Canadian RV Industry Braces for Tariff Risk, Bets on Local Travel Boom

With cross-border tensions rising, Canadian RV dealers are anxiously watching for any sign that recreational vehicles could be swept up in retaliatory tariffs. But at the same time, the industry is hopeful that a wave of domestic travel could help cushion the blow.

Nearly all RVs sold in Canada are manufactured in the United States — particularly in Elkhart, Indiana, known as the “RV capital of the world.” And while the vehicles haven’t yet been targeted by either U.S. or Canadian tariffs, industry leaders are preparing for that possibility.

“We’ve got our fingers crossed,” said Shane Devenish, president of the Canadian Recreational Vehicle Association, on CBC’s Daybreak Kamloops. “If tariffs do come on, it would tremendously affect our industry.”

Some Canadian dealers have already started stockpiling inventory in case the situation worsens.

No Easy Shift to Canadian Manufacturing

Despite the risks, Devenish said moving RV production to Canada isn’t currently viable due to the supply chain, workforce, and infrastructure advantages concentrated in the U.S.

“They have everything right within a 150-mile radius,” he said. “It’s a competitive advantage.”

Cautious Optimism for Canadian Travel

At Fraserway RV in Kamloops, B.C., branch manager Allison Blouin echoed the uncertainty about pricing but said she’s seeing signs of increased interest in Canadian travel.

“Our backyard is massive,” Blouin said. “We are anticipating people wanting to spend their money at home and support local communities and businesses.”

Her company, which also rents RVs, is also seeing strong bookings from European and American travellers looking to explore Canada.

Meanwhile, Devenish said RV shows across the country are seeing more Canadians planning long-haul road trips within Canada.

“More people were talking about trips they’ve never taken before — full coast-to-coast journeys,” he said of a recent show in Moncton.

Travelling Local — By Choice

For Karl Willms, an 80-year-old artist from Kamloops, staying in Canada this year isn’t just a necessity — it’s a decision he and his wife made deliberately.

“Because of the situation down south, we decided to patronize our own country,” said Willms, who typically winters in Mexico but now plans to drive his RV, White Fang, across Canada.

Willms said he’s looking forward to small-town stops, calling Prairie communities with a “Main Street, Chinese restaurant, bank, and pharmacy” a personal favourite.

“If it’s gravel roads, that’s fine,” he said. “I’m very interested in small-town Canada.”

While the industry remains vulnerable to any policy changes, many in the sector are hopeful that a renewed interest in Canadian road-tripping could help the RV business ride out the storm.