California Clean Truck Check

[davidkillion]

We purchased and registered our 2007 Country Coach Allure 430 #31513 (400hp Cummins) in CA this year (no smog required). We were assured by many people that these rigs did not qualify for any sort of smog requirement. There’s no smog equipment on the rig, so what can they enforce?

Then today I get this in the mail (attached).

Can any other CA diesel rig owners confirm that this is required? Anybody gone through the process?

[Tachdriver]

Here's a conversation ongoing.

https://www.irv2.com/forums/f84/cali...es-627892.html

[davidkillion]

Thanks. Related, but not exactly what I’m looking for.

Specifically:

*Has anyone gone through this process with a pre-smog equipment rig like a 2007?
*Has anyone ignored this and had their registration blocked?
*Has anyone fought this because we were previously told we were grandfathered?

And what the heck does “passing” mean when there is no smog equipment on it?

[SafariBen]

Passing is an opacity test that a 2007 should pass with no problem. Just because the engine doesn't have EGR, or DEF doesn't mean it doesn't have emissions controls, there were emissions standards back to the 90's that could be tuned to make a smokier truck, and/or one with more power or efficiency. Whoever told you there was no smog testing was wrong. The engine is grandfathered only in that it isn't held to current standards, only as built standards.

[GPCPL]

Originally Posted by davidkillion

Thanks. Related, but not exactly what I’m looking for.

Specifically:

*Has anyone gone through this process with a pre-smog equipment rig like a 2007?
*Has anyone ignored this and had their registration blocked?
*Has anyone fought this because we were previously told we were grandfathered?

And what the heck does “passing” mean when there is no smog equipment on it?

I know this is not specifically what you're looking for, but I have a 2004 Doge Ram 3500 with a 5.9 Cummins. The truck was not manufactured with DPF, DEF and no catalytic convertor. It was not required to smog the truck for the first few years I owned it, then California decide to smog diesel pickups. I still remember the first smog check that it got. I asked the technician what he was going to check. He looked at me and shrugged his shoulders. I've probably had 8 smog checks done on it over the years. Its never failed one and the tech's still shrug thier shoulders when I ask what they check. They just want to make sure its not blowing a bunch of smoke, and the State just wants more $$.

[Dutch Star Don]

I just filled out the online forms yesterday. My coach is a 2019, so a little different than older coaches. You fill out a form and get an email that your paperwork has been accepted. Then you get another form and another email with info and acceptance. I'm waiting for the third form now, probably the one demanding money.

With that said, there are some issues with this new program. The courts are saying that CARB is technically making legislation by demanding these smog requirements/tests. They do not have the authority to make legislation and are exceeding their authority.

CARB has become an uncontrollable nightmare in California. It's time someone puts the brakes on them, better yet, dismantle CARB and let the Feds make legislation regarding clean air.

[jaydee325]

Emission standards for heavy-duty engines have applied from 1974. The following link is to an article explaining the history of Emission Standards for US heavy-duty onroad diesel engines.

I was a heavy equipment tech back in the 1977 to 1980 time frame. I remember my first encounter with a new diesel engine equipped with an external emission control. This was on a front end loader diesel engine that had a retarder attached to the throttle linkage that slowed application of the throttle to minimize the black smoke from the tail pipe when the operator snapped the throttle open. Even then, if an operator requested that the retarder be removed we could not do it because the dealership could be heavily fined!

[Tony Ramirez]

I bought my DP last year from a private party, did the paperwork at AAA. Nothing was said about CARB. Got my renewal from DMV for Sept, still nothing. Then saw on the forum about people having holds placed for not registering w CARB. Went ahead & registered. The program went into effect in '23(Like I said, NOTHING was ever said), so $30 for '23' $30 for 24, +~$2 for using a credit card on their site. I got my DMV renewal recently w no issues.

Still, a PITA, and a money grab!

