Virginia State Inspection Potential Issue

[Virginia Deacon]

Yesterday, during state inspection, discovered that TrailManor backup lights didn’t work and that this can be an issue resulting in failure to pass inspection. I asked inspector why TrailManor passed inspection last year, but not this year. He said it depends on “how the unit is presented,” according to Virginia State Police who regulate inspections. Last year, TrailManor was unhooked from tow vehicle; this year, it was left hooked to tow vehicle.

The wiring of the plug on the tow vehicle was the real issue. It was never wired for backup lights. The reason trailer passed last year was that inspector tested trailer connector and it is properly wired for backup lights. This year, with tow vehicle connected, backup lights on trailer didn’t work.

I may be the only person that has this issue, but thought I’d tell others. I had the inspector hook up the tow vehicle backup lights to the tow vehicle connector, and all is well for inspection from now on.

Happy Camping!

[wbmiller3]

Interesting...we don't have state inspection for trailers in the Lone Star State. But I'll check the backup lights anyway.

Originally Posted by wbmiller3

Interesting...we don't have state inspection for trailers in the Lone Star State. But I'll check the backup lights anyway.

My 2006 3024KS came with a inspection sticker. From what I understand from the dealer it is new fro the state and for some trailers not the smaller ones but I do not what the cutoff is.
Thanks

[MudDog]

After reading this thread I checked my backup lights and sure enough they weren't wired. Since they are provided I figured it would be nice to have them work for a bit more light when backing in at night and to warn anyone behind me that I do actually have it in reverse. I may eventually look into auxilary backup lights.

I read up on which pin needed to be wired and spliced a new wire going from the TV's backup wire (backup lights are on the rear lift door rather than in the tail-light assembly) to the center pin on the Bargman plug.

Was a bit perplexed when only one of the backup lights on the TM would come on. Swapped bulbs and still only the one side came on.

Searched the forum for light issues and based on results suspected a ground short on the side that was not coming on. The backup light only had one hot wire going into it and was using the bracket itself for ground. There's no visible wire connecting the metal backup light bracket to the tail-light bracket that does have a ground wire, but when I turned the screw on the backup-light bracket a couple of turns tighter, the light came on (either the ground must be behind the assembly, or relies on the TM skin itself?)

I'm a new TM owner and am learning a lot from this forum and appreciate all of the experience and advise that's posted here!

I have had some problems with power to the barious bulbs on the back of the TM. Mostly it was just a poor contact in the socket.

However, once once I traced it down to a poor connector in the bundle of wires behind the fridge, accessible from outside by popping the covers off.

I mention this for those that are not handy in tracing electrical problems. They mind find this thread looking for help.

Mud dog
Your assumption is correct. TM uses the external Aluminum layer as the ground for the trailer lighting. The sheet metal screws that hold/ground the fixtures can develop a little corrosion and not provide a good ground. By turning the screw, you cleaned the connection and reconnected the ground. This would be the first place to check ( after burned out bulb) any time you have a light out. It is just as important to keep the other end of the connection ( main ground to TM skin ) clean and tight as well.

This also explains why the radio needs an external antenna as it is surrounded by an large metal grounded shield.

I wired my TV myself and my back up lights aren't wired. I wouldn't be able to see anything anyway. I park by braile.

Louisiana issues a permanent license for the trailer. I never seen any requirement for trailer inspections, at least as far as personal trailers are concerned.

The thing to remember is that a law officer can cite you regardless of your inspection tags. So the question would be does the State require backup lights or not?

[mjlaupp]

Originally Posted by ng2951

Louisiana issues a permanent license for the trailer. I never seen any requirement for trailer inspections, at least as far as personal trailers are concerned.

The thing to remember is that a law officer can cite you regardless of your inspection tags. So the question would be does the State require backup lights or not?

Louisiana does require an annual inspection for all RV's. Their definition of an RV includes all types from class A's down to any trailer that hauls a boat, 4-wheeler or cycle. My TM is inspected every year. The sticker is not placed on the trailer and must be carried in the tow vehicle at all times.

Evidently this inspection requirement has been on the books for a long time. The state started enforcing it in the northern parishes in the summer of 2006. The first time most of the boaters found out about it was when the inspection traps were set up just outside of the boat launch areas. They were given tickets for no inspection stickers on the boat trailers as they left the launch areas and entered the highway, first offense, no warnings were given. Needless to say, this has not been well received by the local sportsmen.


Mike
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Originally Posted by mjlaupp

Louisiana does require an annual inspection for all RV's. Their definition of an RV includes all types from class A's down to any trailer that hauls a boat, 4-wheeler or cycle. My TM is inspected every year. The sticker is not placed on the trailer and must be carried in the tow vehicle at all times.

Evidently this inspection requirement has been on the books for a long time. The state started enforcing it in the northern parishes in the summer of 2006. The first time most of the boaters found out about it was when the inspection traps were set up just outside of the boat launch areas. They were given tickets for no inspection stickers on the boat trailers as they left the launch areas and entered the highway, first offense, no warnings were given. Needless to say, this has not been well received by the local sportsmen.


Mike
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Aah Mike, it sounds like you must have went fishing over at Poverty Point Reservoir too. Those guys make a fortune off tickets for fishermen not having inspection stickers on boat trailers there.

Yes NG2951, all trailers (unless you are a farmer) are required to have a vehicle inspection sticker for them in Louisiana......including your Trailmanor, 4 wheeler trailer, utility trailer, boat trailer, etc.

https://web01.dps.louisiana.gov/omv1...f?opendocument

It is being enforced more frequently, but has been required for awhile. Another thing they are getting everyone on is brakes for the trailers. These tandem axle 16 foot trailers are being required to have brakes on both axles. They are slamming these lawn service guys with these trailers.

Here is the actual reg:

http://www.legis.state.la.us/lss/lss.asp?doc=88048