Buying a used RV in USA as a Canadian

[Tcalp]

Hey All,

I'm looking to get myself an RV pretty soon, though, there seems to be much better offerings/pricing in the USA over Canada. I assume this is due to demand, and potentially the economy on some level. If figure it is likely best to buy a unit from the southern areas of the USA to prevent the units from sitting in the hard winters (freezing/thawing/etc) that regularly cause leeks/seal ruptures.

I am not really sure the best way to go about bringing it back to Canada and what the related costs would be. Is there a way to buy a unit in the USA and have certifications done in the USA // get license plates online/fax submission etc... ?

I am looking to pick something up in the 10-20K area, from those that have older units. Is it a reasonable investment still, or is everything practically falling apart at this point ? I don't mind putting a bit of labor in on cosmetics, but I am not a mechanic by any means.

If anyone has any dealers that you think I should look at / get in touch with , please feel free to suggest.

[bigdisplay]

GREGORYJ wrote:
Thanks for that info JaxDad. A friend bought an 1984 Class B with no sticker at all and it cost him quite a bit($1200) to have it inspected and updated for AC wiring and LP gas before the province would allow him to register it. It was an expense he never saw coming on an older $8000 RV.(VW Westy)

most likely it was because its a NON US VEHICLE ???
Vehicles not made in the us or Canada
much different requirements

Regarding the RVIA decal ? I have imported two diesel pushers and have never been asked for this decal nor was it a requirement

The QAI cdn decal is a requirement that a Canadian manufacturer must
build to those specs and the decal declares he has
The same deal with the RVIA

Nothing to do with you or I purchasing as a used unit

[YZ]

vic46 wrote:
Great Thread!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Managed to add two more to my blocked member list!

Vic

I am new to this list so some hobbies are new to me...do you actually collect these ? ..like friending in facebook but reverse...

[vic46]

Great Thread!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Managed to add two more to my blocked member list!

Vic

[Sooboy]

YZ wrote:

Sooboy wrote:
BTW, Canadian Tire couldn't care less about what sticker is on the RV. All they checked on mine was that the DRL functioned. It was too big for their shop, so the safety (a huge waste of $ to safety a brand new vehicle) was done at the local Freightliner dealer...then off to the license office to pay the PST and get plates.

You actually took your rig to CanTire ?? .... TOO FUNNY !!!!!

They have trouble safety inspecting new cars 🙂

EVERY motor vehicle that's imported into Canada using the RIV process has to visit Canadian Tire. There's no choice as they are the official inspectors for RIV.

[YZ]

Sooboy wrote:
BTW, Canadian Tire couldn't care less about what sticker is on the RV. All they checked on mine was that the DRL functioned. It was too big for their shop, so the safety (a huge waste of $ to safety a brand new vehicle) was done at the local Freightliner dealer...then off to the license office to pay the PST and get plates.

You actually took your rig to CanTire ?? .... TOO FUNNY !!!!!

They have trouble safety inspecting new cars 🙂

[GREGORYJ]

Thanks for that info JaxDad. A friend bought an 1984 Class B with no sticker at all and it cost him quite a bit($1200) to have it inspected and updated for AC wiring and LP gas before the province would allow him to register it. It was an expense he never saw coming on an older $8000 RV.(VW Westy)

[bradyk]

Follow the steps on the RIV website to a T and there are no issues. Part of the border fee goes to the inspection that you need to get done at Crappy tire which is a joke but you won't get it registered without. If you are worried about a dealer doing service find a private repair shop as there are many aound that do their own thing and are not a dealer.
Taxes are paid on purchase value with motorhomes. For those mentioned like in Manitoba tax on value what they are talking about is for the guy that buys a vehicle for a dollar deal. Been there and tried that several years ago from a family member and was basicallly giving it to them. They then pull out the book and put their value on it not the dollar that you claim you are paying for it to avoid taxes.

[Sooboy]

BTW, Canadian Tire couldn't care less about what sticker is on the RV. All they checked on mine was that the DRL functioned. It was too big for their shop, so the safety (a huge waste of $ to safety a brand new vehicle) was done at the local Freightliner dealer...then off to the license office to pay the PST and get plates.

[Sooboy]

Wrong Lane wrote:
If you can find a good price and don't mind a minimal, and I mean minimal, amount of paperwork then buy cross border.

The import rules are super easy, just follow this link:

https://www.riv.ca/ImportingAVehicle.aspx

That is the official word from our government and over-rides all you might hear or read on this forum.

