Silverado For Export

pinkpanther · October 5, 2011

Hello,

As I told in another thread -thank you by the way for the great help- I am planing to ship a 2011 Silverado 3500 HD, SRW, Single Cab, Gas to Europe, rebuilt it as a camper and then have it registered here. To check with the authorities what changes (and costs) I am looking at, I'd really appreciate if somebody can help me with some answers:

The US-Tires will not be allowed here (missing "sound-tag", stupid bureaucracy...). The original tire size 265/70-R18 are not available here with the needed weight rating. Now I have the following possible alternatives:

275/70-R18 : Can only be mounted on rims with a width of 7-9.5". How wide are the original 18" rims?

285/65-R18 : Would they fit on the 3500HD SRW (original 18" rims)? Our law pretend sufficient space in every position the wheel can be (Spring fully depressed or fully discharged, steering wheel on both end stops...). As sufficient space I think a bit less than 0.5" will be accepted.

265/65-R18 : Does somebody see any concerns about this one?

Can somebody tell me what tire sizes GM released for this truck (on 18"-rims)?

Emissions: Can somebody send me a picture of an emissions label of a 2011 3500HD with Vortec 6.0l? Trucks complying with the "California Emissions regulations" or the "US EPA regulations" should be fine to get registered here, as long the label shows something like ULEV or SULEV. Do all sold 2011-trucks comply with one of these regulations or do I need to be careful in which state I'm going to buy it?

Weight ratings: Can somebody send me a picture of the label/plate showing the vehicle and axles weight ratings? (SRW, snow plow prep, single cab, gas)

Trailer hitch: Also here I'd appreciate a picture of the label/plate on the hitch.

Last problem for today: Which state (preferably on the East-coast) would you estimate best to buy a truck like the one mentioned abowe? I know, this is normally a very subjective point. So here a few, to me, important things which can make that point a bit more objective: Place with lowest sales-tax on trucks or guaranteed return of the sales tax while exporting the vehicle, best prices, uncomplicated paperwork, not to far from an international port, ...

Thank you in advance and have a nice day

Urs

redjewel2ss · October 5, 2011

ummm.... i don't think any full size pick up is going to say ULEV or SULEV!!! especially the 6.0

as for the tires, the 275/70-18 should work out just fine

pinkpanther · October 5, 2011

ummm.... i don't think any full size pick up is going to say ULEV or SULEV!!! especially the 6.0

Thank you for the fast answer. How about LEV? ULEV and SULEV could be registered without problems, lower emission standards may be possible to be registered depending on different other things. To check out that, a picture of the above mentioned labels would be very helpful.

You write "especially the 6.0". Do you mean the 6.6 diesel has less emissions? Unfortunately, our authorities haven't heard that yet Right now it is definitely not possible to have the diesels registered! I know a company trying to have them registered. But they can't say if or when that will be possible. Too new engine...the very first registration can cost 20'000$ and more only for the registration of the engine!

Thanks

Urs

Rudy35 · October 5, 2011

Maine has California emissions and if vehicle is leaving the state and you are not a Maine resident, you should be able to fill out an affidavit that allows no sales tax be paid.

MikeNH · October 5, 2011

I am not sure on the HD trucks but on ones like my 1500 there are regional emissions packages because we can't all settle on a standard and some states like most in the northeast and California have stricter laws than the midwest and south. In NH where I live we're the only state in the region without stricter state-level emissions so even though you could legally buy a federal-level emissions here unless it is a special order all trucks come with enhanced emissions equipment to meet the laws of the surrounding states. Here in New Hampshire we have no sales tax, which would be a big plus. Not sure what other states are tax free in the east.

Diesail · October 6, 2011

The 6.0 is ULEV 50 state certified. Can't help you with a picture of a sticker but these might help

Model Year 2011 MEDIUM-DUTY VEHICLES

2011 Model Year General Motors Products Up To 14,000 lbs GVWR PLANNED EMISSION CERTIFICATION

redjewel2ss · October 6, 2011

The 6.0 is ULEV 50 state certified. Can't help you with a picture of a sticker but these might help

Model Year 2011 MEDIUM-DUTY VEHICLES

2011 Model Year General Motors Products Up To 14,000 lbs GVWR PLANNED EMISSION CERTIFICATION

thats surprising

Ianf · October 6, 2011

Last vehicle I tried to get into Germany, I would have had to replace the rear turn signals as the have to be amber not red. Check that in your local laws to make sure it complies.

pinkpanther · October 7, 2011

Thank you very much for your helpful answers.

