Motorhomes Over 35 Feet: The King of the Road

The Big Decision: Gas vs. Diesel Pusher

• Class A Gas (The Value Choice):

  • The Engine: Typically a Ford 7.3L V8 "Godzilla" engine located in the front of the coach.

  • Pros: Lower purchase price (often $100k less than diesel), cheaper maintenance (oil changes cost significantly less), and excellent horsepower for highway merging.

  • Cons: Noisier cab (engine is between the seats), rougher ride (leaf spring suspension), and lower towing capacity (usually capped at 5,000 lbs).

  • Best For: Vacationers and Snowbirds who park for months at a time.

• Class A Diesel Pusher (The Luxury Choice):

  • The Engine: A massive Cummins Diesel engine located in the rear of the coach.

  • Pros: Incredible torque for mountain climbing, whisper-quiet cab, 10,000+ lb towing capacity, and a cloud-like ride thanks to Air Ride Suspension.

  • Cons: Higher purchase price, expensive maintenance (DEF fluid, large oil volume), and often requires air brake knowledge.

  • Best For: Full-timers who travel constantly and tow heavy vehicles (Jeeps/Trucks).

The "Licensing" Reality Check

In Canada, driving a massive rig may require a license upgrade.

• Ontario: If your RV weighs over 11,000 kg (approx. 24,250 lbs), you need a Class D license or an "Code R" RV Endorsement. Most gas Class A's are under this limit, but almost all Diesel Pushers are over it.

• The Bottom Line: Check the GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) on the door sticker before you buy!

Top Models Over 35 Feet

1. Jayco Precept (Gas) Jayco bridges the gap between gas and diesel ride quality.

• The Secret Weapon: JRide Plus. Jayco upgrades the standard Ford chassis with heavy-duty sway bars, computer-balanced driveshafts, and jounce bumpers to eliminate the "white knuckle" sway often felt in big gas rigs.

• Top Pick: Precept 36A. A 38-foot giant with two full bathrooms and a King bed, perfect for families or hosting guests.

2. Forest River Georgetown (Gas) The "7 Series" is designed to feel like a diesel pusher inside.

• The Vibe: High-end luxury. Features polished tile floors, residential refrigerators, and massive panoramic windshields.

• Top Pick: Georgetown 36D7. A bath-and-a-half floor plan with a washer/dryer prep and theater seating directly across from the TV.

3. Thor Motor Coach Challenger (Gas) Thor packs massive features into their gas lineup.

• The Feature: Tilt-A-View Bed. The King bed inclines to let you read or watch TV comfortably.

• Top Pick: Challenger 37DS. A bunkhouse model that gives kids their own space while maintaining a luxury master suite for the parents.

What You Get at 35+ Feet

• Bath and a Half: A standard feature in this size range, giving you a private master bath and a guest half-bath.

• Washer/Dryer: Almost all units have a cabinet prepped for a stackable washer/dryer.

• Residential Fridge: Say goodbye to tiny RV fridges. These units feature full-size, stainless steel French door refrigerators with ice makers.

Ready to Drive the Big Rig?

• Test the Ride: Visit Leisure Days RV Group to test drive a Jayco Precept with JRide. You'll be amazed at how well a 36-foot gas motorhome can handle.

• Check Your License: Ask our team to check the GVWR of your dream coach to see if you need a license upgrade.

• Measure Your Storage: These units are often 13 feet tall. Make sure your storage barn door has the clearance!