 28 feet in a variety of floorplan configurations that sleep three to five individuals.
The galley has a pantry, refrigerator and a LED TV above the refrigerator.
The bathroom area has a shower and toilet. Just outside of the bathroom there is a sink.
Made in Quebec, the Alto 1713 by Safari Condo is constructed entirely from composite materials and aluminium.
It also has an electric, retractable roof control and is easy to tow and park. It fits in most garages.
The 17-foot Alto has a dry weight of 1452 pounds (659 kg) and can be pulled by a four-cylinder sports car family sedan.
The Alto costs between $25,000 and $35,000.
The travel trailer is the most common RV. Smaller models can be towed by mid-size vehicles: the family car, SUV or pickup truck. The vehicle you plan to pull the RV with will dictate what you can buy because of weight.
Starcraft AR ONE 14RB - $10,499.00 is a durable, entry-level camper that is towable by most SUVs and minivans.
You can cook with the two burner stove-top and microwave oven. There is also a refrigerator and single sink for easy cleanup. The overhead cabinets provide plenty of space for storage.
The front booth dinette doubles as a bed.
The T@B Teardrop trailer retails at $15,900 and weighs under 2,000 lbs.
When U.S. production of the T@B was halted in 2009, it was met with an outcry to bring the T@B back.
In 2011, production of the T@B was resumed.
Also known as pop-up or tent trailers, these are lightweight units that can be towed by virtually any car and appeal to first-time buyers or families with young children.
The 2014 Palomino Solaire 163X costs $19,495.
Weighing 3,400 pounds, this trailer can be towed by many vehicles. Private bathroom area, sleeps six.
These lightweights are relatively inexpensive, yet offer lots of sleeping capacity: usually a pair of double beds, plus the dinette converts into a double bed. Some models are now available with a slide-out section for the dinette, further increasing living space. Most models feature minimum cooking facilities, with a two- or three-burner stove, a sink and an ice box, or an optional small refrigerator.
Conversions like the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter series 3500 Series is a use a modified van body and provide basic amenities in a very compact space.
The 3500 Series can tow up to 5,000-6,400 pounds, seats nine people and offers comfortable sleep accommodation for two.
Larger travel trailer models called fifth wheels must be towed by heavy-duty vehicles, although do not require a special highway movement permit.
Towed by pick-up trucks with a special hitch, fifth wheel travel trailers generally have taller ceilings and more slide-out rooms.
Prime Time Manufacturing's Spartan 1234X toy hauler fifth wheel offers double slides and plenty of room in the cargo area.
The cargo area offers a rear electric bed with folding sofas below the bed. There is also an entertainment centre and loft.
With a trailer porch, the 1234X model retails for $73,900
Models are available with a wide range of typical RV appliances and some not so typical, such as a built-in washer and dryer. Slide-out room extensions are common with the large, high-end models pickup truck as the tow vehicle.
Some people object to having to drive a heavy-duty truck when the trailer is parked; however, for maximum living space at realistic prices, the large fifth-wheel trailer is hard to beat. Even the largest fifth-wheel models are relatively easy to tow with the right vehicle.
Prices for fifth-wheels can range from $12,000 to $90,000.
The class A motorhome is characterized as having a bus style chassis and shape. The lower-end class As are equipped with a front gas engine, while more expensive models are known as 'diesel pushers,' with a diesel engine in the rear.
At the top of this group, luxury models like the Bay Star can easily eclipse the half million dollar mark.
The Bay Star ranges between 29- and 31-foot models and starts at $119,182.
The 2014 Phaeton 42LH is the best-selling diesel pusher in the U.S. and is Tiffin's all-time bestseller.
The motor home features a half bath with lavatory, kitchen sink, burner range with microwave, residential refrigerator, booth dinette and sofa bed, among other features.
Options may include stacked washer and dryer, fire place and king-size bed.
Park models or trailers can be used as an alternative for long-term or seasonal camping.
When set, park trailers may be connected to utilities necessary for operation of installed fixtures and appliances.
The Northlander Cottager Escape, which costs $127,571, is built on a single chassis mounted on wheels.