Importing an Expedition Truck into Canada

How to import an expedition truck into Canada that's less than 15 years old which must be RIV compliant and isn't in the RV list of accredited vehicles.

Truck Chassis Less Than 15 Years Old

When your expedition truck isn't listed as an RV in the "registrar of imported vehicles" the trick here is to import it as a commercial truck as long as its manufactured in Can, USA or Mexico, example, Kenworth, International, Mack Trucks etc etc.

We had spoken with some overlanders who weren't able to get their import done due to the fact that they tried to import an American titled truck initially as an RV and were told that for the truck to be conform to import it into Canada they had to remove the habitation box, Import it as a commercial truck and once it's titled in canada, put the box back on etc etc etc. Basically jump through hoops and maybe it will work out.

In our case we imported our Camper as a standard 2021 Kenworth K370 commercial truck, no mention of habitation box on the back or anything else. How did we do it?

Use a commercial broker

Why spend a few thousand dollars to use a commercial broker (we used Livingston Intl)... I't's actually quite simple to do it yourself. Why... because when go through the process of a commercial import, you drive into customs through the truckers lanes and all you have is a single sheet of paper with a bar code (supplied by the broker). You get to the customs window and the agent scans the paper, stamps it and your on your way... Business as usual

Federal Inspection

Once you have your stamp of approval, you need to get your truck inspected (federal and Provincial).

Federal rules are quite simple, get to a Canadian Tire shop and make sure the following is ok, have them stamp and sign (and fax to the RIV) your inspection paper:

• Recall clearance letter (should have been taken care of by broker)

• The vehicle must bear a manufacturer's valid U.S. Statement of Compliance (SOC) label at the time of import.

• Valid alpha-numeric 17-digit vehicle identification number (VIN)

• Metric speedometer

• Odometer labels

• Daytime running lights

• French supplementary restraint system label for airbags that require periodic maintenance

• Air bag equipped vehicles are required to have functioning air bags at time of inspection.

• If the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of the vehicle is less than 10,000 lbs. and the manufacture date is after September 1, 2007, it must be equipped with an electronic immobilizer system that meets Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (CMVSS) 114.

Provincial Inspection (QC)

In our case our truck was inspected in Quebec, the inspection list is quite long... They check everything from the horn to brakes, suspension basically EVERYTHING. Make sure you have no leaks (oils or antifreeze) which is an automatic fail.

To save a HUGE step (titling from a commercial truck to then go through the whole shebang over again to get it titled as an RV) is to have a copy of your US title which has written on it that its an RV and politely ask the gentleman who's inspecting your rig to add in the model section "motorhome" and at the DMV you should have no problems.

If your Expedition Truck is Older than 15 Years

Basically, your vehicle is exempt from the importation rules of the RIV but need to pass all inspections and be mechanically sound. So you can import a Unimog, MAN or Mercedes camper and if it passes inspection, you're good to go.

Check with your province for provincial inspection requirements

We titled our truck in Qc, make sure and check if there are any special requirements for your province.

PRO TIP:

If you can and it isn't a huge detour, go through the 1000 islands point of entry, the border agents were so nice and helpful (we had gone through there a few months back with questions), plus the bridges and views are beautiful.

Questions

If you have question or need some help, fill our a request at the bottom of our web page and we'll get back to you asap.