Community Forums

chuck49 · 03-12-2013, 09:44 AM

Texas requires an annual safety inspection on all motor vehicles. I have had my DP inspected several times at the same "sticker station". When I started taking it there there was no mention of vehicle weight. Last year they told me that they couldn't do it there if the GVWR is over 26,000lbs. I told them I thought is was only around 25,000 (wink, wink). They did it no problem. When I go back this year same thing but inspector looks at the manufacturer's plate and sees the GVWR is 37,000. When I say they did it before he says he will try but doesn't think the system will accept it. He put all the information in the system with no problem and gave me a sticker. I've looked all over the DPS website and can't find anything about different inspections or inspectors for a Motorhome over 26,000LBs. Does anybody know what the deal is on this in Texas?

FlyingDiver · 03-12-2013, 09:51 AM

The place I usually get mine done (in Austin) has never said anything about it. They're a tire shop, but never had an issue doing the RV. And the GVWR on mine is 54,000.

Wayne M · 03-12-2013, 06:03 PM

I'm vin tagged at 27000 and never had a problem.

Lincolnboy2 · 03-13-2013, 08:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chuck49

Texas requires an annual safety inspection on all motor vehicles. I have had my DP inspected several times at the same "sticker station". When I started taking it there there was no mention of vehicle weight. Last year they told me that they couldn't do it there if the GVWR is over 26,000lbs. I told them I thought is was only around 25,000 (wink, wink). They did it no problem. When I go back this year same thing but inspector looks at the manufacturer's plate and sees the GVWR is 37,000. When I say they did it before he says he will try but doesn't think the system will accept it. He put all the information in the system with no problem and gave me a sticker. I've looked all over the DPS website and can't find anything about different inspections or inspectors for a Motorhome over 26,000LBs. Does anybody know what the deal is on this in Texas?

Charlie, maybe the inspector is confusing it with some of the farm vehicle requirements or something, I can't figure it out either.

chuck49 · 03-13-2013, 07:28 PM

Thanks guys. I think maybe they've got it confused with a commercial vehicle. Next time I'll try a different place and see what happens.

StevieG · 03-15-2013, 03:25 PM

I don't know about Texas, but in NY you plug the mh into a computer and it spits out the inspection sticker. No meddling. If you try to input a lower weight, the computer tells you that you have to call the DMV... I just had mine done yeaterday. Above a certain weight, you get a larger commercial sticker, below you get a car sticker. Not sure of the difference yet... besides the size of the sticker (lol!) I have to go on the NYSDMV website and find out.

Possum · 03-15-2013, 03:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wayne M

I'm vin tagged at 27000 and never had a problem.

Is that IN or OUT of the motorhome?

Lincolnboy2 · 03-15-2013, 03:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by StevieG

I don't know about Texas, but in NY you plug the mh into a computer and it spits out the inspection sticker. No meddling. If you try to input a lower weight, the computer tells you that you have to call the DMV... I just had mine done yeaterday. Above a certain weight, you get a larger commercial sticker, below you get a car sticker. Not sure of the difference yet... besides the size of the sticker (lol!) I have to go on the NYSDMV website and find out.

My MH doesn't have that ODMII whatever plugin so they just have to do a manual inspection on it.

Wayne M · 03-15-2013, 03:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Possum

Is that IN or OUT of the motorhome?

27910 when I'm in it Smart Alec!

To the OP, shop around and let us know how you make out.

Lincolnboy2 · 03-15-2013, 03:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wayne M

27910 when I'm in it Smart Alec!

To the OP, shop around and let us know how you make out.

doublechevy · 03-15-2013, 08:26 PM

Steve in Milton NY

your inspection sticker should say (Heavy Vehicle Inspection ) over 26000#
requires a special inspection that can not be done by an inspection station that is not certified to do heavy vehicles

StevieG · 03-16-2013, 12:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by doublechevy

Steve in Milton NY

your inspection sticker should say (Heavy Vehicle Inspection ) over 26000#
requires a special inspection that can not be done by an inspection station that is not certified to do heavy vehicles

Thanks DC. The inspection sticker is not a car sticker. The computer wouldn't even let him go there.. The inspection station I brought it to is a truck inspection and repair facility. They are CAT, Detroit, and Cummings certified working mostly on 18 wheelers and busses. They spent almost 2 days going over my coach underneath. Othere than a bad front driver side wheel seal and some bushings, got a very good report condition report and passed inspection. This was actually the second inspection I had done. One pre-purchase and one to make sure the pre-purchase inspector didn't miss anything.

HHg · 03-16-2013, 04:09 PM

I've had all of my Motorhomes inspected in Round Rock which is right outside of Austin. Had my Phaeton inspected late last year after I purchased it. They inspected it as always. They do less on a M/H inspection (diesel) than they do on my cars.

Hhg

SNAPPY · 03-16-2013, 05:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chuck49

Thanks guys. I think maybe they've got it confused with a commercial vehicle. Next time I'll try a different place and see what happens.

This is your answer. In TX there are two types of inspections.

1:Commercial Safety Inspection. This is for all class 7 and 8 vehicles equipped with diesel engines. In laymen terms, this is an 18 wheeler inspection. No emissions. I know its odd but the same sticker is used for motorcycles too. I was a diesel mechanic and a rider. Car dealerships, unless equipped to do so, can not inspect motorcycles. It's a different sticker.
2:Non-Commercial Inspection. This is the inspection that you get on your car. Emissions testing is based on the population in the county of residence* or fuel type. Obviously diesel engines do not undergo emissions testing. This is also the sticker you will get on your motorhome regardless of weight.

*Counties that border those requiring emissions testing will also be required to do emissions testing regardless of population. Obviously diesels are exempt.