Presently, it is estimated that over 2.1 million Canadian households own some class of RV with the towable travel trailer being by far the most popular type at approximately 55% of the total. That said, motorhomes are gaining in popularity as more and more people discover the freedom a motorized RV provides. 

However, the motorized RV is generally pricier than the majority of its towable brethren so for new buyers and experienced RVers looking to upgrade alike, understanding the different classes within this subset is essential to finding the right match. Each class has its distinct mixture of advantages, benefits and limitations that will make all the difference in your future travel adventures.

This article, Motorhomes: Class A, B, and C Explained, will literally give you the ABCs on the Class A, Class B, and Class C motorhomes you’ll need to know to make an informed purchasing decision. Plus, we’ll add a focus on the Canadian RV experience.

What is a Motorhome?

Motorhomes combine living quarters and an engine in one vehicle, unlike travel trailers that need a separate tow vehicle. This all-in-one design offers convenience but comes with unique considerations.

Motorhomes vs. Travel Trailers: Key Differences

The main difference is simple: motorhomes are self-powered while travel trailers need a tow vehicle. Motorhomes let you access the living area while traveling (passengers can use the bathroom or grab snacks from the fridge), and you don’t need to learn special towing skills.

In Canada, this means:

• Less worry about tow vehicle compatibility in varying terrain
• Easier setup and takedown at campsites
• More living space efficiency without a separate tow vehicle

The Evolution of Motorhomes in Canada

Motorhomes became popular in Canada during the 1960s and 70s, but today’s models bear little resemblance to those early versions. Modern motorhomes feature smart technology, improved fuel efficiency, and better insulation for Canada’s diverse climate conditions.

Canadian Motorhome Industry Overview

Several Canadian manufacturers have made their mark in the motorhome industry. Companies like Leisure Travel Vans (Manitoba) and Roadtrek (Ontario) build motorhomes specifically designed for Canadian conditions. The Canadian RV Association reports that motorhome sales have grown 15% year-over-year, showing increasing demand across all provinces.

Class A Motorhomes: The Luxury Liners

Class A motorhomes are the largest and often most luxurious option, built on a commercial bus or truck chassis.

Design and Construction Features

Size: 26-45 feet long Weight: 13,000-30,000 pounds Height: 11-13.5 feet

Class A motorhomes feature a flat, vertical front with large windshields and a bus-like appearance. Most have slide-outs that expand living space when parked. They’re built on heavy-duty frames with either gas or diesel engines (diesel models are often called “diesel pushers” because the engine is in the rear).

Size, Weight, and Driving Considerations

Driving a Class A requires practice due to their size. Key considerations for Canadian drivers:

• Height restrictions: Watch for low clearance on older bridges and in some provincial parks
• Weight limitations: Some scenic routes in BC and Quebec restrict heavy vehicles
• Winter driving: Consider snow tires or chains for mountain passes and northern routes
• Fuel consumption: 8-12 miles per gallon (28-35 L/100km)

Typical Amenities and Floor Plans

Class A motorhomes often include:

• Full kitchens with residential-sized appliances
• Large bathrooms with separate shower
• Queen or king-sized beds
• Multiple slide-outs for expanded living space
• Entertainment systems with multiple TVs
• Washer/dryer combinations
• Basement storage

Floor plans typically offer separate bedroom, living, and bathroom areas with multiple options for dining and relaxing.

Price Range and Value Considerations

New Class A prices:

• Entry-level: $120,000-$200,000 CAD
• Mid-range: $200,000-$350,000 CAD
• Luxury: $350,000-$1,000,000+ CAD

Depreciation is steepest in the first few years, making gently used models potentially better value. The Canadian market has seen strong resale values in British Columbia and southern Ontario.

Pros and Cons for Canadian Travel

Pros:

• Maximum living space and comfort
• Great for full-time living or extended trips
• Excellent storage capacity for all-season gear
• Best insulation for Canadian winters
• Often include tank heaters and winter packages

Cons:

• Limited access to some remote Canadian destinations
• Higher operating costs (fuel, maintenance, storage)
• More difficult to maneuver in cities like Toronto, Montreal, or Vancouver
• Higher ferry costs to places like Vancouver Island or Newfoundland

Popular Class A Models in the Canadian Market

• Newmar Dutch Star: Known for four-season capability and quality build
• Winnebago Forza: Good entry-level diesel with strong dealer network across Canada
• Tiffin Allegro: Popular for innovative floor plans and solid construction
• Entegra Coach: Gaining market share for luxurious interiors and strong insulation

Class B Motorhomes: Compact and Versatile Camper Vans

Class B motorhomes are the smallest type, built within a standard van chassis (often Mercedes Sprinter, Ram ProMaster, or Ford Transit).

