We finally identified the travel trailer we want. The problem is that we want a 2016 or 2017 model and no local dealers have one and want to sell us a 2018 model. I found 2 however one is 12 hours away and the other is 4 hours away but in Canada. I live in Michigan. Does anyone have any experience buying a towable in Canada? From my reading it seems that an individual can buy one for personal use and not have to pay Duty. However I don't know the hidden fees or what the trade status is with this administration. Does anyone have experience with this?

Call the boarder / customs for both sides to get first hand info.

Thanks. I intend to do this. Just looking for some real world experiences before I move forward.

Here in Canada the Registrar of Imported Vehicles handles the importation of US vehicles into Canada ... I would think the US government would run a similar department that handles importation of Canadian registered vehicles into the US. I know some US RV dealers near the border have complete details on the process of Canadians buying a US trailer from them and importing into Canada ... have you spoken to either of these Canadian dealers to ask whether they can similarly offer advice on importing a Canadian registered RV into the US?

I have gone the opposite way numerous times, and due to NAFTA, we pay 0 duties, but Canadian taxes at border and when we register. Guess it's not a good time for you for our Canadian Dollar to gain some strength! What dealer in Ontario??

I imported a boat and boat trailer from Canada about 15 years ago. Unless it get changed, because of NAFTA, there is no duty if made in US or Canada or Mexico. The biggest issue I had was that the VIN label needs to say Meets USDOT standards. If the VIN label says MEETS US DOT Standards, you're most likely golden. You need a bill of sale stating what you paid. (Be sure it says US or Canadian Dollars ). The Federal goverment may want to run the VIN to verify its not stolen, and you need a letter stating all recalls have been taken care of. Your state will need to verify the VIN to make sure its not stolen. Then you'll have to pay the tax and license fee. Lots and lots of used pickup trucks sold in the US are imported from Canada. You'll want to double check at the border and your state licensing department before doing it, but the biggest issue I had with my boat and boat trailer was the MEETS US DOT Standards thing.

Importing from Canada | Good Sam Community

14 Replies

rickm
Explorer
Feb 01, 2018
I have gone the opposite way numerous times, and due to NAFTA, we pay 0 duties, but Canadian taxes at border and when we register. Guess it's not a good time for you for our Canadian Dollar to gain some strength! What dealer in Ontario??
SoundGuy
Explorer
Jan 31, 2018
Here in Canada the Registrar of Imported Vehicles handles the importation of US vehicles into Canada ... I would think the US government would run a similar department that handles importation of Canadian registered vehicles into the US. I know some US RV dealers near the border have complete details on the process of Canadians buying a US trailer from them and importing into Canada ... have you spoken to either of these Canadian dealers to ask whether they can similarly offer advice on importing a Canadian registered RV into the US?
homedad
Explorer
Jan 31, 2018
Thanks. I intend to do this. Just looking for some real world experiences before I move forward.
WNYBob
Explorer
Jan 31, 2018
Call the boarder / customs for both sides to get first hand info.

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Importing from Canada

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