CDN buyer beware: If buying in USA and import to CAN

[Wayne&Sam]

Originally Posted by uncle_bob

If I haul my trailer "up north" to see the sights, and want to get an LP tank filled, I'll get it inspected
Bob

Not an issue. I've filled my tanks in Canada several times with no problem.

[DavidsonOverlander]

Originally Posted by uncle_bob

Hi

US LP tank certs are not the same as Canadian LP tank certifications. You need to get them rectified to Canadian standards by a Canadian inspector. Exactly when this needs to happen is a "time to read the fine print" sort of thing ....

I'd be curious as to whether waninae39's LP tanks were recertified.
According to Transport Canada Regulations:

Can I convert a non-TC specification cylinder or tube into a TC specification cylinder or tube?
NO. Once a cylinder or tube has been manufactured, there are no measures that can be taken to allow that cylinder or tube to meet the requirements of a TC specification.

[Adventure.AS]

I was able to buy my Airstream from Can-Am at a competitive price to US dealers priced in US dollars and converted to Canadian dollars at time of signing the contract. The only price difference was a premium for a CSA certified microwave and the CSA label on the trailer (for the other differences in electrical and LPG.)

[DavidsonOverlander]

Originally Posted by GammaDog

I think we just learned the price of living in a highly regulated, socialist paradise... $7,000. Fortunately, the US-of-A is nearby and shares a long land border with over 100 points to cross and bring back an Airstream. You're welcome!

I shudder to think what and Airstream would cost in New Zealand!

Well since you brought it up...
Keyword: Paradise!
All of us are covered by Health Insurance, and although per capita health spending is about half of that spent on Americans, our life expectancy is 3 years longer. That's right, a Canadian who purchases an Airstream can expect to enjoy it for three years longer than an American of the same age!

Not sure about "highly regulated", but it's probably true in some areas. It's those regulations that keep us all safe and healthy, on both sides of the border. When I recently had my propane tanks recertified in Michigan I commented to the propane company owner that it's too bad both countries don't have the same regulations. His reply, "Canada is a lot farther ahead in propane use so maybe someday we'll catch up".

And here's a little help for you to learn about which nations are actually socialist:
http://lmgtfy.com/?q=socialist+nation

Have a great day, eh!

[Wingeezer]

Did you not have to take your trailer to Canadian Tire when you brought it into Canada? It was my understanding that Canadian Tire is authorised to check all imported vehicles, including trailers for compliance to Canadian Regs before you could register them in Canada.

We bought our AS (used) from a dealer in Ohio and imported it to Ontario.

If I recall, the fee from Canadian Tire's necessary inspection was about $200 - for all of about ten minutes!

No issues were identified by Canadian Tire, and we quickly received the paperwork to go and get the trailer registered and put on Ontario plates - that was eight years ago.

I know that there are differences - for example our trailer has 12v breakers as well as 110v breakers - I think a trailer made at AS for Canada would have had 12v fuses instead, but no exceptions were taken to anything by CTC.

As for the propane tanks, ours came with US-made aluminum 30# alum tanks.

Technically, they cannot be filled in Canada, because they are only stamped DOT and not CSA - I verified this with the Canadian Govt. Nevertheless, we have at times had them filled here! Generally however, we get them filled in the US as we are often there.

Last year they became 12 years old and due for recertification - I had that done in the US, I'm not sure if I could have had them certified in Canada - probably not.

I don't know either if there is anything I could have done to have them CSA certified - I have heard that tanks can be certified as both DOT/CSA - but maybe that is only at time of manufacture? not sure.

The importation process for our trailer was not very complicated, and we saved quite a few Thousand $$ - especially since at that time, the Canadian dollar was worth something like $1.10 US, not the $0.78 US it is worth today!

Not only that, but in any case, I had tried without success for several months to find an AS trailer in Canada with the layout and in the age bracket that we wanted.


On a related issue with respect to Candian and American regulations, I worked 34 years for the railway in Canada and there were very small - and in my mind un-needed, differences between US and Canadian regulations on rolling stock inspection procedures.

The Canadian regs were 99% a direct copy of the US regs - the 1% difference was just enough to cause operational confusion and problems when dealing with international freight trains.

You'd think it would be to both countries advantage to get their acts together on things like this since we do cooperate so closely in many areas .

In my cynicysm, I always suspected that whoever put the Canadian regs together took advantage of the US regs being there and for the most part duplicated them to the letter, but then, just to prove that we are "Different" they felt the need to make a few minor and likely irrelevant changes!

[tadpoletim]

Worth knowing about all this stuff if you are buying an AS from another country. There is more to consider than just the price however. I wondered did you factor in the cost of traveling down to the US for shopping and collecting the unit?

