Boat trailer safety inspection required

[plugger]

The Houston Chronicle on March 4 had an article explaining that a trailer safety inspection is required in order to get the annual trailer registration . Am I the only one to not know this ? The law has been on the books but enforcement has been lax . Not any more . Starting this month you must have proof of passing the trailer inspection 90 days prior to the annual registration renewal . It said this requirement is for the trailer with its load if over 4500 pounds . The article stated this includes most double axle trailers , trailers that haul ATV's and hunting blinds . Starting in 2016 the annual registration and safety inspection will be due in the same month . I have no idea what my boat and trailer weigh .

[Hogie70]

Who does the inspection?

[Jerkyourcroaker]

Plugger, I think if you look at the little slip of paper that comes with your trailer, the Trailer weight and gross capacity are shown on there. I suppose you get trailers inspected at the same place you get vehicles inspected?


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[fuzzy]

Mines double axle but under 4500.I don't need it. Has something to do with trailer brakes also.Folks need to check it out.

[plugger]

I've been researching my trailer and boat weight .... during the commercials of FIGHT CLUB with Brad Pitt .... And I don't think my boat and trailer , even with all the " hoarding buried alive " extra never used gear aboard . As mentioned , I think when you buy a boat and trailer grossing over 4500 pounds that trailer brakes are needed . The movie is almost over , so , this post which took about 2 hours to complete will be done . I like Brad Pitt . I don't know what he's like in real life but I hope hes an OK guy . Anyway I think I'm good , and most of you , with this trailer inspection law .

[plugger]

The article had a link of places that inspect trailers .

[S-troop]

Your trailer should have a sticker on it like this
And if 4500 and over you will need operating brakes for the inspection.


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[OR19]

So what if you have a trailer rated at 6,000 lbs, but your boat only weighs about 3,000 lbs...I don't know what it would take to put brakes on mine but it sounds like an expensive and unnecessary pain in the...

[H.Maier]

Except for an occasional trip to chocolate, I don't trailer very far at all. Looks like need to get to work on mine. Does the check engine light have to come on to pass?

[S-troop]

So what if you have a trailer rated at 6,000 lbs, but your boat only weighs about 3,000 lbs...I don't know what it would take to put brakes on mine but it sounds like an expensive and unnecessary pain in the...

It is my understanding it would require brakes to pass inspection. Any trailer 4500 and over requires brake per the regulation. Mine had a GVWR of 4000 and does not meet the requirement for brakes or inspection.


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[Ibtsoom]

3200 on mine. I'm good.

[Termo]

Henry....Look on your "Vehicle Registration Renewal Notice" (for your license plate for the trailer). In the VEHICLE INFORMATION box, your gross weight is listed. That is probably what they are going to go by. Make sure it corresponds with the trailer ID plaque (on the trailer)......Hope this helps.

[plugger]

Thanks John , I will .

[trseato]

Found this on the Dept. of Public Safety web site.

Items of Inspection for a Trailers or Mobile Homes

05.06 Inspect All Trailers, Semitrailers, Pole Trailers, or Mobile Homes Exceeding 4,500 Pounds Actual Gross Weight or Registered Weight For: (Listed in suggested order of inspection) Refer to Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations, if required.

* Check for evidence of Financial Responsibility on towing vehicle

1. Brakes (system) (If gross weight exceeds 4,500 pounds)
2. Tires
3. Wheel Assembly
4. Safety Guards or Flaps (if four tires or more on rearmost axle) Pole trailers exempt.
5. Tail Lamps (2)
6. Stop Lamps (2)
7. License Plate Lamp (1)
8. Rear Red Reflectors (2)
9. Turn Signal Lamps
10. Clearance Lamps
11. Side Marker Lamps
12. Side Reflectors
13. Side Marker Lamps and Reflectors (30 feet or more in overall length)
(Refer to Reference Section as per lighting diagrams and as applicable to the particular trailer being inspected.)
14. Serial or Vehicle Identification Number
15. Window Tint.