US citizen buying an RV in Canada

IB853347201 wrote:

Scottiemom wrote:
First off, Canada does not have titles for motorhomes. At least not then, which was several years ago. Don't know if that has changed.
Dale

Not to dispute your claim, but the info you got from your friend was nonsense. Canada has always had ownership titles for all motorized vehicles including Motorhomes, cars, trucks, ATV's, etc. I believe this is universal across most of North America. Trailers also have titles.

x2

Even got one for a small utility trailer.

Scottiemom wrote:
First off, Canada does not have titles for motorhomes. At least not then, which was several years ago. Don't know if that has changed.
Dale

Not to dispute your claim, but the info you got from your friend was nonsense. Canada has always had ownership titles for all motorized vehicles including Motorhomes, cars, trucks, ATV's, etc. I believe this is universal across most of North America. Trailers also have titles.

We have friends who bought their Beaver coach from a Canadian individual in their Arizona park. They knew the guy and the coach well and really wanted it. After it was all said and done, he said he would not do it again. First off, Canada does not have titles for motorhomes. At least not then, which was several years ago. Don't know if that has changed. But that in itself, was the biggest headache and hurdle he had to maneuver. He did eventually get the job done, and they love their coach, but he said, never again.

Dale

Tom/Barb wrote:
Get all important numbers, register it down here in your home state.
go to Canada and put the US plates on and tow it home, say nothing at the border. about buying it in Canada.

Just curious how you might register it in your name with no domestic ownership documents?

Preclearing a border crossing is very simple, just fax a form in to CBP at the border crossing more than 48 hours before you want to cross. It would be faster than getting caught breaking the law.

Unless it's Canadian built, how would buying an RV in Canada be cheaper than buying the same one in US? Especially considering the currency exchange rate?

BeeTee wrote:
I'm in the hunt for a good quality used FW and found one in Canada. Has anyone from the US bought a trailer in Canada. I'm looking for info. on process, title/registration issues and costs, special taxes, etc. I'm trying to get a good picture if it's like buying an out of state trailer in the US or if there are a lot of extra barriers and costs.

thanks!

Bill

Tom/Barb wrote:
Get all important numbers, register it down here in your home state.
go to Canada and put the US plates on and tow it home, say nothing at the border. about buying it in Canada.

Say nothing to the border agent? Really? Why not throw some stuff inside the trailer as well and really make it worth it?

wilber1 wrote:
Why?

Because the US customs will have you wait 10-12 hours while they run wants and warrants on the trailer as a stolen vehicles.

most repeated words of customs officers, " park right over there and come inside".

Don't forget to remove any decals indicating it was a Canadian trailer.

You may have to receive certification that the chassis portion of the trailer meets US DOT safety requirements, if any. Since the chassis was probably manufactured in the US it should be no problem, but an importer may need to certify such. A few years ago we imported a Jeep from CA and had to go some procedures for importing even though it was manufactured in the US. Requirements for a trailer should be more simple than a motorhome or wheeled vehicle though.

Why?