Transcript ORIGINAL RAPIDO OWNERS CLUB Proposed North American Adventure 201? Rapido Caravans on the road like they never have been before. Come Explore the North American.

ORIGINAL RAPIDO OWNERS
CLUB
Proposed North American Adventure
201?
Rapido Caravans on the road like they
never have been before.
Come Explore the North American Frontier
and bring your Rapido along for the tow.
Introduce yourselves and your Rapido to
your colony named British Columbia.
Click Mouse to advance through the slides.
6400km of spectacular mountains & wilderness in 21 days.
(Pay no attention to the numbered boxes. They just show the order of direction.)
Shipping
It all starts by getting your trailers here.
It may sound costly but if shared becomes
quite reasonable.
Our trailers have a distinct advantage. They are designed
to be stored upright. This means that they could be packed
into a cargo container in a very efficient manner.
Assuming all the trailers were the smaller models with
folding hitches; it would be possible to fit anywhere
between 14 & 16 units into a standard 40ft container.
Top view of container.
End view of
container.
Side view of container.
This is an example of how the trailers could be packed. In this example it is
assumed all trailers have folding hitches and cooking boxes are removed and
possibly fitted into gaps.
It would be recommended to make your own transport jigs. These
would be made from lumber and designed to support the trailers on
end.
We would suggest a 2 part jig.
Part 1 (P1) fastens to the rear of the trailer while on its wheels.
Part 2 (P2) is much larger and is designed to support two P1 jigs facing each other.
The P2 jig will be designed with forklift slots.
Once the P1 jig is safely attached, the trailer may be lifted upright by a forklift and
lowered into one half of a P2 jig. Once 2 trailers are in a P2 jig, they can be lashed
together creating a very stable load.
This dual trailer package can then be moved by forklift into the container and
braced.
Different jigs and packing arrangements could be designed for the larger Export
models.
Our initial inquiry to a local shipping company produced the following
recommendations:
• Pay the little bit extra to have a container delivered to you and do your own
packing. Then at the far end, have someone supervise the unloading.
• Because you are shipping into another country, use a bonded company that
will receive your container for you and handle the foreign inspection issues.
This will allow you to land and unload into a safe environment before
inspection. Should (unlikely) Canada Customs require the opening of any
trailers, arrangements could be made for us to do so on your behalves.
• Allow a large shipping window. This will save money. Shipping companies
purchase reserved space on container ships. If they can’t fill the space, they
broker out the remaining space at the last minute for lower cost. If you are
not in a hurry to move your goods, you can take advantage of the reduced
price.
It will be up to you to choose your own shipping
company. We will work with their Canadian end to help
with the unloading and the reloading after the adventure.
Shipping Costs
• 1st estimate for 40ft container - $6000-$7000 us funds round trip.
(Could mean $500us round trip for each trailer.)
• Monthly storage if trailers arrive early – Unknown
• Deposit to Canada Customs to ensure you are not selling the trailer.
This is a % of the trailer value and is refunded to you when the
trailer returns to England. – Unknown
(If you decide to go ahead we will work with a customs broker on
this.)
• Insurance – Unknown.
You will have to work with the shipping company you choose. Also
ensure you have valid international road and peril insurance on your
trailers.
• Packing jigs. – Probably will cost a few hundred euros in materials
but cheap to make yourselves.
• Loading/Unloading – Labour & time for forklift.
Other Travel Costs
• Airfare to Canada
• Medical Insurance
• Trailer insurance while it is being used or stored.
(IE: a tree falls on it while camping, or a
warehouse fire during storage or road accident
etc. etc. etc.)
• Food & Fuel
Petrol is half the cost here as it is in England. Even towing
(at today's prices) it will cost about $720ca (360 pounds) in
fuel to do this trip in a mid size car with rapido in tow.
• The usual travel expenses.
Rental Towing Vehicle
We looked at the cost of renting vehicles.
Pro’s
• You pick it up. Use & abuse it. Then return it.
Con’s
• The only vehicles with hitches are trucks or larger SUV’s. They are expensive to
rent and never come with unlimited miles. This means you will not only pay for
your fuel but will pay the rental company for every mile driven.
• They charge you extra if you leave the province. (You will do this numerous
times.) GPS will tell them.
• Rental for a month is very expensive.
Owned Towing Vehicle
We suggest the following solution:
Everyone comes at least a week early. We will pick up the 1st
group that arrives and make our towing vehicle available.
