Canadian Compliant?

[Ray,IN]

Originally Posted by MRUSA14

The salesman is either misinformed or crooked. I have been to Canada numerous times and my RV is not Canada compliant. The only time you need that is if you wanted to import the RV into Canada permanently.

[Ron_H]

Originally Posted by TNGoldpanner

Hi. We are in the process of buying our FIRST RV! We are extremely excited!

When we chatted with our RV sales person today, he asked if we are planning any trips into Canada, because if we were, the RV would need to be made "Canadian Compliant." On the build sheet, it says "Canadian Compliance - (XPH Speedo & Running lights), 24OZ CSA, and CD - MVSA (Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Act). This comes to an additional $900.

Can any of you please explain what this means? We do plan on going into Canada, probably the Gaspe, Ontario, and Quebec provinces. What happens a the borders if this stuff is not added to our RV?

Thanks!

What this means is that you need to start dealing with a different sales person. Your current salesman is either grossly misinformed or simply trying to weasel another $900 out of your pocket that you don't have to spend.

As a "visitor" to Canada you do not need any Canadian Compliance items such as a metric speedometer of daytime running lights. Even as a Canadian importing a motorhome, all I need to do is put a metic conversion decal on my speedometer (if it does not already show metric speed indicators) and enable daytime running lights at a cost of >$100.

As someone who has previously imported a number of motorcycle, cars and trailers from the US into Canada I am constantly amazed at the misinformation out there but this is the first I have heard of a salesperson saying this to someone simply planning to visit Canada.

[bobmac]

Canadian RV standards used to be controlled by the Cdn Standards Assoc (CSA). Couple of years ago, Canada accepted the harmonized RIVA standards so to my knowledge, there needs be no difference between Cdn and US standards with the possible exception of Motor Vehicle standards - for example, DRLs are mandatory in Canada and not in all State. There are likely others but I am not familiar with them.
On my 09 Journey, Cdn standards at that time required different plumbing P-traps, different propane swivels and some different electrical like 20 amp outlets. Generally small stuff and in my opinion, not really consequential but added significant cost to units shipped to Canada - just because it was different and required production changes.
When I imported my coach into Canada, no one asked or cared that it wasn't built to Cdn standards on the coach side. When you cross the border into Canada, our Customs will focus on whether or not you have firearms and the fresh food you have along with your passport. We use the Metric system in Canada so speed and distance are measured in kilometers. You GPS will likely have the capability to display this so the Speedometer option is not required. You DEFINITELY do not need it for a US regustered coach - you salesperson is blowing smoke! Good luck with your purchase,

[brian-nicola]

Salesperson is either stupid or full of .....No such Regulation exist for vehicles not imported to Canada for registration.

[Gordon Dewald]

Originally Posted by bobmac

Canadian RV standards used to be controlled by the Cdn Standards Assoc (CSA). Couple of years ago, Canada accepted the harmonized RIVA standards so to my knowledge, there needs be no difference between Cdn and US standards with the possible exception of Motor Vehicle standards - for example, DRLs are mandatory in Canada and not in all State. There are likely others but I am not familiar with them.
On my 09 Journey, Cdn standards at that time required different plumbing P-traps, different propane swivels and some different electrical like 20 amp outlets. Generally small stuff and in my opinion, not really consequential but added significant cost to units shipped to Canada - just because it was different and required production changes.
When I imported my coach into Canada, no one asked or cared that it wasn't built to Cdn standards on the coach side. When you cross the border into Canada, our Customs will focus on whether or not you have firearms and the fresh food you have along with your passport. We use the Metric system in Canada so speed and distance are measured in kilometers. You GPS will likely have the capability to display this so the Speedometer option is not required. You DEFINITELY do not need it for a US regustered coach - you salesperson is blowing smoke! Good luck with your purchase,

Off topic - CSA standards are still being used. At least in August 2014 when we imported our coach. The CSA standard eliminated a couple options in the box. One of the options had to do with the microwave. No idea what the difference was but the US model was not available in the Canadian version.

[bobmac]

Gord
No question that the CSA electrical standards still apply. Winnebago uses a 20 amp outlet for the microwave using 14 gauge wire as most of the microwaves they use require a maximum current of 15 amps plus. Under the CSA code, 20 amp outlets require 12 ga cabling so Winn must supply a coach with a microwave and outlet rated at 15 amps maximum to comply with Cdn Standards for the wiring. Really have to wonder if the CSA code on this item is serving our best interest when the rest of the world does not require it and you don't hear of any resulting issues.

[F4Gary]

I guess no one reads the threads anymore. In post #11 he said thanks and ordered their RV without Canadian Compliance...

[Gordon Dewald]

Originally Posted by bobmac

Gord
No question that the CSA electrical standards still apply. Winnebago uses a 20 amp outlet for the microwave using 14 gauge wire as most of the microwaves they use require a maximum current of 15 amps plus. Under the CSA code, 20 amp outlets require 12 ga cabling so Winn must supply a coach with a microwave and outlet rated at 15 amps maximum to comply with Cdn Standards for the wiring. Really have to wonder if the CSA code on this item is serving our best interest when the rest of the world does not require it and you don't hear of any resulting issues.

Thanks Bob. Appreciate the information.

[96 Wideglide]

I am a Canadian, and I know I will get flack over this, but any RV that's name starts with 'Arctic', Is most likely not very good quality!

[Gordon Dewald]

Cannot disagree with you. But the name does invoke visions of deep snow, dog sled huskies, snow sleds and Santa Clause!!

[Mr.Geritol]

"This comes to an additional $900"
Tell him you ar going to keep your $900 and ask him for an extra $900 off for his education. As the others have said a lot of Horg Warsh from him.
You are only traveling with it not importing it.
Enjoy your RV and enjoy your travels in Canada