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....

Before blaming California, are you sure this "RV surcharge" is required by law? Or is it the individual smog check station that is screwing you over???I haven't heard anyone I know with an RV mention an RV surcharge for their smog check, but as mine is a '75 and exempt, I don't have personal experience with RV smog checks (yep, that was a humble brag :) ).

I have earlier talked to my smog shop and he told me there is no difference in the work. They charge more for trucks and motorhomes because they can, period.

Talked to my local Sprinter dealer today for another item, and he told me that they'd never think of doing such a thing.He also commented that modern smog is done by reading the monitor triggers in the computer, and that it's best to get your RV smogged after a trip, rather than after it's been sitting for a while, because the monitor triggers will get lost/go stale. The cure for such a thing is driving the RV around for a while; maybe that's the origin of the surcharge (unless it's just greed).

That is agood scam, go to another shop.navegator

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

California smog RV surcharge | Good Sam Community

klutchdust
Explorer II
Jun 06, 2016
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
Jun 06, 2016
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.
klutchdust
Explorer II
Jun 06, 2016
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
Jun 06, 2016
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
klutchdust
Explorer II
Jun 06, 2016
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
Jun 06, 2016
My 2007 Class C diesel is exempt in California.
klutchdust
Explorer II
Jun 06, 2016
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
Jun 06, 2016
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
Jun 05, 2016
Come to Jersey, RV's are now smog test and inspection exempt. No more long lines, no more stickers.
The_Logans
Explorer
Jun 05, 2016
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.

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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

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