AUGUST 2026
NEWSLETTER
INSIDE THIS ISSUE Celebrate RVDA of Canada’s 40th Anniversary
The 2026 Trouble Shooter Clinic Elevate Excellence — Nominate Canada’s 2026 RV Dealer of the Year
Be Part of the Backbone of the Journey" Legacy Project Submit your photos and history through Then & Now, Passing the Keys, or The Community Anchor for inclusion in national features, the Storybook, and the Convention Convention Master Video. Video. Atlantic Canada's Biggest RV Technical Training Event is Coming This November The 2026 Trouble Shooter Clinic brings 3.5 days of expert-led, manufacturersupported technical training directly to Truro, Nova Scotia.
Send More, Save More: The Explosive BOGO Deal Fueling Canada’s RV Teams Hit the Hit the $799 USD early‑bird early‐bird rate before August 31, and and every second every second registrant registrant from from the the same same rooftop rooftop dealership detonates dealership detonates into into aa full $799 USD rebate after the Convention — — turning turning every every second second registration registration FREE!
NEWSLETTER
Dear Members, Dear Members,
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Chairman’s column Our dealer members, members, provincial associations, manufacturers, partners, volunteers, and industry leaders have all played an important role in shaping our association since 1986.
Forty years is more than a milestone. It is a testament to the strength of an industry built on relationships, collaboration, innovation, and a shared passion for helping Canadians experience the freedom freedom of the RV lifestyle. As we celebrate RVDA of Canada’s 40th anniversary, we are not simply looking back at where we have been. We are recognizing the incredible people who made this journey possible.
Together, we have weathered challenges, embraced new opportunities, and built an industry that continues to make a meaningful contribution to Canadian families, communities, tourism, and the economy. Throughout this newsletter and over the coming months, we will take a walk down memory lane through a special three-part anniversary series exploring the evolution of RVDA of Canada, from establishing a strong national voice for dealers, to developing programs and services that help dealerships succeed, to championing the RV lifestyle across across the country. While we are proud of everything we have accomplished together, this celebration is ultimately about you, our members, and the stories that have made our association what it is today.
Every dealership has a story worth sharing. Whether your business has been welcoming RVers for generations or has only recently joined our community, your journey is part of the larger story of Canada’s RV industry. That is why we are inviting you to participate in our 40th Anniversary Member Legacy Project by sharing photos, memories, milestones, and stories that celebrate your dealership’s history, the people behind your success, and the impact you have made in your community. Submissions can be made through the following link. link . We cannot wait to see your memories. Please do not miss the opportunity to be part of this special celebration and help us tell the story of Canada’s RV industry.
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Chairman’s column
Our anniversary celebration will culminate this November at the RV Dealers Convention/Expo in Las Vegas, where we will proudly commemorate this milestone alongside industry partners from across North America. Of course, the Convention is about much more than celebrating our past. It is also an opportunity to invest in the future of your dealership through outstanding educational educational sessions, valuable networking, innovative products and business solutions, and insights into the trends shaping our industry. Whether you are attending for the first time or returning once again, you will leave with new ideas, stronger connections, and renewed inspiration. I encourage every Canadian dealer to join us as we celebrate four decades of achievement while preparing for the opportunities ahead. To make it even easier for Canadian dealers to attend, I am pleased to announce that the RVDA of Canada Board and the CRVA have once again partnered to offer an exclusive Buy One, Get One registration incentive for the 2026 RV Dealers Convention/Expo. Register before the August 31 early-bird deadline at the $799 US registration rate.
