Community Forums

BJC FORZA · 07-21-2022, 05:01 PM

Hi
Chances are it was us built that will be a big consideration as it will be US goods returning. On a tax perspective it makes a difference if it’s made in the US. I would consult a customs broker before you make your deal. They will know the ins and outs of the border. You want to make sure you can properly register it once in United State. I hope this helps

LookinforLTV · 07-21-2022, 05:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SAS30

I am looking at buying a used motorhome that is in Canada and bringing it back across the border to register in US.Georgia.
Anyone have experience with this and how to handle?
It is a cash sale and owner has no loan on the unit.
I know absolutely nothing about Canada and/or their regulations. Don’t want to get blindsided at the border with unexpected fees or taxes.
Thanks for your help.

I have a 2007 Tiffin Allegro Bus (currently in Alberta) that was originally registered in the US. All it would take is for me (I now live in Montana), to bring it across the border and import it - no big deal since it was already registered here. Then I can sell it in the US without implications to me, or you.

offnightly · 07-21-2022, 06:27 PM

Look up a Registered Importer near the border crossing that you will be bringing it down through. Call them and tell them you are buying a “US goods returning” motorhome. They will guide you through the process. You should expect to pay around $1000 for them to do everything for you.

CJames53 · 07-21-2022, 06:32 PM

Hi Sas30,

[Moderator Edit]

It is illegal for a Canadian person to bring a Canadian vehicle into the US and sell without importing first. Ask any CBP agent.

There are two ways to import:
1. Personal vehicles can be imported into the US using a manufacture compliance letter or if the previous US, a copy of the title can server as the compliance letter.
2. If built for US market and a compliance letter or title is not available or it's a vehicle built for the Canadian market (CVMSS on Manufacture label), it must be processed through a Registered Importer.

Importing is a process and rules to follow. It's not as easy as most think otherwise we wouldn't be getting calls from individuals stuck at the Coutts/Sweetgrass, MT or Portal, ND border crossing asking for help.

As a side note, vehicles with diesel engines: When importing CBP inspects for factory emissions to be fully stock. Def deletes and catalytic converters missing do not make it across the border.

[Moderator Edit]

Happy & Safe Travels
Curt

ccltd · 07-21-2022, 11:13 PM

Just went through this this last year. we bought a 45' country coach out of Naniamo BC. If you have not gotten a clear answer, let me know I can give you all of the in's and out's as there are a few. That being said it was worth it for us. Tony

SAS30 · 07-22-2022, 07:45 AM

[QUOTE=Call your DMV to get the real answer..[/QUOTE]

I did!
😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
You can guess how that went!

SAS30 · 07-22-2022, 07:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ccltd

Just went through this this last year. we bought a 45' country coach out of Naniamo BC. If you have not gotten a clear answer, let me know I can give you all of the in's and out's as there are a few. That being said it was worth it for us. Tony

Thanks, I will do that once I have made my final decision on the coach.

SAS30 · 07-22-2022, 07:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CJames53

Hi Sas30,

[Moderator Edit]

It is illegal for a Canadian person to bring a Canadian vehicle into the US and sell without importing first. Ask any CBP agent.

There are two ways to import:
1. Personal vehicles can be imported into the US using a manufacture compliance letter or if the previous US, a copy of the title can server as the compliance letter.
2. If built for US market and a compliance letter or title is not available or it's a vehicle built for the Canadian market (CVMSS on Manufacture label), it must be processed through a Registered Importer.

Importing is a process and rules to follow. It's not as easy as most think otherwise we wouldn't be getting calls from individuals stuck at the Coutts/Sweetgrass, MT or Portal, ND border crossing asking for help.

As a side note, vehicles with diesel engines: When importing CBP inspects for factory emissions to be fully stock. Def deletes and catalytic converters missing do not make it across the border.

[Moderator Edit]

Happy & Safe Travels
Curt

Thanks, I will keep this info and reach out to you when a final decision is made.
Sincerely, Andy S.

CaptronNZ · 07-22-2022, 04:12 PM

The least costly tax-wise has been mentioned. Get someone in Canada to cross the border and get picked up. You pick it up near the border. Then get a transit sticker in the state its now in and drive it home with insurance covering it. Register it at home with the Montana ownership.

If possible get the original receipt.

Job done

klumppw · 07-22-2022, 05:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SAS30

It was manufactured and originally sold in US. Titled in Montana to first owner.
Current owner says it is now licensed in Canada. ALso he has the previous owners title that was registered in Montana.

If it was titled in MT just bring a copy of that title and your Bill Of Sale. You can fill out the import entry paperwork, the DOT and EPA at the border. There will be no Duty if it was registered in the US already. Your friendly Customs and Border Protection Officer at Sweetgrass, MT.

SAS30 · 07-22-2022, 11:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by klumppw

If it was titled in MT just bring a copy of that title and your Bill Of Sale. You can fill out the import entry paperwork, the DOT and EPA at the border. There will be no Duty if it was registered in the US already. Your friendly Customs and Border Protection Officer at Sweetgrass, MT.

The Montana title has been signed over to the current owner in Canada. The current owner still has the Montana title. But since his name is listed as the buyer, doubt I can use it in Georgia.
I plan to contact a broker as soon as I make a decision on a coach.
Since I started negotiating on this one , several others have popped up for sale at better prices. Even 1 to 2 years newer coaches at close to the same price.
The market for used motorhomes has definitely made a turn in the past couple of weeks.
Thanks

rvarner · 07-24-2022, 01:08 PM

I purchased my Horizon from a Canadian living in AZ. The rig was mfg in US and shipped to Canada for sale. He had to import the vehicle and used an AZ broker to do the deal. His cost was approx $1000. My rig has the metric dash and a Canadian RV sticker by the entry door.
Rich