Design and Construction Features

Size: 17-23 feet long Weight: 6,000-9,000 pounds Height: 7-9 feet

Class B motorhomes use the original van body with a raised roof or extended body. They’re more car-like to drive and can fit in standard parking spaces—perfect for exploring cities like Quebec City or Victoria.

Size, Weight, and Driving Considerations

Class B vans offer the easiest driving experience of all motorhomes:

• Can access most Canadian park campgrounds, including those with size restrictions
• Fit on BC Ferries without commercial vehicle rates
• Navigate urban areas with ease
• Better fuel economy: 15-22 mpg (14-18 L/100km)
• Standard driver’s license sufficient in all provinces

Typical Amenities and Space Optimization

Despite their compact size, Class B motorhomes include:

• Wet bath (toilet and shower combined)
• Small kitchen with cooktop and compact refrigerator
• Convertible sleeping areas (often a single bed or tight queen)
• Smart storage solutions
• Some models feature pop-tops for added sleeping space

Canadian manufacturers like Pleasure-Way and Roadtrek have pioneered clever space-saving features for this class.

Price Range and Value Considerations

New Class B prices:

• Entry-level: $90,000-$130,000 CAD
• Mid-range: $130,000-$180,000 CAD
• Luxury: $180,000-$250,000 CAD

While the smallest, Class B motorhomes are not necessarily the cheapest due to their complex space-saving engineering and premium base vehicles. They hold value exceptionally well in the Canadian market, sometimes retaining 80% of their value after five years.

Pros and Cons for Canadian Travel

Pros:

• Best fuel economy
• Easy to drive and park
• Can double as a second vehicle
• Access to more remote locations and smaller campgrounds
• Lower ferry and toll costs

Cons:

• Limited living and storage space
• Tight quarters in bad weather
• Smaller holding tanks means more frequent fills/dumps
• Might feel cramped for trips longer than a week

Canadian-Made Class B Models to Consider

• Pleasure-Way Plateau: Made in Saskatchewan with high-end finishes
• Roadtrek CS Adventurous: Ontario-built with excellent winter features
• Leisure Travel Vans Wonder: Manitoba-crafted with innovative floor plans
• Safari Condo XL Flex: Quebec-made with flexible interior configurations

Class C Motorhomes: The Family-Friendly Middle Ground

Class C motorhomes are built on a cutaway van chassis with an attached cab section and overhead sleeping area.

Design and Construction Features

Size: 20-33 feet long Weight: 10,000-14,000 pounds Height: 10-11 feet

Class C models are recognizable by their over-cab “bunk” area. They’re built on Ford, Chevy, or Mercedes chassis with either gas or diesel engines. Mid-sized models offer a good balance of living space and driveability.

Size, Weight, and Driving Considerations

Class C motorhomes strike a balance between the previous classes:

• More stable than Class B due to wider track
• Easier to drive than Class A
• Can access most Canadian campgrounds (check length restrictions)
• Fuel economy: 10-14 mpg (18-24 L/100km)
• Some provinces require a special license for larger Class C models over 11,000 kg

Typical Amenities and Family-Friendly Features

Class C motorhomes typically include:

• Separate sleeping areas (overhead cab plus bedroom or convertible dinette)
• Dry bath with separate toilet and shower
• Kitchen with standard-sized appliances
• Dining area that converts to sleeping space
• Some models include slide-outs for extra space
• Good storage throughout

These features make Class C motorhomes popular with families visiting Canadian national parks.

Price Range and Value Considerations

New Class C prices:

• Entry-level: $85,000-$140,000 CAD
• Mid-range: $140,000-$200,000 CAD
• Luxury: $200,000-$300,000 CAD

Class C motorhomes typically offer the best value in terms of price per square foot of living space. They depreciate at a moderate rate compared to other classes.

Pros and Cons for Canadian Travel

Pros:

• Good balance of comfort and maneuverability
• Extra sleeping capacity for families
• Better insulation than Class B
• More affordable than comparable Class A models
• Good for 2-3 week trips

Cons:

• Less basement storage than Class A
• Cab-over section can be drafty in cold Canadian weather
• Some models have limited tank capacity
• Not as easy to drive as Class B in cities

Top Class C Options Available in Canada

• Jayco Melbourne: Good entry-level option with strong dealer network
• Forest River Forester: Popular for family-friendly floor plans
• Leisure Travel Vans Unity: Premium Canadian-built option with innovative layouts
• Thor Four Winds: Wide range of floor plans with good value pricing

Canadian Considerations for Motorhome Ownership

Provincial Licensing Requirements

Requirements vary by province and motorhome size:

• Ontario requires B license for motorhomes over 11,000 kg
• Quebec has similar restrictions with Class 3 licenses
• Alberta, BC, and most other provinces allow standard licenses for most recreational motorhomes

Always check your provincial regulations before purchasing, especially for Class A models.

