Recreation Vehicle Certification in Ontario

November 3, 2011 Update

RV Dealers in Ontario should know and understand the certification requirements in Ontario with regards to the importation of all types of RV's.

In this Province there are 2 acceptable certification codes:

• Canadian Standards Association - CSA Z240 Code
• Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA) - NFPA 1192 Code

However, both these codes are subject to the CSA Standards for Electrical and Propane (LPG). These are covered by CSA C22.1-09 Ontario Electrical Safety Code with label and CAN/CSA B149.2-05 Code Series as well as CAN/CSA B149.1-05 Code Series for Propane Storage, Handling and Installation. This applies to any person, company or Industry importing RV's into this Province.

The RVIA codes do not comply with the Standards Council of Canada therefore; electrical inspections must be performed by an Electrical Safety Inspector and have applied an orange ESA sticker on the electrical panel or inside the door. Propane inspections must be performed by a certified RV-1 TSSA (Technical Standards & Safety Authority) Propane Technician and be tagged appropriately. (Usually on one of the appliances) THIS IS THE LAW.

Recreation Vehicle Dealers are advised that any type of repair or warranty work should not be performed until such time as these inspections are performed. There is a potential liability involved here.

Likewise, RV's not up to code should not be taken in on trade or sold without an ESA or LPG inspection.

For more information and clarification please refer these websites:

The Hitch House (Why Buy from a Canadian Dealer)  
Canadian Standards Association (CSA) www.csa.ca
Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) www.esasafe.com
Technical Standards & Safety Authority (TSSA) www.tssa.org

Thank you,

Larry Boyd
Executive Vise President
Ontario Recreation Vehicle Dealers Association

PRESS RELEASE
 
SASKATOON, SASKATCHEWAN ? OCTOBER 12, 2011
 
PLEASURE-WAY DEBUTS NEW REAR BEDROOM CLASS B AT R.V.D.A. CONVENTION IN LAS VEGAS.
 
Pleasure-Way Industries introduced a revolutionary rear bedroom Class B floorplan built on the Mercedes Benz Sprinter Chassis during the RVDA convention in Las Vegas last week.
 
 "Our new Plateau-RB (rear bedroom) floorplan received rave reviews from dealers attending the RVDA convention in Las Vegas last week", claimed Dean Rumpel, following his acceptance of the RVDA Quality Circle Award for 2011. "Market research indicated this was a segment of the market not being fulfilled and the Plateau RB is the only class b motorhome available with a distinct rear bedroom."
 
The Plateau- RB (rear bedroom) features a 76"x70" permanent bed with a dual density memory foam mattress and over twenty cubic feet of under bed storage.  Unique sliding maple doors with frosted inlay separate the bedroom from the rest of the coach. A front dining/entertainment area, private bathroom and large kitchen area completes this ultimate two person coach.
 
The Plateau-RB will make its consumer debut at the 59th annual California RV Show in Pomona from October 14th through 23rd 2011.
 
 
With a network of over 60 dealers in North America, Pleasure-Way Industries Ltd. is located in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.  This family-owned and operated company began manufacturing Class B van motorhomes twenty-five years ago and has grown to be the second largest Class B motorhome manufacturer in North America.  Pleasure-Way Industries believes in a customer first and foremost approach combined with an old-fashioned work ethic.

The SAFETI FIRST fire blanket is designed to suppress grease pan/stove top fires in a kitchen which is the leading cause of fires in the home according to the NFPA (National Fire Protection Association)

They are very dangerous and can get out of control easily. NEVER put WATER on a grease fire!! It will MAKE IT WORSE!! Once a pan catches fire, DO NOT MOVE IT!! Simply pull the fire blanket by the tabs down out of the container and place over the fire, keeping your hands behind the blanket, protecting them from getting burned. The blanket will suffocate the fire and put it out. Always turn off the heat source. Allow the pan to cool for at least 20 minutes before removing the blanket.
They are made of 100% glass fabric and are fireproof to 550 degrees C/1020 degrees F

Fire blankets SHOULD NOT replace a fire extinguisher-however most people are intimidated by a fire extinguisher and are uncertain how to use it or don't know if it has expired. It can also create quite a MESS. The SAFETI FIRST fire blanket is EASY TO USE, DOES NOT EXPIRE, and creates NO MESS

For use in homes (kitchens and garages), apartments, dorms, senior residences, cottages, RV's and boats

Fire blankets have been used for 3 decades in Great Britain, Ireland, and other European countries, Australia, South Africa and the Middle East.  The Safeti first fire blanket saves lives and property.   A very simple product that works effectively when time matters most.

