Tour suitability by RV type
| RV type | What helps on a guided trip | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Class A motorhome | Comfortable on long drive days; plenty of storage; often towing a car for local trips | Total length with a towed vehicle; ferry fares by length; campground and parking limits at popular sites |
| Class C motorhome | A good all-round size; easier to park | Weight and any overhead clearances; cab-over bed height |
| Class B / camper van | Easy to park, easy on ferries, narrow roads are fine | Fuel and water range; some tours have self-containment requirements; limited indoor space on rainy days |
| Travel trailer | Detach the trailer and use the tow vehicle for day trips | Combined length; trailer brakes and hitch in good condition; where to park the trailer on ferries and at attractions |
| Fifth wheel | Roomy; stable towing | Combined length is often long; ferry length bands; campground length limits |
| Truck camper | Compact and agile; goes where larger rigs cannot | Fuel and tank range on remote drive days; payload limits |
Length and weight
Ask the operator for the maximum rig length they accept, and whether it includes any tow vehicle or towed car. Then check three other limits yourself:
- Campgrounds. Some older campgrounds and several national park campgrounds have site-length or access limits. Ask the operator whether every campground on the route accepts your length.
- Ferries. Fares jump by length bands. See below.
- Weight. Know your actual loaded weight, not the brochure weight. Overloaded rigs wear tires and brakes faster, and an overloaded tow vehicle is a safety issue. Weigh the loaded rig at a public scale.
Ferry fares by length (Marine Atlantic example)
| Total length | One-way fare, CAD |
|---|---|
| Up to 21 ft | $57.12 |
| 21–30 ft | $86.33 |
| 31–40 ft | $122.21 |
| 41–50 ft | $157.92 |
| 51–60 ft | $192.04 |
| Over 60 ft | $228.09 |
A 36 ft motorhome and a 42 ft truck-and-fifth-wheel combination are in different bands. If your tour includes a "ferry base fee", ask exactly which band it covers and who pays the difference. Also check how the ferry line measures total length, and what it says about height. Ask the operator to put it in writing.
Accessibility and mobility
If anyone in your party has limited mobility, ask the operator about:
- Accessible washrooms, ramps and paved paths at campgrounds and attractions.
- The pace of walking excursions, and whether there are alternatives.
- Coach or shuttle accessibility for excursions.
- Marine Atlantic and BC Ferries accessible cabins and boarding. Marine Atlantic lists an accessible cabin option.
- Help with set-up if the driver is the only one able to level the rig.
An honest answer here is a good sign. If the operator has not thought about it, assume you will need to manage it yourself.
Frequently asked questions
Can I join a caravan with a trailer or fifth wheel?
Usually yes, but ask about maximum combined length (tow vehicle plus trailer), because campgrounds, ferries and parking areas on the route may limit it. Ferry fares are based on total length.
Can a Class B or camper van join an own-RV caravan?
Often yes, and a smaller rig can be an advantage on narrow roads and in busy parks. Ask whether the operator has requirements for self-containment or equipment.
What if I have a truck camper?
Truck campers work on many tours. Ask about tank capacity, fuel range and toilet facilities for the long drive days.