Westworld Alberta

Let lifestyle be your guide Choosing gets personal after that, requiring examination of your "stage of life," says Gairdner. For families with little ones, a small tent trailer might do, especially for RVing newbies. When the kids – or family – grow, a longer trailer or fifthwheel outfitted with bunk beds might work better. Always try to look ahead and buy accordingly. Structural options abound. "The slide-out has revolutionized the industry," adds Gairdner. Some trailers and motorhomes feature compartments that increase square footage by extending beyond existing walls. For those wanting to pack toys, other trailers include a rear hatch for stowing ATVs or motorbikes, for example. New hard-wall models, featuring aluminum frames encased in fibreglass, boost durability (and resale value) while lightening the load. "In five years, a hard-wall won't show the wear and tear that a tin-wall could," says Gairdner. Creature comforts also need consideration. Elevate the domestic-rustic ratio with audio systems, automated awnings, built-in vacuum and washer/dryer units, fridges, microwaves and more. Buying used 2013 ALBERTA RV SHOWS 3rd Annual Edmonton RV Exposition and Sale Northland Expo Centre, Edmonton, AB February 7–10, 2013 RVDA of Alberta 1-888-858-8787 rvshowsalberta.ca Red Deer RV Show Westerner Park, Red Deer, AB February 14–18, 2013 1-877-572-7965 vellner.com Central Alberta RV Show and Sale Westerner Park, Red Deer, AB February 22–24, 2013 1-877-356-9399 westernrvcountry.com □ With these details settled, the question remains: new or used? Used is a fine choice, says Gairdner, especially for first-timers expecting to trade up. "It will allow you to experiment with an RV and see what your needs are." As will renting. Second-hand shopping requires due diligence, however, particularly with a private seller or a dealership that doesn't offer a warranty. With a motorhome, start with a Vehicle Information or CarProof report to check the reported-accident history. Insist upon a test drive, too, and an inspection by a certified mechanic. Towable RVs show up in CarProof reports occasionally, but not consistently, so do a thorough inspection of your desired rig (changingears.com offers an excellent DIY inspection checklist). Start outside and work your way in, examining the sides, roof and undercarriage for dents and cracks, and window, door, vent and light seals for places water may have entered. Try the slide-outs, checking their seals, and the onboard braking system. Inside, odd smells and poor housekeeping are often problem indicators. Assess general wear and tear, paying attention to electrical systems, water, heating and air conditioning. Test everything, including appliances, which are extremely expensive to replace, says Gairdner. Investigate the price, too – second-hand and bargain aren't synonymous. Trawl online dealership inventories for comparable models (rvcanada.com has a handy search tool). While doing so, consider the time of year: the off-season can lead to a lower price. If you're not paying up front, reasonable monthly payments can be negotiated through dealerships using RV-specific financing that often allows for longer amortization periods than the automotive sector. Insure Separately Even if parked in a backyard, an RV requires its own insurance. "The misconception is that an RV is already insured under an existing home or auto policy," says Shant Jain, AMA underwriting manager. However, home insurance only covers the removable property items in an RV, such as clothing, camping gear and personal electronics. The liability portion of an auto insurance policy (which covers the other party if you cause a collision that injures someone or damages property) will extend to a towable RV, but only when the RV is hooked up to your vehicle. So, towable models require a special-purpose RV policy to cover items that are part of the rig, such as appliances and built-in electronics. The most basic RV policies cover "named perils," der or king of the road, there's a recreational vehicle to suit. e Class B motorhome Class A motorhome Toy hauler Park trailer -theres More compact and economical than a Class A; also known as a camper van. $70,000–$170,000 Built like a touring bus: large, luxurious and pricey. $80,000–$600,000 Living space up front, storage for ATVs and the like through a rear hatch. $14,000–$50,000 Akin to a mini mobile home and perfect for the lakeside lot; requires connection to utilities onsite. $30,000–$115,000 r C. ion *Prices approximate p52-55_Toolkit.indd 53 Westworld >> f e b r u a r y 2 0 1 3 53 13-01-16 11:28 AM

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