[bigb56]

Originally Posted by SafariBen

Passing is an opacity test that a 2007 should pass with no problem. Just because the engine doesn't have EGR, or DEF doesn't mean it doesn't have emissions controls, there were emissions standards back to the 90's that could be tuned to make a smokier truck, and/or one with more power or efficiency. Whoever told you there was no smog testing was wrong. The engine is grandfathered only in that it isn't held to current standards, only as built standards.

This is the correct answer. They are not looking for equipment that wasn't required when the rig was built, they are checking to make sure it is operating as clean as it was originally designed to operate. They do the same thing in Tucson and Phoenix, I have a 2002 truck with no emissions, they check it every year for opacity and it passes no problem because it is running properly and has not been modified or after market tuned.

The opacity allowance for your older rig will be much more generous than for a newer rig, they can't make you modify your rig to a newer, cleaner standard, they can only check to see that it is still operating as originally designed.

Many times if an older vehicle fails it's because something needs attention that you would have wanted to know about anyway.

[King Richard]

I got my letter and paid the fees for 2023 and 2024. After I paid I got my read out that informed me my SMOG Check test was due in 90 days. The information I got showed the due dates for these older vehicles to be tested was based upon the last digit in their VIN.

I also did some research and have found that I do have a connection for OBD readout .

It is pretty much a diagnostic tool for technicians to use if you have had some event when running, and need to find out what to look for as a cause.
Ca is going to make some money on this one from all these previously exempt vehicles.
I really feel for those that have no option other than disposing of the engine, that would be a disaster for many people.
They have had severe measures for many years now for "Gross Polluters"

[Tony Ramirez]

[QUOTE=bigb56;6825073]
The opacity allowance for your older rig will be much more generous than for a newer rig, they can't make you modify your rig to a newer, cleaner standard, they can only check to see that it is still operating as originally designed.

That's not entirely true, I know of some big rig truckers that had to either sell their older trucks out of California or replace the engine because CA DMV wouldn't let the re-registered them.

Hopefully it won't come to that for motorhomes.

[bigb56]

[QUOTE=Tony Ramirez;6825851]

Originally Posted by bigb56

The opacity allowance for your older rig will be much more generous than for a newer rig, they can't make you modify your rig to a newer, cleaner standard, they can only check to see that it is still operating as originally designed.

That's not entirely true, I know of some big rig truckers that had to either sell their older trucks out of California or replace the engine because CA DMV wouldn't let the re-registered them.

Hopefully it won't come to that for motorhomes.

Commercial vehicles are a whole different matter and not really in the scope of the original post, yes if you are doing business in CA. and you have older, dirty commercial vehicles they will require you to upgrade to cleaner ones.

The same thing is happening with large ships and locomotives, one at a time they are getting re-powered with cleaner power plants. I read about a tugboat that was re-powered with SCR and it holds 5,000 gallons of DEF.

Rvs are a drop in the bucket smog wise compared to commercial trucks logging 100,000 or more miles in a year. Eventually the old ones will be retired and replaced with newer ones which will take care of it, and the few that remain will be just like your classic cars, too few to matter.

[Knollibe]

Dwayne here. Unfortunately this is a new program that has many delays. For your pre 2013 motorhome with a GVWR of over 14,000 lbs you will have to get an annual smoke check. You will also need to create an account at carb clean truck checks and pay $30 per year for this privelage. If you have not done so yet you get to pay for 2024 and 2025 so $60 you owe. Once you have an account you will put in your motorhome information and pays your dues.
Your motorhome can have this check done WITHIN 90 days of registration due date. Not sooner.
This all must be done on a windows computer as my IPAD did not work.
All mortohomes 2013 and above will need a plug in check that only checks the computer for faults.
I am a fleet manager that have become credentialed to do these tests for our fleet and have purchased the new testing equipment. As well as a fleet account I had to make one for my 2009 ventana.
Shop around for pricing as shops charge up to $500 from what I hear.
If you fail the smoke check it is good to know as your engine may be in need of service.
Happy Trails
Dwayne

[Spdracr39]

Thread Warning These CARB threads have gone bad a couple of times in the past and this one already has had a couple of posts removed. Keep the politics and California bashing out of the discussion and remain strictly on topic.