Finding a state inspector for your RV

[mskruk]

We just bought our first motor coach and had the devil of a time finding someone who does state inspection for them.

If you're on the east side of Houston, I found these guys:
AUTO SOLUTIONS 7923 WADE RD. BAYTOWN 281-426-8100

If you're in Texas, I used this link -- http://www.dps.texas.gov/rsd/vi/VIactiveStationLocator/default.aspx -- and a lot of phone calls. (like for more than an hour I called, but I found someone)

Most of the places on the official list don't inspect RV and the front office folks can't answer the question. I had to wait for a service tech to answer the question.

Just thought I'd share and maybe save folks a little trouble.

[infoimp]

Thanks, PPnG! Great idea!!

[PawPaw_n_Gram]

Camping World RV Sales Lubbock is listed as an inspection station.

But check the TX-DPS web site - Inspection Station Locator - then call. There might be someone closer who can do the inspection.

Saving 100 miles worth of fuel driving an RV is worth a couple phone calls.

[wny_pat1]

bukhrn wrote:
Guess we're lucky here,
1. We don't have emission inspections in this part of Va.

Depending on what county you live in and the type of vehicle, NYS requires inspection stations to hook up to the OBDII with a computer which is connect to DMV in the state capital. If there are any active codes, you fail until you get them fixed. If they are unfixable, you can get a waver, but it will end up costing you close to $450.

[bukhrn]

Guess we're lucky here,
1. We don't have emission inspections in this part of Va.
2. Any place that does inspections on cars can do your RV.
My dealer does mine.

[infoimp]

Well that's just great! I just drove my new (to me) 1997 Eldorado home and it's gonna have to have a sticker. I live 50 miles from Lubbock. Here's hoping Camping World can do an inspection and that I don't get caught on the way in!

[sayoung]

Any place that does inspections that has a bay big enough to get it in.travel trailer is not required to be inside to be inspected.That being said,the inspection is a pita simply to collect a tax since all the stuff like adjust lights etc isnt done anymore..

[PawPaw_n_Gram]

$14.50 in Texas

Texas Vehicle Safety Inspection Costs

People who live in these counties have to also have an emissions test for GAS powered vehicles - which costs an extra $27.75 in the Dallas and Houston areas. $16.25 in Austin and $14.25 in El Paso.

Dallas/FW Area - Collin, Dallas, Denton, Ellis, Johnson, Kaufman, Parker, Rockwall, Tarrant

El Paso Area - El Paso,

Houston Area - Brazoria, Fort Bend, Galveston, Harris, Montgomery

Austin Area - Travis, Williamson

My new TT does require an annual inspection in Texas - $14.25 - because its registered weight is over 4,500 lbs. My old trailer actually weighed 4,849 lbs dry, but was listed as design dry weight of 4,495 by the manufacturer - so no inspection required.

This is the TT inspection criteria Texas Trailer Safety Inspection

Class A motorhomes would fall under the bus category. Class C might fall under the bus category, or the pickups/panel trucks over 80" wide category.

All Class A, B and C will require an emissions test if they are gas powered and registered in a county which requires emissions testing.

One reason the OP was having difficulty finding someone to inspect his rig is likely that most folks might consider the state fee 'too little money' for the level of work required to inspect his rig.

The Kwik-Kar near my home can inspect some motor homes, but their overhead doors are only 12'8" high - so many Class A can't fit into the inspection bay to hook up to the emissions testing machine.

Edit - some specific additional information on the TxDPS website for "Unique Vehicles"

##Motor homes and RV’s with a gross weight over 4500 pounds are required to have annual safety inspections. Motor homes in EMISSIONS counties are also required to have the appropriate emissions test performed.

##If the motor home is 1996 or newer and OBDII capable, then your motor home will receive an OBDII test. Not all motor homes in this age category come equipped with OBDII compliant plug-in; therefore, if your motor home or RV is not OBDII ready, it will require the appropriate tailpipe emissions test.

##If the motor home is 1995 or older it requires the ASM emissions test. The ASM equipment in the Dallas and Houston areas have an 8500 pound limitation. Therefore, if your motor home exceeds this weight limitation, it will be switched to the TSI testing mode.

##It is recommended that you make contact with the station prior to arrival to ensure their equipment can accommodate your vehicle. Vehicles too large for standard inspection bays need not be inspected within the inspection building if the analyzer is housed close enough to the bay opening. The analyzers come with a 20 foot lead; and this will determine whether or not a station can roll their machinery outside the bay to conduct this type of inspection.

FYI OBDII is "On Board Diagnostics-Second Generation (OBDII) is a computerized system on 1996 and newer model year vehicles that monitors emissions-related components and systems for proper functionality."

Basically if the Check Engine light is on - automatic fail. If it has been on in the most recent 20 starts - likely fail.

[mpfireman]

Still wondering what this INSPECTION FEE costs? In Illinois, your truck is required to have a yearly inspection, ( years ago it was every 6 months) If you have a truck plate starting with the C weight class. The cost for this inspection now is ? Years back it was like 25 dollars?
I really do not know if motorized RV units are required to be inspected. Even the biggest ones. I know all towable RV units are not inspected.

[Eskimo]

The inspections are for towables also. They check the lights, tires and charge you for the sticker. Last year my tires had flat spots so I had to replace before they would pass the inspection.

[USARMYCW]

rvten wrote:
State inspection ?
This for emissions ?

In Houston and Dallas...... Yes for the emissions and everywhere else in TX you must get a safety inspection. Luckily the lube place near me does inspections.

[rvten]

State inspection ?
This for emissions ?

[Jim-Linda]

Any HDT truck dealer can do a non-DOT inspection. Most large RV dealers CAN do inspections as they have to put sticker on them when the take delivery, whether they WILL is another issue.

Jim

[mpfireman]

Interesting question. What do they charge of this so called INSPECTION? You would think that every RV sales lot would have information on the inspection process. I our state, they only want your money of plates.

[newman_fulltime]

Ppl does them