For every second person registered from your dealership, you will receive a $799 US rebate following the Convention, making every second registration effectively free. FFor or example, a dealership registering six attendees would receive three $799 US rebates after the Convention. This is a tremendous opportunity to invest in your team, expand the the value of your Convention experience, and celebrate this historic anniversary together. Thank you for your continued commitment to our association and to Canada’s RV industry. For forty years, we have accomplished so much by working together, and I am confident that the next forty years will bring even greater opportunities. Here is to celebrating our past, embracing our future, and creating many more milestones together. I look forward to celebrating with all of you in Las Vegas this November. Ken Dobson Board Chair RVDA of Canada
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2026 1st Quarter Economic Review RVDA of Canada
Canadian Economic Outlook US tariffs and the unpredictability of future trade arrangements are disrupting the Canadian economy. Growth in Canada is expected to remain modest, while inflation stays close to 2%. The Canadian economic outlook is little changed since the October Report. Canada continues to adjust to a new trade landscape. Affected businesses are reconfiguring their trade and seeking new suppliers and markets. As this adjustment proceeds, capital will start being reallocated and some workers will shift into new roles. This adjustment will take time, and growth will be restrained through the transition. Uncertainty remains high. The world is becoming more fragmented, and geopolitical risks are elevated. For Canada, the future of trade in North America is an important uncertainty with the USMCA renewal in 2026 and lack of agreements for other recently imposed tariffs on select goods. CANADIAN NATIONAL RV RETAIL STATISTICS - JUNE 2026 Canadian retail sales statistics are now available for both motorized and towable recreational vehicles. These statistics will allow dealers to better manage the inventory on their lot by knowing which units are selling in their area, which price points are attracting buyers as well as knowing the local trends affecting their marketplace.
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From the Editor’s Desk: Help Us Write "The Backbone of the Journey" This T his year, the RVDA of Canada is proudly celebrating our 40th Anniversary! To honour this historic milestone and the incredible community we have built together over the past four decades, we are officially launching launching our landmark campaign: The Backbone of the Journey. At the heart of this celebration is a beautiful, printed commemorative storybook that we are curating right now in the national office. Rather than a dry list of dates, this book is designed like a living family storybook. It is built around three core pillars that define our shared legacy: 1. The Power of Unity (Industry Alignment): How our provincial and national associations aligned to 1. create a powerful, unified federal voice. 2. Fuelling the Dealership (Operational Excellence) : How we built industry-leading business 2. endorsements, established a world-class Red Seal technical workforce, and won massive advocacy battles to protect your bottom line. 3. Championing the RV Lifestyle (The Consumer Connection): How we have spent forty years capturing 3. the imagination of Canadian campers and promoting the outdoor lifestyle.\
Because the truth is, this is our collective history. The RVDA of Canada does not exist in a vacuum or a boardroom; it exists on your lots, in your service bays, and around the millions of campfires you have helped families light across this country. Without you—our members—there simply would be be no RVDA of Canada. Every single milestone we celebrate over these past forty years was built by the grit, passion, and community spirit of dealers like you.
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RVDA Board at Peggy's Cove
To make this storybook complete, we need the voices and faces of the people who actually built this industry: our members. We have built a dedicated anniversary hub at www.rvda.ca/40th where you can explore our rich history, download exclusive campaign logos and 40th-anniversary digital badges for your staff, and directly upload your own dealership's historical files. A Quick Tease from the Archives We’ve been smiling over some incredible historical finds as we dig through the national storage boxes—like our handwritten 1982 pre-incorporation minutes showing pioneers like Fred Benninger, Don Sneyd, Fred Bromley, and Andy Thomson building this community years before our official 1986 founding. We also uncovered vintage copies of our member newsletters where we did doubletakes of whether they were talking 1986 or 2026! How to Add Your Piece to the Book Today We want you to go to www.rvda.ca/40th to download your campaign assets, explore the timeline, and help us fill in these blank storybook frames: The Power of Unity: If your business is one of "The '86 Originals" or a longtime member, we want vintage photos of your founders, early lot teams, or regional association meetings (like the historic 2002 Atlantic merger).
"Then & Now" Lots (Lifestyle): Send us a vintage, old-school photo of your lot from the '80s or '90s (complete with classic trailers or retro motorhomes) paired with a photo of your modern lot or showroom today! Promoting the RV Lifestyle (Connecting with Campers): How has your team helped Canadian families fall in love with the open road? We want to see photos of customer-appreciation events, your booths at local RV shows, retro dealership brochures, or even classic snapshots of excited families taking delivery of their keys as they set off on their very first adventure! Don't let your dealership's unique chapter be left out of our permanent history. Visit www.rvda.ca/40th to explore the project, download your team's digital anniversary badges, and upload your historical photos today! (Note: Keep an eye out for our October newsletter, where we will dive into Section 2 of the book to celebrate our service bays, our legendary business endorsements, and our biggest advocacy victories!)
