Crossing borders as Not For Hire - what should I know?

That's why I will be in the market for an RV.

 

@ethos you are letting me down here my Canadian driver.

 

That's why I took my old truck which wasn't worth much, put a 15 foot deck on it and registered it as an RV. I've gotten pulled over a few times, especially after blowing by a couple scales, I just said " give me a ticket because it will be a waste of time, it is an RV." I had one ohio cop tell me she was putting me OOS and I said she can't, I'm not driving a truck. I'm going to take it to Rockford to pick up a project car, I am betting I will get bothered at least once.

 

Top off fuel before you cross, and get cigarettes if any smokers, both much higher in Canuckistan.
Spend the money and rent the canoes, paddling on Lake Louise was awesome.
Have fun.

 

Is there a pic of it on here?

 

Well I had the worst experience of my life crossing into Canada once. It probably won't happen to you but understand you basically have no rights at the border. Delete any photos you don't want seen because they can search through your phone all they want.

 

The worst cursing out I've ever had was at the Canadian border. The guy was in a rage and screaming profanities because I was pulling a spread axle step deck. I was trying to get to Burnaby,CA to deliver a boiler. Finally, after the company paid a few hundred in fines they let me deliver the boiler, but not without more swearing and screaming. The other drivers there said that crossing does all American drivers that way, so don't take it personal.

 

It may be different on the west side of the map but I've been in and out of Canada on a weekly basis for almost 5 years now through various POEs. I've always been treated with courtesy by the Canadian Customs officers... getting back in the states... that's a different story.

 

I've tried sending messages to both the US and the Canadian Border offices. I'm doubtful, but hopeful they will respond

 

Not-For-Hire does not mean you're not commercial. All it means that no one can hire your truck for whatever. I drove for a major oil company and all of our trucks said Not-For-Hire. Also you should be aware that driving a truck for personal use is a battle with DOT. If you have any item that ties your truck to a commercial venue you'll be treated as such. Say for example you're hauling a dragster to the track for fun. The State and Feds just might go at you as a commercial vehicle.