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! supports 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
Behind
the Wheel is a weekly column, published on
the web, for those who are interested in traffic safety in
British Columbia. Written by Tim Schewe, former RCMP traffic
enforcement officer, it keeps readers familiar with traffic
law and up to date with the changes. Whether you ride a motorcycle,
drive a car or cruise in an RV this site has advice for you!
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 Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulations require that the propane appliance tank valves be closed when your RV is moving. RVs on any BC Ferry must have the propane shut off at the cylinder.
As of June 24th, 2008, the BC Safety Authority has issued the following notice about propane safety: Propane Notice
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.
