RV Travel - Frequently Asked Questions

For more general information, please see our Travel Tips section.

Do we need experience to drive and operate an RV?

No, not at all. Driving an RV is similar to driving a regular vehicle although it is somewhat larger. When turning, backing up and parking extra care must be taken. When backing up and parking it is necessary to have someone outside the vehicle to direct you. All other systems, e.g. water tanks, heating, cooking, toilet & shower are simple to operate and detailed instructions will be provided on pick-up day.

When are the rental centres open for RV pick-up?

The RV rental pick-up times depend on the supplier and are as follows (not including holidays):

• Fraserway - 9 am - 3 pm, Monday to Saturday (also on Sundays at Vancouver station from May 1st to September 30th)
• WestCoast - 9 am - 2 pm, Monday to Saturday
• GoWest - 10 am - 3 pm, Monday to Saturday
• Canadream - 1 pm - 4 pm, Monday to Saturday (earlier pick-up and Sunday pick-ups possible for extra fee)
• Cruise Canada - 1 pm - 4 pm, Monday to Saturday (if we book the Early Bird Departure Special EBDS, pick-up is possible from 9 am onward)

With certain suppliers, there is the possibility of picking up your RV on Sunday or a holiday for an additional fee (WestCoast - 90$Cdn, Canadream - 375$Cdn, CruiseCanada - 615$Cdn, EBDS). With Fraserway and GoWest this is not an option.

To pick up your rental unit on the day that you arrive in Canada in most cases you would have to arrive quite early in the morning. However, we strongly discourage this especially if you are coming from overseas. It is a long flight and you will be exhausted. With Cruise Canada, in particular, they do not allow clients arriving from overseas to pick-up their RV without first spending one night in a hotel. This is really for your own benefit!

What time does the RV have to be returned?

Again, it depends on the RV. For the most part in the morning between specific times (not including holidays):

• Fraserway - 9 am - 12 noon, Monday to Friday (also on Sundays at Vancouver station from May 1st to September 30th)
• WestCoast - 10 am - 12 noon, Monday to Friday
• GoWest - 8 am - 10 am, Monday to Friday
• Canadream - 8 am - 10 am, Monday to Friday (late drop off and Sunday drop-off possible for extra fee)
• Cruise Canada - 9 am - 11 am, Monday to Friday (if we book the Early Bird Departure Special EBDS, drop-off is possible up until 3 pm)

With certain suppliers, there is the possibility of returning your RV on Sunday or a holiday for an additional fee (WestCoast - 90$Cdn, Canadream - 375$Cdn). With Fraserway, GoWest, and Cruise Canada this is not an option.

In order to drop your RV and depart that same day, we recommend leaving at least 2 hours for the drop-off process and another hour to get the airport. Your flight would have to leave at the earliest mid-late afternoon.

Will there be someone from Paso Norte to help us during the RV pick-up process?

In Calgary & Vancouver, yes, we include this service. Our representative will be available to help with the paperwork and go over any additional instructions and your itinerary with you.

At other rental centres, you will be able to reach us by phone in order to deal with any discrepancies or doubts that you may have.

What if I have problems with the RV on the road?

We hope not! but things can happen...Campers and RVs are significantly more complex compared to standard cars with multiple systems involved. We are always prepared to help and we offer a 24/7 emergency line, if you cannot deal directly with the RV supplier (recommended). Most problems can be dealt with fairly rapidly, but we ask for patience and flexibility when dealing with things we cannot control. In most cases, we can suggest ways in which to continue enjoying your adventure while problems are dealt with and always strive together with our suppliers to minimize any disruption of your trip. We recommend all of our clients book the optional damage insurance products (deductible-reducers) which often include a substitute unit if it is impossible to continue with the original (subject to conditions/restrictions)..

In general, if something can be repaired for less then 50-75$Cdn (depends on supplier), we suggest simply taking matters into your own hands and getting it taken care of. The receipt (and replaced part if applicable) can be presented upon returning vehicle and you will be compensated. Repairs costing more than 50-75$Cdn, need to be authorized by the supplier by calling them immediately and explaining the situation. We suggest calling them first in any case to let them advise you on the specific problem and where the closest repair facility may be located. In some cases, the supplier will be able to take care of payment for repair directly but in others, it may be necessary to pay upfront and then get reimbursed upon returning the RV. Warning: the malfunctioning of the air-conditioning, microwave, radio and cruise control are generally not considered breakdowns and no compensation will be given.

How can we charge our electronics (phones, batteries, etc) in the RV?

By using the interior outlets and the correct adaptor and transformer (if applicable) needed for running on 120 V. The interior outlets only work when the RV is connected to an external electricity source. The other practical way is to make use of the 12 V (lighter-type) plug on the dashboard and charge while driving. Also, often it makes more sense and ends up costing less to buy, for example, a simple hairdryer once you are here rather than haul over the hairdryer, transformer, and adaptor from home...

Do the RVs come with radio/CD?

