Issue link: http://publications.winnipegfreepress.com/i/945516
who's who 2018 Manitoba RV Show & Sale 7 By Wendy King W armer days are coming and with them the urge to "get out of Dodge" and into the great outdoors. But you might want to take some of the comforts of Dodge with you – and the best way to do that is with an RV. Shane Lachman is the general manager at Can Am RV. He's been in the recreational vehicle business for 26 years and he'll tell you that there are lightweight RVs for every budget and every lifestyle including new and pre-loved travel trailers, fifth wheel travel trailers, park models and more. "It's just a great lifestyle that brings a lot of enjoyment to people who love the outdoors," says Lachman. Can Am RV has been a full-service dealer for more than 34 years, specializing in RV sales, service and parts, all with the help of their dedicated professionals on a nine-acre space featuring oversized service bays, an indoor showroom and a comprehensive parts department just west of Winnipeg in Headingley. To be sure to find the right RV for you, you'll need to consider a few key details. "Researching is almost like buying a home away from home," says Lachman. "You really have to find out what's important to you, whether that's a full-sized bed or big windows or a big bathroom – or do you just want something very simple and basic that gets you off the ground? "And when talking to the dealer, you'll find out what type of hitches you'll need for your tow vehicle, as well as the wiring and brake control needed to keep things safe when you're travelling." Lachman says what makes the RV lifestyle even more appealing is that banks have made it very affordable. "It's generally a lot cheaper than owning a cottage or even some vacations that you can take," he says. "And the campers themselves are getting nicer every year with amenities like LED lighting, stereos, and even dishwashers." Affordability means accessibility for even more outdoor lovers. Some of that accessibility comes from contemporary lightweight trailers: RVs under a 3,500-pound dry weight (dry weight means not loaded) – which just happens to be Can Am RV's specialty. "Lightweight trailers can be pulled by most family vehicles whether that's a van, some small SUVs and even some cars," he says. "We have them starting at 1,700 pounds dry weight." Lightweight trailers really are "the easy life" when you are on the road. "The advantage of the lightweight trailers is they are efficient, aerodynamic and very towable, giving you ease of getting in and out of campsites and campgrounds and the ease of getting around cities," Lachman says. "Almost any vehicle you have can pull it, and that same lightweight helps keep your gas mileage manageable when you're towing." They are ideal for two to four people but some can sleep up to six, perfectly sized for efficiency while featuring super- sized comfort. "They have almost everything that a full-sized RV has and you'll see fridges, bathrooms, air conditioners, stereos, awnings," he says. "You're not losing anything even when you're in a little 14-footer." Can Am RV carries six lines which offer a variety of floor plans and costs. "We carry the KZ line Escape and Classic; our Palomino line Palomini; our Falcon line F- Flight; Summerland Mini and between those lines we offer six different trailers that you can choose from," he says. "That means you can choose from different looks, different styles, different amenities starting at 1,692 pounds and going up from there, giving you everything that a big RV can offer you. "They're just a very towable and easy space to maintain, so a family of four with a mini- van can now tow and camp in comfort." Lachman says this time of year brings with it the best selection of new models and even a little remaining stock from last year. "The year is starting and because of the way we buy over the winter we can pass some great discounts on to the customer, so now is the best time to come in early and be sure you get the model you like," he says. "The RV shows are also starting right now so information is everywhere, and pricing is great!" ❙ Visit Can Am RV in Headingley (just west of Winnipeg) at 5130 Portage Ave. You can also find them online at canamrv.com. RV lifestyle a chance to live life large Can Am RV carries a wide range of travel trailers, fifth wheels and motorhomes from some of the best manufacturers in the business including Airstream, DRV Suites, Forest River, Gulf Stream, Primetime, Pleasure Way and Grand Design.