emissions on california class c's

[Wingcamper]

We are looking at purchasing a class c in the 2000 to 2005 age range. I have noticed that the class c's in California have been smog tested. Do class c's there have different emission equipment than other states? If so, do they get poorer fuel mileage because of their emission equipment. Is there any reason I should not consider buying a used class c firm California? Thank you for your feed back.

[Bordercollie]

You learn something every day if lucky. I assumed the Triton V-10 had a smog pump like my cars. Didn't know about differences in testing of rigs after year 2000 but wondered why no dyno, no disturbance of dog house.

We once bought a used 79 Delta Class C with Chevy V8, that didn't pass smog test. Found out that smog equipment had been removed. Something to watch out for when buying a used RV.

[carringb]

There's no air pump on the Triton motors

[Bordercollie]

I don't think that the "smog" air pump takes much power to run, they spin easily by hand, they run a long time before failure with no maintenance. Most 450 V-10's have about the same fuel economy depending on tire pressure , winds, RV weight including water tank, stuff and people, as well as speeds above 55mph, grades vs flat land driving, altitude, and to some extent use of cruise control vs manual throttle and use of gears all affect fuel economy which varies from 7-11 mpg based on user comments that I have read. RV's are large non-streamlined, heavy vehicles with lots of rolling resistance. Diesel powered RV's cost considerably more new, diesel fuel itself is fairly expensive, and the RV must be driven many, many miles for the fuel economy pay off. Periodic diesel service is fairly expensive also.
If you can afford owning and maintaining an RV, cost of fuel really becomes apparent on long trips with infrequent stops, otherwise it becomes acceptable. If you eat sandwiches, etc.,in the RV, not in restaurants, you can offset fuel costs quite a bit

[carringb]

My van is equipped with California emissions. It's still running great at 437,000 hard miles. I have recently developed a vacuum leak somewhere that I suspect is related to the EGR system (and definitely related to cruise control, so maybe more than 1 leak) and that's been by only emissions related issue so far.

[klutchdust]

Wingcamper wrote:
I understand what you are saying about not being too concerned about fuel mileage, Klutchdust. My thought was, the smog pump is probably belt driven so I wondered how much it affected fuel and maintenance cost. Does the system have to be cleaned periodically, does it put the same load on the engine as the ac compressor? We are just starting our search and I am not at all familiar with the V-10 emissions, so just trying to get as much information as I can before writing the check.

The V-10 has a good reputation. Friends have pick-ups one uses it for personal use and has 275K miles trouble free and the other uses his for work and went 475K before a cylinder went out. He actually drove it with a bad cylinder for awhile then bought a crate motor. A good motor paired with a decent transmission in these Fords. BTW both friends use Mobil 1 in there's ,i do also.

[Wingcamper]

I understand what you are saying about not being too concerned about fuel mileage, Klutchdust. My thought was, the smog pump is probably belt driven so I wondered how much it affected fuel and maintenance cost. Does the system have to be cleaned periodically, does it put the same load on the engine as the ac compressor? We are just starting our search and I am not at all familiar with the V-10 emissions, so just trying to get as much information as I can before writing the check.

[klutchdust]

Bordercollie wrote:
Our class C requires smog testing every two years but it isn't done on a dyno setup, they just shove a sensor up the tail pipe and connect to the smog test computer. You could check with your DMV and find out if CA motorhome smog equipment is compatible with your state's requirements.

Was told last time one of my vehicles was checked is that the dyno is used on any vehicle older than 2000. Also they tried to charge me extra for motorhome smog test and my argument was that it is a pick up truck with a box on it. Some class A's with gas engine require dog house removal, mine doesn't. They refunded the 50 dollar extra fee.

[Bordercollie]

Our class C requires smog testing every two years but it isn't done on a dyno setup, they just shove a sensor up the tail pipe and connect to the smog test computer. You could check with your DMV and find out if CA motorhome smog equipment is compatible with your state's requirements.

[klutchdust]

Wingcamper wrote:
We have emission testing here, but a class c might be over the maximum weight required to be tested. I was concerned about more maintenance, poor performance, or fuel mileage because of the smog equipment, but it sounds like it may be a non issue. We are taking a vacation to southern California later this month and there are a couple rv's I want to look at. I feel better about it now. Thanks for your comments.

Maybe a super C would be non smog but if it has a gasoline engine California wants it smogged. My diesel pick up has to be smogged now but all they do is a visual and plug into the computer. As far as "chipping" or modifying for performance my best advice is don't. Class C's get 8MPG. Sometimes 9 sometimes 5 . If MPG is a concern then rent a room and drive a prius.

[Wingcamper]

We have emission testing here, but a class c might be over the maximum weight required to be tested. I was concerned about more maintenance, poor performance, or fuel mileage because of the smog equipment, but it sounds like it may be a non issue. We are taking a vacation to southern California later this month and there are a couple rv's I want to look at. I feel better about it now. Thanks for your comments.

[carringb]

Only reason to avoid buying in California is paying California sales tax, but that can be avoided by doing out-of-state delivery. And yes, even if your home state also collects sales tax, CA wants their cut too.

[Ski_Pro_3]

As long as the motor has fuel injection and not a carb, it's all good. Most likely the only differences might be temperature sensors that meter things like when the EGR valve opens or closes. And since there are several programmers for the ECM/ECU for FI motors, it's not hard to remap the thing and have what ever you want in performance; towing, fuel economy, power, etc.

[D_E_Bishop]

There are several states that have adopted CA emission standards without damaging the mpg. I don't think you'll have any problem.

[Lwiddis]

We have all kinds of special rules regarding motor vehicles in California sanctioned by the Feds. Our vehicles are supposed to be cleaner.