I had to buy a new propane tank as the original tanks on my AS are US (DOT) certified only and now that they are outdated not eligible for re-cert here in Canada. I bought a steel one from Costco as a temp measure until I can get across the line to get a tank recertified and filled. Our AS unit was originally from the US but has been registered in Canada for several years and so far the propane issue is the only one I have encountered. Presumably the electrical stuff was dealt with at the time of the first import.

I think that supporting the home country dealership is probably a good investment as sooner or later down the road we may need their help, and I agree that we should all support our home country economies first whenever possible.

[MelGoddard]

Originally Posted by Wingeezer

Did you not have to take your trailer to Canadian Tire when you brought it into Canada? It was my understanding that Canadian Tire is authorised to check all imported vehicles, including trailers for compliance to Canadian Regs before you could register them in Canada.

We bought our AS (used) from a dealer in Ohio and imported it to Ontario.

If I recall, the fee from Canadian Tire's necessary inspection was about $200 - for all of about ten minutes!

No issues were identified by Canadian Tire, and we quickly received the paperwork to go and get the trailer registered and put on Ontario plates - that was eight years ago.

I know that there are differences - for example our trailer has 12v breakers as well as 110v breakers - I think a trailer made at AS for Canada would have had 12v fuses instead, but no exceptions were taken to anything by CTC.

As for the propane tanks, ours came with US-made aluminum 30# alum tanks.

Technically, they cannot be filled in Canada, because they are only stamped DOT and not CSA - I verified this with the Canadian Govt. Nevertheless, we have at times had them filled here! Generally however, we get them filled in the US as we are often there.

Last year they became 12 years old and due for recertification - I had that done in the US, I'm not sure if I could have had them certified in Canada - probably not.

I don't know either if there is anything I could have done to have them CSA certified - I have heard that tanks can be certified as both DOT/CSA - but maybe that is only at time of manufacture? not sure.

The importation process for our trailer was not very complicated, and we saved quite a few Thousand $$ - especially since at that time, the Canadian dollar was worth something like $1.10 US, not the $0.78 US it is worth today!

Not only that, but in any case, I had tried without success for several months to find an AS trailer in Canada with the layout and in the age bracket that we wanted.


On a related issue with respect to Candian and American regulations, I worked 34 years for the railway in Canada and there were very small - and in my mind un-needed, differences between US and Canadian regulations on rolling stock inspection procedures.

The Canadian regs were 99% a direct copy of the US regs - the 1% difference was just enough to cause operational confusion and problems when dealing with international freight trains.

You'd think it would be to both countries advantage to get their acts together on things like this since we do cooperate so closely in many areas .

In my cynicysm, I always suspected that whoever put the Canadian regs together took advantage of the US regs being there and for the most part duplicated them to the letter, but then, just to prove that we are "Different" they felt the need to make a few minor and likely irrelevant changes!

Hey Brian;

Re: Your last paragraph; You're not alone in your thinking.
A number of us Canadians think that you are right; that we are a 'me-too' society. We take someone else's regs, copy them, and add a twist to say: "They are ours." As you said; 'different".

BTW; I still have my 'B' card from the CPR.
You too? (I was a yardman in Toronto)

[Ferdinand]

We bought our Excella at CAN-AM (45 min from home) I believe it was a US model. I replaced the breakers as they would trip often. They were all only UL approved except for 1 as it had an ancient Canadian tire price tag it was over 12 bucks. I went to Port Huron Michigan (25 min away) and bought new cUL rated for 3.99 each. My propane tanks were from the US. They expired about 5 years ago, but I could get them filled up on the "Res" with no issues but that ended when they went to an exchange program. I went to the local guy and I bought 1 new 30 pounder and he "accidentally" filled the other one also. So I don't believe mine was ever inspected and it was sold to me in Canada and it has an Ontario registration and insurance.

[Monza]

Originally Posted by GammaDog

I think we just learned the price of living in a highly regulated, socialist paradise... $7,000. Fortunately, the US-of-A is nearby and shares a long land border with over 100 points to cross and bring back an Airstream. You're welcome!
!

Really? You must be watching to much fake news.

Happy trailering.

[DavidsonOverlander]

Originally Posted by Ferdinand

We bought our Excella at CAN-AM (45 min from home) I believe it was a US model. I replaced the breakers as they would trip often. They were all only UL approved except for 1 as it had an ancient Canadian tire price tag it was over 12 bucks. I went to Port Huron Michigan (25 min away) and bought new cUL rated for 3.99 each. My propane tanks were from the US. They expired about 5 years ago, but I could get them filled up on the "Res" with no issues but that ended when they went to an exchange program. I went to the local guy and I bought 1 new 30 pounder and he "accidentally" filled the other one also. So I don't believe mine was ever inspected and it was sold to me in Canada and it has an Ontario registration and insurance.

