If you like to ski in Colorado or head to the mountains of New York in January, you have limited options for true four-season RVs in America. North of the border, however, you’ll find quality, rugged, lightweight RVs that provide comfortable accommodations for your winter travels. But these Canadian RVs aren’t just for winter camping.
You can use them all year round, and you can be sure that you are buying from companies that have been in the RV business for decades, manufacturing high quality campers and motorhomes.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the best Canadian RVs you should consider!
How many RV manufacturers are there in Canada?
Canada has a strong but small selection of RV manufacturers. Most models purchased by dealers are from the United States. Winnebago, Airstream and Coachman, among others, are household names in Canada and the United States.
Although relatively small compared to the United States, the Canadian RV industry has established itself as a successful business focused on environmentally friendly materials, four-season RVs, and aerodynamic designs.
In all, there are about a dozen Canadian RV manufacturers that build a variety of models, from teardrops to motorhomes. These include Bigfoot RV, Escape Trailers, Outback Trailers, Bruce Coach, Fleetwood and General Coach.
You can also choose from other manufacturers like Glendale RV, Leisure Travel Vans, Northern Lite, Pleasure Way Industry, Precision Coach, Prevost and Triple E RV.
Is RV travel popular in Canada?
According to Money Sense, 15% of Canadians own an RV. Although many “snowbirds” escape to Canada for at least half the year, many Americans are also drawn to the north of the country during the summer.
And in Florida and Arizona, you’ll find many RVs with Canadian license plates between December and May.
But between June and September, you’re likely to see a Florida or Arizona license plate in Quebec.
So seasonal RVing in Canada is popular, but Canadian RVers, along with Americans from Michigan, New York and North Dakota, venture south to escape the cold, brutal winters.
The 7 Best Canadian RVs You Should Check Out
One of the best reasons to buy from a Canadian manufacturer is the year-round capabilities of their RVs.
If you want to camp in the winter, Canadian RVs can withstand harsh winters. Let’s take a look at seven of the best Canadian motorhomes on the market.
Recreational RVs
Location: Winkler, Manitoba
Types of mobile homes: Class C
In 2009, Leisure Travel Vans and Triple E RV joined forces to focus primarily on the smaller Class C market. The Wonder Class C motorhome starts at about $162,000 and features four different floorplans, including two single beds in the front, two single beds in the rear, a lounge in the rear and a murphy bed.
The Unity Class C motorhome starts around $172,000 and offers a few more options with six floorplans. You can get a rear double bed or rear lounge option, three Murphy bed options, and a corner bed option.
In addition, both of these Class C motorhomes feature picture windows, recliners, multiple storage solutions, residential-style bathrooms and a Truma Premium A/C package, making them popular Canadian motorhomes.
Roadtrek
Location: Kitchener, Ontario
Types of mobile homes: Class B
Roadtrek, acquired by Groupe Rapido in 2019, has been manufacturing Canadian motorhomes since 1980. Today, the brand offers a full line of Class Bs built on Mercedes and Ram ProMaster chassis.
There are eight models, with prices ranging from $146,986 to $195,968. The Zion Slumber and Play Slumber sleep and seat up to five people, while the other models sleep up to three.
In addition, lengths range from 19 feet 7 inches to 20 feet 9 inches, and all units have a GVWR of 9,350 pounds.
All models have gas engines except the SS Agile, which has a diesel engine. These Canadian motorhomes feature a 5.3-cubic-foot refrigerator, roll-out pantry, deep pot and pan storage, and 37-gallon capacity fresh water tanks.
Premium models also have a 600-amp lithium battery system, 300-watt inverter and rooftop solar.
Pleasure-Way
Location: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
Types of mobile homes: Class B
Pleasure-Way, a family owned business, was established in 1986 and takes a custom approach to production. These Canadian motorhomes are not mass-produced, but are crafted with hundreds of hours of personal attention and customization.
The seven Class B builds range from a starting price of $94,250 for the Tofino to $182,000 for the REKON 4×4. The Tofino is also the smallest at 17 feet 9 inches, while the Plateau TS and Plateau FL are the longest at 22 feet 9 inches.
For RVers who prefer to camp off-grid, the REKON 4×4 has a 400-watt solar package. The Plateau FL features a unique floor plan with two living areas. Regardless of your travel needs, Pleasure-Way has developed specially designed Class B motorhomes to accommodate all types of camping lifestyles.