Value? You pay tax on is the full purchase price converted to CAN. No Blue Book no Kellys. If you try to rip off the government and they find out then expect hefty fines and possible loss of the rig but if you play it straight up and honest then it is a simple, hassle free process. They will call the seller to confirm what was paid if you claim some incredible low price.

Many US dealers advertise they have experience in this area and look after all the paperwork on the US side for you!

My signature rig is imported and if I was replacing it I would be looking south. The exchange rate is a valid concern. What you pay at the bank right now is about 30 cents extra for each USD but there are deals on used rigs that offset even that.

The concern about finding a dealer to service your US purchase is pure BS. It is a used rig and you will not have a problem finding a service center happy to take your bucks! Maybe if you bought brand new that might be a slim possibility but not so with a 8 year old Georgetown.

Have fun shopping, hope you find something and safe travels!

+1

I imported my Embark in late 2011. The description above is the most accurate response I've seen. Stick to the RIV guidelines and you will be fine. RIV makes no mention of the US requirements - but they are straightforward should the selling dealer be unaware of them. US Customs requires 72 hrs notice that the vehicle is to be exported to Canada, then simply stop at US Customs before crossing into Canada. The rest is well documented.

I'm happy I imported and would do it again wtihout hesitation. I've had no issues getting warranty coverage in Canada.

Good luck! Feel free to PM me should you have any specific questions.

[JaxDad]

GREGORYJ wrote:

Make sure it has this sticker showing the coach AC wiring and LP gas meets Cdn safty standards. Canadian Tire may check for this as well as DRL lights.

That's a VERY misleading and dangerous statement IMHO.

If you read the face of the above sticker you will see it certifies compliance with ANSI / NFPA 1192 standards.

However if you look at the certification sticker for a Canadian spec motorhome (see below) you will see that it certifies compliance with CSA Z240 standards. The two standards are NOT interchangeable, that's why the RVIA have been working for many, many years to bring their standards up meet ours so that a single compliance will work on both sides of the border.

[GREGORYJ]

Tcalp's original goal "I am looking to pick something up in the 10-20K area".
If one was to consider paying $5000 for someone to bring the RV back to Canada, all the more reason to consider the option: "I have come across a 2006 Georgetown 319TS (32 foot / Triple Slide out) for ~$30K CAD from a dealer. ... heavily considering this buy.

[bigdisplay]

katoomer wrote:
You could always hire someone to import it and get all certifications done. That's what we did.
I paid him $5000 and for that he flew to virginia to look at the coach. he then went back later and drove it across the country and imported it into canada will all inspections and certifications done. He paid all costs including fuel in the coach. saved me a lot of time and hassle. Well worth the cost.

Makes sense. takes the guy a week or so and cost,s are about $3300
so he made 1700$ not big money but if your retired and have nothing to do its a paid for adventure and you make a few hundred bucks
Tax free
EXCEPT this guy only wants to spend 10-20K so not a viable situation

[katoomer]

You could always hire someone to import it and get all certifications done. That's what we did.
I paid him $5000 and for that he flew to virginia to look at the coach. he then went back later and drove it across the country and imported it into canada will all inspections and certifications done. He paid all costs including fuel in the coach. saved me a lot of time and hassle. Well worth the cost.

[bigdisplay]

all one has to do is simply follow the RIV program and all will be well
no need to start worrying about decals etc
Just look at admissible and read all the footnotes etc that's the whole idea about the riv program

[GREGORYJ]

Tcalp , the 2006 Georgetown 319TS (32 foot / Triple Slide out) for ~$30K CAD from a dealer may be worth considering with the value of our CDN dollar right now. You would need to find this in the US for about $22K US just to break even and less than this to save any money.
Buying in the US can be worth it, but closely look around in Canada first.
If you find something in the US, phone RIV first to see if it's eligible to be imported. If the original manufacturer is now out of business, as many now are,
ask RIV what recall clearance letter is needed. They told me only the chassis manufacture recall clearance letter was required, in my case was from Workhorse. Make sure it has this sticker showing the coach AC wiring and LP gas meets Cdn safty standards. Canadian Tire may check for this as well as DRL lights.

Step 1, listed above, is new , a US dealer should do this for you, a private seller may not, so check with a broker to provide this service only:
"1. You will be need a U.S. Census ITN number which you can obtain using a U.S. AES authorized agent, freight forwarder or customs broker to electronically file your export information". Here in Manitoba, a Pembina N.D. parcel service
company is providing this service now and at a reasonable rate. I'm sure there are others at Ontario/US border crossing points. As others have mentioned, the process is easy, though it may not appear so with 5 pages of discussions, so far. Good luck with your choice.