In the meantime I was able to figure out which states have the California Emissions:

East-coast: Maine, Vermont, Massachusets, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland

West coast: Washington, Oregon, California, Arizona, New Mexico

Discussing but not introduced yet: Florida, North Carolina, Wisconsin, Colorado, Utah, Montana

Unfortunately I wasn't able to find out much about the taxes for trucks in these states. Can somebody help? Maine is on the list, New Hampshire also, with the small restriction that the VIN of an adequate truck has to be checked for the right emissions-standard. Thx for the tips.

By the way, if the west coast states mentioned above have 0 or low taxes, that would not be the preferred but it would be an option as well. I heard that shipping from the west coast to Europe is of course more expensive than to ship from the east-coast, but still affordable.

@Diesail: great links, thx. ULEV or maybe higher standard, that is cool, pretty sure no special emissions-test necessary. You saved my day . Does ULEV2 corresponds to SULEV?

@IanF: Thx for your tip. Lucky me, I live in Switzerland. Here, unlike all countries around us, the red indicators are allowed . But the tail lights will anyway be changed. The truck will be rebuild as a camper so the whole tail will be rebuilt...but still with red indicators . The only two things I'll have to change are: One or two red fog lamp(s) at the rear (stupid, dazzling lights, only my humble opinion) with a separate switch in the cab and the front parking lights have to be white instead of amber. I think the US parking lights are fitted with amber bulbs, the glass should already be white/transparent. Please correct me if I am wrong on that point. Changing the bulbs with white ones should make the authorities, and so also me, happy. The rest of the lamps are going to be ok as long they have DOT and/or SAE printed on them. On newer cars this shouldn't be an issue anymore.

Thank you all again and have a nice weekend

Urs

MikeNH · October 8, 2011

New Hampshire has no sales tax at all. I'm not sure how things work since (to say the least ) you're an out of state buyer. Since I live here I am given a 20 day temporary plate by the dealer with a temp. registration also good for 20 days. In that time I need to make it to the town offices to cut a check for the yearly registration and get actual plates. I would assume you would still get the temp plates which would be enough to get the truck down to Portsmouth or Boston to be shipped overseas, or it may not need to be registered at all and just loaded onto a transport truck.

As for headlamps, the bulbs on the Chevy are indeed amber but the lens does have a small orange reflector in it too.

Good luck with this project! I bet a camper based on a big Chevy truck isn't a very common sight in Switzerland!

pinkpanther · October 8, 2011

Hi,

Thank you for your help. 20 days temporary registration would be great. In that time I could buy a car in Alaska and drive it or have it driven to the east-coast . Not that I want to do this, but if I had to... What happens with the temporary plates? Are they to be returned somewhere? I think as departure ports, Baltimore or Halifax would be the best ones for my needs. Could I drive with temporary plates to Halifax (Canada)?

The picture of the headlamps is very helpful. I'm pretty convinced that it will work with the white bulbs. Our laws say that the front parking lights have to be white. In addition to them trucks wider than 2.10 meter (around 82.5") have to have red or yellow side marker lamps. Trucks narrower than that (like the Silverado SRW) can have 2 side marker lamps in the front. If I am lucky they will accept it as combined side marker/front parking light. If not I'll connect that one together with the indicator and -like many people I met did before on US cars- drill a hole in the high beam lamp and install a small white bulb in there. Not the tidiest way to do it, but it works and can be registered.

Like you wrote, Chevi- (or Ford or Dodge) Pickups are not that common here. And as camper over 3500kg they are nearly not existent. Because of that it takes me a bit longer to figure out everything and avoid costly mistakes. But this is a pleasure as long i have people like you all and such great forums like this one. Thank you all.

