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volvik · 01-10-2013, 05:18 PM

Earlier in 2012 I had been talking with a local RV sales fellow about a Class C. Since that time my wife and I decided that we'd rather go with a new Thor ACE and purchase it in the States due to the price. I dropped by his lot the other day on an unrelated matter and I bumped into him. I was very candid telling him of our plans etc.

He called today to give me an FYI that something new was about to take place whereby if a Canadian goes to the States and buys a new RV it would have to be inspected upon their return to Canada for total CSA compliance. This is beyond the usual CDN Tire inspection and fitting of daytime running lights etc.

He said that this was new information and he would try and find the letter that had been sent to the RV dealers.

Now I have read something about the CSA thing in the past but it wasn't a deal breaker. It sounds like this, if accurate, is a dealer initiative to further frustrate Canadians from buying new in the States and bringing them back.

Clearly has nothing to do with safety as I don't recall seeing any signs for northbound traffic at the border cautioning American RV'ers that their RVs may blow up when plugged into a Canadian electrical outlet or filled with Canadian propane. I'm also pretty confident that their RV's get serviced when needed on their holidays while in Canada despite not being CSA approved.

Anyone have anymore info or comments on this? I couldn't find anything on the RIV.CA site about it.

Thanks...

Ron

GREGORYJ · 01-10-2013, 09:13 PM

I could not find anything new on this. It seems as long as it has the manufacture's original compliance sticker, no other inspections are needed.

Fred1609 · 01-10-2013, 09:27 PM

If there's nothing on the website I would suggest its a dealers attempt to scare you from heading south to get your rv.

volvik · 01-10-2013, 09:40 PM

I suspect you're right. I haven't been able to find anything regulatory about the CSA other than a Cdn service center 'may' refuse to work on it if the CSA or QAI sticker is not there.

The only other thing the nay sayers mention is that while you may be able to import it make sure your insurance company will cover it.

Some of the stuff I came across while researching this is laughable. One Cdn dealer stated that many RV parks are refusing those units who don't possess CSA stickers. Huh?

Papa_Jim · 01-10-2013, 10:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GREGORYJ

I could not find anything new on this. It seems as long as it has the manufacture's original compliance sticker, no other inspections are needed.

When we prepared our coach for repaint three years ago, this sticker was dried up dust, and disappeared. I took a picture of it before it disappeared. I assume this could be a problem whenever I may want to sell the coach. What can I do about it?

GREGORYJ · 01-10-2013, 10:24 PM

jimkate, that's why I took the picture of my sticker, in case it "weathers off"
someday. I don't know how one could get a replacement.

Libero · 01-11-2013, 04:49 AM

Transport Canada has a list of vehicles that can be imported to Canada from the US. This includes RV's. If the vehicle is on the list it can be imported, of not it can't.

There is a company contracted by the government to facillitate the importation process. This company is called "Registrar of Imported Vehicles (RIV). The web site is "riv.ca".

Anyone wishing to import a vehicle from the US to Canada MUST follow the procedures provided on the web site.

The procedure is straight forward and simple, just read and follow the steps provided and all will be fine.

Libero · 01-11-2013, 05:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Libero

Transport Canada has a list of vehicles that can be imported to Canada from the US. This includes RV's. If the vehicle is on the list it can be imported, of not it can't.

There is a company contracted by the government to facillitate the importation process. This company is called "Registrar of Imported Vehicles (RIV). The web site is "riv.ca".

Anyone wishing to import a vehicle from the US to Canada MUST follow the procedures provided on the web site.

The procedure is straight forward and simple, just read and follow the steps provided and all will be fine.

Oops. This got away from me before I finished. The OP is obviously familiar with RIV and indicated some Canadian dealer passing info not provoded on the site. I suggest all rumors should be dismissed as just that. If anyone is in doubt about a specific issue, a simple phone call to RIV will sort that out.

TQ60 · 01-11-2013, 10:50 AM

If you are buying new from dealer this is easy.

Make registration in canada part of the deal.

hackman · 01-12-2013, 10:15 PM

I've bought and imported several vehicles(although no RV) in the states and brought them back home. The folks at RIV are very helpful and will steer you right.

Something I did learn over the years is that if a vehicle's S/N starts with the number 1, 2 or 3, it means it was manufactured in either Mexico, USA or Canada. As such it is under NAFTA and a piece of cake to import.

Good luck.

bill2011 · 01-13-2013, 06:01 AM

I believe that most manufacturers offer csa certification (the sticker) as an option. That's what we did. Also be aware that the Canadian list of vehicles that can be imported might not list the name you would ecpect. When importing ours Entegra was not on the list. The manufacturer however lists Entegra as Jscyo for importation purpoees. Jayco is the parent company and that was fine. Importation was one of the smoothest and non stressful processes we ever went through. Canadian and US customs were very helpful with pre importation advice. Also as previously suggested ensure your dealer is familiar with the process and agrees to provide you all required paperwork and as well have dealer email documents to US border where you are crossing at least 2 days in advance, Sorry for getting off topic.

michelb · 01-14-2013, 08:28 AM

The CSA compliance is a requirement for RV dealers in Canada to sell new mhs. It is not required for any motorhomes imported from the US.

volvik · 01-15-2013, 07:57 AM

Any idea who does the inspection and issues the sticker? Is it done at the US factory for Cdn dealers or do they come in without them and the dealers do the test and apply the sticker......

michelb · 01-15-2013, 09:10 AM

From what I've been able to tell the CSA compliance is a factory option and involves differences with electrical, plumbing and appliances and is not a trivial retrofit. I'm not sure what the exact differences are but I believe it's things like the maximum number of 120V plugs on a circuit and maximum amperage of the breakers and some of the materials for plumbing, etc.

e.g. I suspect that it probably doesn't apply to all manufacturers but I know that with some coaches, you cannot get HydroHot on the CSA units.

-- update --

It doesn't give much info but this article mentions appliances, plumbing, propane system and electrical: http://www.rvlifemag.com/file336/rvtip336.html