You may save money by importing an RV direct from the USA.

Below are two examples (using an exchange rate of $2/£1) - the first for a vehicle costing £20,000 ($40,000) and another example for a vehicle costing £40,000 ($80,000).

REMEMBER, when buying a new RV in the USA you should expect to get 25% off the RRP.

Example 1:

RV Cost = $40,000

Shipping = $3,000-$5,500 (a 37ft RV would cost approx $5,500).

Shipping Insurance (optional) = $440 (approx 1.1% of declared value).

Total for US side of things = $46,000 (£23,000).

Import Duty = £2,300 (10% of RV Cost + Insurance + Shipping Cost).

Shipping Agent Charges in UK = £150

VAT = £5,390 (17.5% of (RV Cost + Shipping Cost + Import Duty)).

UK Registration = £50

UK Road Tax = £165 (12 months Private-HGV)

USA Flights and Hotel = £2,000

TOTAL COST FOR A $40,000 RV = £33,050

Example 2:

RV Cost = $80,000

Shipping = $3,000-$5,500 ( a 37ft RV would cost approx $5,500).

Shipping Insurance (optional) = $900 (approx 1.1% of declared value).

Total for US side of things = $86,400 (£44,200).

Import Duty = £4,420 (10% of (RV Cost + Insurance + Shipping Cost)).

Shipping Agent Charges in UK = £150

VAT = £8,535 (17.5% of (RV Cost + Shipping Cost + Import Duty)).

UK Registration = £50

UK Road Tax = £165 (12 months Private-HGV)

USA Flights and Hotel = £2,000

TOTAL COST FOR A $80,000 RV = £59,520

The figures above may seem excessive after all those charges have been added, but you should compare the price of your RV in the USA and the UK to see whether you will save money.

Remember, you will need to have certain changes made when you import your RV - the total for this could be as low as £1,000 but should not exceed £3,000.

You must also obtain a written confirmation from the RV manufacturer (not the US dealer) that any Warranty will be honoured in the UK. Obviously, any vehicle purchased in the UK should have a UK Warranty, but do check that repairs can be performed close to your home otherwise you may find yourself travelling the length of the UK to get things rectified.

To read more, simply sign up for our Members Only section, it is 100% free - and we will even tell you how to legally avoid paying the VAT and Import Duty !!