How we look at RV’s – RV Lifestyle Magazine

Here’s How We Check Out the Road Test Vehicles…

A special feature by Norm Rosen and the RV Lifestyle Magazine Road Test Team.

For more than 50 years, the staff at RV Lifestyle Magazine have been looking at the various recreational vehicles manufactured throughout North America and available for sale in Canada.

Among the various members of the staff, our areas of expertise span a great range within the recreational vehicle industry. As Editorial Director, I have more than 50 years experience as an RV user and test team member. My experience travelling with recreational vehicles spans North America and has included vehicles from the smallest camping van and tent trailer to the most luxurious of the class A motorhomes. RV Lifestyle Magazine team members Melanie Wallis and Todd Taylor have more than 30 years of experience in the recreational vehicle industry, including serving in various roles on industry association boards. Their keen eyes for minute details of RV quality enable them to determine at a glance the kind of durability and overall longevity that any recreational vehicle could be expected to deliver. Our assistant editors have been rapidly accumulating miles as RV Lifestyle Magazine test team members, and they are becoming very well experienced in all kinds of automotive travel and developing expertise on highway driving with recreational vehicles. These and other members of the RV Lifestyle Magazine Road test team pool their talents to bring you accurate, up-to-date, and honest appraisals of the livability and overall construction of the various recreational vehicles we feature in the magazine issues.

Our road test teams consult with RV manufacturers and dealers who are experts on each of the test vehicles. These dealers include industry acknowledged experts in hitching, towing, RV maintenance and repair.

Over the coming year, we will be expanding our coverage of the RV test vehicles to include overall performance, suspension, noise levels, and handling impressions. To accomplish this, we will utilize the latest in technology at our disposal, so watch for detailed road tests in the coming months.

Our RV Lifestyle Magazine tow vehicle fleet includes a Ram one ton turbo diesel duallie with both class 3 equalizing hitch and 20,000 LB capacity 5th wheel hitch.

We recently published a feature story on outfitting the new Ram tow vehicle – check it out here: https://www.rvlifemag.com/outfitting-a-heavy-duty-tow-vehicle-2024-ram-3500-turbo-diesel-dualie/

Starting our assessment of new RVs

The first aspect of recreational vehicle construction that the RV Lifestyle Magazine Road test team evaluates is the overall exterior fit and finish. We examine the frame components to determine exactly what type of construction is involved. During this process, we consider the insulation used in the recreational vehicle and its overall suitability to the Canadian climate. We examine the exposed sections of the frame of the vehicle, especially with travel trailers… we check the size and quality of welds, we also examine the amount of paint that has been applied to the frame, whether it has been properly primed, and whether it has been applied to produce a smooth and durable finish.

As far as the fit and finish of the exterior components of the RV are concerned, we examine all storage compartments, windows, and doors to ensure the seals around their openings are intact and properly fitted. We also take great pains to ensure that latches on these components are secure. The fit and finish of a recreational vehicle is one of the key points in its durability – seams which may open during use and admit the ravages of weather are to be avoided at all costs.

In many cases, the exterior aluminum or fibreglass shell is sealed at each joint. We examine this to assure that the sealing products have been applied properly. We also check to see that the exterior surface has been properly bonded to the layer underneath. As far as windows are concerned, the design must be able to shed rain – generally by a rain gutter at the top. Windows must also close properly, and they must be of a design which is possible to open from the inside but not from the exterior of the vehicle.

Doors of the recreational vehicle are another important aspect to be examined. We are concerned with the emergency egress from the vehicle should there be an accident situation, and we are also concerned with the convenient use the recreational vehicle doors. These are always on the passenger side of the vehicle to prevent people stepping into oncoming traffic. When the vehicle is a motorhome, there is often a door on the driver’s side, and another door for the navigator, in addition to a door for the RV component of the unit. We like to see proper locks on these doors, although the automotive components generally feature only the standard automobile type locks.

Some RVs, like the Winnebago ADAE 30T Accessibility Enhanced class A motorhome shown here, are designed with wheelchair lifts, wider interior aisles and accessible galley and washroom facilities. Read the full story on this very special motorhome and find links to other articles on accessibility enhanced RV models here: https://www.rvlifemag.com/winnebago-accessibility-enhanced-motorhomes/

Each door on a recreational vehicle is higher above the ground than you would expect in a normal passenger car. The RV should feature either a step or an indentation where you can place your foot to get a proper boost up and into the vehicle. For the main recreational entrance to the vehicle, we like to see an easily operated and properly skid proof step. In many cases on the recreational vehicles of today, these steps are motorized and open automatically when you open the door to the vehicle. If this is the case, we want to see that the wiring and electrical components of this feature are properly protected from weather and possible contact with obstacles you may find at your campsite.

