South Thompson RV – Kamloops’ Preferred RV Dealer

More people across British Columbia choose South Thompson for all their RV and adventuring needs.

On a spectacular autumn morning at Paul Lake in Kamloops, a television commercial is being made for a new recreation vehicle the 2024 Wildwood View. While the crews go about their creative endeavors, General Manager and Partner at South Thompson RV, Len Bourgeault is in a positive yet reflective mood as we chat about the RV business and industry.

We started with Len describing an average, current day at South Thompson RV.

“People are dropping off trailers, getting things fixed or winterized for this time of year. Of course, we have people coming in to look at our trailers; Class C and Class A motor homes, travel trailers and fifth wheels. We’ve been an exclusive Forest River dealer since 2001, and we’re very proud of that heritage.” Len smiles and continues. “We get to be tour guides and show our customers all around the lot.” It is obvious that is a part of Len’s day that he truly has a passion for.

Experience goes a long way, and South Thompson RV dates to 1985 as a little used car dealership known as South Thompson Motors owned by long-time friends, Rick Pollard, and Collin Yaretz, providing exceptional customer service and affordable vehicles. In the early nineties, the partners had moved away from used cars and started selling trailers and RV’s. Very quickly they were known all over Kamloops, Kelowna, Vernon and beyond for their quality campers, motorhomes, and travel trailers.

Len joined South Thompson RV in 1996 as the business and finance officer. He reflects on his 27 years with the company. “I’ve been there for 27 years, and truthfully, a lot of people already thought I owned the dealership”. He chuckles at the thought and smiles. “But Collin and I worked just like a partnership, even though I didn’t have ownership.”   It was clear that Len and Collin had that rare friendship made up of trust and respect built over the years.

Over the years, South Thompson RV has been a proud supporter participating and sponsoring community events and groups as much as possible to help Kamloops continue to be that amazing place it is! That includes 4-H Kamloops, Kamloops and District Fish and Game Association, Kamloops Street Rod Association, and local hockey teams.

In 2005 Len became the general manager of the dealership. He shares South Thompson RV’s competitive edge, “I think that we’re small enough that we don’t have a lot of rules. We have a lot of fun, and we try to treat people that way we would want to be treated.”

In 2023, there was a seismic shift in the business, Collin Yaretz passed away.

“So last year, my good friend and boss had to sell the business for health reasons. He had many interested parties, but he was very keen on keeping the business like a tight knit family.”  Len takes a breath before continuing. “He really wanted me to own the dealership and carry forward and keep the employees and the good things that we have happening. We have such a good bunch of staff. He didn’t want big changes for them.”  Len pauses, and smiles. “So, we we’re able to get a couple of his friends together that were mutual to me and bought the dealership from him and kept it all local.”

Len takes a moment and finishes his thoughts. “It’s really nice to own the dealership and carry forward what Colin built as a legacy. I have wonderful partners and great staff.”

When asked what the most important part of South Thompson RV is, Len’s response was immediate. “The people, our staff, our wonderful customers that patronize us through good and bad times. We have a lot of good repeat customers, and we value their business and their friendships too.”

The commercial production is about to wrap. Our conversation turns to the future. Len is very optimistic.

“I think to stay the course but change with the times and technology.” He speaks of lithium battery systems, the future of RVing is smaller packages and electrified vehicles. “I think the ticket is smaller trailers that anybody can tow. And right now, we’ve never had so many little floor plans…nice little trailers that anybody can tow.”  Len grins. “And have fun!”

How do you STRV?

South Thompson RV is conveniently located at 2449 East Trans Canada Highway.