Newbie Canadian - RV-Dreams Community Forum

strick147 · RV-Dreams Community Member

Newbie Canadian

TRAILERKING · RV-Dreams Family Member

I brought my 1999 Fleetwood American Dream from Orlando, Florida. it wasn't too much hassle. Had to have recall letters from Fleetwood and Spartan (chassis and coach builders). Had all my paper work handled by Percy Davis(they are my import broker I use for business all the time). Had title and bill of sale faxed to Percy Davis so the originals were not lost in the mail. I had all the original papers in my hand when I flew down to pick it up. I just didn't like the EXTRA 6% Florida tax I got nailed. So with their 6% and our 5% GST and 5% PST = 16% worth of taxes.

Terry · RV-Dreams Community Member

We imported a 2005 Kountry Star 3907 in 2008. We did it by ourselves and the procedure is many steps but easy if you do your homework.

First go to: https://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/motorvehiclesafety/safevehicles-importation-index-443.htm

Read all of transport Canada's regulations.

First make sure your motorhome is admissible to Canada (SEE: http://www.tc.gc.ca/media/documents/motorvehiclesafety/VAFUS.pdf )

Basic steps is fax the US border that you are crossing 72hours(?may have changed?) before you enter Canada. USA wants to know that you legally own the motorhome before you leave the USA.

US customs will stamp you paperwork OK to EXPORT.

Canada customs will charge the the GST, then you will have to follow you provincial regulations to register your motorhome.

It is not difficult but MUST be done.

Terry

strick147 · RV-Dreams Community Member

Thank you very much for this most helpful information. Cheers! Bob from Oakville

Russ Ranger · RV-Dreams Family Member

Just curious about the financial side of this. In my previous business life (I'm happily retired) there were times that the exchange rate had Canadians flocking into Washington state to take advantage that favored them. At the present time the US dollar is at an all time high.

When figuring the exchange rate does it make any sense to consider this plan at present rates?

The Costco stores near the borders used to be jammed with Canadians, that has changed drastically. With US sales taxes, GST, PST and having the discounted Canadian dollar on top of all that, it would be interesting to know if it works out anymore?

Is there a financial person that can give an estimate of the total discount percentage? With that magic number the original poster could make an informed comparison between RV's in Canada and the US.