Do RVs need to be inspected in PA?

In this blog post, we will answer the following question: Do RVs need to be inspected PA? We will give you advice and help you prepare for your next technical inspection so you can pass it with flying colours! 

Do RVs need to be inspected in PA?

RVs with a GVWR over 3000 lbs need to be inspected annually in PA at any official state inspection station. The cost of the RV technical inspection is established at $39 at all centres. 

The following are checked at your annual RV inspection in PA:

• vehicle identification (vehicle documents, license plate, etc.)
• braking devices (pads, discs, etc.)
• the steering components (steering wheel, box, etc.)
• visibility elements (windshield, mirrors, etc.)
• lights, reflective devices and electrical equipment (including specific equipment for electric and hybrid engines)
• axles, wheels, tires, suspensions,
• the chassis and its various accessories,
• other safety equipment (seat belts, horn, etc.)
• the level of nuisance (pollution, noise emission, etc.).

We know that when the time comes, it can be quite stressful for you as an owner to have your RV inspected. This is why, in the next section of the article, we will help you prepare by telling you what can be checked and fixed beforehand. 

Passing your RV technical inspection in PA

To make sure you will pass your annual RV inspection you must always maintain your RV properly. 

Regular maintenance is essential to ensure that it passes the technical control smoothly. Without it, it will be easy for you to end up with major and critical failures. So no matter how old the vehicle is, maintenance remains the basis for the proper functioning of your RV. It should not be neglected.

Perform a complete check-up. The full check-up can be done one month before the RV technical inspection. Take advantage of this period to have your vehicle examined in detail. This will allow you to detect any repairs in good time and take the necessary steps to remedy them.

Thanks to this comprehensive check-up, you will have enough time to carry out any necessary break-ins. If certain elements need to be replaced (the case of brake pads for example), you can take care of them in time.

Perform a pre-check. Approved centres can take care of the pre-inspection of your vehicle. Of course, the exam will always be done at your expense. But thanks to this little check, you will have every chance of passing your RV technical check. 

Be aware, however, that some mechanics may exaggerate the prices. To avoid them, remember to find out well beforehand. You even have the option of contacting several specialists and making another quote. There are also brands that can take care of your pre-check for free. They can tell you what repairs need to be done.

Take it for a drive. It’s all well and good to watch it, especially if it is a used RV, it goes without saying that it is relevant to drive with it in order to assess the condition of the mechanics. Also, test household appliances. We recommend that you perform the inspection during the day, as some details are less visible at night. 

RV insurance and technical inspection 

RV insurance is an essential requirement regardless of the type of vehicle you have or own. That is why it is essential that you hire it because, in addition to being mandatory, it is one of the documents that will be requested at the technical inspection before giving you an appointment.

The RV’s age. It is one of the points that you will be consulted because this is what will give it a specific value in the market. In addition, it will help you to know what type of insurance is best for you to hire, comprehensive insurance or basic insurance because if your RV is very old, it can hardly have complete insurance.

Roadside assistance. Perhaps the most important point for these vehicles. In roadside assistance coverage, you have to pay attention not only to what they offer you but also to the distance it covers because if you are one of those who travel abroad with the RV, you will have to know if it will cover you or not.

Other coverages. The vast majority of insurances will offer you coverage that goes beyond the Mandatory Civil Liability. Pay attention to all of them to know if they really interest you or not.

What it is about is to hire personalized insurance at all times so that you feel safe and so that you can respond to any claim.

Customer Support. It is key as regards how to act to carry out management such as a change in the policy or if you suffer a claim.

In general, in these cases, it is recommended to have an intermediary where the advisor responsible for guiding you on the choice of your insurance, will also be the one who will carry out all the procedures on your behalf in front of the insurance company, so you won’t have to worry about anything.

Final checks before your RV inspection in PA

Below is a list of the most important checks at an RV inspection in PA. We suggest you review them so as to avoid any issues!

• Documentation: You will have to bring the vehicle documentation and show it to whoever gives the appointment for the technical inspection as it is a fundamental prerequisite that they request when entering and requesting the inspection. Make sure you have everything in order.

• The gas system: It is one of the main points that the technicians are going to review. What they are most interested in is the state of the breather rubber as it expires every 4 years, so if you are doing your first technical inspection it will be necessary to change it to avoid problems. No matter how much you have used the gas installation, the change will have to be done the same.

• The hitch: Both in RVs and caravans it is a key point. This must be in excellent condition.

• The lights: The lighting system must work properly in any direction and there should be no burned-out bulb or lamp. Another thing that will be checked is the drivers of the RV to see if they work correctly or not.

• The tires: The tires have to be in good condition. It is important here that you value their wear. The technicians will look at the manufacturing date of the wheels, the tread and more elements, so we recommend that you check it yourself before so that there are no problems. Keep in mind that it is the element in contact with the asphalt and a deterioration of the same can cause a mishap.

Wheels should be changed at least every 6 years. Unless they are very worn where a change would have to be made ahead of time.

• Other technical elements: The RV is a private vehicle and as such has some special issues that must be reviewed. The most advisable thing to do is always take it to a specialized workshop to carry out a revision and maintenance and then go to pass the technical inspection.

The bottom line

An RV is still a special vehicle, where it must be taken into account that driving is not the same as with any other vehicle.

This is the key to avoiding accidents. Now that you know how often you must pass the technical inspection of an RV in PA, it only remains to pay attention to the details, give it good maintenance, make the maintenance repairs and if it corresponds to you, go to make an appointment for a technician to check that your vehicle meets all the necessary conditions for driving on the road.

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FAQ on Do RVs need to be inspected in PA?

Do pop-up campers need to be inspected in PA?

In PA, a pop-up camper that has a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) under 3000 lbs, does not need to be inspected. Only if your pop-up camper has both brakes and a GVWR over 3000 lbs, you are legally required to have a yearly inspection. 

Where can I have my RV inspected?

You can have your RV inspected in any part of the country. There are several hundred approved centres nationwide. Just make an appointment, sometimes online, and show up with the original registration certificate – a copy would not be accepted.

How much will the technical inspection of my vehicle cost me?

The price of the technical control varies according to the centres and regions. However, it will rarely cost less than 50 dollars, and just as rarely more than 100 dollars.  The control includes vehicle identification elements (license plates, documents, etc.), braking equipment, steering and visibility equipment, various lights and reflective devices, and the condition of the tires.

What happens in the event of an inspection failure?

If the controller detects the slightest “major” or “critical” failure, the technical inspection is not validated. The consequences are different between major failures and critical failures.

References

• PA RV Inspection – CampingPA, your online camping family
• RV Inspection Specialists in PA
• RV State inspections – Dave’s Auto and Truck Service