Owners of motorhomes, fifth-wheels, truck campers and even conversion vans all have to pass pre-trip inspections by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) before the state considers your vehicle to be road-worthy. DMV’s tend to be strict, and will not grant licenses or registrations if something on their checklist requires attention. After a vehicle is registered, at times a police officer, county sheriff or state trooper may pull over the driver and issue fines if an inspection item is noticed to be non-functional.
Thinking from the bottom up, and of great importance in all weather conditions is your vehicle’s tires, rims and brakes. Each tire at every axel needs to be inflated within the manufacturer’s recommended range. Tread should be evenly worn, and tires should have no cuts or other damage. Rims must be straight and in good condition. All lug nuts should be present and no cracks should be radiating from bolt holes. Brake drums and linings should be inspected for wear and damage and repaired without delay. If a noncommercial class truck is equipped with air or hydraulic brakes, then special rules apply, and owners should consult their driver’s handbook to understand and comply with local regulations.
Onto other basic items are the vehicle’s lights and mirrors. Every light should be inspected and checked, and if non-functional, replaced immediately. If light housing is aging, output suffers and replacement is merited. Mirrors need to be secure and adjustable, and if electric, motors should be repaired if slow or non-functional.
Under the hood, hoses and belts should be checked for leaks and cracks due to dry rot. Oil levels should also be checked at regular intervals, and if fluids are discolored or missing, report such to your local service station for further investigation.
When it comes to fifth-wheels and other trailers, coupling systems and their many components need careful inspection, and the driver should know these systems well. DMV and law enforcement staff expect drivers to demonstrate complete function of these systems and know when something is due for repair.
Finally, RV owners should take note not to forget about miscellaneous items that may result in delayed registration or fines on the road. For example, doors must be unobstructed, and hinges must open and close with ease. Emergency equipment should be in place, including three red reflective triangles and a properly rated and charged fire extinguisher.
Owning a truck or recreational vehicle offers the chance to travel to far-away places, while maintaining the comforts of home. Visit this website to find out about trailer repairs in Santa Cruz.
Thinking from the bottom up, and of great importance in all weather conditions is your vehicle’s tires, rims and brakes. Each tire at every axel needs to be inflated within the manufacturer’s recommended range. Tread should be evenly worn, and tires should have no cuts or other damage. Rims must be straight and in good condition. All lug nuts should be present and no cracks should be radiating from bolt holes. Brake drums and linings should be inspected for wear and damage and repaired without delay. If a noncommercial class truck is equipped with air or hydraulic brakes, then special rules apply, and owners should consult their driver’s handbook to understand and comply with local regulations.
Onto other basic items are the vehicle’s lights and mirrors. Every light should be inspected and checked, and if non-functional, replaced immediately. If light housing is aging, output suffers and replacement is merited. Mirrors need to be secure and adjustable, and if electric, motors should be repaired if slow or non-functional.
Under the hood, hoses and belts should be checked for leaks and cracks due to dry rot. Oil levels should also be checked at regular intervals, and if fluids are discolored or missing, report such to your local service station for further investigation.
When it comes to fifth-wheels and other trailers, coupling systems and their many components need careful inspection, and the driver should know these systems well. DMV and law enforcement staff expect drivers to demonstrate complete function of these systems and know when something is due for repair.
Finally, RV owners should take note not to forget about miscellaneous items that may result in delayed registration or fines on the road. For example, doors must be unobstructed, and hinges must open and close with ease. Emergency equipment should be in place, including three red reflective triangles and a properly rated and charged fire extinguisher.
Owning a truck or recreational vehicle offers the chance to travel to far-away places, while maintaining the comforts of home. Visit this website to find out about trailer repairs in Santa Cruz.