(GMC Suburban) Note: We’ll explain the mud on the truck later.
The Suburban will seat 8 people and their luggage. It may be used to move your
trailers, obtain supplies, fetch others from the airport, and generally get around.
As you arrive, we will set your trailer up at a full amenity
campground in historic Fort Langley. This campsite is walking
distance from all shops and services. You are about 1 hour from the
airport here and in the perfect area to shop for a used towing
vehicle. (Outside the city in a rural setting.)
During this week, everyone purchases a used vehicle. We can arrange for a local
garage to help with inspections. Prior to your return to England, you consign the
vehicle for resale.
Why Purchase a Vehicle?
We determined that renting a towing vehicle would be about $2200 for 4 weeks +
.16/km if over 3000km. (The proposed tour is 6400km + misc. side trips.) This would
make the total rental cost exceed $3000. Not taking into account extra fees for
entering Alberta, Alaska, and the Yukon.
Good used light SUV’s, larger cars, mini vans etc. that are between 5 and 10 years old
can be had for $3000 to $6000 dollars. If you are not in a hurry to buy, you can get
them much cheaper. Once you are done, you can sell the same vehicle for close to
what you paid for it.
Your costs:
Vehicle registration & insurance for period of ownership.
Difference in price between purchase & resale.
Minor modifications. (Perhaps a hitch, trailer light wiring etc.)
Total could be around $1500 which is half the price of renting. The only disadvantage
is you would have to budget the capital to purchase then sell the car.
About Selling a Vehicle
• Our group won't the first to purchase, tour, & sell
vehicles. We see a lot of German and Australian
tourists here that do that. There are many
reputable places that will give you instant cash
for a vehicle. There are also places that will get
you more by selling it for commission and wiring
the funds after sale. If you plan to stay in the
area for a bit after the tour you may be able to
even do a private sale for the same price you
paid. There are many options but don't worry
about having to leave behind a vehicle you can't
sell.
Other Considerations
This tour covers the scenic parts of British Columbia, some of Alberta, some of the Yukon,
and gives you a taste of the Alaska highway.
It is a perfect way to SAFELY see these wilderness areas amongst a group of friends on a
tour that is designed to take you to the highlights as determined by local knowledge.
After the tour there is so much more to see while your trailers are here. For those of you with
the time, you may wish to continue touring on your own or as a smaller group into other
areas or perhaps the US. The Oregon Coastal highway is a camper’s delight and safe for all.
California and Disneyland are the next stop beyond Oregon. The Grand Canyon and other
parts of Arizona are all within a camper’s reach. This is the perfect time to explore while you
have a vehicle and camper on this soil.
The return shipping date of your trailers can be scheduled for after the camping season.
Those that must return after the initial tour will store their trailers until all units are ready for
shipping. At that time we will supervise the loading into a container.
Even if you cannot continue traveling on your own, you may have another friend or relative
that may wish to take advantage of the fact you have a car and camper here for the next few
months and allow them to use it until the return date. The options are flexible.
Schedules
We would consider this tour as a 3 week to 4 week adventure ending in the
month of June.
The tour can be done in 21 days but would become more relaxed if extended
an additional week.
We suggest June because the days are longer in the northern country and
the campgrounds are not in peak season. It is also easier for those that work
to get extended time off in the month of June.
Another advantage of June, is that those who wish to explore after the tour
have the best 3 months of weather to do so: July, Aug, and Sept.
The big disadvantage is that June can be hit and miss for good weather.
Usually we have the warm weather begin in May. A couple of weeks of rain in
late May/early June can be normal. Everyone must just plan accordingly.
Packing & trailer stuff
We would suggest organizing your trailer for quick setup & take down. Put all
overnight items in 1 bin for easy access. There will be nights we pull in, set up and
leave in the AM.
Cooking boxes with fridges & propane stoves are a plus but not required. You will
appreciate having access to your fridge & stove top while on the road.
Short height propane tanks for cooking boxes are available here. You may not be
allowed to ship them so we would make sure the local supplier has enough to meet
our needs.
The power here is 110V 60hz. You can get 220V 60hz at some places. We suggest
you ensure you are comfortable with running your trailer on 12V from a car source.
There will be many nights where you will have to do so. (You may even decide to
pack or buy a separate battery to power your trailer. However, if you do run your car
battery down there are many people able to give you a jump start.)
Standard propane torches (Coleman etc) are sold everywhere.
