Grey Market Importing
January 22, 2022 10:03 AM Subscribe
There is a lightweight travel trailer (caravan) sold and distributed only in Europe. I want one in the US and am willing to jump through any hoop. Art Vandelay doesn’t answer his phone anymore. How can I make this happen?
I’m aware of the need for a NHTSA Registered Importer, but all the local firms I’ve called aren’t interested. I’ve called the manufacturer and dealers in a couple of European port cities, and they aren’t interested. Does the importer negotiate the export, or do I need to work with an agent over there?
I’m aware the trailer will have to be Federalized, and the A/C power inverter changed out. But the floor plan, size, and weight are ABSOLUTELY PERFECT for our tow vehicle.
I’ll drive to any port in the US to pick it up if this can work out. I’ve seen reports of other people doing this (it’s an Eriba), but nobody talks about HOW it’s done.
I’m aware of the need for a NHTSA Registered Importer, but all the local firms I’ve called aren’t interested. I’ve called the manufacturer and dealers in a couple of European port cities, and they aren’t interested. Does the importer negotiate the export, or do I need to work with an agent over there?
I’m aware the trailer will have to be Federalized, and the A/C power inverter changed out. But the floor plan, size, and weight are ABSOLUTELY PERFECT for our tow vehicle.
I’ll drive to any port in the US to pick it up if this can work out. I’ve seen reports of other people doing this (it’s an Eriba), but nobody talks about HOW it’s done.
These guys specialize in importing trucks but they may be able to help with a trailer.
posted by jackmakrl at 12:35 PM on January 22, 2022 [1 favorite]
posted by jackmakrl at 12:35 PM on January 22, 2022 [1 favorite]
I’m on mobile so can’t find the links right now, but iirc Jalopnik has had a couple of articles about importing odd vehicles into the US, complete with screenshots of their customs invoices etc., which would give you company names to try.
posted by aramaic at 12:49 PM on January 22, 2022 [1 favorite]
posted by aramaic at 12:49 PM on January 22, 2022 [1 favorite]
A different potential avenue - there are some Canadian manufacturers of similar cute fiberglass trailers. While I don't know the specific Eriba you're looking at, if you can't make a real one work, maybe the Canadian ones could be an option? The Scout is the one I have in mind.
posted by jellywerker at 3:12 PM on January 23, 2022
posted by jellywerker at 3:12 PM on January 23, 2022
Response by poster: Link please? The only Scouts I’m finding are camper shells for pickups.
I was looking at the Eriba Touring, but on your search suggestion I found a very similar layout in the Little Guy Max, which despite being built in PA, was showing up in Canadian tailored searches.
posted by hwyengr at 8:58 PM on January 23, 2022
I was looking at the Eriba Touring, but on your search suggestion I found a very similar layout in the Little Guy Max, which despite being built in PA, was showing up in Canadian tailored searches.
posted by hwyengr at 8:58 PM on January 23, 2022
Sorry, I misremembered! Scamp, not Scout
Looking into them a bit more, the interiors don't seem quite as tasteful as the Eriba, but still worth a look.
https://www.scamptrailers.com/
https://escapetrailer.com/
I think Scamp is also US, I always thought of them as Canadian for some reason, not sure why.
posted by jellywerker at 2:21 AM on January 24, 2022 [1 favorite]
Looking into them a bit more, the interiors don't seem quite as tasteful as the Eriba, but still worth a look.
https://www.scamptrailers.com/
https://escapetrailer.com/
I think Scamp is also US, I always thought of them as Canadian for some reason, not sure why.
posted by jellywerker at 2:21 AM on January 24, 2022 [1 favorite]
Would a Casita work for you? They are made in Texas and I'm planning to get one, they look somewhat similar!
posted by theRussian at 7:14 PM on February 17, 2022
posted by theRussian at 7:14 PM on February 17, 2022
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by theora55 at 10:46 AM on January 22, 2022