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Old 07-26-2018, 10:17 AM   #1
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importing an airstream to the UK

hello Airstreamers,
we are in the UK and are looking at getting an airstream to renovate. We were wondering if any of you have any experience with exporting a trailer to the UK and could offer us some advice regarding the procedure involved with regard to transporting the trailer to the port and any paperwork that would be needed.. any help or advice would be very welcome... thankyou.. Tommy
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Old 07-26-2018, 11:12 AM   #2
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Hi

There are threads here that detail people's "adventure" doing this. More or less the challenges seem to be:

1) Deciding which era / size / model trailer (or motor home) you want to do this to.

2) Actually finding a trailer (or MH) that is not a piece of junk via remote means. You very much do not want to spend a big pile of money importing a POS.

3) Registering / licensing the trailer in the US so it can be towed to the port you ship it out of. (while an non-resident of the US ... ).

4) Actually getting it shipped and delivered in the UK.

To me, the scary part is number 2 on the list. The rest of it is mostly red tape and extra bits of money spent here and there. Unfortunately there is no *sure* way to evaluate an older trailer. Compounding the problem is the fact that the desert southwest is probably the area that is least challenging for Airstream longevity. That puts the trailer even a bit further from the UK.

As with any of these threads, the more answers you already have, the more helpful the comments tend to be. Have you made it very far into number 1 above yet? I'm *guessing* we're talking about a trailer, but that's only a guess.

Bob
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Old 07-26-2018, 11:21 AM   #3
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Before even starting the list that Bob gives, go and research the laws around weight limits, tow vehicles etc. You will very quickly find that many US trailers are over the weight limits for towing unless you also import a two vehicle to haul it!

It is not possible to generalize these rules as they relate to how long you have held a UK driving license and many people who passed the test within the last 20 years find there are additional barriers to maximum tow weight/which trailer they can tow.
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Old 07-26-2018, 11:22 AM   #4
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Ohhhh.....

And make contact with the WBCCI Europe unit, many members have gone through this before you and can advise appropriately.
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Old 07-26-2018, 11:24 AM   #5
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Tommy there are several UK and Germany owners on this forum.

One UK member (Chuckles in Blandford with an Aistream Motorhom) just posted that he was cleaning out his garage of extra parts and pieces.
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Old 07-30-2018, 08:18 PM   #6
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Originally Posted by martin300662 View Post
Before even starting the list that Bob gives, go and research the laws around weight limits, tow vehicles etc. You will very quickly find that many US trailers are over the weight limits for towing unless you also import a two vehicle to haul it!

It is not possible to generalize these rules as they relate to how long you have held a UK driving license and many people who passed the test within the last 20 years find there are additional barriers to maximum tow weight/which trailer they can tow.
I have heard this too. There is an article on it here on one of the forums. It was related to why in Europe they( I guess y'all) can tow AS with such little tow vehicles. Essentially the limits were lower, trailers lighter and speeds limited.
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Old 08-17-2018, 01:55 AM   #7
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A member on the UKAirstreamers FB group has summarized the issues in this post.....

It should be compulsory reading for anyone thinking of buying a trailer for importation, but also for those trying to give advice without understanding the issues.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/ukai...563/?__tn__=-R
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Old 08-17-2018, 04:44 AM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by tommyblue69 View Post
hello Airstreamers,
we are in the UK and are looking at getting an airstream to renovate. We were wondering if any of you have any experience with exporting a trailer to the UK and could offer us some advice regarding the procedure involved with regard to transporting the trailer to the port and any paperwork that would be needed.. any help or advice would be very welcome... thankyou.. Tommy
Welcome to the forum!

Wondering if you are still following this discussion?

Thanks,

Peter
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Old 08-18-2018, 01:31 AM   #9
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hi , yes, I am still following the thread, thankyou to all the people offering help and advice... tommy..xx
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Old 05-02-2019, 12:15 PM   #10
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Originally Posted by tommyblue69 View Post
hi , yes, I am still following the thread, thankyou to all the people offering help and advice... tommy..xx


My own view for what it is worth is that you should consider buying one which is already in the uk or Europe .That way you can get to see what you are buying . Also the electrics plumbing and gas are likely to be approaching uk compliant. The size is also likely to be more appropriate to uk roads .
I have just bought one and take delivery in a couple of weeks. As our Americans says I couldn’t be more excited. Hope you realise your dreams. Robert
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