Class A motorhomes have the familiar bus-like shape, with a broad windshield and a living area that runs right up into the driving compartment. They are built on a heavy commercial chassis and may have a front gasoline engine, a front diesel engine or, in larger models, a rear diesel engine called a diesel pusher.
Class A is a body style, not a quality grade or a licence class. It describes how the motorhome is built, nothing more.
Quick facts
| Typical length | 26–45 ft (7.9–13.7 m) |
|---|---|
| Typical weight (GVWR) | 16,000–50,000 lb (7,300–22,700 kg)+ |
| Fuel | 6–12 mpg (about 20–39 L/100 km); gas toward the high end of consumption |
| Sleeps | Usually 4 to 8 |
| Typical new price (CAD) | $160,000–$300,000 gas; $300,000–$800,000+ diesel pusher |
| Typical used price (CAD) | $100,000–$400,000+ recent; $50,000–$150,000 for units 8 to 15+ years old |
| Towing or vehicle needs | Many can tow a car behind; large diesel pushers have the highest ratings, often 10,000–15,000 lb |
Gas versus diesel pusher
| Type | Gas | Diesel pusher |
|---|---|---|
| Typical length | 26–38 ft (7.9–11.6 m) | 33–45 ft (10.1–13.7 m) |
| Typical weight (GVWR) | 16,000–26,000 lb (7,300–11,800 kg) | 28,000–50,000 lb (12,700–22,700 kg)+ |
| Typical fuel use | 6–10 mpg | 8–12 mpg |
| New price (CAD) | $160,000–$300,000 | $300,000–$800,000+ |
| Notable features | Lower purchase price, simpler service | Quiet cab, air suspension, strong towing, long engine life |
Price ranges are broad Canadian shopping references in Canadian dollars, as of October 2026. Where a figure was published in US dollars it is converted at about 1.40 and rounded. They are not dealer quotes. Taxes, freight, prep and accessories are extra. See RV prices in Canada for the full table and sources.
Benefits and trade-offs
Benefits
- Spacious living areas with large kitchens and bathrooms
- Large storage compartments on many models
- Comfortable layouts for extended trips and good separation of living and sleeping space
- Some models offer substantial towing capability
Trade-offs
- Highest purchase and operating costs of any RV class
- Large size complicates parking and campground choice
- Mechanical repairs may need specialized facilities, and tires and chassis service are costly
- You will probably want a separate vehicle for sightseeing
- Big windows and interior volume raise heating and cooling demand
Who it suits
Best fit: Extended touring, long stays, and buyers who value interior space and have the budget and the driving confidence to manage a large vehicle.
Look elsewhere if: Buyers who move camp every night, travel mostly to older or remote campgrounds, or want low running costs. A smaller motorhome or a towable usually fits those trips better.
What to check before you buy
- Overall height with air conditioners, antennas and satellite gear, written down in the cab in feet and metres.
- Cargo carrying capacity. Many sleeping positions do not mean the chassis can carry that many people, full tanks and their belongings.
- Tire age and condition, brakes, cooling system and service records for the engine, transmission and generator.
- Slide-out seals, roof condition and any sign of water intrusion.
- Whether a diesel pusher's price premium fits your yearly mileage. Fuel savings alone can take a long time to repay it.
Canadian considerations
- Length matters on ferries. BC Ferries and other operators charge by length and height, so a 40 ft coach costs noticeably more to carry than a 25 ft van. See the ferry rules.
- Heavier motorhomes, and any with air brakes, can trigger different licence requirements in some provinces. Check the licence requirements before you buy.
- A large coach with many windows is harder to keep warm in a Canadian winter, and storage space with suitable height and gate width is limited. Plan storage before you sign.
- Service for large chassis is concentrated in bigger centres. In the north and in rural areas, ask where you would go for repairs.
Compare with other types
Common questions
Is a Class A the same as an "A" driver's licence?
No. Class A, B and C are motorhome body styles. They have nothing to do with driver's licence classes, which depend on weight, brakes and the province.
Should I buy a gas or diesel Class A?
It depends on use. Diesel pushers cost more but offer strong pulling power, air suspension and long engine life, while gas models are cheaper to buy and often simpler to service. Match the choice to your mileage, budget and travel style.
Can I tow a car behind a Class A?
Many can, but ratings vary. Check the motorhome's tow rating, the hitch, the braking setup and the weight of the car you intend to tow.