Buy in Canada, bring to California?

[k6dcp]

I'm starting to search for my future RV. While surfing the various search websites, I've seen some ads in Canada for models I'm interested in. One side of my brain says that it could be kind of an adventure to fly up, check it out, and drive it home. The other side of my brain says this could be a gigantic hassle. Before I get beyond the dreaming stage, I clearly need more information.

Has anyone bought a used RV in Canada and brought it home to California? What hoops did you have to jump through and how much did it cost?

Yes, I realize that I would have to check out all systems and be prepared to fly home empty-handed if the vehicle didn't pass close scrutiny. That's not the issue.

Assuming I found the RV of my dreams, is it possible to bring it home and survive the kettles of boiling oil poured on one's head by the DMV and other governmental agencies? Or is it just a pleasant fantasy?

[DiskDoctr]

Thats_Ok wrote:
Don't forget about California's "7500 mile rule" on most motorized vehicles bought outside of CA.

I went thru that boondoggle with a motorcycle I bought.
What a frigging nightmare that was.

Keeping this a secret, or care to enlighten the rest of us :h

[deleted-2]

Don't forget about California's "7500 mile rule" on most motorized vehicles bought outside of CA.

I went thru that boondoggle with a motorcycle I bought.
What a frigging nightmare that was.

[kaydeejay]

Francesca Knowles wrote:

kaydeejay wrote:

slickest1 wrote:
Most of the RV's in Canada were built in the states and imported.

Those that fit this description were built to Canadian, NOT US standards and MAY not comply with US regulations.
VERY sticky ground to get caught up in!

:h
I think Canadian Standards are in fact higher than those here in the U.S.of A....certainly they are no lower.

While that is true of Canadian Safety Standards for propane and electrical systems, it is not necessarily true for Emission requirements, ESPECIALLY California's.
And there is no guarantee the vehicle can be retrofitted and certified without major costs.
As I said before, VERY sticky ground and a potential minefield.
BTDT!

[ol_Bombero-JC]

k6dcp - You're in CA (?)

Unless you want a very high dollar MH (requiring a 50 state search), if you can't find the RV of your dreams in CA, there's a genuine problem with your search agenda, LOL!

~

[ol_Bombero-JC]

k6dcp - if you can't find the RV of your dreams in CA, there's a genuine problem with your search agenda, LOL!

~

[Francesca_Knowl]

kaydeejay wrote:

slickest1 wrote:
Most of the RV's in Canada were built in the states and imported.

Those that fit this description were built to Canadian, NOT US standards and MAY not comply with US regulations.
VERY sticky ground to get caught up in!

:h
I think Canadian Standards are in fact higher than those here in the U.S.of A....certainly they are no lower.

[kaydeejay]

slickest1 wrote:
Most of the RV's in Canada were built in the states and imported.

Those that fit this description were built to Canadian, NOT US standards and MAY not comply with US regulations.
VERY sticky ground to get caught up in!

[slickest1]

Most of the RV's in Canada were built in the states and imported.

[John___Angela]

bikendan wrote:

super_camper wrote:
I think your third hurdle will be finding something in Canada at a better price than can be found stateside.

AMEN! even California RV prices are cheaper than in Canada.

I suppose, but its not uncommon for a dealer to export a Bigfoot camper or trailer to the US. 🙂

[deleted-2]

bikendan wrote:


AMEN! even California RV prices are cheaper than in Canada.

Yoop,
Believe it or not RV prices in the Sacramento area are pretty good.

When the big 'ole RV show pops up next spring zillions of folks will save big time.

All three of our RV's have been bought in California and I've never felt that we had been bent over.

Our last purchase had a $15,700 price cut because of the closeout deals.
$49,898 > $31,898 ($34,188 with fees)

[bikendan]

super_camper wrote:
I think your third hurdle will be finding something in Canada at a better price than can be found stateside.

AMEN! even California RV prices are cheaper than in Canada.

[Francesca_Knowl]

There's very specific paperwork that must be done when bringing a vehicle in from Canada, without which you'll find yourself unable to register the RV anyplace in the U.S.A.

Here's a link to a gov't site that explains what must be done.

[super_camper]

I think your third hurdle will be finding something in Canada at a better price than can be found stateside.

[kaydeejay]

Compliance with California exhaust emissions will be your first hurdle.
The second will be getting a letter from the manufacturer stating that the vehicle meets all US Federal regulations and that there are no outstanding recalls.
I wish you luck!