Camping/RVing Tips

Campfires

Campfire regulations are seasonal and vary from region to region. During the summer months forest fires are a very real danger and bans are put in place in the dryer areas. For detailed regional information about fire regulations, contact the BC Forest Service Fire Information Line at 1-888-336-7378. Always check with local Tourist Info Centers, as local regulations always supersede those of the Ministry of Forests and Range.

Please limit your use of campfires to cooking and warmth. They not only create a danger of forest fires, but the smoke from campfires pollutes the environment. When gathering fuel use only fallen wood and never live timber. Often, cut wood can be purchased from campgrounds.

Don't burn garbage in your campfire. The smell is unpleasant for you and your neighbours, and may even attract bears into your camp. Unburned waste left in a fire pit is an unappealing discovery for whoever uses the site after you.

Never leave a fire unattended and always make sure that it is fully extinguished. Even days after having burned down embers can stay hot and pose a hidden danger. Pull apart the logs and pour water over the coals. These simple rules will help keep British Columbia's forests for all to enjoy.

Camp Green Canada

Camp Green, Canada! By using non-toxic biological products that effectively control odours from holding tanks without causing harm to you or the environment.

Chemical RV odour control products can:

• Damage campground septic systems and municipal sewage systems
• Contaminate groundwater and surface water
• Reduce air quality in your RV
• Affect your health

Non-toxic biological products are available that effectively control odours from holding tanks without causing harm to you or your environment. Ask for non-toxic products when you shop.

For more information on certified products visit Certified EcoLogo Products web site http://www.environmentalchoice.com or call 1-800-478-0399.

Camping Etiquette

Many people go camping to leave the city behind. Even though you're spending time away from your neighbours, it's important that you don't forget about the people who are camping around you. Following these simple suggestions will keep you in good terms with your fellow campers.

Remember that many people camp to escape the city's close quarters. Be considerate when selecting a campsite and try to leave a spot in between you and your neighbours. It's not that campers are unfriendly, just that it's hard to enjoy the great wide open when you're boxed in on all sides.

Many campgrounds have a set quiet time, often from 10:00 pm until 7:00 am. Even if your campground doesn't, be considerate and think of your neighbours. Even during the day, loud stereos can bother those who are not out to party. The same applies to generators - if you feel it necessary to use one, try to do it when it will bother the least other people.

It's a general rule that when you leave a campsite, you leave it cleaner than when you found it. There's nothing worse than arriving at a site to find litter on the ground and in the fire pit. It only takes a few minutes to pick up your empty cans, banana peels and cigarette butts. Most campsites will have garbage cans for you to use, and if not, most highway rest stops have trash cans for travellers.

RV Towing Restrictions in BC

Brakes: All trailers and towing dollies over 1400 kg (3000 lbs) must be equipped with brakes on all wheels plus a break-away device hooked to the trailer brake system. Three unit RV vehicle combinations are prohibited on BC highways.

Motor vehicles with a laden weight over 2,000 kg (4,409 lbs) must have brakes and a breakaway device hooked up.

Motorhomes Towing: Motorhomes (only) may tow motor vehicles without brakes hooked up on the towed vehicle when the towed vehicle's laden weight is:

• Less than 2,000 kg (4,409 lbs) and
• Less than 40% of the GVW rating of the motorhome.

Camper Tie Downs: Campers must be secured to the vehicle carrying them at all four corners by tie downs that can be adjusted by the driver and are of sufficient strength together to secure more than the gross weight of the camper. These tie downs must also be marked with the safe working load or sufficient information to determine the manufacturer, grade and quality of the tie down.

Maximum RV Width: Maximum total overall width for RV's is 2.6 metres (8 feet 6 inches). Mirrors only may exceed the width by 20 cm (8 inches) on each side.

Maximum RV Length: Maximum total length for a motorhome is 12.5 metres (41 feet). Maximum length for a towed RV is 12.5 metres (41 feet). Maximum overall length for a combination is 20 metres (65.6 feet).

Maximum RV Height: Maximum for any vehicle is 4.15 metres (13 feet 8 inches)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR): Commercial Vehicle Safety and Enforcement Division GVWR Frequently Asked Questions Handout (2003) - pdf format

DriveSmartBC is an educational resource for drivers who travel on the highways of British Columbia.

Passengers in Travel Trailers and Campers

No person shall be on or in a trailer used for living accommodation while it is moving on a highway. There is no difference here between a 5th wheel and regular trailer.

A person on or in a vehicle being driven or operated on or across a highway shall, while the vehicle is in motion, remain seated on a seat that has been securely installed in the passenger compartment of the vehicle.

Propane

The BC Safety Authority has issued the following notice about RV propane safety: RV propane safety checklist. RVs on any BC Ferry must have the propane shut off at the cylinder.

Sewage Disposal

In British Columbia we pride ourselves on having a clean environment. Disposing of grey and black water from RV holding tanks should be done responsibly. There are many sanidump stations around the province. Some sanidump's are free while others charge a modest dumping fee. For a list of places to dump visit sanidumps.com - Canada.