chriskub wrote:It appears that more than one canadian here has a us made teardrop. Whats the deal buying and geting one legally into canada?
things to do?
taxes insurance etc?
problems?
advice?
thanks as always,
chris k
Vancouver BC
Just saw your post now Chris after PMing you back.... I'll repost with a few more thoughts to these questions which might be helpful to other Canucks...
We picked up our tear in Niagara Falls NY then drove across the border and informed customs that we were importing the trailer. We filled out some paperwork at the border and paiod a small fee (less than $200) and payed PST on the Canadian amount of the sale. You need to ensure you have the ownership papers, sales receipt from the dealer and VIN number stamped on the trailer.
About a week later we received forms in the mail from.. darn I forget the department... I'll have to check with my wife. Anyways we took the forms and trailer to Canadian Tire (or any other authorized depo) to inspect and certify the trailer. They basically check that the it has stop and turn lights and looks road worthy. Once they signed approved the vehicle, we then went to vehicle licensing with our customs forms and certification and they gave us the trailer license and plate.
You have something like 15 days (should check exact number of days) to get your trailer cerified and trailer license once your back in Canada.
It should be pretty painless... for us is was not since the manufacturer had stamped the wrong VIN number on it. It took 3 days at Canadian Tire to satisfy them, and numerous faxes and recall notices to make them happy.. uugh.
We also ended up having our car wired for the flat 4 bin connector, but the trailer was the 6 pin barrel connector. We were forced to stay overnight in a hotel so we could get the car re-wired before heading back into Canada.
So you'll pay customs PST, get it certified at Canadian Tire (or equivalent), get licensed/pay the GST.
Our insurance agent (PAST insurance agent now) originally sold us insurance and it came classified as an RV and insured as a motor vehicle! They are very confused about what these trailers are so be sure they have had their morning coffee! The best thing to do is insure it under your house insurance, and I believe it is cheaper. I'll have to have my wife check what the amount was. Less that $150 if I'm not mistaken.