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The Triathlete's Mindset: How Athletic Discipline Built Woody's RV World In the early 1980s, the economic landscape of Alberta was a testing ground for the resilient. For Woody Paylor, the foundation of a future multilocation success story was not laid in a high-rise boardroom, but on the unyielding gravel of a Red Deer driveway. Having spent eighteen years earning a deep professional backbone as an operating manager and partner at Uncle Ben’s RV, Woody decided to take a gamble on his own vision. The early days of Woody’s RV World were a masterclass in meticulous, hands-on grit and a true family affair. Sourcing pre-owned units through the Auto Trader, Woody spent his days in his driveway overhauling trailers he acquired. Woody Paylor, the visionary founder of Woody’s RV World, loves to compete. One may go as far as suggesting that he lives to compete. While many business owners may view competition as a relentless hunt for market share, Woody Paylor, on the other hand, suggests a more profound paradigm: the CEO as an endurance athlete playing the long game. For Paylor, leadership has always been an extension of physical and mental mastery. During the RV dealership’s formative years, he adopted a lifestyle of extreme physiological discipline, including intermittent fasting decades before it became a wellness trend, to sharpen his mental clarity and build the stamina needed for gruelling workdays. This personal discipline ensured that when external conditions were unforgiving, the internal engine of the company remained optimized.
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That internal engine faced its first major test on February 24, 1986, with the official opening of a 5,000-square-foot showroom in Red Deer. On that opening day, the lot was swallowed by a classic mid-winter Alberta thaw: a messy, half-frozen expanse of heavy mud and melting slush. Yet, standing by the "Opening Soon" sign, Paylor’s expression was one of unmistakable pride. He was looking at a destination. By competing against himself to maintain focus amidst the thaw, he turned a risky venture into a provincial landmark.
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As RVs RVs grew in size, Woody realized the dealership needed a home that matched the evolution of the vehicles. The business moved to a prominent, three-acre location on Highway 2 South, directly in front of the Westerner Exposition Grounds, tripling its service capacity. To capture the attention of travellers, Woody commissioned a three-meter-tall neon woodpecker mascot atop a 15-meter sign. For travellers speeding down Highway 2, that bright mascot became a beacon of permanence—a reminder that Woody's was a fixed point in an ever-moving world. This strategic move was underpinned by a radical philosophy on competition. Woody identified "five competitors" for any business: the owner, the management, the sales team, the staff, and lastly, the dealer down the street. While most business owners obsess over their neighbours, Woody viewed the dealer down the street not as a threat, but as a fellow pacer in a race he was running against himself. By ignoring external noise and focusing entirely on his own stride, Woody actively welcomed side-byside competition on the highway. He understood that creating an RV "hub" benefited the collective. If Red Deer became Western Canada's undisputed destination for RVs, every dealer in the cluster would see their traffic multiply. For Woody, the goal was never to steal a competitor's slice of the pie; it was to grow the entire pie together. This patient, long-distance strategy mirrored Woody's legendary athletic pursuits. An elite triathlete, Woody represented Canada at the 1997 Spain Marathon and achieved a staggering age-group victory at Ironman Brazil with a finish time of 12 hours, 17 minutes, and 41 seconds. Reflecting on that gruelling race, Woody encapsulated his approach to both sport and commerce: “When I got to the run I was in third place with 26 miles left and I was fortunate enough to reel them in.”
This ability to to "reel in" milestones through rhythmic precision is a trait modern organizational research frequently links to executive success. For instance, data from EY reveals that 94% of female executive leaders have an athletic background, showcasing how the resilience, team-first accountability, and coachability forged in sports translate seamlessly into the C-suite.
