Having moved from Georgia to Pennsylvania in 2009, I was surprised when I found out that I had to have my boat trailer inspected (along with my cars, RV, etc). I was walking around a marine supply store near the lake and saw the sign advertising the prices (per axle) for state inspection. I believe PA requires trailers over 3000lb GVWR have brakes installed on every axle and be inspected.
See
here and
here.I have walked around a few Campgrounds here in PA and saw many permanently placed RV’s that had not seen an inspection in many years. Most were registered, but I am doubtful they had been inspected in recent years.
Trailer inspections can be quite costly, I’ve been quoted prices of $125.00 or more. Average for dual axle is around $75. I was paying about $150 a year to inspect our Class C motor home. Brake inspections usually require removal of the wheels (duals included). We don’t have emission requirements locally, but that can add $80-125 for motorized vehicles.
I personally feel it is only a money maker for the local automobile and service centers. The requirements keep people bringing their vehicles into service centers and they can usually find “something” that your vehicle needs (chip in the windshield, tires, etc).
Does it improve safety on the roads? Sure, I am certain on more than one occasion an inspector has failed a car that should not have been on the road. However, more often I have heard horror stories of customers being told they need X and Y to get their car passed, only to take the car to another shop and have it pass with flying colors. Like any “government” system there will be abuse. I am doubtful the local RV dealer ever removed the wheels to inspect my rear brakes on my Class C. I had a leaking rear brake actuator that made it through inspection (I found it when I had to add brake fluid to my reservoir the day before and day after my inspection) . But they were quick to tell me my tires were “looking” old and I should replace them and they were happy to give me a price.
That brings the age old question, “do we need or want government protecting us from ourselves or each other?” I for one don’t believe so. You can always find pro’s in support of a government mandated regulation but that doesn’t make it ethical or right. Protecting us from ourselves often removes that most basic of survival and evolutionary factors and keeps stupid people in the gene pool. That may offend many people, but it is the truth.
We lived in Georgia for 9 years without vehicle inspections and so far in PA for 4.5 years. I have seen plenty of vehicles in both states that I questioned the road-worthiness. I never felt like I was surrounded by ticking time-bombs in Georgia and was never in an accident caused by an unsafe vehicle. Do I feel safer in PA with a state inspection? “No”. I feel more annoyed that I have to take the trailer and pay someone $150 for a sticker for something I do on my own.
OJ