Insurance Considerations in Different Provinces

Insurance costs vary widely across Canada:

• BC’s public insurance system has different requirements from Ontario’s private system
• Quebec offers lower liability requirements but higher personal injury coverage
• Alberta and Atlantic provinces often have the most competitive rates

Budget $1,500-$3,000 annually depending on class, usage, and province.

Storage Options and Winter Considerations

Winter storage is crucial in most of Canada:

• Indoor heated storage: $200-400/month
• Covered unheated storage: $125-250/month
• Outdoor storage: $75-150/month

Winterization is essential in most provinces, with costs ranging from $150-$500 depending on motorhome class.

Canadian National and Provincial Park Accessibility

Parks Canada has varying size restrictions:

• Most national parks accommodate all classes but may have length restrictions on certain loops
• Provincial parks vary widely—BC Parks often restricts larger motorhomes in older campgrounds
• Ontario Parks has good resources for motorhome size limits at each park
• The Canadian Camping and RV Council maintains updated information on accessibility

Four-Season Readiness for Canadian Climate

Canadian motorhome owners should look for:

• Arctic packages with heated tanks
• Double or triple-pane windows
• Additional insulation in walls and roof
• Heated basement compartments
• Thermal window coverings
• Ducted heating systems

Making the Right Choice: Which Class is Best for You?

Lifestyle Assessment Questionnaire

Ask yourself:

• How many people will regularly travel in the motorhome?
• Do you plan weekend trips or extended travel?
• Will you use it in winter or mainly summer?
• What’s your comfort level driving large vehicles?
• Do you want to access urban areas or remote locations?
• How important is fuel economy?

Your answers will point toward a specific class.

Budget Considerations and Financing Options

Canadian RV financing options include:

• Dealer financing (rates typically 5.99-7.99%)
• Bank loans (sometimes better rates for newer models)
• Home equity loans (potential tax advantages)
• Credit unions (often competitive rates)

Be sure to budget for:

• Insurance ($1,500-3,000 annually)
• Storage ($900-4,800 annually)
• Maintenance ($1,500-5,000 annually)
• Campground fees ($35-75 nightly at serviced sites)

Space Needs and Travel Companions

Family size directly impacts class choice:

• Solo or couples: Class B often sufficient
• Family of 3-4: Class C offers good balance
• Family of 5+: Class A provides necessary space
• Traveling with pets: Consider extra space needs

Remember to account for gear storage like bikes, paddleboards, or winter equipment common for Canadian adventures.

Travel Style and Destination Planning

Your travel plans should guide your choice:

• Urban exploration: Class B offers easier parking
• National Park tours: Class C fits most campgrounds
• Extended snowbird trips: Class A provides comfort
• Boondocking (dry camping): Look for larger tank capacity across any class

New vs. Used: The Canadian Market Analysis

The Canadian used motorhomes market has some unique aspects:

• US imports can be good deals but check for Canadian compliance
• Alberta and BC have active used markets with fair pricing
• Quebec often has good deals on Class B vans
• Motorhomes from southern provinces may have less winter wear

Motorhome Maintenance: Class-Specific Considerations

Winterization Requirements by Class

Class A:

• Multiple water systems require thorough antifreeze process
• Generator winterization
• Multiple slide-out maintenance
• Battery disconnection or removal

Class B:

• Simpler water systems
• Fewer moving parts
• Often easier DIY winterization
• Some models have winterized plumbing

Class C:

• Standard winterization needs
• Pay special attention to cab-over area
• Check slide-out seals carefully

Essential Maintenance Schedules

All motorhomes require:

• Annual propane system inspection
• Regular engine maintenance
• Generator service (if equipped)
• Roof and seal inspections twice yearly
• Appliance servicing

Budget 2-5% of purchase price annually for maintenance.

DIY vs. Professional Service in Canada

Most Canadian cities have specialized RV service centers, but remote areas may have limited options. Consider:

• Class A often requires specialized service centers
• Class B can use standard auto mechanics for engine work
• Class C falls between, with some systems requiring RV specialists

The RV Care Network provides service across Canada with 70+ affiliated dealers.