Laundry services will be available at most of the stops.
Comparison
To rent a motor home camper for 1 month will cost anywhere from $3200 to
$4200 for the cheaper base model.
If you total your costs it is still cheaper to bring the Rapidos; if enough
people share the overseas shipping.
The longer you plan to tour and use your own camper, the better the cost
difference.
There is also the option of shipping less trailers in a 20ft container. That
would be something for the interested people to investigate.
Should enough people show serious interest, then we can research
more details in the various costs to be incurred at this end.
Distances
Don’t be turned off by the distances between
stops.
This is Canada! We are big! (England itself
could fit 7 times into British Columbia and still
leave room for others.)
Our roads are scenic and wide. The highway
traffic outside the city is light. You are not going
to be in nose to tail traffic for hours. You will be
moving at highway speed with few other cars
than ourselves. The views will be ever changing
and drives stimulating.
A 4 hour drive is a medium jaunt. 8 hours
actually gets you somewhere. In the city 2 hours
can be considered a normal commute.
To travel from one corner of British Columbia to
the opposing corner would take 4 to 5 days of
driving. We will do this and back in 21 days.
The Proposed Tour
“Relax” and “day trip” mean the trailers don’t move that day.
Trailers will be set up on days marked in blue.
• D01 – Anderson Lake
• D02 – Whistler/Seton Portage
day trip
• D03 – Fintry
• D04 – Okanagan Wine tour
day trip
• D05 – Relax socialize
• D06 – Nakusp
• D07 – Ainsworth day trip
• D08 – Lake Louise
• D09 – Day trip
• D10 – Jasper
•
•
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•
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•
•
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D11 – Smithers
D12 – Relax or day trip
D13 – Hyder Alaska
D14 – Salmon Glacier day trip
D15 – Dease Lake
D 16 – Telegraph Creek day
trip
D17 – Laird Hot Springs
D18 – Charlie Lake
D19 – Barkerville
D20 – Day trip
D21 – Vancouver
Note: This is rough proposal. An actual tour may be fine tuned, extended and
modified.
Day 01 – Fort Langley
to Anderson Lake
(244km 3.5hrs)
We will leave historic Fort Langley and
take the #1 freeway through Vancouver
and turn onto Highway 99. The famous
and scenic “Sea to Sky” Highway.
We will stop in Whistler (home of the
2010 Winter Olympics) for lunch and
grocery shopping. Of course the snow
will be gone from the lower levels.
We will then travel up the Birken valley to
set up camp on the lakeshore of
Anderson Lake.
Whistler in winter
Day 02 – Anderson lake (rest day)
For the more adventurous type a day trip
over the rugged Anderson Lake Power Line
Road to Seton Portage.
Train buffs will enjoy watching as the
occasional freight snakes its way along
the lakeshore.
There is a world class
golf course near by.
Day 03 – Anderson Lake to Fintry
(526km 7.5hrs)
This route is the scenic route.
Depending on how quickly we pack up
in the morning we will follow it. We can
adapt the route at Lillooet or Merritt to
make it shorter.
This journey starts over the spectacular Duffey Lake Road then we pass through
the Stein & Nicola Valleys past many scenic lakes. We shop and lunch in Merritt.
We then take the “Old Highways” as we travel to Fintry on the shores of
Okanagan Lake.
Day 04 –
Okanagan Wine
Tour
We have our favourites! But this is
British Columbia wine country. There
are far too many fine wineries to visit in
one day but we shall try our best.
Day 05 – Relax and socialize
at Fintry
Perhaps you will see the Ogopogo.
Nessy’s long lost Canadian cousin
believed to live in the waters of
Lake Okanagan.
Sit by the lake (with your wine)
Day 6 – Fintry to Nakusp
(250km 4hrs)
Catch the Needles/Fauquier ferry across
EnjoyLower
the drive
Arrow
through
Lake. This is one of the longest
freeMonashee
cable
Pass
in and over
the in the
A reward
to
the ferries
day’s
journey.
Relaxing
Canada.
great
Monashee
Mountain with
hot springs
at Nakusp
campground
towards Needles.
nothing surrounding
you but mountains and the
stars.
There is a little something to bring a smile to the face of everyone.
