cancel
Showing results for 
Search instead for 
Did you mean: 

California smog RV surcharge

klutchdust
Explorer II
Explorer II
Took the Cambria in today to my favorite smog check station and on top of the normal and expected fees I was told there would be an additional fee of 50 because it is an RV. I asked the technician specifically what the extra attention he would need to put into the smog process and after stuttering and stammering he said "because it's bigger".
Now the smog check involves running a cable to the port under the dash, walking a detection nozzle and insert it in the tailpipe then accelerating the engine at 2500 for 60 seconds, test complete. My cars require a dynamometer test as well, my diesel pick-up the same as the RV. Oh yes, they visually inspect that there has been no modification of the systems and then peer underneath to see if the catalytic converter is there. "It's bigger". Knowing these folks as I am a regular customer I explained my case to the desk Lady and after 5 minutes of why ,she simply said that she has no idea what I am talking about. Now, if you have a class A and they remove the engine cover that is 20 clams more. My explanation to the nice lady that basically you are looking at a pick up truck with a box on top she smiled and said "that's nice".
I love this state....
17 REPLIES 17

klutchdust
Explorer II
Explorer II
toedtoes wrote:
If you don't like it, then go do something about it. Whinging about "this state" gets you nowhere. Work to change the laws you consider unfair or go somewhere else without these laws.


You know nothing about me to make a statement like that, secondly i viewed your previous posts and you have commented on such varying topics on so many different subject spewing your unwanted advice on how people should live and at such great length that you fit into my description of a troll, bug off.

toedtoes
Explorer III
Explorer III
If you don't like it, then go do something about it. Whinging about "this state" gets you nowhere. Work to change the laws you consider unfair or go somewhere else without these laws.
1975 American Clipper RV with Dodge 360 (photo in profile)
1998 American Clipper Fold n Roll Folding Trailer
Both born in Morgan Hill, CA to Irv Perch (Daddy of the Aristocrat trailers)

klutchdust
Explorer II
Explorer II
toedtoes wrote:
Here is the exemption clause for the 2007 Class C diesel: Diesel powered 1997 year model and older or with a Gross Vehicle Weight rating (GVWR) of more than 14,000 lbs


same engine, same components. Unfair.

toedtoes
Explorer III
Explorer III
Here is the exemption clause for the 2007 Class C diesel: Diesel powered 1997 year model and older or with a Gross Vehicle Weight rating (GVWR) of more than 14,000 lbs
1975 American Clipper RV with Dodge 360 (photo in profile)
1998 American Clipper Fold n Roll Folding Trailer
Both born in Morgan Hill, CA to Irv Perch (Daddy of the Aristocrat trailers)

klutchdust
Explorer II
Explorer II
leeper wrote:
My 2007 Class C diesel is exempt in California.


Interesting since my 06 GMC pick-up is not. There's fairness for you, they most likely have the same Duramax engine. California, you gotta love it.

leeper
Explorer
Explorer
My 2007 Class C diesel is exempt in California.

klutchdust
Explorer II
Explorer II
So here is the update on my post. I spoke to a person in their main office and explained the situation and she agreed with me stating that the RV extra charge is for class A's only. Not wanting to get involved with that issue because mine is a C ,I made no further comments. She did say that she will be mailing me a check for 50 dollars.

klutchdust
Explorer II
Explorer II
Cousin_Eddie93 wrote:
Come to Jersey, RV's are now smog test and inspection exempt. No more long lines, no more stickers.


Born in New Jersey. I remember getting our cars through state inspections , that was a hoot.

Cousin_Eddie93
Explorer
Explorer
Come to Jersey, RV's are now smog test and inspection exempt. No more long lines, no more stickers.

The_Logans
Explorer
Explorer
Interesting, the smog check stations get to establish their own surcharges...


Test Only Smog Station. We smog check ALL vehicles for smog certificate including Heavy Duty Trucks, RV's & Gross Polluters.

Serving Anaheim, Brea, Buena Park, Costa Mesa, Cypress, Fountain Valley, Fullerton, Garden Grove, Huntington Beach, Los Alamitos, Orange, Stanton, Santa Ana, Seal Beach, Tustin, Westminster and all of Orange County and Long Beach.

Click Here for Map & Coupon

All smog checks are NOT equal. Compare our procedures with others.



Auto Research


Other Smog Stations
Trucks No extra charge Extra Charge of $5 to $10
Electronic Transmission NO extra charge Extra Charge of $3 to $5
OBD II, 1996 & Newer Vehicles NO extra charge Extra Charge of $5 to $10
Retest FREE Only free if they do repairs
Me, My wonderful Wife, 2 Bluetick Hounds, a Newfie, a Cairn Terrier & a Black Lab / Newfie Mix.
2018 Jayco Alante 31v

Tinyandthegang
Explorer
Explorer
The state only sets the price of the certificate, the station may charge what ever they like and you may chose which station you like.

D_E_Bishop
Explorer
Explorer
I'm a relative newby only had an RV since 1998 and I've never paid more for a smog check than was posted on the wall as required. Nothing about a surcharge for it being an RV.
"I travel not to go anywhere, but to go. I travel for travel's sake. The great affair is to go". R. L. Stevenson

David Bishop
2002 Winnebago Adventurer 32V
2009 GMC Canyon
Roadmaster 5000
BrakeBuddy Classic II

time2roll
Nomad
Nomad
It is not a scam unless the charge is disclosed after the work is done.
And yes many (most?) shops charge similar.

navegator
Explorer
Explorer
That is agood scam, go to another shop.

navegator