Please note: Why is there a US national park in Canada? Let’s find out!
Escape trailer
Location: Chilliwack, British Columbia
Types of mobile homes: Travel trailers
In 2003, Escape manufactured its first molded fiberglass travel trailer. Since then, 20 years have passed and the company now manufactures six different fiberglass models and a fifth wheel.
All models have a designated sleeping area and a separate dinette, except for the Escape 17B, which has two dinettes. Owners can choose from a maple, oak or modern design interior.
In addition, these Canadian motorhomes range from 17 feet 8 inches to 21 feet 4 inches and have a GVWR of 4,000 to 5,000 pounds. Even the E5.0 fifth wheel has a GVWR of only 5,500.
Escape trailers, which are rated for medium duty, have 3500-pound torsion rubber suspension, electric brakes, and front and rear stabilizer bars.
Other standard or upgraded features include a 12,000-BTU oven, 12-volt water system, three-way refrigerator, two-burner cooktop and stainless steel sink.
Armadillo Trailer
Location: Armstrong, British Columbia
Types of mobile homes: Travel trailers
Like Escape Trailers, Armadillo Trailers manufactures compression molded fiberglass travel trailers. The family-run company of brothers Mike and Jason Jong features advanced technologies, innovative designs and environmentally friendly materials.
You can discover two lines: the Armadillo and the Backpack. The Armadillo is 13.5 feet long and weighs about 2,700 pounds. It has a front and rear dinette that can be converted into a sleeping area.
The Backpack is available in 14- and 16-foot variants and also weighs about 2,700 pounds. And the Backpack model is available with a front galley or front toilet.
Owners can customize their Armadillo trailer by choosing the exterior color, adding solar panels, upgrading to an energy package and more. The starting price ranges from $25,300 to $27,600.
Northern Lite
Location: Kelowna, British Columbia
Types of campers: Truck Camper
Northern Lite has been manufacturing quality four-season RVs for decades. The company offers a six-year construction warranty, the best in the industry.
Northern Lite offers a range of products for both short-bed and long-bed trucks that include both wet and dry bath options. Dry weight RVs range from 2,560 to 3,360 pounds.
In addition, motorhomes are available in Limited Edition, Special Edition and Sportsman Plus models. The Limited Edition and Special Edition feature two 200-watt solar panels, an LCD TV screen, a queen-size mattress, a skylight and a fully equipped kitchen.
The Sportsman Plus campers are the lightest four-season truck campers on the market and are best suited for travelers who don’t need a lot of amenities. Options for this range include a built-in Onan 2500LP generator, a second closet, two 185-watt solar panels and a wireless rearview camera.
Read more: Would you like to learn more about Northern Lite? Here you can find out everything you need to know about the manufacturer!
Outback camper
Location: Rocky View County, Alberta
Types of mobile homes: Travel trailers
Outback Trailers, also known as Trillium, makes molded fiberglass trailers like the Escape and Armadillo. Pricing for the base model starts at $22,900, but you can customize them to fit your needs.
Standard features include a DC refrigerator, two-burner stove, sink, roof vent, and rear stabilizer braces. You can also add a bike rack, awning, flush toilet, solar panels, outdoor shower and more.
In addition, all units have a similar floor plan, a double bed in the rear with storage space, a center kitchen and a closet. The front part of the vehicle can be equipped with a bunk bed, a mini couch, a flush toilet or a dining area.
These Canadian motorhomes are great for those who don’t have a heavy truck, but want to enjoy the year-round camping lifestyle.
Are Canadian-built RVs better than U.S.-built RVs?
You’ll probably find that many people share the opinion that Canadian RVs are better than American ones because of their all-season capability. Molded fiberglass trailers and truck campers can withstand the harsh Canadian winters.
But in reality, they are simply built differently. To be successful, these manufacturers must produce campers that can withstand extreme temperatures and conditions.
American RV manufacturers generally don’t have to worry as much about four-season capability because most campers are only in the campgrounds during peak season.
Are Canadian RVs worth it?
If you don’t own an SUV and want to winter in Maine, a Canadian motorhome may be the best choice for you. Few American RV manufacturers produce campers and motorhomes of the quality you’ll find at these seven leading Canadian RV manufacturers.
In addition, these RVs are easier to tow because of their light weight and aerodynamic design. The fiberglass construction makes them durable and less prone to leaks and water damage. So if you buy from one of these Canadian companies, you won’t regret it!
Are you in the market for one of these options?