Importing into Canada

Dave_Monica · 09-23-2007, 09:33 PM

Looking to order a Rockwood 2605 from eithe RV Wholesalers or RV Direct or a Flagstaff 26RKS from RV Direct Wholesalers.

Anything to be aware of with these 3 wholesalers?

Secondly, are there any forum members from Canada that purchased from any of these wholesalers and what to expect crossing the border and registering/licensing in Canada.

We're a little confused after talking to someone at RV Direct saying that the trailer would have to be inspected/certified in Canada to comply with CSA standards irregardless of paying for CSA coding at the time of ordering.

Dave & Monica

RAC · 09-24-2007, 07:20 AM

I was in trucking once upon a time. NAFTA Certificate, BOL, PO or Invoice, and one customs broker to get freight through. Not sure if a TT will qualify as same.

NorthernAvLover · 09-24-2007, 03:37 PM

Dave, you have gotta love that exchange rate (at least if you are buying for the US). We are looking at doing the same thing so I will be anxious to see what kind of replies that you receive. I did call a shipping company and they told me that all you needed to do was to make sure that the customs folks had your documents 72 hours before you got there and it would all run smoothly. Like I said, I am anxious to what people who have done it have to say.

**huntr70** · 09-24-2007, 06:16 PM

I have heard that some of the Wholesale dealers will only deliver to the border.

Pretty much drop and go.

Steve

Dave_Monica · 09-24-2007, 08:27 PM

We did find the www.riv.ca (Registrar of Imported Vehicles) to be quite descriptive but the focus is more for motorized rv's or autos. It also has other links and phone numbers for further information.

The 72 hours is only for motorized vehicles and notification is to US customs for permanent export.

In discussions with all three wholesalers - they recommend PDI & pick up at their location if feasible.

Todddob · 09-24-2007, 10:32 PM

Hey, I just bought one cross border a couple weeks ago. All you need to bring it back over is bill of sale, the title, no defect form (basically verifies that it is brand new)and K-22 form that Canada Customs gives you to register and insure it. Then you pay your taxes. Pretty simple. If it is for private personal use no wholesale or importer liscences apply. Good Luck!

Todddob · 09-24-2007, 10:36 PM

Also, make SURE that the manufacturer is on the list of ones that manufacture according to CSA standard. Forest River is one of them. I would advise pick-up in the US. Most or all shipping companies will, or can not, ship over the border unless it is to the dealer or commercial importer.

Dave_Monica · 09-24-2007, 10:39 PM

RV Wholesalers told me that the trailer would have to be inspected/certified at a Cdn tire and form stamped to have the trailer licensed. They indicated that due to this required inspection, the CSA coding they list as an option would be a waste of money.
Did you have to get this inspection/certification?

Todddob · 09-24-2007, 10:41 PM

Is this an '08 model or brand new?

Dave_Monica · 09-24-2007, 10:45 PM

We spoke to RV Wholesalers and they indicated that the trailer would have to be inspected/certified by a Canadian Tire Service Centre to get it licensed in Canada. They said that the CSA coding option is therefore, a waste of money.
Did you have this inspection/certification done?

Dave_Monica · 09-24-2007, 10:46 PM

This is for a new 2008 with delivery in 6 weeks.

Todddob · 09-24-2007, 10:51 PM

No, didn't have to get that done. If it is brand new and you have a "no defect" form. That over-rides the need for an inspection. Inspections are for used models, I think. I didn't have to pay anything for CSA "coding". Also the 72 hour thing didn't apply either. Phone your border crossing office, I did, very helpful.

NorthernAvLover · 09-24-2007, 11:35 PM

Todd, your story is encouraging. Where did you buy your unit from? Did you go there to pick it up? I am looking at purchasing from RV Direct but we are a little nervous. The idea of sending $25k -$30k in the mail and waiting for the unit to be delivered is scary. I figure the fuel cost to go there and back to pick the unit up would almost be as expensive as the delivery and would take a lot of time. Any comments?

Todddob · 09-25-2007, 07:14 PM

I bought it from Paul's Trailer Sales in Green Bay and Morrison WI. I paid $1.50/mile to have it shipped to Minot which is 6hrs from me. I could have saved $1600 by picking it up but I work in construction and am really busy and my time was more valuable. I paid in credit card, that way I was covered in case of any trouble. They charged me 3% extra, but my points kinda offset the extra charge. Remember though fuel is a lot cheaper there too. I have a friend getting one from a different dealership this week and he put 1K deposit down, and is paying the rest in person, but he is picking it up. I would think that your time is more valuable, since your already saving a lot of money.

Dave_Monica · 09-25-2007, 08:06 PM

Thanks for the good info. Feel a lot more comfortable with respect to the border crossing and licensing.
We're looking at picking up at RV Wholesalers in Laveview, Ohio...about a 6 hour drive for us from Hamilton. I like the idea of inspecting before it's paid in full and that's feasible as they're relatively close to us.

welshman599 · 09-25-2007, 10:08 PM

I wonder why they specify Canadian Tire... don't tell me they and the mechanics are both getting commission?

Dollar at par with the greenback should make the idea pretty attractive.

welshman599 · 09-25-2007, 10:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Todddob

I bought it from Paul's Trailer Sales in Green Bay and Morrison WI. I paid $1.50/mile to have it shipped to Minot which is 6hrs from me. I could have saved $1600 by picking it up but I work in construction and am really busy and my time was more valuable. I paid in credit card, that way I was covered in case of any trouble. They charged me 3% extra, but my points kinda offset the extra charge. Remember though fuel is a lot cheaper there too. I have a friend getting one from a different dealership this week and he put 1K deposit down, and is paying the rest in person, but he is picking it up. I would think that your time is more valuable, since your already saving a lot of money.

$1.50 a mile??? Geez, a long haul trucker only gets $1.15 tops, and that's for running a Peterbilt.

Todddob · 09-25-2007, 10:19 PM

Dealer must have made some money on it! I didn't care, I saved enough to still make it worth it.

NorthernAvLover · 09-25-2007, 11:38 PM

"I wonder why they specify Canadian Tire... don't tell me they and the mechanics are both getting commission?"

Canadian Tire is the federally authorized vehicle inspection facility. I don't know why but I would assume that it is because they have locations everywhere.

RV Direct Wholesale quotes $1.40 per mile on their website. Considering the time and fuel that it would take me to get there I back I think it would be worth it.

RAC · 09-26-2007, 08:22 AM

Fuel surcharges are running upwards of 20% these days, which you do not see, but are in your 1.50 a mile. That's a pretty standard rate right now.

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