Motorhomes Over 40 Feet: The Crown Jewel of RVing

The "Tag Axle" Advantage: Why You Need It

Once a motorhome exceeds 40 feet, you will notice a third set of wheels at the back. This is the Tag Axle, and it changes everything.

• Stability: The extra axle acts like a rudder, virtually eliminating "tail wag" in crosswinds and keeping the coach planted in its lane.

• Ride Quality: It cuts the distance between the rear wheels and the hitch, reducing the "porpoising" (bouncing) effect over bumps.

• Weight Capacity: A 45-foot coach is heavy (often 40,000+ lbs). The tag axle supports the massive engine and heavy tile floors, giving you thousands of pounds of extra cargo carrying capacity.

Why Gas Engines "Exit the Chat" at 40 Feet

You will rarely find a gas motorhome over 39 feet. Why?

• The Limit: The standard Ford F-53 gas chassis hits its weight limit around 26,000 lbs.

• The Reality: To build a 40+ foot coach with ceramic tile floors, solid wood cabinets, and a washer/dryer, you need a chassis that can handle 35,000 to 50,000 lbs. Only a Diesel Pusher chassis (Freightliner, Spartan) offers this strength.

Canadian Licensing: The Air Brake Requirement

Driving a 40+ foot rig requires more than a standard driver's license in most provinces.

• Air Brakes: Almost all diesel pushers use Air Brakes (just like a semi-truck). In provinces like Alberta and BC, you typically need a "Q" Endorsement (Air Brake) or similar certification.

• Weight Class: In Ontario, vehicles over 11,000 kg (24,250 lbs) require a Class D License. Since a 40-foot diesel pusher often weighs double that, you must upgrade your license to be legal and insured.

Ultra-Luxury Features: What to Expect

• Independent Front Suspension (IFS): Unlike the solid axle on gas coaches, IFS allows each front wheel to move independently, absorbing potholes so you don't feel them in the steering wheel.

• Aqua-Hot Heating: A hydronic heating system that provides unlimited hot water and whisper-quiet interior heat (no loud furnace blowers).

• Heated Floors: Electric heating elements under the porcelain tile keep your feet warm on chilly mornings.

• Bath and a Half: Standard in this class, giving you a private master suite and a guest bathroom for visitors.

Top Models Over 40 Feet

1. Entegra Coach (The Quietest Ride) Entegra is famous for its "Cab-Forward" design and extra insulation.

• Top Pick: Entegra Aspire / Anthem. These 44-45 foot giants are built on Spartan chassis and are renowned for being the quietest riding coaches on the market.

2. Forest River Berkshire (The Accessible Luxury) Forest River brings high-end diesel features to a more attainable price point.

• Top Pick: Berkshire XLT 45A. A 45-foot tag axle model that features a 380HP+ Cummins engine and a massive bunkhouse layout for families.

3. Thor Motor Coach (The Value Leader) Thor offers massive engines and layouts.

• Top Pick: Thor Venetian. A luxury diesel pusher that often includes a "Drop-Down Overhead Bunk" in the cab, allowing a retired couple to easily sleep grandkids when they visit.

4. Jayco Embark (The Premium Ride)

• Top Pick: Jayco Embark. Built on the premium Spartan K1 chassis, it features the JRide Premium package with Independent Front Suspension, making it one of the best-handling coaches in its class.

Ready to Command the Road?

• Check Your License: Before you buy, ask our team about the specific licensing requirements in your province. We can point you toward the right training courses.

• Experience the Tag Axle: You have to feel it to believe it. Test drive a 40-foot Entegra at Leisure Days RV Group—the stability on the highway will shock you.

• Measure Your Storage: These units are big. Ensure you have 45+ feet of clearance and a 14-foot high door where you plan to store it.