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rebourke2003's avatar
rebourke2003
Explorer
Feb 16, 2017

Importing an RV from Europe to the US

Having lived in Hawaii for the past 4 decades we have always rented RVs when we travel on the "Mainland" US or in Europe. But now we are moving back to California and wish to purchase a B+ RV. In Europe several companies make very nice small (< 6m or ~19.5 ft)coach built RVs with a design that is not available in the US. (see for example the 5.99m Challenger: http://www.challenger-motorhomes.com/low-profiles/194#model or the Chausson 514: http://www.lemondeducampingcar.fr/guide-d-achat/chausson-514-ford.html, both of which are built with the Ford Transit chassis and engine). The units are very compact, but come with a raised bed in the rear which makes room for ample storage beneath that is accessible from the outside.

Has anyone ever been able to successfully import one of these small RVs back into the US? The Ford chassis and engine make overcoming the significant USEPA and USDOT import criteria possible, but I'm not so sure about the European wiring and plumbing standards meeting with import restrictions. I'd appreciate hearing from anyone who has seriously attempted or actually been successful importing an RV from Europe.

Mahalo! (thanks)
  • If you need somebody in Europe to go to see some stuff or Vehicle, I live in France.
    I thing plumbing is not a problem but electric here is 230v
    All engines here for this small Rvs is diesel