CSA standards / Importing travel trailer from U.S.

3firetrucks · 11-18-2012, 03:54 PM

I'm hoping someone here could help me with some "correct" information regarding CSA certification. I purchased my trailer in the U.S. for such a good price that the thousands I saved should make up for any CSA problems I might come across, but I would like to know about issues before it surprises me. I've been doing internet searches and keep coming up with conflicting information. Has anyone here taken their non CSA trailer to a Canadian dealer for propane or electrical work? If so, any issues? If needed, can I get my 4 year old trailer CSA certified? Im hoping to keep this trailer for a long time...but if I decided to sell, will Canadian dealers take a trade or am I stuck selling it privately. I knew my trailer wasn't CSA certified when I purchase it, and I did some research. I could have even purchased a new trailer CSA certified in the U.S. for cheaper, but I found a used one for a great price. I recently came across this site from an Ontario dealer that started worrying me.

http://www.thehitchhouse.com/why-buy...an-dealers.htm

My local Jayco dealers were strongly advising me against purchasing in the U.S.for multiple reasons, even to say that they wouldn't do any work on it. They didn't specify what kind of work and made it sound like they just wouldn't look at a non CSA unit at all. I brough mine in for a seal check and no one even batted an eye that it was a U.S. non CSA model.

Any information would be appreciated, I'm hoping for some "correct" info.

Thanks in advance.

David472 · 11-18-2012, 04:26 PM

I would suggest the best place to get the straight scoop on this topic is to contact CanAm RV. They are an Airstream dealer near here and also have a few other brands. They are known for their honesty and straight shooting. They have been known to bring in used Airstreams from USA, and seem to know the ropes for what's required. Here is their web site;
http://www.canamrv.ca/

Quantum · 11-18-2012, 04:28 PM

When we were looking the USA to buy a trailer, the local border dealers order all their trailers with CSA certification, because so many Canadians buy from them and bring them over the border. They do all the paperwork that you require at the border. All you have to do is pay the HST (Harmonized Sales Tax).

3firetrucks · 11-18-2012, 04:47 PM

Thanks for the quick replies. I may have not been clear with my questions. I already imported the trailer...it was really easy. It now has the RIV decal with serial number and its insured. I'm just wondering about getting CSA certification now that I have it...or if its worth the bother. Thanks again! PS. I'm going to try Canam guys to see what they can tell me!

Quantum · 11-18-2012, 06:59 PM

If your insurance company didn't care, then I wouldn't worry about it. Usually they are the ones that are picky about that sort of thing. My guess is, that a lot of the equipment in the unit is already CSA (gas regulator, microwave, TV, stove, etc)

Skyron · 11-18-2012, 07:59 PM

The importing of a rec. trailer that is not built to CSA standards can cost you more than money. I had considered this some time ago and did not go through with the plan. This should help you with your decision before you import and are compliant!. Phone the Registrar of Imported Vehicles at 1-888-848-8240. The web site is www.riv.ca!
Trust this info is helpful.
Ron

2012 skylark/toyota 4 runner w/tow package

3firetrucks · 11-19-2012, 11:37 PM

I spoke to a couple of friends who have U.S. non CSA tts. They mentioned that they had electrical and lp word done at CAnadian dealers with no problems. My favorite sarcastic remark one said: just look at all the carnage across North America the non CSA models have created. Point taken, maybe I shouldn't worry about it. Though I'm still interested if anyone here has ever had a CSA certification done after purchase.

Jayco 228 · 11-20-2012, 08:46 AM

I believe any Canadian Tire store can do the inspection and give you a CSA sticker. Friends of ours bought a new trailer out of the US this past summer and had to take it to Canadian Tire to get their sticker. I believe it cost them $75.00.

Seann45 · 11-20-2012, 10:22 AM

So you are saying that if someone from the USA, holidaying in Canada, goes to your dealer for repairs he wont work on them???? I would find a different dealer and stay away from that one... he was just protecting his wallet....

canuckowner · 11-20-2012, 09:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Seann45

So you are saying that if someone from the USA, holidaying in Canada, goes to your dealer for repairs he wont work on them???? I would find a different dealer and stay away from that one... he was just protecting his wallet....

Seann you are exactly right. Typical salesman tactic. I bought mine south of the border and would gladly drive it back down for service work if need be. The four thousand (minimum) I saved would pay for the little inconvenience.

If the OP has his heart set on having a little sticker that says CSA, then you should be able to have the small changes made for a nominal fee. As another poster mentioned MOST components on the american RV are already CSA standard. I believe there might be some small issue related to the propane hook up that needs upgrading, but not a big deal.

When its time to sell you would be further ahead to sell your RV on kijiji or other such classified, because like casinos, dealer always wins when you are trading in (better to have the cash, IMHO).

