Any Canadians?

DrJim · 02-08-2009, 10:51 PM

Hi all,

I am inquiring about importing a new Sportsmobile to Canada (Vancouver). Has anybody done it? Jonathan in Fresno suggested that you guys might know the best way.

Buy the van in Canada and have it delivered to Fresno?

Has any one bought directly the complete package from SMB?

Jim

a SMB wannabee

j.whitbread · 02-08-2009, 11:16 PM

It's my understanding the issue is that the vans that SMB buys are considered "incomplete". A Ford designation for aftermarket outfitters. That is the designation that hangs it up at the border.

If you bought a completed van then gave it to SMB, that might change the issue. I'm sure this is the place to start.

From Kelowna, in Los Angeles

jage · 02-08-2009, 11:25 PM

I heard SMB was looking at getting their Canadian ... uh, certification? Which would make them an approved RV manufacturer in Canada, resolving any problems with their builds- unfortunately I think only from that point forward. I wonder if the 08 changes pooched the deal somehow.

j.whitbread · 02-08-2009, 11:42 PM

As long as there is a motor home industry in Canada, it's going to be difficult.

If SMB is successful in getting "approved" in Canada, that probably means you could order it through a Canadian distributor. I think it would still be difficult for a Canadian to simply come down and buy one, and drive it back. Canada is funny that way.

Skywagon · 02-09-2009, 08:46 AM

Dr. Jim-

I live about half the year in Pender Harbour just North of you. I just spent a lot of time and effort registering a 1993 Jeep in B.C.. (From WA.). No one knows what they are doing and more annoyingly don't care! It was a MAJOR PITA!!! (And didn't need to be)
From what I've heard, you can't import a new SMB into B.C..
Getting a straight answer from a bureaucrat is really tough, as they just don't seem to care.
Even if you buy a van in Vancouver and take it to Fresno for the conversion, when you get it back to B.C. you still have to deal with ICBC, and insuring it for a value more than just that of the base van is going to be problematical at best.
If it sounds like I'm down on petty government officials, you're 100% right. Not just Canadian, ALL of them...

Bill

Skywagon · 02-09-2009, 08:57 AM

I just read my last post and it sounded pretty negative. Sorry! I guess what I should have said is that if you can find something you like that is already in B.C. it's going to make your life a whole lot easier. (Syncro?, Unimog?) There was a guy selling a couple of Unimogs in Gibsons a year or two ago.

I've never seen a B.C. registered SMB in Canada.
Good Luck!

Bill

jage · 02-09-2009, 09:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skywagon

From what I've heard, you can't import a new SMB into B.C..

Or used.

Might be a good place for a SMB franchise...

j.whitbread · 02-09-2009, 10:01 AM

https://www.fleet.ford.com/truckbbas/to ... build.html

If you look through this info you will see how "incomplete" vans are used for RV upfitters. (SMB)

THIS IS THE ISSUE! When Customs enters the VIN, it will show this designation.

Yes, you probably could buy a van in BC and have it done at SMB in Fresno. On the way back when you hit the border and they ask you if you had any work done on your van, say no.

jage · 02-09-2009, 10:48 AM

Haven't you learned anything from the last 8 years?

"I can't recall. I don't recall anything being done to the van. I have no recollection of the van ever being different."

Oh, wait, that s**t might not fly in Canada.

Skywagon · 02-09-2009, 12:00 PM

When dealing with the government; IF IN DOUBT, LIE!

Bill