We're planning to cross into the U.S. from Vancouver, B.C. with our 39' motorhome towing our car. We wish to use our Nexus cards. I've noticed several posts indicating that the border crossing points in the Vancouver area can apparently be quite challenging due to narrow lanes and other reasons. Wondering if someone who has made the crossing lately would share their experiences as to what the best crossing points are for larger size motorhomes?

Yes, they seem narrow but they are over 10 foot. I would not cross at some of the locations do to the heavy volume of traffic. Peace Arch on Can 99 US I-5 is very busy.The truck Route WA 543 or Can 15 is a little better. Farther east Can 13 or WA 539 is better.Even farther east Can 11 WA 9 is nice.

We have crossed the border at Sumas going north and south towing a 34' fifth wheel and in a 34' motorhome with toad. We were very careful and moved slowly and had no problems at all.

We did this in august of this year. No problem just take it slow and follow the signs.it's tight but no issues. 38.5 MH ford ranger 4 down.Welcome to the us

Rsmith34953 wrote:We're planning to cross into the U.S. from Vancouver, B.C. with our 39' motorhome towing our car. We wish to use our Nexus cards. I've noticed several posts indicating that the border crossing points in the Vancouver area can apparently be quite challenging due to narrow lanes and other reasons. Wondering if someone who has made the crossing lately would share their experiences as to what the best crossing points are for larger size motorhomes?All crossings can be done in the largest RV, I-5 being the easies to navigate, but the longest wait times. Sumas is a little more difficult to navigate but not impossible simply stay in the right lanes. and will be the shortest wait times. try to avoid typical commute times.

From our experience over the last 5 years, the Peace Arch crossing has the widest lanes and the least barriers to dodge. 37 foot motorhome. We used to use the truck crossing and hope like hell we did not scrape, but now use Peace Arch both ways.

Crossing border into U.S. from Vancouver with 39' MH

slickest1
Explorer
Nov 20, 2015
Marine By Choice wrote:
Sumas crossing. Use truck lane. Perfect

I said you can use the truck lane in Aldergrove/Lynden crossing.
Sumas has a dedicated truck crossing and a separate RV lane. Going into the States the lane is wide but is a little hard to get lined up with it in heavy traffic. Coming back into Canada they have an RV lane but it is never open that I have seen.
xctraveler
Explorer
Nov 20, 2015
We carry Nexus passes and use them for all crossings between US and Canada. A close reading of the rules shows that the inspector can require us to present a passport even though we have the Nexus Card. That has never happened, yet, but the passports are always available in whatever vehicle we are in.

They do freak out a bit when we cross with Nexus on the Niagara bridges with Texas plates and a NY address on file. It adds an extra question, "Why?"

Have lived near the border all my life and crossing is a regular experience, half my DW's family is from Canada.
wilber1
Explorer
Nov 20, 2015
At the Sumas crossing, BC enhanced DL holders are allowed to use the NEXUS lane entering the US after 11:00 AM.
Goldencrazy
Explorer
Nov 19, 2015
Now that is an interesting story.
Kayteg1
Explorer II
Nov 19, 2015
Goldencrazy wrote:
Somehow I think border crossing just got more difficult coming in to US. Probably not leaving. Give yourself plenty of time and take a good book.

Strange as even on former "iron curtain" border -citizens of EU cross at 100+kph and even when they are stopped, regural DL is all they need for border crossing.
I bought wide body motorhome in Ontario years ago (before 9-11) and was crossing in Toronto area. Canadians wave me through and I stop with my driver window about 7 feet from US custom window.
The only question the officer ask was "how many Mexicans are you hiding there?"
When I shook my head say none, he let me go.
Mind motorhome had no licence plates.
Goldencrazy
Explorer
Nov 19, 2015
Somehow I think border crossing just got more difficult coming in to US. Probably not leaving. Give yourself plenty of time and take a good book.
bob_nestor
Explorer III
Nov 19, 2015
Alan_Hepburn wrote:
Our last time crossing at Blaine was a long time ago - in the late 90s if I recall - and we had an entertaining time. As we approached the US Customs lanes they had a sign posted that stated there was a 12 foot clearance under the canopies, and that oversize vehicles should use the far right lane. Since our fifth wheel at the time was 13 feet tall I dutifully headed for the far right lane. When I got up to the inspector he yelled at me for being in the truck lane. I politely explained to him that if he could show me how to fit my 13' tall trailer under a 12' awning without damaging either one I would be happy to back up and give it a try. He grumbled and decided he needed to inspect our rig - he actually measured the height of the trailer before letting us continue!

So, I hope they have lanes now that can accomodate the larger rigs that are more than 12 feet tall!

I crossed into Canada at Haines in 2014. There were two lanes, one under canopy with a sign "No RVs". There wasn't any traffic and it was raining, but I dutifully followed the sign and pulled up in the uncovered lane. A sweet young Canadian Customs agent stepped out and while standing under cover motioned me to back up and come in thru the covered lane. I did, but I told her I was just following the directions on the sign. She laughed and told me, "Yes, but it's raining and I didn't want to get wet".
enblethen
Nomad
Nov 19, 2015
For those that are going across the border, I would verify that your enhanced driver's license is good for that purpose.
I remember reading about some were issued without proper identification before issuing.
J-Rooster
Explorer
Nov 19, 2015
enblethen wrote:
We have never had issues at any of the border crossings. We have crossed at many different locations in WA, ID and Montana.
X-2
Tom_Barb
Explorer
Nov 19, 2015
enblethen wrote:
From dol.wa.gov website
•Is an EDL/EID required for entry into Canada or re-entry into the U.S.?

No, the Enhanced Driver License Program is completely voluntary. However, all U.S. and Canadian travelers must present a passport or other acceptable document that proves identity and citizenship when entering the U.S by land or sea. The EDL/EID is a low-cost alternative to the passport for U.S. citizens. For more information about: •U.S. requirements, visit the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) website.
•Canadian requirements, visit the Canada Border Services Agency website.

as of last week my enhanced license was not enough, they wanted a pass port.