Frequently Asked Questions

What should I consider when purchasing an RV?

• Does it have what I need and want?
  There are a multitude of different RVs on the market each having different quality, price, floor plan, décor, etc… Before going out to look for an RV make a list of things that are essential that your new RV must have. Example, a closet by the door for coats, or a full queen sized bed. Then make a list of non-essential things you would like to also have, for example, having a large window on the awning side. Go out and look at only the RVs that have your essential needs and then see which ones have the most of your wants also.
• Where am I buying it from?
  -An RV dealer that has the experience and capacity to properly help you after the sale is important. The next dealer you go to, ask how long they have been a licensed dealer and the length of time they have been in business speaks volumes about the experience and type of service your getting. Avoid fly by night dealers that are only interested in a quick buck, not in promoting the RV lifestyle.
• Is it CSA approved?
  -Trailers sold in Canada are held up to higher standards to those sold in the States, and for this reason you must check for the CSA sticker by the door of the trailer. If it doesn’t have this then it is not CSA approved and not on the same safety level as other Canadian sold products. Avoid fly by night dealers who ship in damaged and cheap trailers from the States and sell them without the CSA sticker.
• Can I tow it?
  -Most dealers have in depth towing guides at their offices and can tell you how much your vehicle can tow. Find a trailer with a DRY weight that is below your limit and remember to give yourself enough room to pack the trailer with the supplies you need to take with you on your trip.
• Are there any other fees?
  -Ask if there are any administration fees, or if some of the appliances inside the trailer you saw come at added cost. Sun Parlour does not have any hidden fees, just the cost of the trailer and any accessories or towing equipment that you want.

What additional things do I need to tow?

• Brake Control
  -Almost every trailer has electric brakes and if this is the case, your vehicle will need a brake control. This activates the brakes of the trailer you are towing when you activate the brakes of the vehicle. There are different brands so just ask an experienced RV dealer which brake control they recommend for you. **Note that some vehicles are not pre wired for the brake control and wires must be run through the car to hook up the brake control. Any good RV dealer with a service department will be able to do this for you.
• Hitches
  -Fifth wheel hitches come in a variety of models including sliders and auto sliders. What’s important is to find a hitch that will suit your truck bed the best and suit your driving preference. Call and talk to an RV expert and they will give you some different hitches you might be interested in.
• Some travel trailers require additional towing equipment like an equalizer kit and a sway bar or a dual cam system.
• A sway bar is a bar that mounts beside the ball on your hitch and to the A-Frame of the trailer. This limits the tendency of the trailer to sway back and forth as you are towing.
• An equalizer kit is to torsion bars that run from the vehicle hitch to the a frame of the trailer hanging from chains. They function to take the pressure of the trailer off the hitch and distribute it around the vehicle. This stops the back of the vehicle from being pushed down as much from the weight of the trailer.
• A dual cam system is more expensive but functions as a sway control and equalizer kit all in one. It allows for great towing and is ideal for the larger travel trailers.