Curious about RV inspections in different states

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Curious about RV inspections in different states

August 21, 2019, 01:48:11 pm

I have read a couple posts about strict RV inspections in a couple back east states and RVs having to pass them.

I am curious this inspection. Is this an inspection done when you put the RV title into your name?

In AZ, while we have to take the RV in to show them when we get a title (we don’t with a car) - get it inspected before we could do the title/registration. They looked at it for a minute from several feet away (didn't walk around it looking at it), I think I remember them checking the door label, and likely wrote down the vin. Said yup it is an RV and confirmed the brand with me and that was it. It was about 5 minutes long, certainly no more.

I don’t remember anything else being checked, even things as simple as checking if it had working lights (we had a tail light out at that time). In our state police/sheriffs/etc. can pull you over for a light being out and I am guessing have the option to write a "fix-it" ticket like most states.
We do have the standard emissions tests in our larger cities (not the smaller ones).

Is your RV inspection different at your state?

Re: Curious about RV inspections in different states

Reply #1 – August 21, 2019, 02:10:34 pm

In California, I only had to have my RV smog checked before I could register it. That was all.

Re: Curious about RV inspections in different states

Reply #2 – August 21, 2019, 02:31:39 pm

In NC, we don't have an inspection to register the vehicle in the state as long as the LD has a good title.

We do have annual safety inspections.

Heavier vehicles (like the LD) are exempt from the emissions and OBD portions of the inspection (does it have any uncleared codes?) The result is an inspection that looks at the tires, exhaust, horn, wipers, mirrors, tint, and lights. Cost is less than $15

Some years the inspector requires all of the running lights on the RV to be working. Other years they only care about headlights, turn signals, and backup lights. Once every 2-3 years they raise the RV and wiggle the tires to check some suspension parts.

The hardest part for me is finding a shop that wants to hassle with the RV for $15. I've had a 2 place that stopped doing state RV safety inspections because it's more hassle than a car. Right now I take my LD to a Ford Quicklane service place associated with the Ford dealer just outside of town. My experience is that rural(er) dealers do better with larger vehicles. Sometimes it's just a matter of having more space in the parking lot and garage than an urban dealer.

Rich
'03 MB in NC

Re: Curious about RV inspections in different states

Reply #3 – August 21, 2019, 02:58:18 pm

Delaware has the same inspection for RV's as they do a car. They check horn, tires, lights, signals, brakes, check windshield for cracks, etc. Only older ( pre 1981) vehicles don't need an emissions test. If you pass, it is good for 2 years, as long as you pay for 2 years. Information is per De. DMV.

Re: Curious about RV inspections in different states

Reply #4 – August 21, 2019, 04:33:14 pm

In MD we have to have a full checklist inspection done. I just had mine done for the LD I bought a couple weeks ago. They checked brake pad depth, tire depth, steering components, exhaust, all lights working, ball joints etc. My inspection failed because the inspector claimed I had to have two red reflectors on the side rear corners above the two side marker lights (I have a 2008). I had to go to AutoZone, by $2.99 worth of reflectors and stick them on and then he passed it. Ridiculous but glad he didn't find any major issues so can't complain. You only have to have it inspected when you purchase and put the title in your name. You are exempt if the vehicle is 20+ years old and considered "historic".

Best part, the inspection cost me $350 due to the weight. Bullshit!

Re: Curious about RV inspections in different states

Reply #5 – August 21, 2019, 04:47:50 pm

In Colorado, I believe we're just required to pass the emissions test.

Re: Curious about RV inspections in different states

Reply #6 – August 21, 2019, 04:54:19 pm

No inspection in the Florida panhandle. It could be different in the south.

Jim

Re: Curious about RV inspections in different states

Reply #7 – August 21, 2019, 05:32:03 pm

What To Know About Vehicle Inspections in All 50 States | Haynes Manuals

Re: Curious about RV inspections in different states

Reply #8 – August 21, 2019, 05:55:45 pm

In PA annual mechanical inspection or the rig is required. Like MD, all major systems are checked sans emissions.

It costs me about $85 annually for this inspection, but for me it is well worth the price knowing certified mechanics have checked major systems especially brakes and tires (admitting I am illiterate with car/RV stuff). No guessing about how good are my brake pads.

