Importing 4 year old TT to Washington State from BC

[xtrain]

Hi all,

First post other than welcome one.

I did a search on the topic, but haven't found answers to my questions.

I've bought a 2018 Keystone Cougar up here in the Lower Mainland, and want to bring to our place at Black Mountain Ranch in Sumas

I called CBP in Sumas and was told that to accomplish import from BC to Washington State, I need a form HS-7 and a CBP form 7501. My question is specifically about the latter: do I (attempt to) fill this out, or am I given one post-inspection? There are many boxes that don't seem to apply to importing a TT.

I will be arriving at the border with a Bill of Sale, registration document in the previous owner's name--he will be pulling the trailer to BMR for me as part of the purchase--and form HS-7. The TT has a sticker on it with the VIN and notes that the TT meets all US (and CDN) requirements.

I looked at this thread and the attachments, and while the form is different (previous version?), it only has a few boxes completed.

CBP noted that I could email them relevant documentation/photos of VIN first so that the procedure takes less time.

Any help would be appreciated. I have about a week before I'd like to complete the procedure, so there is time.

[floyd]

Please do a follow up when you get the trailer home!

[Jon in AZ]

See here also:
https://www.fiberglass-rv-4sale.com/...vel-trailer-us

It sounds like you have what you need. You are correct that a lot of the questions only apply to motorized vehicles; travel trailers are pretty simple. As long as you have that sticker verifying compliance with US DOT regulations (lighting, mostly) and the purchase documentation, it should be smooth sailing.

Requirements and procedures do change, so I agree a follow-up report would be helpful for others.

[xtrain]

As promised, a review.

Incredibly simple overall.

Completed HS7 form, and emailed to CBP together with a picture of the sticker that has VIN and info on meeting all DOT regulations.

Brought a paper HS7 the day of, as I wasn't sure which date we'd be crossing. Also brought a bill of sale. Trailer was being pulled by the seller, as I don't have a PU.

We went to the commercial side, as I had permission to do so (obtained during a phone call to check that everything was in place). The officer took our Nexus cards, the HS7, and the bill of sale, as well as the reg document that the seller had signed over to me. We were told to park and wait in the office. A few questions, some waiting for the 7501 form to be completed, and a few seconds longer when I noticed the purchase price on that form was $3100 (instead of $31000 ... don't I wish), and we were on our way. Most documents I submitted now have a shiny red approval stamp from the CPB.

Trailer has been placed and everything is working well.

So if you are considering bringing one down to the US from Canada, and it's newer with the required info on the sticker, it's not nearly as difficult a process as some websites etc make it out to be.

[Jon in AZ]

We deal with a lot of vintage trailers on this site. That can create a number of complications due to missing compliance stickers, manufacturers out of business, trailers built to Euro specs, and other things. Another common scenario involves snowbirds from Canada wanting to sell their trailers while they are here (a no-no). It tends to make RV forums urge caution and doing your homework. Which you did.

Glad all went smoothly, and thanks for the follow-up!

[xtrain]

Perfectly understood. I had experienced so many people telling me (online and in-person) how difficult the process would be that I was partially regretting not buying one located in the US.

Long story short, if the trailer is newer/has required stickers and you have the paperwork, it's straightforward.

[Shangie]

We imported a TT from BC to Washington three years ago- We filled out those forms ahead of time and everything went smoothly and we took it through the border crossing close to Sumas just to save time. They thanked us for having everything filled out. If you call they will give you the details. It was no big deal. Our seller accepted a US cashiers check for the amount Canadian. We then immediately transferred the title once we got it into the state.