Update and clarification on CARB and diesel motorhomes operating in Ca from FCOC

[J&JD]

That all seems quite accurate. As I was unable to pay the compliance fee on line due to their dysfunctional website, I stopped at the DMV and they said they have no control over it and yes there is a hold on my registration. I called CARB and the automated response invited me to leave a message and advised that there are (no exaggeration here) 1,436 callers ahead of me - I could hold or wait for a call back.

An email response directed me back to the dysfunctional website that didn’t work in the first place. I told them this was an inadequate response so a second email directed me to a you tube how-to video of the dysfunctional website narrated by someone who clearly only speaks English as a second or third language. I couldn’t understand any of it but it didn’t matter since it was the same website that doesn’t work anyway. Fun times…

After three hours of fiddling around with the website I finally was able to figure it out and pay my fee ($30 for 2023 & $30 for 2024). The main problem was that I only use an iPad or iPhone for all my internet interaction. The site said that my browser was not acceptable and to try Chrome or E. I tried Chrome & Firefox as I had never heard of E. Finally looked it up and came up with Microsoft E. Downloaded it and finally everything went through and they took my money.
For being in the heart of Silicon Valley it’s unbelievable that the Cleantruck website is so poorly designed, sigh. Now to wait and see how difficult the testing and finding a test site will be. OMG!

 

[mjeds]

After three hours of fiddling around with the website I finally was able to figure it out and pay my fee ($30 for 2023 & $30 for 2024). The main problem was that I only use an iPad or iPhone for all my internet interaction. The site said that my browser was not acceptable and to try Chrome or E. I tried Chrome & Firefox as I had never heard of E. Finally looked it up and came up with Microsoft E. Downloaded it and finally everything went through and they took my money.
For being in the heart of Silicon Valley it’s unbelievable that the Cleantruck website is so poorly designed, sigh. Now to wait and see how difficult the testing and finding a test site will be. OMG!

Microsoft Edge is basically Chrome, Edge uses the Chromium back end, and the user interface is the only really difference (MS branded over Google branded).

 

[redbaron]

After three hours of fiddling around with the website I finally was able to figure it out and pay my fee ($30 for 2023 & $30 for 2024). The main problem was that I only use an iPad or iPhone for all my internet interaction. The site said that my browser was not acceptable and to try Chrome or E. I tried Chrome & Firefox as I had never heard of E. Finally looked it up and came up with Microsoft E. Downloaded it and finally everything went through and they took my money.
For being in the heart of Silicon Valley it’s unbelievable that the Cleantruck website is so poorly designed, sigh. Now to wait and see how difficult the testing and finding a test site will be. OMG!

Prior to this, did you have to do an annual inspection that includes emissions? Texas requires it in some counties, and it is done at the same time as safety inspections. Curious how the process differs for you in California.

 

[J&JD]

Prior to this, did you have to do an annual inspection that includes emissions? Texas requires it in some counties, and it is done at the same time as safety inspections. Curious how the process differs for you in California.

No, no inspections of any kind for the 20 years I’ve owned a diesel pusher rv.

 

[J&JD]

Microsoft Edge is basically Chrome, Edge uses the Chromium back end, and the user interface is the only really difference (MS branded over Google branded).

That may be true but the chrome browser for my iPad or iPhone would not work to process payment on the Cleantruck site. Only Microsoft E app would work.

 

[Rich W.]

That may be true but the chrome browser for my iPad or iPhone would not work to process payment on the Cleantruck site. Only Microsoft E app would work.

My experience as well. I also managed to pay after dusting off my desk top. But anyone without a windows based computer can’t be “compliant’ even if they in actuality are. Much like a bad DEF header telling the ECM that you are low on DEF when your tank is full.

 

[Rustymayes]

Older topic but still relevant... I signed up for my CARB account and get monthly emails about what I need to or don't need to do so far. I am not clear on when if ever I will need to get a smog inspection on my rig. My Brother has an older 2005 I think DP that they have had on non op status for a couple of years and are having a hell of a time getting it registered. They registered it non op when the registration came due a couple of years ago and were using a different rig for their needs. They sold that one and want to recommission the 05 rig for a long cross country trip this year and have been told that they need to get a smog inspection. They live in Williams Ca in the middle of Ag country 1/4 mile off of I-5 and they have yet to find a shop that can do the inspection they need to comply with the DMV and CARB requirements! Is there anyone living in the region that knows of or has personal recent experience with a shop they can recommend? Typical CA political crap storm. Non elected officials creating rules and standards that people are forced to comply with before the industry can develop infrastructure to support the new standards. This becoming so common place here like the idiotic concept of banning the sale of ICE vehicles by 2035 when only a relative small percentage of the population need, want or can even use an EV for their transportation needs!
Rusty Mayes

 

[redbaron]

Things have changed in california. The citizens of California are taking back control of their local goverment. The CARB rules for motorhomes are no longer applicable, and many more of the CARB rules are being rolled back.

