Travel Trailer Inspection in Texas

[bstar1952]

Anyone had to renew their TT registration in Texas since 1 March? I tried today and was told the TT had to be inspected before I could renew. From what I was told, everything is in a database now. What a bunch of BS, I've owned a TT for over 20 years and never had to get it inspected. Took it to a regular inspection station and the guy didn't have a clue what to inspect,just looked at the lights and tires. IMO, this is just another way to squeeze a "little more" from us. I am truly disgusted.

[whatsnext]

deleted because double post

[whatsnext]

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.

[dwayneb236]

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.

[Lynnmor]

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.

[rjv57chevy]

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/

[Community Alumni]

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.

[Mr__Camper]

I agree. To explain why would be a political answer and the moderators are intolerant of such things. Texas is the only location I've been forced to travel through and constantly run into hassles unlike every state in the union. To my knowledge they are also one of two states whom constantly speak of leaving the United States.

[avatr]

coolbreeze01 wrote:

Mr. Camper wrote:
Stay in the USA and avoid Texas at all times.

Good 1

says the guy from the land of the nuts and fruits...... 🙂

[coolbreeze01]

Mr. Camper wrote:
Stay in the USA and avoid Texas at all times.

Good 1

[goatrancher]

Any inspection station that does big trucks should be able to do the inspection. They only check lights and tires, I think. The RV dealers do them too. Check with them.

[Mr__Camper]

Stay in the USA and avoid Texas at all times.

[mhardin]

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.

[spike99]

For more details, surf entire post at http://www.chron.com/sports/article/Law-requires-that-trailers-get-safety-inspections-6115851.php

Mandatory inspections are being done because some folks pull "trash" down the road. They don't check their brakes, they don't check their lights and they don't use safety chains. They simply connect and pull. Thus, mandatory new laws - because the few stupid folks don't use common sense. Now, all must suffer (very sad face).

[bobcouch]

Texas law has required an annual safety inspection on most 5th wheels and larger bumper-pull trailers (the current law says anything over 4500 lbs) for years.
The law was seldom enforced, and a lot of owners didn't bother to have it done.
That is now a thing of the past. The new single-sticker system for inspection and registration means you can't renew your license plates without a current safety inspection in the State's computer system.

[BB_TX]

Trailers in TX above 5,000 lbs, I think, have long been required to have an inspection. Although few people actually do it including myself. But now they are tying the registration to the fact the trailer does in fact have valid inspection. Not a new requirement, just a new way to inforce it. I will have to do it within the next 3 months.

Brakes, lights, and tires is about all there is for a trailer. There are some inspection stations geared to do RVs and do know about the requirements.