Trailer inspections - GAAD!

[newbury]

In Virginia I need my trailer inspected annually - BUT MOST STATIONS INSIDE THE BELTWAY DON'T DO IT.

Last year I checked (over the telephone) with a number of surrounding stations, I've probably 6 within 2 miles. Finally found one that would inspect. Go there - at the end of inspection - whoops, they don't have any stickers, come back in a week!!! So I try driving to several nearby inspection stations - all no go.

So I trailer down thru Washington constant rush hour traffic the 25 miles round trip to Holly Acres, a marina/RV/trailer place.. Took about 2 hrs driving do to traffic.

This year I decide to be smart go directly to Holly Acres. Inspector fails my brake controller. A Tekonsha P3 that came w/ the truck. I ask if it's just on the wrong setting, I didn't have the manual and didn't remember diddly about it except after loading it might take adjusting. He's adamant that it will take a lot of debugging, bring it back. He had to go to lunch soon. On the way back (an hour do to traffic) I fiddle with the settings, he had it set at 2.

So I punch it up to about 7 and it locks the trailer brakes when applied manually. I call Holly Acres back asking if I can come back after noon. Nope. Maybe Saturday, maybe not. I download the manual, they suggest setting it at 6 for starters.

I hope the guy gets remedial training.

Took the trailer to where I went first last year, they had 1 sticker left and passed it immediately.

Got to move it to Mississippi.

 

[kw22614]

Try Cornwell's in Manassas, across from the armory - next door to 'no longer' Dominion speedway. (Mabey call them first just to be sure)

 

[downsizingnow48]

I used to have all trailer and vehicle inspections done by Callao Auto Repair. Fast, fair, nice people, totally reliable.

 

[Diamondpilot]

Time to register in Maine.....

Chris

 

[ultrarunner]

Sometimes it seems I spending half my time at vehicle inspections and we don't even have trailer inspections.

Know the feeling!

 

[nap61]

Louisiana went to trailer inspections a few years ago. But this year, the legislature exempted some trailers (single axel, etc.)

Norm

 

[handirifle]

Thankfully we don't have those here in Ca. What a nightmare.

 

[Hiltz]

Might be cheaper to just pay the fine and not get a sticker.

 

[orezok]

Some times Cali gets it right. No inspection and $10 for 5 year registration (except annual fees on RV's).

 

[Threepoint]

In Virginia I need my trailer inspected annually - BUT MOST STATIONS INSIDE THE BELTWAY DON'T DO IT.
[snip].

Sounds like you hit a double whammy of bad luck and incompetence! But inside the Beltway is a pretty small area, and I assume you're already in VA. You shouldn't have to drive down to Holly Acres in Woodbridge. Plus, the I-95 corridor south of the Beltway is to be avoided at all costs in rush hour, which seems to start earlier and earlier these days. I'd call some places in Fairfax County, especially the Springfield or Sterling area, where they're more accommodating to trucks and trailers. I even have my horse trailer and 14' landscape trailer inspected in McLean, and have never had a problem. No need to pull in a bay. I actually appreciate the fact that Virginia requires annual inspections. Too many folks out there in denial about the condition of their rigs. Good luck with this.