The fire blanket can be affixed to a wall, inside a cupboard, or pantry door using a screw, or nail or a good 2 sided tape.

WHAT WE DO

Mouse Free's unique formula stops the entry of mice into your RV. We stop mice and other pests from entering through the small holes and cavities on the underside of your motorhome or trailer.

HOW WE DO IT

Simply put, a lubricating non drip coating scented with 100% natural essential oils is applied to the entire undercarriage of your RV. This provides two very unique ways to repel mice:

1. Mice have a very acute sense of smell. The scent of natural essential oils are overwhelming to mice, and drive them away.

2. The non drip oily coating is much too slippery to travel across. The coating is impassable by any mouse, squirrel, or insect - even ants! If it doesn't have wings, we keep them out!

THE FACTS

Trailers and motorhomes sit unattended for long periods when not in use. They become inviting targets for mice, squirrels and insects to take over and claim as their own.

Rodents work their way in through holes made to accommodate water, sewer, propane pipes and power lines underneath the motorhome.

Among the top five RV insurance claims are damage caused by rodent infestations. The mice chew through electrical wires, rubber and plastic hoses, completely disabling the motorhome.

Mice can carry disease. Hantavirus, a particularly dangerous disease carried by deer mice, can be breathed in while cleaning up mouse droppings

As a dealer member of the Ontario Motor Vehicle Industry Council (OMVIC), The Hitch House receives bulletins and warnings of issues that arise that can impact our customers and our business.  Below you will find a notification regarding Flood Damaged U.S. Vehicles that was distributed to Ontario automotive dealers by OMVIC.  Under the Motor Vehicle Dealer's Act, 2002 (MVDA) Ontario dealers and consumers are obligated to disclose if a vehicle has been immersed in a liquid that penetrated to the level of the interior floorboards.  However, should you choose to purchase a vehicle in the United States from a dealer you are not protected by OMVIC under the MVDA, 2002 and the U.S. dealer does not have to make any such disclosure to the consumer.  Please take the time to read the article below.

Tom Stoate, President

The Hitch House

BEWARE OF FLOOD DAMAGED U.S. VEHICLES

OMVIC would like to remind Ontario dealers of the dangers posed by flood damaged vehicles and the regulations surrounding their sale

Due to recent storms and vast flooding in the north eastern and southern U.S. it is estimated tens of thousands of new and used vehicles have received flood damage. Unfortunately it is expected some of these vehicles will be repaired and "unscrupulous individuals may try to take a title to another state and get it washed" (autoremarketing.com, 2011). It's only a matter of time before some of these vehicles begin appearing at auctions.

OMVIC would like to remind Ontario dealers of the dangers posed by flood damaged vehicles and the regulations surrounding their sale.

The Ontario Ministry of Transportation's mandatory branding program specifically addresses the issue of flood damaged vehicles. According to the ministry "[t]he brand of 'irreparable' will be applied to all imported branded vehicles previously identified with 'fire or flood' damage regardless of the brand identified on the title. For example, if a customer has a Certificate of Title or other acceptable proof of registration with a brand of 'salvage' and a description of 'flood damage or fire damage', it must be branded as 'irreparable'." Vehicles branded as 'irreparable':

•  Cannot be driven on the road in Ontario

•  Can only be used for parts or scrap

•  Have been written-off as a total loss

Further, the MVDA, 2002 requires all dealers provide full disclosure of a vehicle's past use, history and condition. This includes if the vehicle has been branded or if the vehicle "sustained any damage caused by immersion in liquid that has penetrated to the level of at least the interior floorboards".

Failure to properly disclose branding or flood damage would be considered a serious breach of the regulations and demonstrates the importance of using a reliable vehicle history report and conducting a thorough physical inspection.