Parts Availability and Service Centers Across Provinces

Parts availability varies by region:

• Ontario and Quebec have the best coverage
• Atlantic provinces have fewer dealers
• Western Canada has good coverage along major routes
• Northern territories have limited options—plan accordingly

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the fuel economy difference between Class A, B, and C motorhomes?

Class A motorhomes typically get 8-12 mpg (28-35 L/100km), Class B vans achieve 15-22 mpg (14-18 L/100km), and Class C models fall in between at 10-14 mpg (18-24 L/100km). Diesel options in each class usually offer better fuel economy than gas engines.

Can I park a Class A motorhome in Canadian national parks?

Most Canadian national parks accommodate Class A motorhomes, but not all campsites can handle larger models. Parks Canada’s website allows filtering campgrounds by RV length. Provincial parks vary more widely, with BC and Ontario parks often having more restrictions on larger RVs.

Do I need a special license to drive different classes of motorhomes in Canada?

License requirements vary by province. Ontario requires a B license for vehicles over 11,000 kg, which affects larger Class A motorhomes. Quebec has similar restrictions. Most provinces allow standard licenses for Class B and C motorhomes, but always check current regulations with your provincial transportation ministry.

How do motorhome classes handle Canadian winter conditions?

Class A motorhomes typically offer the best winter protection with better insulation and heating systems. Many include “arctic packages” with heated tanks and enclosed systems. Class B vans have less insulation but newer models include improved cold-weather features. Class C models fall in between, with the cab-over section often being the weakest point for heat loss.

What are the best Canadian-made motorhome brands?

Top Canadian motorhome manufacturers include Pleasure-Way (Saskatchewan), Roadtrek (Ontario), Leisure Travel Vans (Manitoba), and Safari Condo (Quebec). These companies build vehicles specifically designed for Canadian conditions with better insulation and heating systems than many imported brands.

How do resale values compare between motorhome classes in Canada?

Class B motorhomes typically hold their value best, sometimes retaining 70-80% after five years. Class C models depreciate at a moderate rate, while Class A motorhomes (especially luxury models) experience the steepest depreciation in the first three years. Canadian-made models often command premium resale values.

Which class of motorhome is easiest to drive for beginners?

Class B motorhomes are by far the easiest to drive, handling much like a large SUV or van. Class C models offer reasonable driveability with better visibility than Class A. Class A motorhomes have the steepest learning curve and may require practice before tackling busy roads or mountain driving.

Ready for the Open Road

Choosing between Class A, B, and C motorhomes comes down to balancing your travel style, budget, and comfort needs. Each class offers distinct advantages for exploring Canada’s diverse landscapes:

• Class A: Best for comfort, luxury, and extended trips
• Class B: Perfect for agility, economy, and accessibility
• Class C: Ideal for families and balanced compromise

Remember that the best motorhome isn’t necessarily the biggest or most expensive—it’s the one that fits your travel plans and makes your adventures possible.

Ready to see these motorhomes in person? Visit the annual RV shows in Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, or Calgary to tour multiple models in one location, or check the RV Dealers Association of Canada directory to find authorized dealers near you.

With the right motorhome, Canada’s vast wilderness, stunning national parks, and vibrant cities are all within reach—no hotel reservations required.

Canadian Motorhome Resources

Top Canadian Motorhome Dealerships by Province

• Ontario: Camping in Style (Toronto), Sicard RV (Smithville)
• Quebec: VR St-Cyr (Montreal), Roulottes Lupien (Trois-Rivières)
• British Columbia: Fraserway RV (Abbotsford), Arbutus RV (Vancouver Island)
• Alberta: Western RV (Calgary), Woody’s RV World (Edmonton)
• Atlantic Canada: Halifax RV Centre (Nova Scotia), Leisure Days RV (New Brunswick)

Canadian Motorhome Owner Associations

• The Explorer RV Club: Canada-specific RV club with regional chapters
• Good Sam Club: Large network with Canadian branches and campground discounts
• Regional groups: BC RVers Association, Ontario RV Association

Annual RV Shows and Expos Across Canada

• Toronto RV Show (January)
• Montreal Recreational Vehicle Show (February)
• Calgary RV Expo (January)
• Vancouver RV Show & Sale (February)
• Halifax RV Show (March)

These shows let you tour dozens of motorhomes in a single day, comparing features across classes and manufacturers.

Recommended Canadian Motorhome Forums and Communities

• RV.net Canadian Corner: Active Canadian subforum
• Canadian RV Advice (Facebook Group)
• iRV2 Canada Forums
• Provincial camping and RV Facebook groups

These resources provide Canadian-specific advice on everything from border crossing to finding propane in remote areas, helping make your motorhome adventure safer and more enjoyable.