Import a Travel Trailer to Canada
Oliver Travel Trailers is pre-cleared for Canadian import as a Transport Canada member. Follow these steps to prepare for border crossing.
Recall clearance documents confirm that manufacturer-identified safety defects have been fixed.
Submit them via:
- Fax: 1-888-642-9899 (recall documents only)
- Email: recall@support.riv.ca
- In-person or mail: Contact RIV. Details: https://www.riv.ca/RecallClearance.aspx
Step 1
Register Import Vehicle In Advance
To streamline border importation, register with the Registrar of Imported Vehicles (RIV) in advance or at the border. Create an account at https://www.riv.ca/OnlineForms/Home/Login to manage documents easily, or proceed as a guest.
To fill out the Vehicle Import Form 1, visit https://www.riv.ca/OnlineForms/Home/Landing, click the "Create an E-Form" button under the RIV Online Portal Tab, and follow the prompts to complete the form with your vehicle and import details.
Now you must set up a profile. Use your personal information here.
Red Boxes mean the field is required*
(example shown - do not use this information)
Proceed to create New Form:
Select the type of import:
Enter the place where you will be entering Canada (example shown - do not use this information):
Enter vehicle information (example shown - do not use this information):
Enter the Vendor information. (Manufacturer information)
Upload Documents
- Title
- Manufacturer recall letter
- Travel trailer images
- Optional: Additional relevant files
Review details for accuracy. Edit using top-right buttons in sections if needed.
Scroll to bottom. Agree to terms. Submit form. Pay fees.
Border Prep Print/write confirmation/reference numbers.
Fees Vary by port (payment methods); see table. RIV payable at select borders (credit/cash).
Step 2
Fax Vehicle Title for Export Clearance
Fax two full title copies to U.S. Customs at your exit port 72 hours before crossing into Canada. This meets AES export filing needs for self-propelled vehicles (not required for trailers). Note: 72 hours is advisory for land exports; mandatory for air/sea.
Get VIN-Specific Recall Clearance Letters
Request letters from vehicle manufacturers confirming no open recalls. Include VIN. For motorized RVs, obtain from both chassis (e.g., Ford) and coach (e.g., Oliver) makers. Essential for RIV import approval.
Step 3
Border Crossing
Required Documents Bring:
- Original title
- Registration or proof of ownership
- Sales receipts
- Recall clearance letters
- Completed Vehicle Import Form 1 (or e-Form)
U.S. Customs
Present original title and trailer. Officers have faxed copies; bring two extras.
CBSA
Officers check admissibility and docs, issue Form 1. Pay RIV fees at border if available (credit/cash at select crossings). Keep Form 1 for provincial licensing post-RIV inspection.
Step 4
After Vehicle Entry into Canada
- 45-Day Grace Period Complete modifications and RIV inspection within 45 days of import.
- Pay RIV Fee Pay fee to receive mailed inspection form.
- RIV Inspection Visit authorized center (e.g., Canadian Tire) for check.
- Pass & Clear Get mailed Canadian Clearance sticker.
- License RV Register in province/territory with sticker.
Import Vehicle to Canada: Key Contacts
Registrar of Imported Vehicles (RIV)
405 The West Mall, Suite 400 Toronto, ON M9C 5K7
Phone: 1-888-848-8240 (Canada/U.S., English/French)
Email: support@support.riv.ca
Transport Canada - Motor Vehicle Safety
Phone: 1-800-333-0371 (toll-free)
1-613-998-8616 (Ottawa)
Email: mvs-sa@tc.gc.ca
Yes, Oliver trailers are pre-cleared for compliance as Transport Canada members.
Bill of sale, signed title, manufacturer’s recall clearance letter, VIN, FMVSS label.
No for trailers; declare at border with Vehicle Import Form (Form-1).
GST (5%) on purchase price; no duty for US-origin trailers.
Pay $195 fee; inspect within 45 days at authorized center like Canadian Tire.
Lights (DOT numbers, positions), weights, tires; ensure CMVSS compliance.
Blaine, WA for lower mainland; contact customs for trailer specialist.
New: Recall letter from Oliver. Used: Clean title, no liens; same process.
Get in-transit rider from ICBC; standard policy may not cover during import.
Contact Oliver, RIV.ca, or CBSA; check owner forums for experiences.