Need advice about Texas inspection?

[rguild]

My registration expires the end of December and a vehicle inspection is required to renew. I need advice on where and how to make that task as smooth and painless as possible. I'm a full timer with a 2015 Fleetwood Bounder 33C, a gas coach on a Ford chassis.

Potential pre-inspection repair issue: My remote tire pressure monitoring system has caused a malfunction in the valve stem of my front passenger side tire. The valve stem remains open when I remove the remote monitor. The tire is a Michelin. Should I look for a Ford commercial repair center or a Michelin dealer?

Recommendations for inspection location: I'm currently outside of Las Vegas, making a leisurely trip east to arrive in Austin for Christmas. I am flexible on routes but hope to find an inspection station that doesn't require a multi-day wait or advance appointment. I am painfully aware that, if I have to go to a dealership, I will need to schedule an appointment well in advance.

Can anyone recommend one or more Texas service centers for the valve stem repair and the inspection? Also, please let me know of any other items I need to check in advance, my fire extinguisher for example, to assure I pass inspection on the first pass.

[VSPA]

Itasca 35F on F53 chassis. When I had my inspection done, it was check all the lights, headlights,running, brake and turn signal lights, horn and windshield wipers.

[Rkesselus]

I am not sure what to say as a place to have the inspection done. If I understand it correctly you are required to have the inspection done in the area where you reside due to some counties and/or City's are under stricter inspection rules than others. I know a few full timers that have their registration done in North East Texas and count that as their permanent residence. I would suggest a phone call to Texas Department of Public Safety and ask your question if you don't get it here on the forum.

[V3600]

Since you're a full-timer how about finding a state with no inspection requirement and perhaps way cheaper registration?

[USAF Wings]

I assume your MH is registered in TX or you are going to register in TX. Many service stations and lube businesses offer inspections, just look for the State Inspection sign posted at the location. The items they check are what VSPA indicated. You will also have to show proof of vehicle liability insurance. I have never had to make an appointment, just ask if they can do a state inspection.
Hope this helps.

[FlyingDiver]

Originally Posted by rguild

Can anyone recommend one or more Texas service centers for the valve stem repair and the inspection? Also, please let me know of any other items I need to check in advance, my fire extinguisher for example, to assure I pass inspection on the first pass.

Since you're going to Austin, plan a stay at La Hacienda RV Resort on Hudson Bend Rd (lahaciendarvpark.com). Right where Hudson Bend comes off FM 620 is Don Rucker Tire ((512) 266-2640). I had my rig inspected there several times. And I'm sure they can deal with your tire stem issue while you're there. I generally called a day or two ahead.

[jd956jd956]

Not sure if I completely understand your circumstance, yet if your vehicle is registered in Texas, go to the state of Texas website below and you will be able to check a box indicating your vehicle is currently out of state which will permit you get your license plate renewal without obtaining the required state of Texas motor vehicle inspection until you return to Texas. Here is the link: https://rts.texasonline.state.tx.us/...hicle_info.jsp

[grindstone01]

I usually fill out the (out of Texas waiver) and they will send my sticker to our out of state location. If I get to Texas, I can get the inspection done then. Once I forgot the inspection after spending a month in Dallas, so I skipped that year. I don't think the LEO's check that often unless you attract their attention and you could always claim you were going in for an inspection the next day. The last inspection for my diesel truck, they just check the lights and then told me my brakes were bad. I showed the tech a receipt showing a complete brake job done 3 months earlier. The tech just signed the inspection form and said pay in the front office, I smiled all the way home.

[dmurdock]

On the valve stem your shraeder valve is bent..5 minute repair (if that). Regarding inspection, if you are currently registered in Tx almost positive you need to get it inspected in your county of registration.

[Mudfrog]

Originally Posted by VSPA

Itasca 35F on F53 chassis. When I had my inspection done, it was check all the lights, headlights,running, brake and turn signal lights, horn and windshield wipers.

On our little 28 footer, Texas inspection is done just about any place a regular automobile inspection is had. As you said, it's to make sure the lights (head, tail, brake, marker, and license plate) are working. Horn needs to work, windshield wipers have to be in good shape and work, and tires need to have decent tread on them. I'm not positive about this but, emissions may be tested if the inspection is done in Houston, or possibly one of the other larger cities.

The place i usually have ours inspected is a tire shop so it would also be a good place to have the valve stem repaired.

[spinn]

In ElPaso. Stanley Spring and Suspension. A couple of years ago I spent the better part of a day looking for someone in El Paso to inspect our rig. Finally found these guys, they were fast and good.

8800 Castner Dr
El Paso, tx
United States
(915) 593-3737

[txcpl]

I concur with VSPA above. However, call ahead to make sure the inspection place has the space to accept your rig. Some stations are so small, that a big rig will not fit. However, most stations should be able to inspect your rig. Be sure to have an up to date proof of insurance, as that is the first question you will be asked.

[Sue46]

I don;t see why you think you need to go to Ford or Michelin to get the valve stem replaced. Any tire repair place can do it. Save the money, the tire repair place will be less expensive.

Agree on going to TXDPT site to find an inspection place. Again, shouldn't be a problem. Call the CG you plan to dstay at ask them and stop for the inspection before going into camp.

[ctpres]

We just got ours inspected at a Houston Ford Dealer "Quick Lane". Called to set apt but was told none needed. In and out under three hours - state inspection, lube, oil change and Ford inspection. Total if memory still working total was $65.38. Just call Ford and ask for motorhome capable dealers. They gave us three or four and we just picked the closest one.