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

[Rsmith34953]

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?

[slickest1]

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]

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]

At the Sumas crossing, BC enhanced DL holders are allowed to use the NEXUS lane entering the US after 11:00 AM.

[Goldencrazy]

Now that is an interesting story.

[Kayteg1]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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.

[Alan_Hepburn]

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!

[enblethen]

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.

[Tom_Barb]

enblethen wrote:
Yes, except for certain states that have the enhanced driver's license.

Washington isn't one of them.

[Tom_Barb]

bigred1cav wrote:
Is Passport still required for entry and reentry from Canada to USA?

yes