Buying a camper in Canada

[Dbl-A-Ron]

I found a camper I want in BC. I live in Washington State. Canada doesn't license or title campers. They are considered to be an accessory (makes sense to me). When I spoke with CDN and US Customs they wanted a bill of sale and a title with my name on it. This isn't possible because it doesn't have a title. Anyone do this recently? The exchange rate is favorable.
Thanks, Aaron

[hedge]

I tried to register my camper in AB but it was not possible because it didn't have a serial number that fit their pattern. I bought mine new so I got the BOS and a NIVIS but was stymied by the VIN number.

I could go through a process to get a VIN assigned but it's not cheap, nearly $500.

I wanted to do it so that I could get a plate issued so that I don't have to swap plates.

[tonymull]

I'm beginning to realize why I passed on those BC campers.....

[Dbl-A-Ron]

The DMV in Washington insists ALL campers in BC are registered. No registration, no license.

[noteven]

Isn't the OP asking about importing a truck camper? vs a trailer - which is a vehicle in both WA and BC ?

[maxum1989]

kereams wrote:
I know for a fact that the border agencies from both countries share data. If you go out of the country and back in with the same vehicle setup you will not get asked. If you head up empty and back with something in the bed, be prepared to show papers on the reentry. They take pictures while in line on both sides and compare thrm. I have experienced this with motorcycles in the bed of the truck a few times. Last time I asked how they were so aware and border guard explained the aforementioned.

I am not going to dispute that this can happen, but it isn't the norm for me. I have rec property in Washington and live in B.C. I go across the border all the time bringing trailers one way and not the other. Depending on if I'm setting up for the summer or taking down for the winter I have trailers, campers and boats coming and going all the time.

[Bigfoot_affair]

This may help you. Importing Travel Trailer to US

[Bigfoot_affair]

kereams wrote:
I know for a fact that the border agencies from both countries share data. If you go out of the country and back in with the same vehicle setup you will not get asked. If you head up empty and back with something in the bed, be prepared to show papers on the reentry. They take pictures while in line on both sides and compare thrm. I have experienced this with motorcycles in the bed of the truck a few times. Last time I asked how they were so aware and border guard explained the aforementioned.

X2

[Bigfoot_affair]

What they (us customs and Washington state) wants to see is that there are no liens or encumbrances against the property for sale. The problem in Canada is that anyone can sell their property without disclosing there is a lien or encumbrance against it. The new owner will then be liable for any outstanding debt owed on that property.

[maxum1989]

homefor2 wrote:
I don't understand "registration". I have never registered either of my campers and don't know how you would. Bill of sale is all I have.

I agree with this. I just purchased my camper 3 weeks ago off a registered car dealer lot here is B.C. I just looked thru my paperwork and all I got was a bill of sale. They didn't care if I insured it or not when I left. All taxes were paid through them.

[homefor2]

I don't understand "registration". I have never registered either of my campers and don't know how you would. Bill of sale is all I have.

[kereams]

I know for a fact that the border agencies from both countries share data. If you go out of the country and back in with the same vehicle setup you will not get asked. If you head up empty and back with something in the bed, be prepared to show papers on the reentry. They take pictures while in line on both sides and compare thrm. I have experienced this with motorcycles in the bed of the truck a few times. Last time I asked how they were so aware and border guard explained the aforementioned.

[Dbl-A-Ron]

The private party I'm buying from is going to call the dealer tomorrow. He has never "registered" his camper and I assume no one in Canada has ever heard of doing so. I don't know where the US Customs and the state of Washington come up with this stuff. I tried 3 different licensing agency's and all of them were adement that a registration with a release of inerest signiture was required along with the bill of sale and Customs Docs. Weird.

[noteven]

Hi Aaron - suggest you call the manufacturer and ask them for a statement of fact letter that will say where and when the camper was manufactured, and which dealer they sold it to. In addition ask for a declaration of NAFTA content. This along with your witnessed bill of sale from the seller and a copy of the print or online advertisement offering the camper for sale should satisfy proof of ownership requirements.

[Dbl-A-Ron]

Talked to the customs agent again and they say I will need a Bill of sale AND the registration release of interest. They agree campers are not titled in Canada but are registered. in the event a camper isn't registered an MSO would be acceptable. I believe that MSO stands for manufacturer statement of origin. The concern seems to be about proving the legal owner is the person selling it. Does this sound right to the BC folks?
Thanks, Aaron

[homefor2]

deltabravo wrote:

Dbl-A-Ron wrote:
The part I'm worried about is what the customs agent will do when I don't have a title.

I can't understand why the US customs people demand that you have a WA Title for something you just bought.

Especially since there is no such thing as a title for a camper in BC. Bill of sale is all you get.