All but maybe a few of the rental RVs come with radio/CD capability. Various 2009/2010/2011 models also come with an adaptor for iPod/MP3. If you do have an iPod or MP3, it may be worth buying a radio-tuning gadget to play music on your iPod through the radio. It works very well here as there are quite a few vacant frequencies available in most areas.

What is expected upon returning the RV?

The RV must be returned clean inside with surfaces wiped, dishes washed, floors swept. If not "clean", the supplier has the right to charge a cleaning fee which varies (approx. 40-60 $Cdn/hour).

The cleaning of the exterior is not usually necessary unless the unit is so dirty that proper inspection of the vehicle is not possible. So caked on dirt/sand and mud should be cleaned off. The grey and black water tanks need to be empty (otherwise again there could be charges applicable, approx. 50-100$Cdn). Gas tanks generally need to be returned full but depends on supplier. In any case, pay particular attention to the details provided upon picking up the RV as these conditions are subject to change.

Do I need an international driver's license?

A valid drivers license from your country of origin is required for anyone who will be driving the RV. Minimum age for drivers and renters is 21 years old (possible additional fee/deposit if between driver is 21-24 years for some suppliers). An international driver's license is not obligatory however it is recommended that the principal driver obtain one for the trip (especially if the license of your country of origin is not in English). Usually it involves a small fee and minimal paperwork.

Is a security deposit required?

Yes, but amount and procedure vary depending on the RV supplier and type of insurance booked. Some require only an imprint of a valid credit card and other take an amount on the card as deposit.

• Fraserway - imprint of valid credit card only
• West Coast - deposit of 1,000$Cdn on the credit card
• Go West - deposit of 1,650$Cdn on the credit card (150$ cleaning deposit and 1,500$Cdn damage deposit). In the case of A32 model, the deposit required is 1,750$Cdn.
• Canadream - deposit of 750$Cdn on the credit card and imprint, (1250$Cdn for drivers between 21 and 24 years)
• Cruise Canada - deposit of 500$Cdn on the credit card and imprint

What happens if I get fined?

The renter of the vehicle will be responsible for all fines resulting from traffic violations (including parking tickets) during the time of the rental. The provider will ensure that tickets and fines are paid in timely fashion if the renter provides the ticket and payment. Should any tickets or fines go unpaid (come in after rental period), the provider reserves the right to charge a possible administration fee in addition to the amount of the fine. All fees will be charged to the renter's credit card even if rental agreement has expired.

Can we leave our empty suitcases at the rental centre?

Yes, if you are returning to same rental centre (obviously) and at your own risk.

Are there travel restrictions?

Yes...Please see specific supplier "Pricing & Details" page for more information as every supplier has slightly different restrictions.

What are the campground like?

Please see the section on Campgrounds.

Do we always need to spend the night in a designated campground?

We do not recommend spending the night in places not designated as campgrounds. This is for security and legal reasons. Coming from abroad you may not be as familiar with the "lay of the land" and with determining where would be safe and legal. If you do so, you do it at your own risk and never in places where it is clearly indicated that camping or overnight parking is prohibited. In the national parks and provincial parks it is mandatory to spend the night in a designated campground or overflow parking (if campgrounds are full).

Do we need hook-ups (e.g. electricity, water) every night?

It's not necessary to have a site with electrical (and water/sewer) hook-up every night but we do recommend having at least electrical hook-up every second or third night. The coach (not vehicle) battery needs to be recharged with a frequency that depends on the level of usage. It recharges while driving and also while connected to an electrical hook-up. You do want to avoid draining it completely. You will also need to refill the clean water tank and empty the grey and black water tanks every 1-3 days (also depends on usage). Most campgrounds offer a common sani-station area where you can do this. You do not necessarily need water/sewer at your site (although it is more convenient at times). If it is your first time travelling in an RV, we suggest having electrical hook-up every night or every other night.

Is there a fee for stopping inside a national park?

To stop in a Canadian national park (e.g. Banff, Jasper), you must have a valid park pass displayed in your vehicle. A daily or multi-day park pass may be purchased upon entering the park for 19.60 $Cdn per day (2010). The park pass covers the vehicle and up to 7 passengers. If you will spend more than six days inside the national parks, it makes sense to purchase an annual park pass for 136$Cdn (2010). The fees for the campgrounds are additional. In most cases, we add the annual pass to your package for ease of travel.

In Denali National Park (Alaska, USA) you will find a similar situation. There is a national park fee in addition to any national park campground fees or tours.

How will we select and find the campgrounds?

Camping guides (in English) are generally provided by the supplier on the day you pick up the RV. By booking your trip through Paso Norte, you will receive the appropriate campground guides and road maps required before your trip by courier along with the rest of your trip documentation. Many campgrounds are marked on the road maps as well. We suggest researching to some extent before your trip if possible.

If you do not have the time to prepare the details, we suggest opting for our Route Planning Service. With this service we will prepare your route in detail with day-by-day campground and activity suggestions, as well as taking care of campground reservations where desired/possible. With this service, you will also receive a detailed map for each reserved campground in your documentation.