RIV inspection only applies to vehicles that are less than 15 years old, so your trailer might have been old enough when imported that an inspection wasn't required.

[SSquared]

FYI, I looked closely at the 30 pound steel tanks on my 2013 US model trailer. They have a "DOT" Mark with a big long number--that is the US requirement. Right underneath it is a "TC" Mark with a similar number. I believe that is the Transport Canada approval mark so I think these tanks are good for refill and probably even recert in the great white north.

[Sisu]

Originally Posted by waninae39

the USA cost was more than C$7000 less including cdn tax

why would i pay more C$7000 just to pay a cdn seller
why is the CDN so high

I suppose there could be any number of reasons:
Higher wages;
Universal health care;
Higher real estate costs;
Higher fuel costs.

These and other things must factor into costs.

[Boxite]

In the aviation-world it is common for a "foreign" owner to purchase a U.S. mfr'd airplane and keep it on the U.S. - FAA registry because the inspection/maintenance requirements are simpler/less expensive.

I wonder what the issues might be for a Canadian owner to register the AS in the U.S.?

[DavidsonOverlander]

Originally Posted by Boxite

In the aviation-world it is common for a "foreign" owner to purchase a U.S. mfr'd airplane and keep it on the U.S. - FAA registry because the inspection/maintenance requirements are simpler/less expensive.

I wonder what the issues might be for a Canadian owner to register the AS in the U.S.?

That would only work for a Canadian resident if you were using the Airstream solely in the USA. As soon as you brought it to the Canadian border you would be expected to import it. Here's an explanation for doing that with a car: I want to drive my Florida-purchased car both here and there. Can I?. I think the same rules would apply to a trailer.

[white laker]

A lot of things are more expensive here in Canada, and that's Ok with me. Its not just health care but its the total package of living in this wonderful country. it just is what it is. If we all start to spend our loonies in the states for major purchases then we run the risk of eliminating our good dealers, like CanAm which are used by a number of US customers that need to tap into their expertise.
I worked all of my life with two large US companies, Deere and Cat, and had to deal with exchange rates all of the time. Bottom line is , we are not economically associated with the states and although to the average person we are 'almost the same" we in fact are not...... at all.
so when we head off to the states for our winter escape we will support the local economies and enjoy the cheap booze. And in the warm summer months we fully enjoy our American friends coming up here to enjoy what we have to offer. It works both ways, but we are different and unique.
All good
Pete

[Philip Jones]

Being unique and different should not connote a need to pay more.

We Canadians have simply become used to paying more for everything. There are a thousand justifications for this, almost all of which are proffered without compelling evidence for their legitimacy.

For me, the bottom line is that we are not nearly as aggressive as Americans when it comes to our consumer expectations. We tolerate things Americans would never tolerate, and hence we pay more. My opinion only...

(And, by the way, I purchased my Airstream at CanAM.)

[WestieHouse]

Originally Posted by Wayne&Sam

Not an issue. I've filled my tanks in Canada several times with no problem.

I, too, have crossed into Canada in New York and Washington State without any difficulty. And I had my LPG refilled in Nova Scotia without difficulty or question of any kind. Just my experience FWIW.

(1) I know of several people who travel to Canada to buy prescribed medicine that is either not available in the USA or is way more costly in the USA.
(2) I know people who do the same across state lines in the USA to avoid sales taxes on costly items or purchase alcoholic beverages at a lower price due to tax differences.
(3) and I know Americans who purchased furniture in Vancouver BC that was made in NC at a lower price than that charged in the USA.
(4) Some people buy tobacco products on the reservation to avoid taxes.
(5) I sometimes buy Canadian dollars when they are "on sale" (the exchange rate favors the US dollar) for use in a subsequent trip.
(I use my Navy Federal Credit Union VISA card to avoid paying the exchange rate while traveling in Canada (about 3%).

Humans have a natural inclination to a free market despite political borders and laws. I am not advocating any of the above, just stating what I have witnessed.

[waninae39]

total misunderstanding of what i posted.

it is not about the money. is is about the contract and what the dealers and OEM (AS HQ) state they will do

for example; 1. You asked for and received conformation that a T&G wood laminate floor would be installed, Both parties agree. when delivered, you see shag carpet.
2. You asked for and received conformation that a double std size sink would be in the kitchen area.Both parties agree. when delivered, you see a single round one.
3. in my case, I asked for and received conformation that the AS 22Fb would be CSA certified and ready for import in CAN from the AS HQ factory.Both parties agree. when delivered, nothing was done.

The money i payed to get the GAS and electrical certificated from the great CANAM dealer in London,ON just little down the money I saved for buying it in USA