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Applying the endurance of a triathlete allowed Woody to guide his company safely through Alberta's famously cyclical "boom-and-bust" economic storms that claimed less disciplined competitors.
As his business grew, Woody’s focus naturally transitioned from building profit to building a broader industry. He became the first Albertan president of the National RVDA of Canada, representing 450 dealers nationwide. His approach to the association was rooted in a team-sport mentality, specifically drawing on the cooperative spirit of cricket, where every player must execute their specialized role perfectly for the collective to succeed. While leading the association, Woody was guided by a simple, generous motto inscribed on his personal plaque: “Anything that we can do to help our fellow dealers across Canada to become better at what they do would be a step in the right direction.” In the final stretch of his career, Woody's focus shifted from market endurance to community endurance. Through multi-million-dollar donations, he and his wife, Val Jensen, ensured that the next generation of Albertans had the space to move and compete. From the splashing children at Woody’s Spray Park at the G.H. Dawe Community Centre to the sprinters on the track at Woody’s Athletic Park at Lindsay Thurber High School, these recreation facilities serve as active invitations for the community to discover the same health and vitality that fuelled Woody's own journey. As the RV industry prepares to face its next marathons— including electrification, and digital transformation— Woody Paylor’s legacy offers a timeless roadmap. Success is rarely found in the short-term sprint, but in the disciplined, collaborative spirit of the long game.
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2026
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CANADIAN RV CANADIAN RV DEALER OF DEALER OF THE THE YEAR YEAR Leadership Exemplified. Excellence Defined. Each year, the RVDA of Canada, together with RV Lifestyle Magazine and Dealer News, invites nominations for the esteemed Canadian RV Dealer of the Year Award. Established in 1989 and dedicated to the enduring legacy of the late Walt Paseska, founder of Walt’s Trailer Sales in Headingley, Manitoba - we honour those whose passion, integrity, and service embody the very best of our industry. This award recognizes leaders who inspire others, champion the RV lifestyle, and strengthen the communities they proudly serve.
Submit Your Nominee Today Get the Details and Required Form HERE DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION: AUGUST 31, 2026
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NOVEMBER 9- 13, 2026
Canada’s RVDA & CRVA Launch Strategic BOGO Incentive for 2026 Convention Lock in the $799 US early‑bird early‐bird rate before August 31, and every second registrant from the same rooftop dealership triggers a $799 USD post‑Convention post‐Convention rebate . That’s not just savings — that’s every second registration FREE. Send six — three FREE. Send ten — five FREE. Send your entire dealership — watch the rebates cascade across your roster amplifying value with every additional registration.
30+ Vendor Training Sessions Set for the 2026 RV Dealers Convention More than 30 Vendor Training Plus sessions are scheduled for the 2026 RV Dealers Convention/Expo. These one-hour workshops led by industry vendors help dealership professionals master the latest market products, with a major focus on new artificial intelligence (AI) uses, technology, and sales strategies.
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Service Management Guide ( 12th Edition)
The new 12th edition of the RV Learning Center’s “Service Management Guide” (a flat rate manual) has been completely updated with more product and model times, plus management guidance that can helps service departments improve their daily operations. The guide offers more than 100 pages of average work unit times for the functions that RV technicians perform most often, along with check sheets that serve as references for service managers and technicians.
The SMG provides reasonable guidance on the time required for competent technicians to complete assigned tasks. It’s an important part of the service management system but isn’t intended to be the sole determinant of prices or rates charged.
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Service writer/advisor online Training available through the Mike Molino RV Learning Center
Developed by RV industry service management experts, the online course topics including managing appointments and workflow, generating additional revenue, and enhancing communication with customers. Fully interactive and easy to navigate, the course is an ideal way to jump start the knowledge base of new employees or provide a refresher for more experienced fixed operations professionals. Modules reinforce the customer service skill sets service writers/advisors are required to perform every day. The course concludes with comprehensive final assessment to test knowledge and skills learned in the course. The course is excellent preparation for the RV Learning Center’s Service Writer / Advisor Certification Test, which is separate from the online training program.