The U.S. National Automobile Dealers Association (nada) provides these tips on how to spot a possible flood vehicle:

1. Check the vehicle's title history by VIN through commercially available vehicle history reports.

2. Examine the interior and the engine compartment for evidence of water and grit from suspected submersion.

3. Check for recently shampooed carpet.

4. Look under the floorboard carpet for water residue or stain marks from evaporated water not related to air-conditioning pan leaks.

5. Inspect for rusting on the inside of the car and under interior carpeting and visually inspect all interior upholstery and door panels for any evidence of fading.

6. Check under the dashboard for dried mud and residue, and note any evidence of mould or a musty odour in the upholstery, carpet or trunk.

7. Check for rust on screws in the console or other areas where water would normally not reach unless submerged.

8. Look for mud or grit in alternator crevices, behind wiring harnesses and around the small recesses of starter motors, power steering pumps and relays.

9. Complete a detailed inspection of the electrical wiring system looking for rusted components, water residue or suspicious corrosion.

10. Inspect the undercarriage of other components for evidence of rust and flaking metal that would not normally be associated with late model vehicles. (nada.org, 2011)

CONTACT
Terry O'Keefe
Manager of Communications and Education
OMVIC
416-512-3525
terry.okeefe@omvic.on.ca

To all RV Dealers, AMVIC & RVDA Re: Purchasing RVs in the USA

 
I have had many clients come to my establishment on the premise that they were purchasing an RV.   Indeed they will, but after our time spent showing them the RV they wish to purchase, reviewing all the features & benefits and discussing terms, they eventually come clean and tell us that they intend to buy in the USA.

I'm sure that this has and will happen with more frequency as our Canadian dollar continues to climb.

I posed as a Canadian wishing to buy a trailer from RV Whoesalers.com.  This is what I found out as well as my thoughts.

I would ask AMVIC (Alberta Motor Vehicle Industry Council) & RVDA  (Recreational Vehicle Dealers Association) to consider posting this information or better yet, advertising this in all the local papers.

First off, I was told that the RV was "loaded", yet after I had them read off all the equipment it came down to only getting aluminum wheels.  The price that was given to me was extremely fantastic and a figure that I could not sell here for if I were to remain in business.  The price did not include full LPG tanks, a manometer test for LPG leaks, the unit cleaned, any hoses or clamps and only had a temporary battery.  On this purchase I would have to log onto a "docu-sign" web site and submit my VISA/Mastercard information.  At this time they would charge me $1,000.00 which was clearly explained to me was non-refundable. Then I would receive the "terms and conditions" of the sale, but only after they had my $1,000.00.  They then told me of a $195 inspection fee that would be done at the border when I crossed but no information on who did it!  Certainly the Customs Officials will not come out of their booth to "inspect" the RV and they certainly wouldn't take the $195 unless they pan to lose their job!  So, who does this inspection?  They wouldn't tell me other than "any service centre".  They also told me tht CSA is a "pain" and that it is not necessary in fact it is a joke as their RVIA is a much better and safer inspection.

Okay, so I believe what this guy is telling me and I proceed to delivery.  I have 2 choices.  Pick it up myself or they could have it shipped to the closest border crossing, Sweetgrass.  If I pick it up myself, I have to pay for the RV 7 days in advance in full.  But I ask, what if the trailer is not what was described or if it has damage.  I was told that this has never happened and if it did they would replace the trailer with a new factory order which would take between 4 ? 6 weeks (maybe more under the "terms & conditions').  If the RV had only slight damages I could still take it and then have it fixed up here in Canada (see next section on Service).  Their "Private Canadian Network" of dealers are fantastic.  So, have to pay in full for something I haven't physically seen!!!! I'm then told that they sell hundreds to Albertans and never have a problem, trust me.  Okay.