Some retractable steps can pose a hazard – you really have to pay attention when you open the door, as the step can hit you in the shin and that really hurts!

When we examine the exterior of an RV we take a look at its lighting. Aside from the automotive running lights that are required by the highway code, you generally have a range of convenience lights around the trailer or motorhome. This includes lights which are in close proximity to the doors as well as docking and convenience lights that can be switched on around the perimeter of the unit to assist in parking at your campsite after dark.

Undercarriage and running gear.

Once we have taken a close look at the unit from eye level, we get down on our knees and take a look at the underbelly. In some cases, the RV underbellies are enclosed, heated, and sealed from the weather and road debris. In in these vehicles, all the components and connections that run underneath the chassis – such as water pipes, LP gas lines, and electrical cables, are protected from the elements. We are especially concerned with the gas lines, which can be run underneath the chassis of the RV. We do not like to see kinks in the gas lines or excessive joints – in many cases, there are provincial codes which restrict the number of joints in liquefied petroleum gas lines. The electrical wiring that runs through frame components should be gusseted to avoid chaffing.

After we look at the underbelly of the vehicle, we examine the exterior storage facilities. Most of the recreational vehicles we see have quite a fair amount of storage capacity outside of the unit – these storage compartments sometimes extend across the bottom of the unit and are referred to as “pass-through storage.” These storage areas often occupy space underneath the beds, and they may have access from inside the RV. We like to see storage facilities that are properly lined and well lit. Storage compartment doors should stay open for easy access. Some of the doors hinge down which gives you an additional table or work area, other doors hinge up – regardless of the way the compartment opens, we want to make sure that when the door is open it stays open, and when the door is closed it stays closed, and that the hinges are durable enough to support any weight that you may place on the door. Storage compartments under a slide-out section can pose a real hazard – check for ease of access when the slide is extended and be very careful not to bang your head when accessing these compartments!

The slide-outs on today’s RVs come in a wide range of sizes, with a variety of mechanisms. Check that the slides are well sealed, and that they do not damage the floor in the RV when they are activated. Always use the recommended slide locks when travelling.

Taking the test to greater heights, our next step in examining the exterior of the RV is to climb up and look at the roof. Some of the RV roofs are made of sheet metal – some are fibreglass, some have rubber or composite coatings. They can either be one piece or several sections – it is impossible to determine whether a one-piece roof has any great advantage over a two- or three-piece design, as long as the sectional roof is properly sealed. This is an area we take a lot of care with because the RV manufacturer knows that few owners will climb up on their roof for regular maintenance. Some RV’ers go up on their roofs with lawn chairs to get a better view – this can be dangerous! We climb up on the roof to see hoe the roof mounted accessories such as vents, lumidomes, and in many cases air conditioners are installed. Each time a hole is made in the roof of the RV, the area must be properly caulked, and the roof structure must be prepared to accept whatever weight or installation requirements are involved in this component.

After we have examined the exterior of the vehicle, we head inside. The livability audit is the most important aspect of a recreational vehicle. The RV lifestyle Magazine Road Test Teams have many years of experience living in recreational vehicles. We take care to look at the floor plan to determine exactly how versatile it is, and how convenient it can be for the average family. When we look at a floor plan we want to see something that has a combination of the facilities you require plus ease of mobility within the vehicle; we look at the seating capacity and make sure there are sufficient places for your passengers to sit without having to worry about movement while they are in transit. Canadian law requires that every passenger in a motorhome be fitted with a seat belt and that their seat be locked in a fixed position – of course you cannot travel in a recreational vehicle that is being towed.

Among the most important features of the recreational vehicle are the kitchen and washroom facilities The kitchen should have the appropriate cooking appliances plus running water and it should have sufficient counter space adjacent to these areas for the preparation of food. It is also important in an RV kitchen, or a galley if you prefer, to have sufficient storage space to hold all of the cooking utensils and serving pieces that are required in daily use, and a pantry for your provisions.

Will you sleep well at night?