The "out of state buyer" (I like that one )

Urs

AvalancheZ71 · October 8, 2011

Hi,

Thank you for your help. 20 days temporary registration would be great. In that time I could buy a car in Alaska and drive it or have it driven to the east-coast . Not that I want to do this, but if I had to... What happens with the temporary plates? Are they to be returned somewhere? I think as departure ports, Baltimore or Halifax would be the best ones for my needs. Could I drive with temporary plates to Halifax (Canada)?

Urs

The New Hampshire temporary plates do not have to be returned. In fact they are cardboard and tend to disintegrate after they get wet, so the dealer may wrap them in plastic if they are so thoughtful. Since they are only valid for 20 days it isn't really a big deal.

I'm not sure but I think you should be able to drive in Canada with (valid) temporary plates from a U.S. state.

How are you going to insure the vehicle while driving it in North America?

pinkpanther · October 8, 2011

How are you going to insure the vehicle while driving it in North America?

Because I anyway need a temporary insurance to drive the truck from Germany to Switzerland I asked my insurance company for that and by the way I also asked if they have a payable insurance for America. Didn't get a replay on my email yet.

There are US insurance companies insuring short periods, but as I read, for non US-citizens they are quite expensive. So if I count that, the expenses for fuel and the lost time as well, at the end a transport truck will be the cheaper option. But maybe my insurance has an unbeatable deal, we will see...

Urs

MikeNH · October 9, 2011

Hi,

Thank you for your help. 20 days temporary registration would be great. In that time I could buy a car in Alaska and drive it or have it driven to the east-coast . Not that I want to do this, but if I had to... What happens with the temporary plates? Are they to be returned somewhere? I think as departure ports, Baltimore or Halifax would be the best ones for my needs. Could I drive with temporary plates to Halifax (Canada)?

Like it has been said, the temporary plates are just a piece of cardboard that is yours to keep or toss once it expires. I don't see why they wouldn't let you into Canada on those plates either- lots of Canadian folks come to NH and other border states to buy new vehicles as even though the US dollar and Canadian dollar are very close right now, Canadian dealers charge 30%+ more for some cars. If the vehicle is made in North America they can import it with no duty fees so this is a very popular option and they all get sent home on the 20 day plates. And I don't know how it works with you not being a resident but NH is one of the few states that doesn't require auto insurance. Granted, driving around uninsured is a terrible idea but if push came to shove... just drive extra safe.

As for marker lights- would the roof lights the HD trucks can be ordered with meet the vehicle code for you? I'm guessing not since they're not "front" markers but they're another option anyway and I think they look neat.

pinkpanther · October 9, 2011

I already have 3 boarders to cross, with everyone requiring their own paperwork. So if I can, I think I'm gonna avoid more of them. On the other hand I heard that the paperwork is easier done in Halifax than in Baltimore. Not sure yet what I'm gonna do...

Driving without insurance is no option, even if it is legal. But thank you anyway for the info.

In a "build your own" homepage they showed that the roof-lamps can't be ordered with the California emissions. Probably to much wind resistance or to much power consumption . Not sure if they would be legal here. There are (bigger) trucks driving around here with some kind of such lamps but that doesn't necessarily mean they are legal. Maybe they just disconnected them for the registration and the checks later on. Then, after they passed the check they reconnected them again. The same thing was done here over years with the 3rd braking light on US cars and Volvos before they finally became legal.

But the roof lamps on the truck would anyway look a bit strange on my final project. Here 2 actual pics of my plans:

By the way, can somebody tell me if the 1.40m (4'7") long compartment over the roof would obstruct the sight out of the window? I've been able to sit ina a dodge ram single cab camper exact like that and it worked great. I think the measures of the Silverado single cab don't differ that much from the Ram, do they?

Taxes: I found a nice overview with the taxes here: http://thestc.com/STrates.stm The real taxes can differ slightly because the shown are average, but the chart still gives a good idea. And another good information page on sales tax: http://salestax.wordpress.com/us-sales-tax-rates/

Like New Hampshire, also Delaware has no taxes and are surrounded by California-emissions required states. So probably, there they will also sell more or less only trucks with California emissions. I'm also going to start my search for a truck in these 2 states. Oregon would be the alternative on the west coast.

Thx all

Urs