 

[J&JD]

You might have them call these people, not that far from them:

Motorhome Repair | Sacramento Truck Centers | Sacramento, CA

Sacramento Truck Center is part of the Oasis Service Network. We are proud to assist, provide premier service, and support for customers in need of maintenance and repair on their motorhomes and coaches in California. We are an OEM Dealer for Freightliner® Custom Chassis, Detroit, Cummins, and Cat.

www.californiatruckcenters.com

 

[sheridany]

@redbaron is correct. They have rolled back given the new administration.

California abandons diesel truck ban and 3 other clean-air rules before Trump is sworn in

Because Trump would be unlikely to approve them, California has no choice but to abandon its groundbreaking rules for zero-emission trucks and cleaner locomotives.

calmatters.org

 

[Rustycoach]

@redbaron is correct. They have rolled back given the new administration.

California abandons diesel truck ban and 3 other clean-air rules before Trump is sworn in

Because Trump would be unlikely to approve them, California has no choice but to abandon its groundbreaking rules for zero-emission trucks and cleaner locomotives.

calmatters.org

It is hard to imagine CARB rolling back regulations just because of the change in Administration unless they are concerned about certain highway funding being affected by onerous state regs. It has been a couple of months since I got an email from them. It seems like I was getting an automatic account update monthly the last part of 24’

 

[Rich W.]

Older topic but still relevant... I signed up for my CARB account and get monthly emails about what I need to or don't need to do so far. I am not clear on when if ever I will need to get a smog inspection on my rig. My Brother has an older 2005 I think DP that they have had on non op status for a couple of years and are having a hell of a time getting it registered. They registered it non op when the registration came due a couple of years ago and were using a different rig for their needs. They sold that one and want to recommission the 05 rig for a long cross country trip this year and have been told that they need to get a smog inspection. They live in Williams Ca in the middle of Ag country 1/4 mile off of I-5 and they have yet to find a shop that can do the inspection they need to comply with the DMV and CARB requirements! Is there anyone living in the region that knows of or has personal recent experience with a shop they can recommend? Typical CA political crap storm. Non elected officials creating rules and standards that people are forced to comply with before the industry can develop infrastructure to support the new standards. This becoming so common place here like the idiotic concept of banning the sale of ICE vehicles by 2035 when only a relative small percentage of the population need, want or can even use an EV for their transportation needs!
Rusty Mayes

Most mobile big rig service/repair outfits do the testing. It’s just a 5 minute job - plug in a code reader and verify all is well. When I did it in May of last year, the charge was $150. Would have been more if they had to come to me. These are the guys that did mine: https://gandttruckrepair.com/. These guys are in Corning: Allan Wrenches - Mobile Services

Edit: Allan Wrenches just does 2013 and later and the 2005 will need a “smoke test”. My guess is that’s why your brother is having trouble finding a shop - anyone can do the late model test but not many are set up and certified to test earlier rigs. How about Sacramento Truck Service? Call Don at the RV desk - if they can’t do it, he’ll probably know a shop that can.

Digging into this is your best bet: https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/sites/default/files/2020-12/active_commercial_smoke_testers_12.3.20_R.pdf. Looks like J&J in Woodland is the closest.

 

[Rustycoach]

Rich, have you heard anything about Ca dropping the requirements. I wonder when I will need a smog check on mine since it’s a 2022 model.

 

[team bradfield]

Why would anyone want to go to that hell on earth?

 

[J&JD]

Why would anyone want to go to that hell on earth?

Why don’t you tell us what you really think. Certainly glad you will never be visiting our beautiful state as we do not need more divisive people. Sad as you will miss some of the most magnificent scenery and nicest people in the country. We have visited all 50 states and always enjoy coming back to beautiful Northern California. We love and enjoy our amazing country.

 

[Rich W.]

Why would anyone want to go to that hell on earth?

If you mean Ca, probably because geographically it has more variety than any other state. Mountains, valleys, deserts, forests, oak woodlands, beaches, rivers, lakes, etc. And it covers almost 10° of latitude and over 14,000’ of elevation so there really is something for just about anyone. If you just steer clear of a few comparatively small but highly populated armpits, the rest of the state is really quite wonderful.

And while the cities do have countless problems, cities in almost every state do as well. As with the East Coast, policy is unfortunately decided by a few coastal population centers, but the vast majority of the state is so great that people here are willing to put up with high taxes, and a high cost of living, and a lot of ugly policy, most of which, with a few obvious exceptions, doesn’t effect daily life. We just hold our noses and/or stay out of the cities. Which to be fair, is what I do in almost every other state.

I’ve traveled extensively in every state, and while many have a lot to offer, there is nowhere else I’d rather live, even with the current situation. And tides turn. I’m a 4th gen Californian and we have two more after me. Correction, three - forgot that I’m now a great grandpa. Anyway I won’t let a few bumps in the road discourage me. My family has been here since before this was a state and a few current unpleasant trends won’t run me off. As for others, to each his own as my mother used to say.

Ooops - I’ve once again recklessly wandered way off topic…

 

[Joe Hogan]

My guess is that the CARB mandate is going to be changed in the near future. Authority might be stripped by the changes in leadership in DC.

 

[redbaron]

My guess is that the CARB mandate is going to be changed in the near future. Authority might be stripped by the changes in leadership in DC.

It has already been drastically changed by California administration, prior to Jan. 20.

The citizens of California took it upon themselves to force their government to make a change.