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.

[JaxDad]

Wrong Lane wrote:
You really need to read the RIV guidelines. The province of Ontario will not even let you register the vehicle or provide a license plate until the unit is brought up to Canadian standards.

The regulated repair shops mentioned would be presented with a unit that already meets all standards, fully compliant, thereby eliminating that argument.

To the OP, stick with the RIV guidelines, and importing is easy and simple.

Keep in mind that the 2006 Georgetown the OP is considering would be identical to the model offered for sale in Canada except for daytime running lights and the speedo on the US model would have predominant MPH instead of KMPH.

If the unit is a Ford then the daytime running lights is a plug and play module and the speedo is ok as long as it shows KMPH, which it will.

But the OP is in Ontario.

The fact that the model is the "identical" is up for debate, and not related to the topic at hand, CERTIFIED to be in compliance is what matters, and no, even 2014 models are not built in compliance with CSA Z240 standards.

[dieharder]

The only thing they care about is the chassis. Things like daytime running lights and kmh readout on the speedo (it doesn't matter if it's the small inside part of the speedo, as long as it's there). The house portion plays absolutely no part in that.

[bigdisplay]

You really need to read the RIV guidelines. The province of Ontario will not even let you register the vehicle or provide a license plate until the unit is brought up to Canadian standards.

I admit I know nothing about Ont prov law But the RIV guidelines are federal and have nothing to do with provincial rules or regulations
when you import a MH into Canada the border agent will collect gst and also pst if required by province you want to register in.
The federal government will then send you a list of things that VEHICLE is required to conform to federal regulations.You do these things and then you go to Canadian tire to have it inspected for these items only.After that RIV will send you a Canadian Statement of Compliance (SOC) label with instructions on where to affix it to your vehicle.
What the province requires you to then register in that province has no bearing on the importation into Canada
IN BC there is nothing else required except a provincial MV safety inspection regarding the power train, lites, air bags etc
and RIV does not suggest in any way at all that Ontario requires this "special cdn compliance deal ? I have no idea where anyone dreamed that up

[Wrong_Lane]

You really need to read the RIV guidelines. The province of Ontario will not even let you register the vehicle or provide a license plate until the unit is brought up to Canadian standards.

The regulated repair shops mentioned would be presented with a unit that already meets all standards, fully compliant, thereby eliminating that argument.

To the OP, stick with the RIV guidelines, and importing is easy and simple.

Keep in mind that the 2006 Georgetown the OP is considering would be identical to the model offered for sale in Canada except for daytime running lights and the speedo on the US model would have predominant MPH instead of KMPH.

If the unit is a Ford then the daytime running lights is a plug and play module and the speedo is ok as long as it shows KMPH, which it will.

[bigdisplay]

JaxDad wrote:

Wrong Lane wrote:
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!

That may be the case elsewhere, but in Ontario where both dealers and technicians are regulated by the TSSA it's certainly not the case.

Many dealers simply won't work on units until you get them brought into compliance with Canadian standards.

I'm sure little 'Mom & Pop' places likely will not care, but the bigger ones sure seem to.

New one on me? sounds like BS Moneys money if a Norcold fridge or a suburban heater under warrenty fails and the dealer gets paid good money to repair to repair most all will at least out in BC they surely will

[JaxDad]

Wrong Lane wrote:
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!

That may be the case elsewhere, but in Ontario where both dealers and technicians are regulated by the TSSA it's certainly not the case.

Many dealers simply won't work on units until you get them brought into compliance with Canadian standards.

I'm sure little 'Mom & Pop' places likely will not care, but the bigger ones sure seem to.

[bigdisplay]

Wrong Lane wrote:
Bigdisplay wrote: "The cdn border does not care one way or the other if you stop at the us side."

That is a perfect example of bad advise. The CBSA will not allow you to import any motorized vehicle until you properly export it from the US. The rules, strictly enforced, no exceptions, are:

CBP regulations state that at border points:

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

2.72 hours prior to exporting your vehicle, you must provide CBP at the port of exit:•Proof of ownership
•U.S. Census ITN number

3.The vehicle must be presented to U.S. Customs at the time of export.

Follow the rules on the RIV website and importing is no problem. Follow advise on here and it will be an expensive nightmare.

Ok all has changed since I use to do the odd vehicle as the Cenus ITN
number is new deal
This Census number just become mandatory in October 2014 that's why I never heard of it as its a brand new deal
HOWEVER this is a USA requirement not a CDN requirement
No where in the RIV ruels and regulations does it say a US Censes number is required

[moisheh]

http://www.cbp.gov/trade/basic-import-export/export-docs/motor-vehicl

http://globalreach.blogs.census.gov/2014/05/21/exporting-vehicles-to-canada/



The following is from the RIV website.
U.S. Census and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) require notification a minimum of 72 hours notice prior to export of all self-propelled vehicles being permanently exported from the United States.

Note: trailers or temporary exports are exempt from these requirements.


CBP regulations state that at border points:
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

2.72 hours prior to exporting your vehicle, you must provide CBP at the port of exit:•Proof of ownership
•U.S. Census ITN number

3.The vehicle must be presented to U.S. Customs at the time of export.

