Finding the Perfect Used Truck or SUV
If you are on the market for a new to you used truck or SUV there are many things to consider. Gas mileage can be a factor although most buyers of used trucks realize that if you own a truck you will be visiting the gas pumps a little more often than you would if you drive a small used car. The versatility of a truck makes that consideration moot in most situations. Being an RV dealer as well as having a selection of vehicles helps to give us the insight to not only find you a great used truck but also to find you one that meets all of your needs now andin the future. Will you want to tow a travel trailer in the future? Will you want to pack a truck camper down the road? These are questions we are very interested in making sure we talk about and properly meet your needs. So many times, we see customers in who have just purchased a vehicle which does not meet their needs but now they are trying to buy a trailer that their truck or SUV will not pull. The part that surprises us the most is a lot of times people who have just bought a new vehicle will actually trade their vehicle in and buy the one they should have bought in the first place. This mistake will cost you a lot of money and so that is why we try to find out exactly what you will use your vehicle for.
The GVWR (gross vehicle weight rating) is very important for towing and so many vehicles are rated surprisingly low, causing a problem when you walk into the perfect RV and find out your vehicle wont tow anything even close to the trailer you would love to own. Trailers have GVWR ratings too and your vehicle needs to be able to tow more than the GVWR for the trailer you choose. This includes but not limited to the weight of your passengers (dont bring me with you haha), the contents inside both your trailer and your vehicle, including water, groceries, clothes, camping gear etc. The weight of these items adds up very fast and so it is important to have your truck rated for more than the trailer.
Payload is important if you want to pack a camper and if you want a nice camper you are almost always going to be into a 3/4 ton truck or larger. Most car dealers do not seem to know or want to get involved in showing you the right truck to purchase if you want to buy a camper and will be happy to sell you the 1/2 ton they just took on trade. They leave the onus on you to buy a small enough camper to fit the used truck they want you to buy. We take that responsibility seriously and I guarantee you that you will purchase the right vehicle to fit your needs.No one deserves to take a financial hit if they have to trade a recently purchased vehicle back in due to needing to upgrade to meet needs that were not considered at the time of purchase.
We have a small lot but we work very hard to fill your vehicle needs and have many outside sources to fill those needs. We have many contacts that have trucks available for sale at all times and we also frequently use the Richmond ADESA auction. Finding a nearly new used truck or SUV to meet your needs is something we can do. The benefit to you is that we are able to supply these vehicles to you sometimes the same day we purchase them so we will be able to offer them to you at much lower prices than you will find around town. In the door and back out the door means substantial savings to you. The vehicles supplied come in exactly as we call them to you and they go through a vigorous inspection process to make sure they are safe, sound and ready to meet your driving requirements.
I think the most important factor before you go shopping for a vehicle is to sit down with your partner and figure out what you want to do in the future. A preliminary trip to the RV store might be a good idea even if you are three or four years away from making that purchase. Most RV stores will show you trailers if you are planning for the future and if they dont get out and see us because we certainly will. We have had quite a few customers figure out what they needed and then factory order a new truck and a new trailer so they had the perfect match. So whatever your want for a vehicle new or used its a good idea to make sure you think about what it will be used for down the road as well as now. I look forward to seeing you out at Automotion Motors & RV soon.
Barbie’s Camper
Barbie was first introduced to the world as a fashion doll by Mattel in 1959. Since then Barbie has had tons of makeovers, accessories, friends and pets. Mattel has definitely tried to keep the doll up to date and modern, and they have done a great job. What I find so interesting and exciting about Barbie; she has a Glamour Camper!
Barbie has taken this elite lifestyle of traveling and/or full-time living into consideration and has made the next generation love it too! The toy comes with a 30-piece accessory kit! Just like us, we have the ability to choose the amenities and upgrades we want to fit our personalities. Look at this camper!
Glamour Camper
The RV industry is constantly trying to revamp and create a transportable living space that will fit each and every one of us. RV’s can come equipped to every lifestyle, activity, and adventure. Mattel has come right along with us. Not only did Barbie have the Glamour Camper, she had the Country Camper too.
Country Camper
We tend to see the RV lifestyle as one for those who have retired or geared towards an older audience because we are the ones that can drive. Many people associate RV traveling as part of family traditions and weekend get-a-ways with friends, which is great! But, Barbie having these different campers allows the younger generation to see, play with, and understand that RV living can be exciting, adventurous and fun. “Just like Barbie!!” It isn’t just about a traveling home on wheels, it is about the whole experience, and everything that you and your family can enjoy outside or even inside of the RV. Their imaginations are huge and their want to explore with us is what has had me giddy over this Barbie-camper discovery!
