New Jersey Class A Diesel Owners

[RKC02]

Hello All,

Just registered and titled our new Berkshire - found that the coach is to be self-inspected but that an "opacity test" is required annually. About to call around to find out what this entails and how much it will cost. Anyone here have experience in NJ doing these tests?

Also was given two plates for the coach. I told them there is no provision for a front license plate on my coach. Received mixed and conflicting answers since NJ does normally require a front plate. One stated I would have to 'figure it out' and mount the plate somehow, next answer was to just place the plate on the dashboard or just keep it available(?). Again, anyone here from NJ have any solutions (correct answers)? I really don't want to poke holes in my baby unless I absolutely have to.

Thanks!

[tmmar]

Not sure if the opacity test is the same as an emissions test, but here in New York I must have a safety inspection and emission test every year. At the time I didn't think about putting the plate on the dash board so I drilled 4 holes in the front for the plate.

[boowho]

Originally Posted by RKC02

Hello All,

Just registered and titled our new Berkshire - found that the coach is to be self-inspected but that an "opacity test" is required annually. About to call around to find out what this entails and how much it will cost. Anyone here have experience in NJ doing these tests?

Also was given two plates for the coach. I told them there is no provision for a front license plate on my coach. Received mixed and conflicting answers since NJ does normally require a front plate. One stated I would have to 'figure it out' and mount the plate somehow, next answer was to just place the plate on the dashboard or just keep it available(?). Again, anyone here from NJ have any solutions (correct answers)? I really don't want to poke holes in my baby unless I absolutely have to.

Thanks!

Your mileage may vary....... But I've lived a total of 20 years in states that require a front plate. I have never put one on, and have NEVER had a cop challenge me on it. Seems like they never walk around to the front of the car to check.

I'd just keep it handy and if stopped, toss it up in the windshield while the cop is walking from his car to your coach.

Just my $.02 worth.

Boowho??

[VinceU]

Originally Posted by RKC02

Hello All,

Just registered and titled our new Berkshire - found that the coach is to be self-inspected but that an "opacity test" is required annually. About to call around to find out what this entails and how much it will cost. Anyone here have experience in NJ doing these tests?

Also was given two plates for the coach. I told them there is no provision for a front license plate on my coach. Received mixed and conflicting answers since NJ does normally require a front plate. One stated I would have to 'figure it out' and mount the plate somehow, next answer was to just place the plate on the dashboard or just keep it available(?). Again, anyone here from NJ have any solutions (correct answers)? I really don't want to poke holes in my baby unless I absolutely have to.

Thanks!

I'd hate to drill that front cap, I display the plate on the passenger side dashboard, Georgetown 378. Unlikely you'll get pulled over, but if you do decide with the officer what to do.

[JEM]

I just keep the "front license plate" in the coach.Doing this for 4 years never stopped. Just purchased 2014 Birkshire and when I was sent my license plates & paper work from dealer there was no mention of any inspection. Double checked with dealer and they advised that diesel rv does not require any state inspection.

[go6car]

Hi there!

When I went to have my car re-inspected this year in NJ, I was chatting with the inspection manager and was told that diesels do not require any inspection (unlike my gas rig that I have to take to a local inspection station just like w/a car).

Also -- you don't need to drill on the front of your Berk to add the front tag. I have this license plate mount (pricey, but looks fantastic). It's mounted underneath. I have the "long" sized arm mount on my Encounter from this vendor and it's a perfect fit. Gives the illusion that the front tag is bolted to the front of the rig.

No Hole License Plate Bracket

(You can also see my posts about this on another forum: Front license plate - Page 3 - iRV2 Forums )

Happy camping!

[RKC02]

Thanks everyone for the replies. From the NJ DMV website it looks like I do not need the opacity test either. I was told just keep good maint records to show any work done (doing that anyway).
So my front plate will be 'available' but not mounted.

Safe travels all!

[Jersey Guy]

When I registered mine in Jan. the woman at DMV gave me the pink card for the dashboard and said it had to be inspected within 14 days. My reply, "Ha, thats probably not going to happen". Cop who was assigned to DMV just started laughing.

[garbonz]

Originally Posted by tmmar

Not sure if the opacity test is the same as an emissions test, but here in New York I must have a safety inspection and emission test every year. At the time I didn't think about putting the plate on the dash board so I drilled 4 holes in the front for the plate.

The opacity test, IS an emission test foe diesels and measures the amount of smoke the diesel emits at various rpm's and loads. in denver, this happens every year for vehicles, but I don't know about MH's

[tmmar]

As I said in my earlier post, emissions testing needs to be done every year in NY for all vehicles. Jersey Guy- just need to be careful because the DMV may not renew your registration if the testing is not done. That is what NY does.

[Jersey Guy]

Originally Posted by tmmar

As I said in my earlier post, emissions testing needs to be done every year in NY for all vehicles. Jersey Guy- just need to be careful because the DMV may not renew your registration if the testing is not done. That is what NY does.

Well, then, I have four years to enjoy it, they gave me a 4 year registration.

[tmmar]

Originally Posted by Jersey Guy

Well, then, I have four years to enjoy it, they gave me a 4 year registration.

4 year registration!! I guess NJ has a lot of money because they only give a 2 year registration here in NY. Enjoy the time while you have it!