Hidden spaces

[escape artist]

Originally Posted by Ron in BC

Just to be really clear, my "hidden space" isn't there to circumvent any laws, quite the opposite, it's there to comply with storage laws for certain items. A second benefit is keeping the goods safer in the event of a break-in.

Yup, Donna's correct, you don't get a chance to go in and "rearrange" items once they've decided to search you. We found that out when we were busted for having 3 green onions Yep, it's true, we're guilty of having contraband, so embarrassing, but honestly we're still good people. It was, turn over all keys and wait until they'd gone though the truck and trailer. Luckily, only a gentle reminder green onions were on the forbidden list (a copy of which they helpfully gave us)

Ron

Hi: Ron in BC... Not only green onions but red peppers and garlic, cooked or otherwise. The fine for "Failure to declare" is $300.00. Don't ask me how I know!!! Alf
escape artist N.S. of Lake Erie

[Donna D.]

I believe every country has a right to determine what crosses their border.

I'm crossing next Tuesday to attend the ETI rally. I'm crossing with ZERO food. I'm glad there are grocery stores on both sides of the border.

Trying to save 5 bucks or 500 bucks isn't worth getting on the "always check" list to me. I can tell you a horror story about buds of mine, that are NOW on that list. It wasn't intentional, but now it's their reality.

[gbaglo]

When we crossed the border, heading down to Idaho, I dumped everything, except the liquor cabinet. Dragged the same bottle of Kahlua and two bottles of port over the border, both directions at least four times now.

[NW Cat Owner]

You can't take food across the border? I never knew that. How does one find out about stuff like that? I still have a very hard time eating bananas from all the times we'd drive to California as kids (well, mom drove, to be specific) and have to eat it before we crossed in as my mom thought they'd be on the forbidden list. Of course, they never were. Even though we had stuffed ourselves silly on bananas.

[gbaglo]

Ask Google.

Travellers - Residents Returning to Canada

[NW Cat Owner]

Originally Posted by gbaglo

Ask Google.

Travellers - Residents Returning to Canada

Well, yeah, I know to ask Google. But I'm wondering how you would know to even ask for that info! Do you need to check every state/province you visit beforehand?

And to get back on subject - I told hubby about this thread and suggested he come up with something for stashing the laptop and other goodies like that. We're looking at (most likely) the 5.0TA, but that's not set in stone (yet).

Has anyone created spaces like that for their laptop? If so, you can PM me with the location so everyone else won't know.

Donna - you mentioned you're getting a safe - PM me the location!

I did a search for "hidden compartments" but not much came up. Any other ideas for searches on this forum?

Thanks!

[gbaglo]

Originally Posted by NW Cat Owner

Do you need to check every state/province you visit beforehand?

There is a sign on the highway, just before you cross from BC into Alberta, not to carry firewood. And, there are signs telling you not to take home-grown fruit into the Okanagan.
I understand there are checkpoints on California highways to stop people from moving potentially infected agriculture produce from state to state.

[float5]

Originally Posted by NW Cat Owner

You can't take food across the border? I never knew that. How does one find out about stuff like that? I still have a very hard time eating bananas from all the times we'd drive to California as kids (well, mom drove, to be specific) and have to eat it before we crossed in as my mom thought they'd be on the forbidden list. Of course, they never were. Even though we had stuffed ourselves silly on bananas.

We will likely have plenty of food with us but it will be largely processed. The main offenders tend to be plants of any kind, fresh fruit or maybe vegetables. They will confiscate whatever they don't like. Try not to have any fresh items.

[gbaglo]

Originally Posted by Floating Cloud

We will likely have plenty of food with us but it will be largely processed.

You can get Zesty Cheese Doritos in Osoyoos.

[float5]

And here the border guards were confiscating fruit but let that stuff in. Ironically, they have to keep the real food out. They particularly don't like anything with dirt on it.

[Brian B-P]

Originally Posted by NW Cat Owner

I still have a very hard time eating bananas from all the times we'd drive to California as kids (well, mom drove, to be specific) and have to eat it before we crossed in as my mom thought they'd be on the forbidden list. Of course, they never were. Even though we had stuffed ourselves silly on bananas.

As Cathy explained, the concern is mostly with fresh meat and produce. Since the biggest concern is bringing in bugs that attack stuff grown in the country you're visiting, some fresh fruit is allowed that might be a surprise. My family came back to Ontario from Florida long ago and pigged out on grapefruit to finish a box... then found that they would have been allowed in. You can't grow grapefruit in Ontario weather, so there's no local industry to protect.


If in doubt, leave it behind... and even if you're sure it's okay, full disclosure in answering questions at the border (in either direction) is the way to go.

[Losangeles]

Any clever hidden spaces in a 2017 21'

That I could have made..... More useful..... During the build?

Laptop. Camera. Ipad.

Maybe even a small safe.



Thanks.

[Mucram]

Ok good info about food stuffs. What about canines crossing border? Haven't researched this yet. Also on another topic. What to expect or ask for if I want to go up before build & see a 17b 2017. Sorry to derail thread.

[Losangeles]

Originally Posted by Mucram

Ok good info about food stuffs. What about canines crossing border? Haven't researched this yet. Also on another topic. What to expect or ask for if I want to go up before build & see a 17b 2017. Sorry to derail thread.

I don't know about any of these things

I would suggest you use the search function : dog

And to see any Escape trailer just call or email the office and make an appointment.


And you are correct / best to not derail a threat just search first, and if no dice post a new thread.



Plenty of nice helpful people here

[gbaglo]

Google Canada/US border and get info from the horse's mouth, so to speak.

[Mucram]

Ok thanks but ouch. Didn't mean to derail but have seen it happen many times. Now feel bad.

[PGDriver]

Originally Posted by Mucram

Ok thanks but ouch. Didn't mean to derail but have seen it happen many times. Now feel bad.

Don't feel bad, some of us specialize in derailing threads [emoji23]
Cheers
Doug