CBP recommends that you contact the customs office where you plan to cross, directly, to verify the documentation required and their hours of operation.




Stopping at US customs and faxing documents is not optional. In the last 3 or 4 years both Canada and the US have adopted rules concerning electronic data reporting when importing. Casual imports like a TV are exempt. Motor vehicles must have the electronic transfer of data. The US will impose huge fines for those who show up without proper paperwork filed. Read my 2 links. What one person experienced 9 years ago is ancient history. Any customs broker can handle that paperwork.

Moisheh

[Wrong_Lane]

Bigdisplay wrote: "The cdn border does not care one way or the other if you stop at the us side."

That is a perfect example of bad advise. The CBSA will not allow you to import any motorized vehicle until you properly export it from the US. The rules, strictly enforced, no exceptions, are:

CBP regulations state that at border points:

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

2.72 hours prior to exporting your vehicle, you must provide CBP at the port of exit:•Proof of ownership
•U.S. Census ITN number

3.The vehicle must be presented to U.S. Customs at the time of export.

Follow the rules on the RIV website and importing is no problem. Follow advise on here and it will be an expensive nightmare.

[bigdisplay]

moisheh wrote:
bigdisplay: Even though you are a dealer I think you are wrong. The last time I imported a vehicle the Canadian Border wanted to see my cancelled title! There is also a new rule from the USA side about having some sort of Tax #. Not only could you be fined they can ban you from entering the USA. They take these matters very seriously.

Moisheh

Iam not a dealer and If I was a dealer I would most definitely stop on the us side.As far as Tax number goes Iam sure dealers require a tax number for sure
I bought a Cadillac in Arizona about 9 years ago.I never stopped at the us side and never had a problem registering the car NONE

[bigdisplay]

cross country wrote:
I imported last year. I went over the border wondering where the US stop was? Canadian border folks kindly informed me the motorhome could be confiscated and directed me quietly back over the border with instructions of where to stop and who to see. Then, it was 3 business days in advance of bringing the coach to the border with all the required paper work. Gst is paid at the border including any work that might have been done as part of the purchase price. Don't think for one second that one may pull the wool over the sheep. The border personnel seem to be very astute with these transactions.

what I said.IF you did not stop and get the export approval stamp and you ever returned the said MH to the US it could be confiscated and face a 5K fine.The CDN guy can not stop you at the border once your in Canada and make you return to the usa and the cdn border guy will not confiscate your MH

[cross_country]

I imported last year. I went over the border wondering where the US stop was? Canadian border folks kindly informed me the motorhome could be confiscated and directed me quietly back over the border with instructions of where to stop and who to see. Then, it was 3 business days in advance of bringing the coach to the border with all the required paper work. Gst is paid at the border including any work that might have been done as part of the purchase price. Don't think for one second that one may pull the wool over the sheep. The border personnel seem to be very astute with these transactions.

Just to be clear; by driving over the border into Canada without the US export clearance required from US customs before going over, the Canadian border people may and or could seize the motorhome. They made a few calls and slipped me back over the border (to the US) like it never happened, and I got the paper work processed at the US side before going into Canada the next day.

[moisheh]

bigdisplay: Even though you are a dealer I think you are wrong. The last time I imported a vehicle the Canadian Border wanted to see my cancelled title! There is also a new rule from the USA side about having some sort of Tax #. Not only could you be fined they can ban you from entering the USA. They take these matters very seriously.

Moisheh

[bigdisplay]

Canadian Rainbirds wrote:
We bought our Itasca Horizon from a dealer in Arizona and imported it to Canada without problems. We had followed the rules on the website posted earlier. Buying privately could be a problem because you MUST have a letter from the MANUFACTURER, both chassis and motorhome builders stating that all recalls have been resolved. This could be hard to get through a private sale. Most large dealers are familiar with the procedure and have the contacts. Also the purchase documents must be Faxed to the US CUSTOMS OFFICE at the crossing you are going to use, 5 business days before crossing. You must check in with them at the border and get a clearance before entering Canada and reporting to Canadian officials.

We were fortunate and bought when the US Economy had just tanked and the Canadian dollar was strong. We bought because of the selection and were able to find the perfect RV for us.

you don't have to fax the us side or stop there on the way home "BUT" u could run a risk if you returned the unit to the us for a holiday But only if and its a small if the us border did a serial number search
I was told its a 5K fine if the us catches you in the us with a exported vehicle that was not oked by the CBS at time of export
The cdn border does not care one way or the other if you stop at the us side.

[bigdisplay]

dieharder wrote:
As I mentioned in my first reply, the RIV site will be your bible. conduct your research and know what you'll need and when you'll need it, you'll be good to go.

The only problem I can see is that you're going to have a tough time getting a dealer up here to do warranty work, or service your unit, in a timely fashion. Because you didn't buy the unit from them, you're going to be put at the very end of the priority list. They'll service rigs that are bought from them first. If another one of their customers comes in after you do, they'll get priority over you too. You'll wait. And a good service place will be busy. Just be prepared for it.

Its a 15K 20 year old unit warrenty is the last thing this buyer need be concerned with
Also to note My good friend is a RV dealer and will do any warrenty work on any RV regardless of who bought it where.he makes good money in the repair shop doing such jobs