The Oakville (Ont.) Fire Department wanted to put a mobile command unit into service.  They couldn't afford custom, so they explored buying an RV and doing the modifications themselves.  Modifications proved to be costly.  Tenders came in at approximately $250.000.  The department finally found Ken Whiting at Outdoor Travel.  Ken's dealership was willing to adapt to the fire departments demands and he was willing to work from a cost basis in the interest of public safety.

Outdoor Travel made arrangements with the manufacturer, so the fire department could handle modification details directly with the factory.  After the design team visited the factory, the fire department settled on a budget of C$125.00.00.  Outdoor Travel made a deal with the factory, for credits in the modifications.  For example if they didn't need standard features that came with the unit, the factory would credit them money for those items.  With all equipment on board, including computers, the unit came under budget at $115.00.00.

Ken Whiting wrote a letter to the Oakville Mayor, because he was impressed with the fire department’s business like manner and cost conscious staff.  Whiting noted that the department knew what they wanted and they did their homework to get their best deal.  He also said "The public has a perception of a fire department as a spendthrift, but they are just the opposite in my experience."

The command centre is 32 1/2 long with a gasoline engine and automatic transmission.  The wide body unit has stabilizing jacks and extends sideways with a 3 1/2 power slide.  It houses a complete mobile communications dispatch centre, located at the back, behind sliding doors.  The fully functional field centre is fitted with computers, printers, hooked to a fax/modem, and has cellular and land line capabilities.  The command centre is in the middle of the unit, with phone lines, tables, chairs, washroom, kitchen with microwave, fridge and a television to monitor local channels.  The unit is modified for winter, with large storage compartments throughout, heated tanks, thermal pane windows, and an extra large capacity furnace.  The unit travels to many community events as an educational tool for people of all ages.  Outdoor Travel has since sold other customized RVs to various government municipalities.

They have been able to cater to each municipality’s unique demands, while offering them the same fair price to meet their budget.  These dealings have proved for a fair, loyal, business relationship between Outdoor Travel and the government.

They would like to extend that relationship to anyone who would like a customized recreational vehicle.

To discuss your custom needs with Outdoor Travel contact:

Ken Whiting at (905) 548-8585
or
E-mail him at ken@rvvacations.com