Buying Used Motorhome in Canada

[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.

[jondrew55]

Can’t speak to your situation, but I sold an Airstream to a guy in Canada from here in Florida. Between import fees and taxes he paid about 30% of the sale price in taxes and fees.

Hopefully people here in the forum with experience will chime in.

[cadillac_al]

It would be easier if the seller could drive it to the US and sell it to you.

[beaverfever]

Canada does not have vehicle tittles so do your homework.

[Gary RVRoamer]

You have to be able to document that the vehicle meets all US vehicle standards when you "import" it. You can't bring it across the border permanently without that.


You didn't say if the motorhome is Candian built or a former US motorhome that was previously imported to Canada. I believe all Canadian made RVs will meet US requirements - CSA RV standards are near-identical to the US RVIA standards. However, you still need official paperwork for certification.

[BOOZE TRAVEL]

Be sure it has enough A/C units for the lower 48.

[Jim.B1]

I imported a trailer from the US to Canada and found all the information needed online to make the process easy and legal.
I would expect you can find similar info on US Government web sites that will direct you to avoid any problems at the border.
Probably 99% of all motorhomes are manufactured in the US so they should meet all US regulations.
Good time to be considering a cross border purchase when the US dollar is worth 30% more!

[donr103]

If you live in place that has emissions testing.. I would makes sure rv is tested and passes before money changes hands..
Good luck and keep us posted

[SAS30]

Originally Posted by Gary RVRoamer

You have to be able to document that the vehicle meets all US vehicle standards when you "import" it. You can't bring it across the border permanently without that.


You didn't say if the motorhome is Candian built or a former US motorhome that was previously imported to Canada. I believe all Canadian made RVs will meet US requirements - CSA RV standards are near-identical to the US RVIA standards. However, you still need official paperwork for certification.

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.

[SAS30]

Originally Posted by Jim.B1

I imported a trailer from the US to Canada and found all the information needed online to make the process easy and legal.
I would expect you can find similar info on US Government web sites that will direct you to avoid any problems at the border.
Probably 99% of all motorhomes are manufactured in the US so they should meet all US regulations.
Good time to be considering a cross border purchase when the US dollar is worth 30% more!

He has it advertised with US dollar amount. Which when compared to others listed , so far has been less.
Anyone know anything about making the payment? Transferring funds to there?
Thanks

[Craig1960]

Originally Posted by Jim.B1

I imported a trailer from the US to Canada and found all the information needed online to make the process easy and legal.
I would expect you can find similar info on US Government web sites that will direct you to avoid any problems at the border.
Probably 99% of all motorhomes are manufactured in the US so they should meet all US regulations.
Good time to be considering a cross border purchase when the US dollar is worth 30% more!

I agree, I've bought several cars myself and have picked up a m/h in AZ that a friend bought. It was all pretty straight forward. Don't try to say you bought it for less or you could ending up paying more. Best way for that is to have a copy of the ad when you cross. All the paperwork needs to be sent to the border crossing you plan to cross at 72 hours prior to you crossing with the vehicle.

I think if it was originally purchased in the US it will be even easier to bring back. There are only a couple provinces that require smog testing here BC for sure and I think Ont. so that may be something you need to look into if your state requires it.

I just googled this but haven't read but it will probably help.
https://www.rvt.com/import-rv-to-usa.php

I would definitely have it inspected before you buy it if you haven't already. It will be tough to do anything once it gets there if it's a major problem. If you buy it please post how it went afterwards.

[Fiesta48]

US citizen. Talked to a Canadian. Bought exactly the same Class C. He paid more than double I did.

[SAS30]

Originally Posted by Craig1960

I agree, I've bought several cars myself and have picked up a m/h in AZ that a friend bought. It was all pretty straight forward. Don't try to say you bought it for less or you could ending up paying more. Best way for that is to have a copy of the ad when you cross. All the paperwork needs to be sent to the border crossing you plan to cross at 72 hours prior to you crossing with the vehicle.

I think if it was originally purchased in the US it will be even easier to bring back. There are only a couple provinces that require smog testing here BC for sure and I think Ont. so that may be something you need to look into if your state requires it.

I just googled this but haven't read but it will probably help.
https://www.rvt.com/import-rv-to-usa.php

I would definitely have it inspected before you buy it if you haven't already. It will be tough to do anything once it gets there if it's a major problem. If you buy it please post how it went afterwards.

Best I can tell from reading this. There should be do duty on it if it was originally built and sold in the US.
I am concerned about any unknown taxes or fees that may be charged by the Canadians. If the sale takes place in Canada.
Thanks

[SAS30]

Originally Posted by Fiesta48

US citizen. Talked to a Canadian. Bought exactly the same Class C. He paid more than double I did.

Do you additional info you would share on this?
Thanks