3firetrucks · 11-20-2012, 11:51 PM

Thanks Jayco 228, Sean and Canuckowner! That info makes sense to me. Plus I also saved at least $4000 on my tt and live in a border town, so if I need to go south for maintenance, it's not a problem. I have also received some good info with private messages from members on this forum. I'm feeling much better about the purchase and less concerned about the CSA standard. I'm going to keep pursuing the issue, to post the answer on getting the unit certified, even if I don 't bother doing it. Joining This forum was probably one of the better things I have done after purchasing my Jayco.

Ry-guy · 11-21-2012, 03:02 AM

I'd bet most of the equipment in the trailer is already CSA certified. Jayco trailers sold in Canada are built in the US and I doubt they build one that is CSA certified for sale in Canada and one UL certified for sale in the US. It would not be cost effective. The power converter, LP regulator, GFI plugs, etc. in my Canadian purchased Jayco model are probably the same in a US purchased same model trailer. Plus CSA is the equivalent to UL certification anyway. The only thing you are missing is the CSA certification sticker which like Jayco 228 said you can get at Canadian Tire. The only problem you might have is getting warranty service at some Canadian dealers. But if one won't help try another, the dealer gets paid for the repair from Jayco regardless of which country the trailer was bought in. Ryan

Seann45 · 11-21-2012, 11:11 AM

If it has a Canadian flag by the door it is CSA certified otherwise it might be built to the standard but is not certified.

Jayco 228 · 11-21-2012, 04:54 PM

Here in Edmonton there are several RV repair shops that are certified to do warranty work for all the major manufactures and do not sell trailers. So they do not care who or where you bought your TT they just want to repair it for you. In many cases they are more qualified and cheaper than the dealer. I am sure you can find a shop like that around you.

Quantum · 11-23-2012, 08:39 PM

CSA is not that same as UL...techinically speaking. It is equivalent to ULC.

Like I stated before, and another poster as well, most components will already meet CSA. It is an "option" on the trailer though, for unit shipped to Canada. When you read the option list at the deal, it states "CSA" on this list.

Murphie · 11-30-2012, 02:42 PM

I just recently read an article about the role direct importers of RVs play in making US manufacturers meet CSA standards.
They imply that most of the hardware installed in RVs meet CSA standards already and that I agree with. One new company was required to take pictures of their lights and inside of the wheel hubs. They also spoke about requirement of having certain smoke detectors and placement of wiring switches inside the bathroom.
Here is my take on it. The cost of CSA certification for my trailer cost me over 500 dollars and was a complete waste of money. Jayco charged me around 350 dollars for the CSA upgrade. The dealer also charged me 150 dollars for a gas inspection certification. To begin with my trailer has electrical switches within a foot of the shower door. How was this passed? The gas inspection was just a duplication of what the factory already did. Complete rip off. I also think its required in Canada for all electrical connections to be wired using pigtails. This article spoke about the importance of having the tires meet certain standards. The tires on our trailer have the ones from China that everyone has had trouble with. I'd be ok with having to upgrade to better tires but it looks like I will have to do that anyway to have peace of mind but to have to pay extra and still have these issues is a complete waste of money.

Derek700 · 12-01-2012, 11:10 AM

Phone a gas fitter and see if they can inspect it and approve it for CSA. My buddy imported his from the US and had to do a RIV and get the gas system approved. If you don't figure it out here right away let me know and I will get a hold of him to find out how he did it. I believe his insurance company wanted the inspection. If the dealer won't work on it phone Jayco, what if you we're from the States and needed a repair, would they send you home?

3firetrucks · 12-01-2012, 03:30 PM

Thanks everyone for posting. I have the same thoughts. Including something else I have heard. Some RV Campgrounds in Canada are turning away trailers that are not CSA certified. Like Derek700 mentioned, if I was from the states and needed repair to get home would the dealer turn me away...so in the same thought: If I'm from the states and on vacation, will I be turned away from a campground because of my U.S. model...I doubt it. I've decided to leave my trailer as is. At least until I run into problems and am forced to do it.

kiwaon · 12-02-2012, 01:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 3firetrucks

..........................RV Campgrounds in Canada are turning away trailers that are not CSA certified..........

That information must be from the same person who told me Jayco is going to file for Chapter 11 next week, and also, that the Toronto Maple Leafs are going to win the Stanley Cup....... even though they aren't playing ..... on second thought that may be the only way the Leafs might win a cup:hihi:

clubhouse · 12-02-2012, 02:40 PM

I'm not from Canada, bought my TT in California, have no need for CSA certification but for some reason the dealer I purchased the TT from stocks most units with the CSA cert. First thing I did was remove the flag from the panel next to the door. So, now that sticker is gone how would the average Canadian campground know my TT is CSA cert? Same with a dealer? Are they really going to call Jayco with the VIN?

My point, I can't believe any Canadian campgrounds are turning people away with non CSA TTs. Secondly I doubt any dealer would refuse to work on mine...I could imagine a Jayco dealer not doing warranty work. But that would be more about spite and a power play vs any safety concerns.

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