Shipping to Sweetgrass:  The cost is $2,761.00 extra and I pay the driver for the trailer after I inspect it.  Okay, so how do I arrange when the driver shows up will coincide with me showing up?  I'm told that gets taken care of by someone else in the company but it has always worked out.  So I ask, "What if the driver is late or drives into snow storms or something and I'm not told.  Do I have to wait in Sweetgrass?  They tell me no, I could come back at a later time.  Great.  That means another trip or an overnight stay in some crappy hotel, unless I drive back to Lethbridge.  Alright, I'm going to assume that the driver and I arrive at the same time.  So I ask, what if the trailer has damage.  I'm then told that the driver's are insured for $1,000,000 and that's not a problem.  But I persist and ask what if di do not accept the RV because of a dent, a worn out tire, missing equipment or whatever.  I'm told that it's my decision at that time and it's okay.  But wait a minute.  Who paid for the $2,761.00 shipping?  I'm not told anything, so I persist an ask does the transport driver bring to Sweetgrass for the good of his/her health?  I'm then told no, the shipping cost must be paid before it leaves.  Okay, no I understand, if I do not accept the RV at Sweetgrass, I'll be out the $1,000 (deposit) + $2,761 (shipping).  Yes, I'm told and there could be a return charge as well.  Very little.  Again, I persist and find out that I may be charge another $2,761.00 to bring the RV back to them!!!!  So I really could be out $1,000 + $2,761 + $2,761 = $6,522.00.

Okay I'm sure this won't happen but at least I know the deal.  By the way I ask, can it be shipped right to my house in Calgary?  I'm told that it cannot as the cost of all the permits and brokerage services for Canada are too expensive and quite frankly are silly.  No it's best we ship to Sweetgrass.  Well, I tell him I understand.

I asked about service and warranty.  The salesman tells me that they have a "Private Canadian Network" and he gives me the name of the company in Calgary.  As it turns out the local dealer in Calgary is a dealer that doesn't deal with the manufacturer.  I was told that for the little things, I would have to pay the dealer and claim the cost back afterwards from the manufacturer.  But if it was the big stuff like an A/C or a refrigerator then they would pay the bill.  But then I got the real information.  That the local Calgary dealer would be paid by them (A/C or fridge people) directly and it is that local dealer's choice to make that decision.    In the case of me paying the bill, the process is:

1.    Dealer estimates the repairs
2.    Dealer submits request to RV Wholesalers
3.    RV Wholesalers submit the request to the Manufacturer
4.    Manufacturer decides whether or not to authorize the repair, assume it is authorized
5.    Customer order parts because the local dealer doesn't deal with the manufacturer
6.    Customer takes parts & RV to the local dealer and gets the work done
7.    Customer pays the bill
8.    Customer submits the bill directly to the manufacturer and waits for payment.

This sounds like a real complicated mess, but the important thing is that the payment for the repair may or may not be the complete amount depending upon the labour rate. 

Okay, let's assume that the RV will never have any repairs.  What about adjustments?  It could be hinges that are loose or a leaky water line or even a decal that has weathered or peeled.  In these cases, RV Wholesalers told me that I still have to pay for the fix and submit a bill to the factory.  This is a service that requires no parts.  So maybe I get my money back and maybe I don't, but I'm assured that I will get all my money back and there has never been a problem.

Then I asked about just taking it to a dealer in Canada that sells this product.  They told me that the dealer will probably refuse the work because, "they hold grudges and frankly are just miserable people".  That's why RV Wholesalers have a "Private Canadian Network" of service centres.  Yet this network is dealers, you and me!!!  By the way, I called this dealer in Calgary and was told that it was news to them that they were part of this "Private Canadian Network" but they would gladly do work if I paid for all of it upfront.  As a dealer ? sure me too!!!  Full price labour and paid in cash, bring it on!  Heck, I'll work on anybody's trailer for payment in full in cash.  But is that the right thing?

So after lots of questions and knowing what to ask, I come to the conclusion (maybe you too) that it's just not worth the risk of losing up to $6,500.00 US.

Now during this process, I clearly stated that I live in Alberta.  What if I was from BC?  Don't we all have clients that sometimes get worked over by ICBC on license plates and insurance?  So how would that work!!!

For Manitoban's, have a look at www.firecomm.gov.mb.ca/docs/rv_brochure.pdf.   On page 2 it clearly states:

"No individual, including a dealer or manufacturer, shall at wholesale or retail or by auction or otherwise, directly or indirectly, offer or expose for sale, rent or lease, or otherwise commercially dispose of a recreational vehicle that does not bear a label."

