Travel Trailer Inspection in Texas

Lynnmor wrote:
Welcome to my world. In PA we have had annual trailer inspections for many years. These official inspection stations pull at least one brake drum from each axle. They have stripped wheel studs, smashed hub caps, contaminated bearing grease, destroyed grease seals, used cotter pins so small that they were dangerous, tightened lug nuts to only 35 ft. lbs., adjusted wheel bearings wrong and charged me for this wonderful service. I could write a book about all the faulty work done to my cars and trailers in the name of safety.

I think you need to find a better shop. Cause I have never had any problems what so ever when getting my tt or my vehicles inspected.

texasclarks wrote:
As a Texan who is active military, has Texas as home of residence, but lives out of state this will be a real pain. We don't go home every year. Hopefully they will be able to make an exception for those who are residents but don't live there or aren't in Texas. I really don't want to get new tags on TT (and every other motor vehicle I own).

I can understand the background, I am just hoping there are exceptions to the rule.

There is.

This rule applies to all your personal vehicles registered in Texas, not just trailers/ RVs. Your truck or car has to pass safety inspection before the registration can be renewed.

The separate state inspection sticker has been eliminated.

Now safety inspection results go into a state database, and before the county tax assessor can renew the registration, the database has to show the vehicle has passed inspection.

All you have to do when you are renewing your registration is certify the vehicle is out of state. The registration can be renewed, and you need to have the vehicle inspected within 48 hours of returning to Texas.

This is the state official web site on the changed procedures:

Texas Registration

We get ours inspected every year with it being 9,000 lbs. On that I thought it was going to be for cars, trucks on inspection stickers & tags. The local news & DPS was not real clear on how it is done. I went to get my inspection done to find out as I renew my tags it will get inspected for them. I was also told you have 90 days to get it inspected before the tags are due. Will need to find out about the campers inspection too. It is hard to find someone here in Midland that does inspections. Now DH takes the camper to a trucking center for inspection.

Sharon

As a Texan who is active military, has Texas as home of residence, but lives out of state this will be a real pain. We don't go home every year. Hopefully they will be able to make an exception for those who are residents but don't live there or aren't in Texas. I really don't want to get new tags on TT (and every other motor vehicle I own).

I can understand the background, I am just hoping there are exceptions to the rule.

deleted because double post

mhardin wrote:

spike99 wrote:
... mandatory new laws - because the few stupid folks don't use common sense. Now, all must suffer (very sad face).

It is not a "mandatory new law". Texas has required trailer inspections for many years. Most folks just ignored the law because it was unlikely you'd be caught.

What they've done now is to tie the inspection to the issuance of tags. No inspection, no tags.

It's going to be a PITA because most inspection stations don't have parking lots big enough for our trailers.

Used to be determined on length, width, with a formula, not just weight.

It's like 15 bucks a year for the inspection. Not gonna break my bank. I've never done it but will have to of course next time. I contacted a couple of big RV dealers around here and they can do the inspections. I don't have a problem with it at all.

I didn't realize it was necesarry for quite a while after I had my trailer. Walking around one day and saw the sticker on one of the windows. Surprised me. And I'm LEO...I could not ever see writing anyone that ticket though.

Welcome to my world. In PA we have had annual trailer inspections for many years. These official inspection stations pull at least one brake drum from each axle. They have stripped wheel studs, smashed hub caps, contaminated bearing grease, destroyed grease seals, used cotter pins so small that they were dangerous, tightened lug nuts to only 35 ft. lbs., adjusted wheel bearings wrong and charged me for this wonderful service. I could write a book about all the faulty work done to my cars and trailers in the name of safety.

Nothing new here, all trailers in Texas over 4,500 GVWR have needed an inspection as long as can remember, at least 30 years. Those complaining have either ignored the law or was simply ignorant of it. Mainly because it was rarely enforced but it is the law. The law is not just for RV's, it applies to any trailer.

They are doing this to reduce sticker fraud and improve compliance. If you have Texas Farm Trailer plates you are exempt.

Not all inspection stations do trailers, go here and enter you zip for inspection stations. Find a station that does trailers, it will be designated by TL (Trailer Certificate).
http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/rsd/vi/VIactiveStationLocator/

Yeah, the inspection requirement has been on the books for years now. Like others have said it's been lightly enforce until now with the one sticker system. The same reality check is happening to motorcycle guys and gals. It's just a regular safety inspection they have to perform, just as they would with a car. It's only like $7 at the station.

Use the link below to find the nearest station. Look for TL or TLMC in the Endorsements column.

Link

05.06 Inspect All Trailers, Semitrailers, Pole Trailers, or Mobile Homes Exceeding 4,500 Pounds Actual Gross Weight or Registered Weight For: (Listed in suggested order of inspection) Refer to Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations, if required.

* Check for evidence of Financial Responsibility on towing vehicle

1. Brakes (system) (If gross weight exceeds 4,500 pounds)
2. Tires
3. Wheel Assembly
4. Safety Guards or Flaps (if four tires or more on rearmost axle) Pole trailers exempt.
5. Tail Lamps (2)
6. Stop Lamps (2)
7. License Plate Lamp (1)
8. Rear Red Reflectors (2)
9. Turn Signal Lamps
10. Clearance Lamps
11. Side Marker Lamps
12. Side Reflectors
13. Side Marker Lamps and Reflectors (30 feet or more in overall length)
(Refer to Reference Section as per lighting diagrams and as applicable to the particular trailer being inspected.)
14. Serial or Vehicle Identification Number
15. Window Tint.