Shipping RV from US to UK

S

SFUKAdventurer

Subscriber
Hi folks, I’m currently living on the West Cost of the US, near San Francisco; I am going to be returning to the UK late next year but am planning a 6 month road trip across the US before heading home… hopefully Covid behaves!

I’m exploring the possibility of buying an RV that I can ship to the UK. I’ve already looked into the taxes/duties side of things and as long as I own it for 6 months prior to shipping and a year after shipping, I am exempt from taxes (the advantage of transferring residence!) I’m considering both travel trailer and class C styles. Have any of you shipped these types of RVs to the UK. Do you know what conversions each type would require to conform to UK regulations and roughly what I can expect to pay in terms of the conversions? I’m trying to decide if it’s cost effective to buy here, ship, and convert or just buy there when I eventually get there!

Any assistance would be appreciated!
 
RV Neal

RV Neal

Subscriber
Hi Mate, (When I read your name I was amused to think it started "S-Fuka"! :giggle::giggle::giggle: I can't answer your question in any detail, I can only say the indicators are likely to need modification if they're not amber. Same goes for the front side lights if they are amber. The there's the 120V shoreline power hook up. It will need a transformer to drop UK 230V down to US 120V in order to power your mains equipment in the RV and you will require some modification to the generator set-up to provide 230V when running. You'll need a 230V ring main installing in the RV to allow you to use UK equipment.

Then there's any mods that need doing on the outside of the coach to make it "legal" to ship to UK. Once in the UK it will need a NOVA certificate and then registering with DVLA.

Someone on here will be able to guide you much better than me. Good luck.
 
S

SFUKAdventurer

Subscriber
RV Neal said:
Hi Mate, (When I read your name I was amused to think it started "S-Fuka"! :giggle::giggle::giggle: I can't answer your question in any detail, I can only say the indicators are likely to need modification if they're not amber. Same goes for the front side lights if they are amber. The there's the 120V shoreline power hook up. It will need a transformer to drop UK 230V down to US 120V in order to power your mains equipment in the RV and you will require some modification to the generator set-up to provide 230V when running. You'll need a 230V ring main installing in the RV to allow you to use UK equipment.

Then there's any mods that need doing on the outside of the coach to make it "legal" to ship to UK. Once in the UK it will need a NOVA certificate and then registering with DVLA.

Someone on here will be able to guide you much better than me. Good luck.
Click to expand...
Thanks! Sounds like it isn't going to be cheap but I'll check with the companies that others on the thread have suggested.
 
sundowner

sundowner

Subscriber
We shipped a dodge truck and demountable camper from Galveston '--- paid loads on shipping, import duty and VAT on everything--- but it was 10 years ago!!!!!
If I was doing again I would bring in a dodge (or whatever they are branded as now) which is based on a mercedes sprinter.
You have already checked on import costs--- just recheck and be 100% sure what you are paying!!!
We have used cross country RV to bring in a 5er and very pleased with them--- they are bringing stuff in all the time. Talk to JJ there.
Be prepared to lose anything that is not tied down!!
Some are shipping from Halifax in Nova Scotia and seem happy with it--- I can't remember the name but I think cheapest is from near New York---- someone here with a brain will know it!!
Nigel and Pamala
 
L

Louis15

Subscriber
So if you purchase one over there you can ship it back pay no vat or tax just pay the shipping costs.
How long do you need to be using in USA or Canada before you can do that
 
shovelheadrob

shovelheadrob

Subscriber
Louis15 said:
So if you purchase one over there you can ship it back pay no vat or tax just pay the shipping costs.
How long do you need to be using in USA or Canada before you can do that
Click to expand...
6 months AFAIK, then you must not sell it for 12 months or you have to pay the taxes.
Check on .gov website, search "personal import"
 
S

SFUKAdventurer

Subscriber
Louis15 said:
So if you purchase one over there you can ship it back pay no vat or tax just pay the shipping costs.
How long do you need to be using in USA or Canada before you can do that
Click to expand...
It's 6 months of ownership before shipping and 1 year of ownership after shipping but I'll also be transferring residence back to the UK... not sure if there are specific requirements that you would need to fulfill.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top