If you are looking for a new way to travel or ready to explore your own version of the Glamour Camper, come see us. We are always here to help and hope to see you soon!Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
Gross Trailer Weight
Is the most weight that a particular vehicle can safely and reliably haul. To determine if you've reached the Maximum Gross Trailer Weight of a vehicle, take the total loaded trailer weight and add the combined weight of all passengers, cargo and equipment in the tow vehicle.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
Is the maximum recommended weight for a vehicle, including: the weight of the vehicle itself, fuel and other fluids, passengers, and all cargo.
Payload
Is the combined, maximum allowable weight of cargo, and passengers that the truck is designed to carry. To calculate the payload of a vehicle, take the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating and subtract the Curb Weight.
Base Curb Weight
Is the weight of the vehicle including a full tank of fuel and all standard equipment. It does not include passengers, cargo or any optional equipment.
Q - Who determines the GVWR?
A - Vehicle manufacturers set the GVWR for each vehicle based on standards set and enforced by Transport Canada.
Q - How is the GVWR of a vehicle determined?
A - Each manufacturer determines the maximum acceptable weight limits for each vehicle by considering the combined weight of the strongest weight bearing components (the axles) and the weaker components (vehicle body, frame, suspension, and tires). When these are factored in, the manufacturer sets the vehicle's GVWR in accordance with the standards set by Transport Canada.
Q - What happens when a vehicle is loaded above its GVWR?
A - Vehicles that operate above the GVWR are a potential safety hazard because the frame, suspension, brakes and tires are not designed for weights above the rating the manufacturer has set. Overloading a vehicle can also result in increased maintenance costs for the owner. The Motor Vehicle Act Regulations of British Columbia prohibit vehicle operators from loading their vehicle in excess of its GVWR.
Q - How do I make sure I am not overloading my vehicle?
A - The easiest way to figure out how much weight your vehicle is designed to carry is to subtract the net weight of the vehicle (found in your owner's manual) from the GVWR (found on the driver's door post). The remaining number is the maximum weight your vehicle can safely carry. (it includes passengers, fuel and cargo.) Aftermarket access or equipment will increase the net weight of the vehicle. The weight of these accessories or equipment must be added to the net weight listed in your owner's manual. If you want to check the net weight of your vehicle, you can take your unloaded vehicle to ICBC Weigh Scale to be weighed.
Q - What can I do if my loaded vehicle exceeds its GVWR?
A - You can reduce the amount of cargo you have in your vehicle or transfer a portion of your load to a trailer. Exceeding the GVWR by excessively overloading your vehicle is illegal, unsafe and can reduce the service life of the vehicle.
Q - Can my vehicle be modified to carry more weight and increase the GVWR?
A - Modifications to a vehicle can only be done at facilities that are recognized by Transport Canada. All of these facilities must have a National Safety Mark from Transport Canada. To find out if a facility is certified to do these types of modifications, ask to see the Safety Mark. A company that modifies a vehicle to increase the GVWR must ensure the GVWR is increased in accordance with the original manufacturer's written recommendations, or within the load-carrying capacity of the vehicle's components, when the completed vehicle is loaded for its intended use. This is an expensive option for light truck owners and because of the criteria associated with increasing a vehicle's GVWR, it may be difficult to find a facility willing to do the work.
Q - What is the difference between the licensed weight shown on my Owner's Certificate and the GVWR stamped on the vehicle itself?
A - When a vehicle is licensed, the owner pays a licensing fee based on the weight they plan to carry and tow. This fee helps to offset the costs of maintaining B.C.'s roads and highways. An additional licensing fee can be paid to increase the amount a vehicle is licensed to carry and tow, provided that amount does not exceed the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating. These fees are in place to accommodate vehicles with a capacity to carry larger loads.
Q - If my vehicle exceeds the GVWR and it becomes involved in an accident, will this affect my insurance coverage?
A - Your ICBC insurance coverage will not be affected. However, if the overweight problem contributed to the accident you could be found partially or totally responsible for the accident. This could result in an increase to your future premiums. If your vehicle's optional coverage has been purchased from a private insurer, you should check to find out the policies of that insurer in terms of coverage. Police may also ticket you for operating an overweight vehicle.
Q - How much can my vehicle tow?
