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Thanks and go safely!

God Bless!

Peter 

Just wanted to take a minute to make sure that everyone is aware of the implications of importing a trailer from the US.  There are regulations that most consumers are not aware of and I wanted to share them with you.  When purchasing a trailer in the US you may be told that ALL you have to do is to call the Registrar of Imported Vehicles (RIV) to get it registered and get a sticker. 

This in only ONE part of the equation.  The consumer is NOT generally told that If the unit is not CSA prepped by the manufacturer , it can not be retrofitted, then there are at least three things that are required. 

One, get your RIV sticker.  Easy. 

Two, get a field evaluation technician from ESA (Electrical Safety Authority ) to perform a an evaluation on the electrical components and installation to ensure they meet the requirements of all applicable standards.  Not as easy but with our help can be arranged.  There is a fee from ESA for this and it ain't cheap. 

Three, get a TSSA certified contractor to perform a propane system inspection.  This can be usually done at your local RV Dealership AS LONG AS they are registered with TSSA having a contractor's certificate and have certified propane technicians on staff.   The basic inspection would include a propane leak down test and verification the the propane system layout/construction meet TSSA codes.  Prices will vary on this depending upon the trailer layout/configuration. 

The basis for all of this is that all new recreational vehicles are REQUIRED by law to meet CAN/CSA-Z240 Standards for RV's.  The Z240 standard covers off many standards including plumbing, electrical, propane etc..  Thus if the trailer does not come into Canada bearing the CSA certification label this does not mean that the other components under it's umbrella can be ignored.  The two that are the most important are the ESA inspection and the propane inspection as directed by TSSA (Technical Safety Standards Authority).  If these are NOT completed then you as the owner are at risk as well as the dealership that services your unit of legal action and fines.  This is only the case of course IF an issue such as a fire, propane leaks, electrical issues etc. takes place. If I as a contractor for TSSA work on your unit without having done an inspection and an issue arrises I will minimally loose my licence and more than likey face stiff fines and possibly charges against my dealership and my technician performing the work.  We are bound to inform TSSA of all issues arising from propane related issues.  An example would be a fire in a water heater that may have been caused by nothing more than a backflash from a spider web blockage.  If the unit is brought to us for inspeciton/repair I am obliged to report it to TSSA and document it with the corrective action.  If in the investigation it is noted that the unit was not properly covered off under the Z240 standards then the red tape machine starts pouring it out.  You may say, there can't be that many differences between a US unit and a CSA spec'd unit if they go down the same assembly line.  Actually, there are a number of differences from the use of wire loom, heavier gage wire, certain specs on breakers, propane connections limited to below the floor unless directly at the appliance etc. etc.  We as a dealership pay a premium for trailers to be built to the Z240 specifications to cover our and your buts.  Does this make the trailer any less safe.  In my humble "opinion", NO.  I am however not the "MAN" here and my "opinion" is only that. The downside is that CSA Z240 standards and the US RVIA standards are not compatible and we must ensure due diligence and take the action of a reasonable person and make every effort to conform to the code like it or not.  Trust me when I say that I hate red tape and this is a perfect example.  

Please note that this in NOT meant to scare anyone. This is only to inform you that we are NOT messing with you or trying to screw you over when you come in for service.  I can not work on it, nor will my techs even consider working on it until we address the ESA and TSSA inspections. Once completed we will be more than happy to assist you with all of your service needs.  Should you wish to understand and learn more for yourself their are a number of resources.  First of all, contact the ORVDA. (Ontario Recreational Vehicle Dealer's Association) at 905 659 8880.  Larry Boyd is the President and will be more than happy to verify my ramblings.  You can also contact ESA at 800 559 5356 and ask to speak to someone in the ESA field evaluation Services Group.  

If you wish you can google CSA Z240 specs to get the full low down on the requirements.

Peter

For those that stay on top of the licencing for larger fifth wheels, the new laws are now and have been in effect since July 01 2011.  

What You Need to Know:

Driver's licenced in Ontario will now be able to operate/tow/drive recreational vehicles up to the 11,000kg "combined vehicle weight" with a Class G Licnece when towing 1 vehicle for personal use.

Combined vehicle weight (GVW) means the " Total Gross Vehicle Weight" for the tow vehicle (car or truck) AND the recreational vehicle.  I would suggest to get a weigh ticket of the truck and trailer and keep it with you.  

PLEASE NOTE:  Originally the MTO was going to require that a completed RV Safety and Towing Checklist/test be completed and a subsequent identification card issued showing competency be required as well.  THIS IS NOT THE CASE.  The MTO has made this part VOLUNTARY.  At this point there is no requirement by either the MTO or the Insurance Bureau of Canada for such as test.  Not to say that the Insurance Bureau of Canada may require this in the future.  I would check with your insurance company if they will offer any reduction if you do take the test and pass. If for your peace of mind we can perform this test/checklist for the fee of $150 and you will upon successful completion receive a card indicating so. This test is conducted here at the dealership by dealership staff.  It is NOT an MTO administered test.  It is easy and stresses safety. 

For more information you can attend the MTO's website and print off the information on this.  I would keep this with you in the truck and a copy of the weights so that if pulled over by an uninformed Police officer you have the back up information you may need.  To access the MTO's site and the news on this click on the link below.

http://news.ontario.ca/mto/en/2011/06/making-it-easier-for-rv-operators-to-enjoy-summer.html