The label they are talking about is a CSA label.  So, if a Manitoban buys an RV and it turns out it doesn't bear the Z-240 CSA decal (or equivalent) what do they do?

I'm sure that there are clients out there that have experienced problems buying out of the US.  Maybe this information will help the next client of ours looking to buy in the US.  Oh, and by the way, doesn't AMVIC stand aside in any issues that arise with Alberta Dealers and a client that buys in the US? 

In other words, should we choose to work on one of these US purchased RV's we can overcharge the customer and basically do whatever we want without any recourse from AMVIC.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME

The Management of Race Track RV
Airdrie, Alberta

To learn more about the risks of Buying in the USA - Click Here

June 27, 2011 12:00 PM

McGuinty Government Saving RV Owners Time And Money

Starting July 1, drivers can tow recreational vehicles (RVs) if they have a full class G licence. This will make it easier for Ontarians to travel this summer and save RV owners about $200 in initial licence costs.
Until now, Ontario drivers have needed a class A licence to tow RVs that weigh more than 4,600 kg. With this change, Ontarians can tow and operate RVs with a full class G licence as long as:

• The combined weight of the motor vehicle and RV is not more than the current 11,000 kg limit

• The RV is attached to the motor vehicle by a fifth wheel hook-up

• Only one vehicle is being towed

• The RV meets Transport Canada manufacturing standards

• The RV is being towed for personal use only.

These changes will make it easier for Ontarians to travel with RVs, support the province's RV industry and promote tourism, while keeping our roads the safest in North America.

QUICK FACTS
 

• Drivers must have a full G licence, not a G1 or G2.

• This change aligns Ontario with driver's licence requirements for RVs in 41 U.S. states and six Canadian provinces and territories.

• This change for towed RVs is also consistent with the current requirements for operators of motor homes.

• The Ontario Recreation Vehicle Dealers Association will provide voluntary orientation and training to the purchasers and owners of large, towed recreational vehicles to further support road safety
• The number of fatalities from motor vehicle collisions in Ontario was the lowest ever recorded, according to the most recent statistics.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:

• Drivers in Ontario will now be able to operate/tow/drive recreational vehicles up to the 11,000kg "combined vehicle weight" with a "G" Licence when towing 1 vehicle for personal use.

• Combined vehicle weight (GVW) means the "Total Gross Vehicle Weight" of the tow vehicle (car or truck) and the recreational vehicle.
  

• Requirements from MTO Road User Safety Division for ORVDA and its members (MTO letter attached)

• Insurance requirements - see attached letter from the Insurance Bureau of Canada supporting safety issues in this Province.
  

WHAT YOU NEED:

• A Valid full "G" Licence

• A Completed RV Safety Towing Checklist/test and identification card (for safety and insurance clarification) - available through any RV Dealer in Ontario
  

• An optional recommended actual weight certificate of the combined vehicle weight (tow vehicle and RV unit)

WHERE THIS APPLIES:

• This new Ontario Regulation 340/94 applies to new or previously new recreation vehicles and supersedes the 4600kg maximum weight of towed RVs.
  

Example:
Tow Vehicle = 4400kg
Towed Vehicle = 6600kg
Combined Total Weight = 11,000kg

RVBusiness staff unanimous choice for "Best of Show" was Thor Motor Coach's A.C.E. Class A motorhome. In our view, the A.C.E.  an acronym for "Class A & C Evolution"  is a prime example of a post-recessionary motorhome that addresses the changing tastes  and wallets  of American consumers yet retains in the process a degree of style, dignity and even a touch of class, stated RVBusiness Publisher Sherman Goldenberg.

Bottom line, the A.C.E., designed on a 16,000-pound GVWR, gas-fueled Ford chassis to combine the best attributes of Class A and C motorhomes, is a sharp-looking, kid-friendly, entry-level coach with full body paint, electric jacks, rear-view camera, kitchen slides, optimal storage, pet-friendly accoutrements and an electric drop-down cockpit bed that retails for under $80,000.

   

 "The ACE is a real neat project," added Fenech. "It started out as an entry-level motorhome. We wanted to get into that price segment even more than we were. We wanted to be aggressive. So, instead of just coming out with a price piece that is just another me-too motorhome, we looked at the market a little differently. We looked at the Class A and Class C markets, and there are some advantages to both products for the buyer. We looked at the two, hence the name A.C.E. "A & C Evolution."