A - Check your owner's manual to find out your vehicle's towing capability. If you tow too much, you could damage your vehicle.
Q - If I am towing a trailer (or other vehicle) should I include its weight in the GVWR of my vehicle?
A - No, you do not have to include the weight of your trailer into your vehicle's GVWR. However, you must consider the weight the load will put on your vehicle's trailer hitch or 5th wheel. The weight exerted on the hitch forms part of the load of the towing vehicle and should be included as part of the towing vehicle's load.
Q - What about the weight of the load in the trailer? Does that count towards the GVWR of the vehicle towing the trailer?
A - Vehicles such as utility trailers, motor homes, and horse trailers usually have their own GVWR. You do not have to include the weight of the load in the trailer as part of the GVWR of the towing vehicle.
Thinking about a Truck and Camper Combo?
Do I Need a New Battery??
Question: My battery keeps running down. Does that mean I need a new battery?
Answer:It might, but then again it might not. The only way to know for sure is to (1) test the condition of the battery to see if it is capable of holding a charge, (2) check the output of the charging system to see if it is functioning properly, and (3) if the battery and charging system are okay, check for a possible current drain on the battery when the key is off. In other words, if the battery is okay and the charging system is doing its job, then something is draining voltage from the
Flipping Trailer Axles
It's often done for more ground clearance. But also, these days, pickup trucks are sometimes higher than they used to be years ago so flipping the axle is also done when someone with an older trailer gets a new truck.
Fantastic financing offer
RV Black Streaks-How To Clean Them
Washing the RV roof just before the rainy season starts will go a long way toward eliminating the cause of black streaks.
Winter off-roading for beginners
By Howard J Elmer, MSN Autos
These days, four-wheel-drive vehicles are as common as crabgrass since weed-killer has been outlawed. Consider that GM alone sells more than a quarter-million of such a year in Canada. Yet, even though so many people own these vehicles, few owners will take them off-road. Out of necessity, sure. But what about for fun? It's too bad more people don't, because they're missing out on a chance to improve their driving skills and boost their confidence.
Really? Yes. For the record, when we're talking about off-road, it refers to any time you leave the pavement - not just traversing across virgin fields. Consider that only a tiny fraction of Canada is considered urban and that we're known for having some of the nastiest weather around. Sooner or later, you're destined to find yourself in a situation where off-roading skills are an asset, even if it is just an unplowed parking lot.
At this point in time, you might be saying, "I know nothing about four-wheel drive or off-roading." Let's start with the basics then.
Why You Should Know Your RV Travel Trailer Weight
For example, when you are towing a travel trailer the gross weight (fully loaded weight) includes the weight of the trailer water, propane, safety equipment, supplies and personal items.
Most Recreational Vehicle manufacturers provide a “dry” or empty weight for RV travel trailers. However, to select a proper tow vehicle and RV hitch, you must know how much your travel trailer weighs fully loaded.For example, when you are towing a travel trailer the gross weight (fully loaded weight) includes the weight of the trailer water, propane, safety equipment, supplies and personal items.
Develop a realistic estimate of the gross weight of your trailer. The time you spend doing this and getting properly equipped will save you time and money in preventing unexpected repairs to your tow vehicle and unanticipated breakdowns while on the road.
Recreational Vehicle Weight Related Terms
• Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). Amount the Recreational Vehicle may weigh when fully loaded.• Tow Rating Weight a tow vehicle can tow. This figure may vary depending on the vehicle’s equipment, such as a manual or automatic transmission and whether it is equipped with four-wheel drive.
• Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) Permissible combined weight of the tow vehicle, rv travel trailer, passengers, equipment, fuel, etc., that the tow vehicle can handle.
• Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) Weight a single axle can carry.
In addition to speaking with RV dealers and RVers who use RV trailers, the best way to know the actual weight of your trailer is to weigh it at a public scale.
RV manufacturers consider the loaded weight of a trailer when specifying tongue weight—the amount of the trailer’s weight that presses down on the trailer hitch. Too little tongue weight can cause the trailer to sway. Too much tongue weight can cause many problems, including not enough weight on the front wheels of the tow vehicle. When this occurs, the tow vehicle will be less responsive to steering. A weight-distributing hitch can remedy this problem by transferring weight to the front axle of the tow vehicle.
Manufacturers also establish the gross axle weight and provide a rating that denotes the maximum weight a single axle can carry. Knowing these weights will help you when it is time to load your trailer. Remember that the gross axle weight rating listed on the tow vehicle’s certification label must not be exceeded.
