Changes to Texas trailer Inspection rules 9-1-2017

[PeterH-350LE]

New Legislation

Senate Bill 1001
Effective Sept. 1, 2017
SB 1001 changes the actual gross weight or registered gross weight for a trailer, semitrailer, pole trailer, or mobile home from 4,500 pounds or less to 7,500 pounds or less to be exempt from vehicle inspection.


Used to be 4500 pounds or less

[Countryboy59]

Cool. That's most Airstreams.

[tabney0315]

Thanks for sharing. That's great news

[bwoodtx]

Originally Posted by Countryboy59

Cool. That's most Airstreams.

Under 27' by today's weights

[PeterH-350LE]

Originally Posted by bwoodtx

Under 27' by today's weights

My 1997 30' registered weight is 7200, you may want to check yours, Bruce

[tabney0315]

I believe all that matters is what's listed on the title, correct?

[bliss]

Oh nice! Mine is just under at 7300 (28', 2007 Safari). I'm just about to leave home and find domicile elsewhere. Was aiming for SD but Texas was what I wanted. Hmm, food for thought. Thanks PeterH!

[Lumatic]

What kind of inspection? Would a heavier trailer traveling through TX be subject to inspection?

[uncle_bob]

Originally Posted by Lumatic

What kind of inspection? Would a heavier trailer traveling through TX be subject to inspection?

Hi

PA has yearly trailer inspections. It's no different than the inspection on your car. Same sort of stuff gets checked. High points on a trailer are brakes, tires, and lights. Just like a car, it only applies to vehicles registered in the state.

Bob

[PeterH-350LE]

Originally Posted by tabney0315

I believe all that matters is what's listed on the title, correct?

yes, registered weight as documented on the title, which doesn't necessarily match the ID plate on the trailer.

[PeterH-350LE]

Originally Posted by Lumatic

What kind of inspection? Would a heavier trailer traveling through TX be subject to inspection?

No, its License renewal for Texas residents. A few years ago they made the license renewal dependent on a passed inspection. So people were forced to get their trailer above 4500 pounds inspected. In a city like Austin, that can be difficult undertaking, since many station do not want to inspect a 30' trailer towed by a 20' TV. And you had to do it the county of your residence.

[Iansk]

As I own 4 trailers it's been a bit of a pain to keep everything legal. Last registration I was "joking" with the auto shop I take everything to that it would be easier to take a video of everything working with today's paper and bring it in. Since I'm a dedicated customer, she was actually warm to the idea...

Do you know how it applies to trailers whose registration expired last month?

Ian

[PeterH-350LE]

Originally Posted by Iansk

As I own 4 trailers it's been a bit of a pain to keep everything legal. Last registration I was "joking" with the auto shop I take everything to that it would be easier to take a video of everything working with today's paper and bring it in. Since I'm a dedicated customer, she was actually warm to the idea...

Do you know how it applies to trailers whose registration expired last month?

Ian

Dont know, Ian, one would assume that the law of 9-1-2017 is in effect.
I found out by visiting with a new Airstream owner this morning. She just registered her trailer weighing 5200 and they told her that she is no longer required to get the inspection.

[switz]

That new weight allows all recent Airstreams 25' or less in length to escape the inspections for the Texas license.

[DaveMc]

Mixed emotions about that. You see some pretty shoddy trailers rolling around Houston area, as I'm sure other areas do. Glad I don't have to bother with the Airstream, but can't help but think this change had public safety in mind...

[Bluto]

This is good news, we are finally getting a break.
PeterH, Thanks for posting about the new law.

[Dan and Liz]

Don't know about x, but in CO "SBxxxx" would be a bill still in the state senate, not yet a state law.

[Dan and Liz]

Not "x" -- meant to type "TX" but my keyboard is boogered. Anyhow, agree it would be a good thing -- but are you sure it's passed/signed?

[67shellback]

Our 25' international fb has a empty weight of 5500 lbs plus the carrying capacity if 1800 gives our trailer a gross weight of 7300 lbs.

From the State of TX website:

Trailers

Registration is required for all non-farm trailers operating on public highways. Registration and titling requirements vary according to trailer type and weight. Most utility trailers fall into two categories: Manufactured (built by a trailer manufacturer) or homemade (built by an individual in their garage or shop). In addition, trailers are categorized by gross weights (the trailer weight plus the weight it can carry) under and over 4,000 lbs.




Trailers with a gross weight exceeding 7,500 lbs. must pass an annual safety inspection.
In some cases, you may be asked to provide additional information such as:

• Weight Certificate, and/or
• Photograph of trailer.

For information about all required documentation and fees, contact your county tax assessor-collector office.

[guskmg]

Be sure and check the data plate and registration for the correct gross vehicle weight. Sometimes the wrong info gets documented. Texas registration fees are base on GVW stated on the tittle.
guskmg