Bob

Re: Curious about RV inspections in different states

Reply #9 – August 21, 2019, 06:27:08 pm

Virginia requires an annual inspection of these items:

https://www.vsp.virginia.gov/Safety.shtm#InspectionProgram

It costs $20 and I'm happy to pay it for peace of mind that all these systems are in good working order. On my LD, I've only had light bulbs out that needed to be replaced and have been happy to have someone else check and replace those for me.

Re: Curious about RV inspections in different states

Reply #10 – August 21, 2019, 07:25:35 pm

In Oregon no safety inspection but if ya live in the Portland area you'll need a smog check every two years.

glen

Re: Curious about RV inspections in different states

Reply #11 – August 21, 2019, 08:06:23 pm

Fern, wow that is a lot they check in VA. I wonder how many vehicles in AZ would get kicked off the roads with those kind of checks (cars last a long time here with low humidity/rainfall).
Jane

Re: Curious about RV inspections in different states

Reply #12 – August 21, 2019, 11:59:07 pm

Fern how did you get it to pass with a broken windshield and broken speedometer? Maryland failed my LD for claiming I needed two reflectors even though they aren’t factory to my rig! They are so nit picky!

Re: Curious about RV inspections in different states

Reply #13 – August 22, 2019, 12:25:23 am

Quote from: brewersarcade - August 21, 2019, 11:59:07 pm

Fern how did you get it to pass with a broken windshield and broken speedometer? Maryland failed my LD for claiming I needed two reflectors even though they aren’t factory to my rig! They are so nit picky!

They said the size and placement of the crack in the windshield was not an issue. As far as the speedometer not registering beyond 40 mph, it's been like that from when my friend Susan had it and has always passed inspection. She was also from Maryland, so apparently it passed there as well.

So sorry about yours failing! It sounds like an easy enough fix, though. Glad it wasn't anything more serious!

Re: Curious about RV inspections in different states

Reply #14 – August 22, 2019, 09:46:15 am

"As far as the speedometer not registering beyond 40 mph, it's been like that from when my friend Susan had it and has always passed inspection."

If you travel with a GPS unit, it will tell you your speed.

Chris

Re: Curious about RV inspections in different states

Reply #15 – August 22, 2019, 10:03:14 am

Quote from: Chris Horst - August 22, 2019, 09:46:15 am

If you travel with a GPS unit, it will tell you your speed.

That's exactly what I've done, and what Susan did, too. So for me, it's not been an issue at all. And nowadays there are phone apps that also clock your speed.

Re: Curious about RV inspections in different states

Reply #16 – August 22, 2019, 10:37:29 am

I had a speedometer fail, and it was repaired by Motorhome Service - instrument clusters,speedometers

If you're comfortable getting the speedometer out of the dash, it was a simple and relatively affordable (<$300) process.

More here - Faulty Speedometer

Rich
'03 MB in NC

Re: Curious about RV inspections in different states

Reply #17 – August 22, 2019, 12:14:31 pm

I registered my Lazy Daze in Yavapai County, Arizona just with the title, not even having the rig with me in the parking lot. This has been possible here since I registered my first car here in 1996. There is also no emissions testing in Yavapai County - as far as I know in Arizona emissions tests are only required in the Phoenix and Tuscon areas.

Klaus

Re: Curious about RV inspections in different states

Reply #18 – August 22, 2019, 12:31:23 pm

The link from Haynes Manuals posted above lists each state's requirements to register (or inspect, check. smog...) a vehicle; those interested in a specific state's laws might want to check that resource, then double-check with the state of interest to make sure the information is current and correct.

Re: Curious about RV inspections in different states

Reply #19 – August 22, 2019, 02:35:41 pm

In New Hampshire it's the same for an RV as it is for any other vehicle; Safety inspection, emissions and checking for any OBD2 codes. The first time we register a vehicle we have 10 days to get it inspected. After that it's once per year during our birth month. We also have to renew the registration then.

Re: Curious about RV inspections in different states

Reply #20 – August 23, 2019, 02:27:37 am

Klaus, same here. In Phoenix, for vehicles we need the smog test only, but I was just down there today (sold our older car and were finally doing the transfer stuff) and since the registration was current it didn't need the smog test again at sell time which was nice. Just hand over the title.
Jane

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