Ainsworth Day Trip
We can stop for a relaxing
Today we will cross over the Selkirk Mountains on a road that
soak at Ainsworth Hot
From TrainsTo meeting the friendly locals.
was once a narrow gauge railway built to carry silver ore from
Springs. These hot springs
Sandon.
have caves that you can
explore while enjoying the
We will return to Nakusp via a leisurely trip through the city of
natural warmth of thermal
Nelson. (Known for its hippies and draft dodgers)
spring water.
Next is Kaslo, home of S.S. Moyie, a historic river boat that has a
berth built exclusively for the Queen.
We will drop in on the town that time forgot, “Sandon”.
This is a true ghost town. In the 1800’s it was considered the Monte Carlo of North
America. It was the first place in BC to have electricity. It had 29 hotels, 28 saloons, 85
houses of ill-repute!, 3 breweries, a handful of churches (obviously not as popular as the
saloons and brothels), sawmills, a school, a hospital, 2 newspapers, theatres, opera
houses, a bowling alley, curling rink, and even a cigar factory. It has now been reduced
from aerial tramways to a dirt track and a population of 10 people.
Day 08 - Lake Louise
(330km 5hrs)
We travel north, catch
another free ferry and
head into Alberta.
Tremendous Waterfalls
Marble Canyon
Indian Paint Pots
Wildlife
Day 09 – Day Trip
(Kootenay & Yoho
National Parks)
Day 10 - Jasper
(230km 3hrs)
Watch for wildlife next to road.
Day 11 - Smithers
(750km 8.5hrs)
One of the longer days, this
gets us from Alberta just past
the geographical center of BC
and positions us at the base of
beautiful Hudson’s Bay
Mountain to prepare us for our
journey into the north country.
Day 12 – Relax see the sights
Day 13 – Hyder
Alaska
(340km 4.5hrs)
Yes, you can tell your friends you
camped a couple of days in Alaska.
Day 14 – Salmon Glacier Tour Day Trip
Day 15 Dease Lake
(400km 5.5hrs)
We are now in the true wilderness.
You are going to see Moose, Bear,
Elk, Mountain Sheep and other
wildlife.
No need to worry. All campgrounds
are well established and wildlife will
not be a threat to us.
You will likely see a bear
Day 16 – Telegraph Creek Day Trip
Called “Canada’s Grand
Canyon” this is a must
see drive. The road is
dirty. (Remember our
earlier dirty truck
picture.) That is why we
will leave the trailers in
Dease Lake. There is
much history and
tradition here. You
won’t forget it!
Day 17 Liard Hot
Springs
(460km 6hrs)
This is a day on the road with a
reward. And oh what a reward!
The 2nd largest hot springs in
Canada and it is in an
unpopulated area. Enjoy the
natural pools. The water is not
contained by manmade
structure but by mother earth.
Day 18 - Charlie Lake
(680km 8hrs)
Day 19 Barkerville
(630km 7.5hrs)
With a stop along the way at the WAC
Bennett Hydro Electric Dam. One of the
biggest in the world.
Day 20 – Tour day of
Barkerville & Wells Gray
Park
The day wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Wells Gray Park.
They still live here like they did in
1800’s. This is a period town.
You’re welcome to sit in on a lesson in the schoolhouse but I warn you
the
any sass will result in a wrap across the knuckles with a ruler.
There is still gold to be found in
these hills and many tourists
leave with gold flakes they
have panned themselves.
Day 21 – Fort
Langley
(710km 8.5hrs)
Today’s journey takes us
down the impressive
Fraser Canyon through
many tunnels and
wonderful sights.
6400km in 21days
WOW!
It is now time to relax back at Fort Langley.
You can rest a bit and clean your trailers.
Those wishing to continue adventuring can spend a couple of days helping
those who are returning to England get their trailers ready for storage until
transport. Perhaps by helping them drop their cars off for consignment
sale and getting them to the airport.
As the people who stay longer return to the Vancouver area, we will help
them prepare their trailers and get them to the airport.
Eventually, your trailers will all be safe and sound on their way home and
we will all have memories to share.
DON'T BE AFRAID OF THE LONG
DISTANCES.
• The highways are great. We will stop
along the way at viewpoints. There are
rest areas with toilets about every 40km
on our highways. Believe it or not; it is not
tiring to drive for 8 hours on one of our
highways. The sights stimulate the mind.
If we do this, we will most likely look at
going 4 weeks and adding some nights in
a hotel or slipping an extra campground in
on the longer driving stages.
Hope you enjoyed the proposal. Bye
for now – Dave & Kelly Beddows