More New Online Courses The Mike Molino RV Learning Center continues to add to its curriculum online courses designed to help dealers and fixed operations meet the needs of a new generation of customers. The Parts Specialist online course Parts Manager Online Course
The RV Learning Center partnered with the Ohio State University’s Center for Education and Training for Employment have developed Certifications, Competency Profiles, and instructional materials in the following areas:
Service Manager Service Writer/Advisor Warranty Administrator Parts Manager Parts Specialist
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RVDA OF CANADA
ENDORSEMENTS Baseline Processing provides payment solutions and expertise to more than 1,000 merchants across North America including many RVDA of Canada members. Vancouver-based Baseline offers transparent pricing on an RVDA plan — pricing that won’t change for the duration of our relationship. Contact: Hugh Lalande (604) 606-7950) Website: www.baselineprocessing.com Chekkit is an all-in-one customer communication platform that brings texting, calling, social messaging, reviews, and webchat into a single, unified inbox. Businesses use Chekkit to respond instantly, automate conversations with AI, manage leads, send quotes and invoices, and deliver consistent 5-star customer experiences at scale. Contact:Daniel Fayle—daniel@chekkit.io Website: www.chekkit.io
The Corpay brand unifies the domestic U.S. payments solutions— Comdata Corporate Payments, Nvoicepay, and Roger—with their crossborder payment solutions, Cambridge Global Payments and AFEX, and offers customers the power to more seamlessly connect their finance and AP departments. As part of Corpay, Cambridge’s main goal will be to continue to meet our customers cross-border payments and currency risk management needs. Contact : Brad Loder at 416-646-6401 Ext:2392 Website : http://cross-border.corpay.com/rvda-canada/
GROUP EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
Federated Insurance provides customizable Group Employee Benefit coverage. Contact: Western Canada: Reza Kamrani at 1-800-665-1934 Eastern Caada: Mauro Di Tullio at 1-800-361-0790 Website: www.federated.ca
PROPERTY & CASUALTY INSURANCE
Federated Insurance Company of Canada provides direct underwriting of Property and Casualty Insurance for RV dealerships. In addition, the Inventory Floor Plan Advantage is available from Federated Insurance for Commercial Distribution Finance (CDF) customers. Website: www.federated.ca
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RVDA OF CANADA
ENDORSEMENTS Creditor Insurance /Warranty /Appearance Protection /Anti-theft iA Dealer Services: F&I protection programs including, Creditor's Group Insurance (life, accident & sickness, involuntary unemployment, critical illness), Extended Warranty, Appearance Protection and Theft Deterrent System. An array of dynamic and RV specific F&I training webinars to support your business office. To find out more about iA Dealer Services or to become an iA Dealer Services dealer partner, contact us today. Contact: 1 800 663 9498; email: info.iads@ia.ca Website: www.iadealerservices.ca KYCS(Keep K YCS(Keep Your Community Safe), KYCS Global’s state of the art Bluetooth and IoT theft recovery solutions create peace of mind for your customers. KYCS works in partnership with Crime Stoppers to assist in the recovery of RV and Trailer theft. The company’s flagship solution includes KYCS Locate sold exclusively at dealerships. With seamless installation, KYCS Locate is covertly hidden in RVs & Trailers Contact: Jason Lyall at (289) 230-1833, Email: jlyall@kycs.ca Website: http://www.kycs.ca/ NCM Associates, Inc., help dealers improve management skills, learn best practices, and apply them to your dealership while utilizing detailed proprietary reports and hard intelligence on group and industry trends. Call: 1.800.756.2620 (US and Canada) Website: info@ncmassociates.com | www.ncmassociates.com
Waterfall Analytics , Canadian Pre-Owned RV sales data and intelligence Discover the latest trends, insights, and key performance indicators shaping the dynamic landscape of RV sales across the country. Waterfall’s comprehensive reports provide a detailed analysis of the Canadian RV pre-owned market, offering valuable data and actionable intelligence for industry professionals, enthusiasts, and investors. Contact:info@wtrfll.ca Website: https://wtrfll.ca/
Wells Fargo Commercial Distribution Finance (CDF) is a global inventory financing solutions provider with more than 45 years of expertise in the RV industry. Wells Fargo CDF delivers inventory financing solutions, service, and intelligence through in-depth expertise and a commitment to customers. Contact: Charbel Bejjani Tel: (204)255-5965; Cell: (204) 430-6410; Website: www.wellsfargo.com/cdf
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RVDA MEMBER DISCOUNT PROGRAMS / BENEFITS
Discounts on select courier services worldwide
Exclusive discounts up to 35% off select FedEx services when shipping within Canada, to the US, or internationally. If you have a FedEx account, simply enroll in this program through the dedicated FedEx webpage that can be found at the member link . If not, see the member benefit page for a link to do so. View FedEx services at www.fedex.ca.