Floorplan, eye appeal and price are the key ingredients that appeal to the retail buyers, said Fenech, and the A.C.E. was designed with those three priorities in mind.

Consistent with a market that in some cases has consumers looking for smaller vehicles, the A.C.E. is a relatively short 29 feet, 7 inches, in length  shorter than some Class C motorhomes  yet it offers 84-inch headroom.

The cockpit tends to appeal to more of a Class C buyer, with a moderate exterior eyebrow in a front cap that houses an overhead front bunk and smaller windshield with an integrated visor that, according to Fenech, limits distracting direct sunlight and heat. "Women are saying that this doesn't feel as overwhelming as a big bus," says Fenech.

In addition, drivers can check out the coach's passenger side with a uniquely placed floor line window while a large conversation mirror above the driver's seat affords a good view of the living space.

Storage capacities, on the other hand, lean more toward the traditional Class A, with exterior "mega-storage" including a relatively huge rear curb-side compartment.

Major passenger-side basement storage compartments are located under the patio awning, while noisy heat-generating appliances are located on the driver's side of the coach away from the activities. Campsite hookups are situated on the driver's side rear of the coach.

Incorporated in the entry step is a storage drawer and toolbox for keeping tools, gloves and other RV gear without having to track through the coach, and there's a broom and coat closet at the entry door in addition to a "Motorhome Mud Room" at the main entrance door for dirty shoes and gear.

In the final analysis, however, the fact that the A.C.E. is inordinately pet-friendly  with an "integrated tiedown" for dogs outside plus an inside "Kibble Station" for feeding pets  was the icing on the cake in opting to name Thor's A.C.E. "Best of Show."

"We tried to do a price leader coach before," added Fenech, "but we could never get it right. Everything we put in this coach, we did for a reason. Every single dollar we spent or dollar we took out, we did it for a reason."

Click Here - For More Details

 

Bill Fenech, President of Damon Motor Coach and Four Winds International, announced a strategic plan to consolidate the operations of Damon and Four Winds to form Thor Motor Coach.  Today, Damon and Four Winds combined are the # 1 retail selling motorhome in the industry. (Statistical Surveys, ytd through June, 2010). This consolidation is a natural progression of bringing these two companies together to form one company to maintain this market leading position.

Fenech reaffirmed the reasons for the consolidation: The most motivating reason for this consolidation was to help our dealers and retail customers by building incredible brands supported by a strong name. This new structure will help us to leverage the Thor name, which is known for its strength and stability, while allowing us to better focus on our value oriented individual brands. Developing hot, innovative products through intense dealer and retail customer feedback is critical to our success and will continue to drive how we do business and will only improve with this increased focus.   Damon and Four Winds were always lean operations but this consolidation will help to make Thor Motor Coach even leaner, driving our costs down which we will pass on to our dealers and retail customers.  Product development and sales will be structured for maximum product and dealer focus by dividing up the Thor Motor Coach brands into three separate sales and product development groups, gasoline Class A's, Class C's and Diesels.  Dana Simon, a 20 year veteran of Four Winds, will be the Vice President and General Manager of the gas Class A and Class C brands which include Hurricane, Windsport, Daybreak, Challenger, Four Winds and Chateau.  Matt Thompson, a 7 year veteran of Damon, will be the Vice President and General Manager of the Diesel brands which include the Serrano, Avanti, Astoria and Tuscany.

This is absolutely the best move to better serve our dealers and retail customers.  We are truly a great company to work with. We always put our dealers and customers before ourselves.  I personally believe our customer service and parts are among the best in the industry, said Matt Thompson.

With the accumulated efforts of our excellent employees from both divisions I'm sure we will provide the best products and services to our loyal dealers and retail customers.  We have made fantastic strides in our quality, and I feel our quality ranks up there with higher priced products.  time for all of us; especially our dealers, said Dana Simon.
Damon Motor Coach and Four Winds International and now Thor Motor Coach are part of Thor Industries, Inc. Jackson Center, OH (NYSE: THO) the world?s largest manufacturer of recreational vehicles.