MH licensing issues in Ontario

[Sunsetsailor]

We have decided on a Class A, over 32 feet, gas or diesel, under $70K CAD for full time living in retirement, mostly parked. Winters travelling south or flying east. But looking into the wonderful world of RV facts I run into one big issue and one small one: licensing.

The small issue (Diesel) is the matter of getting the air brake endorsement. Bit of a pain but useful (necessary) and not difficult.

The big issue (size for full time living): D licence required for anything over 24,000 lbs including toad, which is a full on Big Truck licence requiring a medical, and at 73 is just not something I am prepared to get into. Seriously overkill iMO.

So I guess looking for a MH diesel or gas under 24,000 lbs but at least 34 feet long subject to the weight limitation, preferably mid-2000s. Any suggestions as to what to look at greatly appreciated!

[Gary RVRoamer]

There are plenty of gas motorhomes in the 22k lbs & under bracket and they typically are 34-36 ft. But if anything towed also has to be counted toward the license class, the coach will need to around 18k lbs to allow for a 3000-3500 lb toad. That will be a serious crimp in the coach plans because they are both smaller and intentionally cut back to save weight.


I don't remember my several Canadian friends being that limited, but they were from different provinces. Is this an Ontario-only limitation?

[Mighty_J]

I’m in Ontario and have my class D and air brake endorsement (Z). You can do the airbrake endorsement over a weekend at most of the community colleges. They test you right there at the end of the weekend and it’s pretty laid back in terms of environment.

The D is tougher because you need to take the test in a vehicle that meets the class. You can get a two week program through most of the truck driving schools on class D and then use their truck to take the test (that’s what I did). If you’re in reasonable health, it’s a quick 5 minute appointment and a form the dr has to fill out.

Other than that, on your class G, you’re stuck with a combined weight of under 24,000 pounds if you want to stay legal, which will be quite limiting with your size preference.

[RV_Lee]

If you must have a big diesel (and this is indeed for full timing) just move (wink wink) to New Brunswick (and I think Saskatchewan as well) they have no limits on weight if its an RV. But for this weight issue most of the RV's you'll find in Ontario are gassers under 24250 lbs

[Sunsetsailor]

Thanks for the thoughtful replies. I have found a number of 22,000 lb. gassers that fit our needs in the 34-36 ft range, so I take some comfort in that. Since we intend to park it rather than travel, my thinking is to risk it for the rare towing occasions (such as the original delivery to the site). If we decide to travel in it to escape winter I will have plenty of time then to address the D licence issue. We have enough on our plate figuring out on-site water, solar and septic!

[Cassy]

Gross weight under 26K pounds

[RV_Lee]

Originally Posted by Cassy

Gross weight under 26K pounds

Ontario G license weight limit is 11000KG which = 24250lbs


If going for a heavier license I'd go for the full AZ, at least you could use it to make money if you had to. DZ is kinda useless.

[Gary RVRoamer]

Originally Posted by Sunsetsailor

Thanks for the thoughtful replies. I have found a number of 22,000 lb. gassers that fit our needs in the 34-36 ft range, so I take some comfort in that. Since we intend to park it rather than travel, my thinking is to risk it for the rare towing occasions (such as the original delivery to the site). If we decide to travel in it to escape winter I will have plenty of time then to address the D licence issue. We have enough on our plate figuring out on-site water, solar and septic!

Just avoid towing a toad while in Ontario. Have your wife or other driver move the car when you need to move the coach to or from your site. Law enforcement outside your home province won't know or care about Ontario licensing requirements.

[Jim.B1]

We just finished our annual 3 month Winter trip to Florida in a 32' Class A gas RV.
We did not tow this year, but have towed a trailer with our Harley, and planning to tow a Nissan Versa next year.
Three months in a 32' (2 slides) never once felt cramped and when travelling, it was easily maneuvered through grocery store parking lots and gas stations.
Choosing the right floor plan that suits you, is more critical than focusing on a specific size.
All the best in your search.

[Sunsetsailor]

Originally Posted by RV_Lee

If going for a heavier license I'd go for the full AZ, at least you could use it to make money if you had to. DZ is kinda useless.

At 73 I don't see myself getting into new trade!