Crossing border into U.S. from Vancouver with 39' MH

Our last time crossing at Blaine was a long time ago - in the late 90s if I recall - and we had an entertaining time. As we approached the US Customs lanes they had a sign posted that stated there was a 12 foot clearance under the canopies, and that oversize vehicles should use the far right lane. Since our fifth wheel at the time was 13 feet tall I dutifully headed for the far right lane. When I got up to the inspector he yelled at me for being in the truck lane. I politely explained to him that if he could show me how to fit my 13' tall trailer under a 12' awning without damaging either one I would be happy to back up and give it a try. He grumbled and decided he needed to inspect our rig - he actually measured the height of the trailer before letting us continue!

So, I hope they have lanes now that can accomodate the larger rigs that are more than 12 feet tall!

From dol.wa.gov website
•Is an EDL/EID required for entry into Canada or re-entry into the U.S.?

No, the Enhanced Driver License Program is completely voluntary. However, all U.S. and Canadian travelers must present a passport or other acceptable document that proves identity and citizenship when entering the U.S by land or sea. The EDL/EID is a low-cost alternative to the passport for U.S. citizens. For more information about: •U.S. requirements, visit the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) website.
•Canadian requirements, visit the Canada Border Services Agency website.

enblethen wrote:
Yes, except for certain states that have the enhanced driver's license.

Washington isn't one of them.

bigred1cav wrote:
Is Passport still required for entry and reentry from Canada to USA?

yes

Yes, except for certain states that have the enhanced driver's license.

Is Passport still required for entry and reentry from Canada to USA?

moisheh wrote:
rk 911: I have crossed in an 18 wheeler twice this year And once in our MH. The customs people are rude and almost obnoxious. In our 45 years of RVing and crossing into the US this was the only border where they treat you with disrespect. Was the same last year. In most other crossings it is just the opposite.

Moisheh

having spent 35 years working public safety communications I handled my fair share of complaints from the public about "rude" 9-1-1 operators some of which were valid but the overwhelming majority were not. in 90% of the cases the operator was doing their job determining the what, where, when and who in about 60-seconds. rudeness is almost always in the eyes of the beholder.

beyond that I don't want warm and fuzzy border inspectors. I want no-nosense, slightly intimidating persons giving very close inspection to those who are requesting admittance to our country. I'm sorry you had a bad experience as there is no excuse for overt rudeness but try to understand the pressures these men and women are under and approach your next crossing with that in mind.

We crossed Sumas, WA with our 40' motorhome towing using the proper RV lane. It seems very narrow as you approach but we fit.:) They frown on RVs using the truck lane.

We use the Peace Arch crossing at Blaine all the time with our 40ft. and trailer. We are 63' long. The truck crossing at 405 is a lot harder for Rv's as they have a curved set up.

We have never had issues at any of the border crossings. We have crossed at many different locations in WA, ID and Montana.