We pay very close attention to the ease of converting the recreational vehicle from an entertainment area to a travelling accommodation. Dinette seating, which typically converts into a double bed, can be either a pleasure to work with or a real chore. If you are a smaller person or have a bad back, it may be difficult to remove the dinette table, plus a pedestal, and convert it into a double bed. There are many units on the market which feature hinges and very ingenious folding mechanisms which conquer this problem.

Another key area of the modern recreational vehicle is the washroom facility. Generally equipped with running water, often equipped with a shower, sometimes a bathtub, and in many cases a vanity area which allows you to dress in the washroom, these facilities should always be appropriate for the size and type of vehicle.

We like to see a properly ventilated washroom area where all the RV systems are easily understood by your visitors. The RV shower should be large enough for you to use in comfort, and we don’t want to bump our knees regardless of what we do in the washroom.

The selection of construction and decorative materials in a recreational vehicle depends upon its price. When we do a livability audit, we are more concerned with the functionality of these products than we are with the overall flair and opulence that may be evident inside. Whether the paneling is pressboard or real wood, we like to see it properly fitted, finished, and of a durable and attractive surface. The walls should meet the ceiling and the floor without any excess space… we take a close look at any beading or trim which is installed at this junction to determine how closely the panels fit together. We also look at the method for assembling the walls, ceilings, and floors. It should be durable. First time RV buyers often cringe when they see staples, but these are not just common staples, they could be an inch or more in length and far more secure than nails!

As far as flooring is concerned, you often have RV heating ducts installed beneath the floor, with heat registers to dissipate the warm air throughout the vehicle. In some cases, you have RV ducted heating which is so close to the walls that the panels may get hot.

We examine the ceiling of the recreational vehicle to make sure that it is properly fitted and that all of the RV appliances such as the lumidomes, television antennas, and other aspects are properly attached and sealed into the vehicle structure.

You cannot really be comfortable in an RV without bringing along a suitable amount of gear, so we like to see sufficient storage facilities inside the unit. Are there closets for your hanging clothes? Are there enough overhead storage compartments? Can you and your family live comfortably in the RV for days or weeks at a time?

We open all the cupboards and all the drawers to examine the mounting hardware. We also take a very close look at the fit and finish of the interior of these cupboards. Very often, you find beautiful doors covering not so beautiful interior cabinetry. You do not want to pay good money for an RV, just to get splinters when you use the storage bins! We like to see a unit that is as carefully finished inside, beyond your view, as it is outside. The door and hinge hardware used should be of good quality and should be securely mounted to the woodwork. The finish of this hardware should be complementary to the rest of the vehicle.

The way that the doors and cupboards open is a matter of great importance. We want to make sure that this is done in the most logical manner without incurring excess costs, complexity, or weight.

As we look at the overall cupboard space and storage facilities of the vehicle, we encounter the various RV systems which are housed within the compartments. We check to see that the components are suitably chosen for the type of vehicle, and that they are properly installed and in full operating condition. We examine the LP gas system from the tanks, through the various valves, hoses, and regulators, along the entire gas line wherever it is accessible. We check out the type and the installation of the LP gas furnace, the oven, the range, and the refrigerator. We check the overall size, capacity, and the suitability of these appliances for the vehicles.

We also check the cooling capacity of the unit. If it is a motorhome, it generally has in-dash air conditioning. We check this out to make sure it can do a reasonably good job of cooling the vehicle while you are underway. RV’s often have generators which can power your roof air conditioner while you travel. If this is the case, we want to make sure that it is properly installed, quiet, and smooth running.

We check the water system in a similar way. If there are any signs of leaks around the joints in the pipes, we drain the system and check it with compressed air.

We check the electrical system to make sure that all wires are properly insulated and of suitable gauge. We check the power converter to see that the various circuit breakers are of a suitable size and capacity. Overall, it is a long and detailed evaluation.

This is how the RV Lifestyle Magazine Road Test Teams ensure that the vehicles are suitable for our readers use. With RV manufacturers following the CSA Z240 RV standards, as well as the various UL and United States standards, we have yet to encounter a recreational vehicle that is not road worthy.

Next time you take a close look at a recreational vehicle, check out the things we have pointed out. This will help you determine the value, the quality, and the long-term durability of the vehicle.

Keep watching the pages of RV Lifestyle Magazine and the website www.rvlifemag.com  for road tests of the newest of the recreational vehicles, and happy camping!

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