Hi Betty,
I did this twice a few months ago - as I bought both a
Trillium and the
Boler in Canada (searched and searched and couldn't find any in the US). I came through at two different border crossings so that doubles the sample size
US Customs (at the border) isn't bothered, as long as you're not transporting aliens or something (they did check inside the trailer). They apparently only care if it's a motorized vehicle. No duty either, because of NAFTA. I had checked this out ahead of time.
What I did not realize (then) was that Canada does not have vehicle titles like we do; they have "ownership." It's like the
registration paper doubles as
title (or something like that). It's called "Transfer Vehicle Permit." and is a small slip of a bit bigger than a deck of cards. Another thing to know is that Canadians have to turn in their
license plates, so you'll need something to put on the back. My state has a thing called a "trip permit" that you can buy (online) that is good for a three day trip of a new-to-you vehicle or trailer or unregistered vehicle/trailer you own already. It costs $5
So the first trailer was a bit more trouble because I didn't realize all the stuff I had to do for my home state until after I'd come through the border. I had been focusing on getting into the US (thinking that would be the problem spot), and hadn't realized that Canadians wouldn't have a title to give me. It was only when I checked with my state the next day (since I had no title), that I realized that I would have to "import" the trailer for
them. Not for the US but for my state. So check with your state DMV to see what they want.
In my case, they wanted two forms filled out by US Customs in order to "import" the trailer, along with a Bill of Sale. Since I had not taken care of them when I crossed the border, I found out that I could do it at any port, and that the airport in a large city near where I live was a "port." I called them and they said "come on down."
They had the forms that the state had requested, which were a US DOT Form #HS-7, and a Department of Homeland Security form #7501. They came out and looked at the serial # on the trailer to verify it. I guess since this state requires it, they are used to doing it, so there was no problem, except for the fun of driving into the
airport with a travel trailer
Okay, so then the next time (a couple of weeks later) I thought I had it all figured out.
I had the HS-7 and the 7501 with me when I picked up the trailer, and I stopped inside at the US Customs station right at the border. This was late at night so there were no other customers, just me and about six officers.
Well, they didn't want to do the importation. They said something like "Oh come on. It's not even motorized. We don't need to import it!" I explained that I agreed with them, but that my state required it and could they please just import it. They said "No, it's not necessary.". Eventually I begged and they did it. I was very happy about that since I did
not want to drive to the airport with another trailer!
So now I'm feeling pretty good: I've got all my paperwork in order and I go to the DMV. I went in with all the paperwork for both trailers. They checked all my forms, did all the stuff they do, printed out two titles, and handed them to me. Sweet!
But then the woman went away for about 30 minutes, and I could see her "Googling" and conferring with another employee. Not a good sign.
She eventually came out and said she'd have to take the titles back. What!? I almost wanted to bolt out the door with them but I did reluctantly hand them over. So close!
Well, based on their research and a phone call, they decided that I needed one MORE form; one that the previous owners would have to fill out. (I actually think this may have been incorrect, because they showed me a Canadian document showing that Canadians have to fill out this form when buying a vehicle "in province," but it looked like if it was being
sold to someone in a different province it didn't need to be filled out. I felt that coming to the US would be more like a different province; and also when I called to find out how to import, this was never mentioned. Or maybe it is required and someone forgot to tell me on the phone.)
Anyway, the previous owners now had to fill out a TOD, or "Transfer of Ownership Document" to go along with the Transfer Vehicle Permit. Luckily, both POs were amenable, but I was sweating bullets until I had the two titles in hand again (the following week).
It wouldn't have been difficult to get the TOD when I picked up the trailer, if I had known about it.
I really can't imagine that Arkansas would be as demanding, but of course you'd want to check with them to see what you would need, remembering that a Canadian will not have a "title" to the trailer, in our sense of the document.
I hope this helps; let me know if there's anything I can clarify.
Raya