Introducing member benefit from John Deere to RVDA of Canada RVDA of Canada members are now eligible for an upgraded John Deere Rewards membership which unlocks extra discounts on equipment, parts and merchandise. Enroll today! It’s simple , fast & free. Check JohnDeere.ca/rvda
Marks: Discounts (in-store) on select workwear
As your current cards expired, we're offering you an easier way to shop! To receive the discounts, all you need to do is mention the RVDA of Canada account number at check-out. This offer is available at all Mark's stores across Canada. We're still working on extending the program to online purchases so stay tuned. Access the program now through the RVDA of Canada member site
Discounts and offers for top attractions, shows and other entertainment
Exclusive discounts and offers for all your stay at Home and work from home needs including, Disney+ subscription,Showtime subscription, black Friday pricing for computers/laptops audiobooks and much more! 24 Access the program now through the RVDA of Canada member site.
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RVDA MEMBER DISCOUNT PROGRAMS / BENEFITS
Perkopolis Member Discount Program Great perks on everyday products and services! Perkopolis is continuously sourcing exclusive offers and benefits for you! Use your Perkopolis membership to enjoy great savings on entertainment, travel, attractions, shopping, health, wellness, sports and more! Click here for more information
Petro-Canada SuperPass Credit Card Discount RVDA of Canada members are now eligible for an upgraded John Deere Rewards membership which unlocks extra discounts on equipment, parts and merchandise. Enroll today! It’s simple, fast & free. Check JohnDeere.ca/rvda
Reserve and Save on Airport Parking Program With a network that spans coast to coast, Park’N Fly is focused on providing our customers with cost-effective parking options while enjoying a park happy experience with every stay. Access Program
Purolator Member Discount Program CSAE has negotiated group shipping discounts of up to 55%* on Purolator Shipping Services. Service designed with you in mind! Whether it’s across town or across the country, you’ll get reliable, professional shipping that will satisfy— and impress—your customers. Access Program
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A Canada-wide Recreation Vehicle Industry Publication Une publication pancanadienne du secteur des véhicules récréatifs
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
DIRECTORS
Executive Committee
JOHN KROHNERT PLATINUM RV SALES
CHAIRMAN, KEN DOBSON LEISURE TIME SALES QUISPAMSIS, NB
CHARDELL BRYDON JERRY'S RV TRAILER SALES & SERVICE
VICE-CHAIRMAN, MARC RÉMILLARD CENTRE DU CAMPING RÉMILLARD ST-JEAN-SUR-RICHELIEU, QC
JONATHAN STONE STONE’S RV CENTER
TREASURER, PETER SCHMUCKER FRASERWAY RV LACOMBE COUNTY, AB
MATHIEU HÉRARD ROULOTTES CHAUDIÈRE
PAST CHAIR JIM GORRIE CLASSIC TRAILER SALES LTD. HEADINGLEY, MB
TRAVIS BROMLEY TRANSCONA TRAILER SALES
KYLE KEHOE KEHOE RV
COLE O'CONNELL PULSE RV
JEFF REDMOND MIDTOWN R.V. LTD.
The RVDA of Canada Member Newsletter is produced and distributed through the national association office : RVDA of Canada, #145 – Coppersmith Way Richmond, BC V7A 5J9 PH: (604) 718-6325
FAX: (604) 204-0154
WWW.RVDA.CA