Here is a complicated issue. I am looking at buying a MH in the USA. The origin owner has died. He kept it registered in Canada. I would like to either bring it back to Canada or I could also keep it in the USA on my Montana LLC ( please no LLC comments) Or it could be registered in AZ. Problems: Being as the registration is still in the deceased's name I think that would be a problem crossing the border with say a trip or temporary permit from my Canadian province. Also might be a problem if I was stopped for some reason by the Highway patrol. I can actually get a trip permit from my home province by fax. Maybe the family needs to get their lawyer to provide some sort of paper that would allow them to sell it? I am afraid it might be seized as if the father died a year ago that vehicle is illegal in the USA. Any ideas appreciated.

There was a thread on this last week, and if I remember correctly, the potential problem is in proving compliance with EPA standards. That person I think was looking at Cali which made it even harder, but I believe if the unit was not originally sold in the US you will have some issues certifying emmisions issues.

I would not buy any vehicle without a clear title. Ask the family to legally transfer the title to one of the deceased's relatives so they can sign it over to you. I certainly would not risk crossing the border without documents showing you lawfully purchased the moho. God luck!

Once you get a clear title, you should have no problem getting it registered in the USA, especially if it was originally built in the USA. The biggest problem is getting a clear title from the estate of the deceased.

So how are you going to get title? Pretty sure that in the USA when someone dies the executor of the Estate has the authority to sale assets and transfer title - not sure how that's handled in Canada.

For emissions, if it has the sticker under the hood stating it meets the U.S. Federal emissions standards then you should be OK.As for the title, it will depend on his will/living trust. Usually the executor of the will/living trust has the authority to sell the possessions unless it specifically states the possession is to be given to a specific heir. The proceeds from the sale are then used to pay any outstanding debts and then the balance is distributed accordingly between any applicable heirs. The executor will have the authority to sign off on the title. If they cannot or will not provide you with the signed off title, then walk away (or you could get in the middle of a family feud).

Buying a Canadian regsitered motorhome in the USA

15 Replies

toedtoes
Explorer III
Jan 30, 2018
For emissions, if it has the sticker under the hood stating it meets the U.S. Federal emissions standards then you should be OK.

As for the title, it will depend on his will/living trust. Usually the executor of the will/living trust has the authority to sell the possessions unless it specifically states the possession is to be given to a specific heir. The proceeds from the sale are then used to pay any outstanding debts and then the balance is distributed accordingly between any applicable heirs. The executor will have the authority to sign off on the title. If they cannot or will not provide you with the signed off title, then walk away (or you could get in the middle of a family feud).
ksg5000
Explorer
Jan 30, 2018
So how are you going to get title? Pretty sure that in the USA when someone dies the executor of the Estate has the authority to sale assets and transfer title - not sure how that's handled in Canada.
rgatijnet1
Explorer III
Jan 30, 2018
Once you get a clear title, you should have no problem getting it registered in the USA, especially if it was originally built in the USA. The biggest problem is getting a clear title from the estate of the deceased.
Community Alumni
Jan 30, 2018
I would not buy any vehicle without a clear title. Ask the family to legally transfer the title to one of the deceased's relatives so they can sign it over to you. I certainly would not risk crossing the border without documents showing you lawfully purchased the moho. God luck!
kerrlakeRoo
Explorer
Jan 30, 2018
There was a thread on this last week, and if I remember correctly, the potential problem is in proving compliance with EPA standards.
That person I think was looking at Cali which made it even harder, but I believe if the unit was not originally sold in the US you will have some issues certifying emmisions issues.

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Buying a Canadian regsitered motorhome in the USA

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