Tech Inspection Checklist

[mbella1]

Hey, new guy here. Is there a tech inspection sheet posted somewhere? I am currently updating some components on my 72 FJ40 and want to make sure I would pass any inspections at any TLCA event. I would hate to show up in Moab or something and have to turn around or work on the FJ in the dirt! Thanks for your help and glad to be a member.

 

[REKCUT]

Here is a list of items from tlca.org. You can view it there but you will need to sign in with your tlca number and password. I will post it to make it easier(i.e. better) to find.

The following are minimum vehicle requirements which, if not met, disqualify a vehicle from participating in an event:
Vehicle Registration: Must be current Liability
Insurance Coverage: Must be current, and meet applicable governmental requirements.
Service Brakes: Must be able to stall engine when idling in 2nd gear (1st gear if 3 speed)
Parking Brake: Must be able to stall engine when idling in 3rd gear (2nd gear if 3 speed)
Brake Lights: Must be functioning properly
Tires: All tires, including spare, must have at least 2/32" of tread. Spare tire must be fully inflated. Air down to a maximum of 15 psi prior to safety inspection
Roll Bar: Any open vehicle must have a roll bar firmly attached to the vehicle
Seat Belts: Required for driver and each passenger
Fire Extinguisher: Must show full charge on gauge and/or have seal intact
First Aid Kit: Recommended to be as complete as is reasonably possible
Antenna Length: Not longer than 54", unless both ends are firmly attached to the vehicle

I have been to many events and some are strict about the list and others are not. I have yet to go to one that has not worked with the individual to find a way to pass the inspection.

 

[mbella1]

Thanks Thad! I didn't expect such a quick response.

Marc

 

[pappy]

Keep in mind that individual events might have other requirements. The requirements for Cruise Moab can be viewed at the Rising Sun website.

Cruise Moab - Toyota 4x4 event in Moab, UT
Participant Information Form from 2007

 

[2ndGenToyotaFan]

Welcome Marc! Have fun!

 

[packman73]

This was "borrowed" from the Rising Sun folks. This was what they used back in 07 at CM, I've modified it a little. But as Thad pointed out, TLCA has the basic set of Tech Inspection requirements, but each event has the ability to add more to those.

PM me with your e-mail address if you need it in editable MS Word form (can't attach a .doc or .docx)

-Art

 

[TRT2]

Mbella... Not sure, but these might be on the TLCA web site, under SOPs.

Now, events have evolved and as noted here, some events like CM are very stringent. They need to be due to the nature of driving thru town on your way to the trailhead. Other events such as McGrew are very lax and easy going, choosing to focus solely on safety and stock trucks. Rubithon has evolved to support Safety and running an extremely tough trail. No spare is OK as long as you don't mind being left behind, or you can share a spare between multiple trucks. We have backed off stock emergency brakes as many folks have done serious modifications.

So the existing check list is a good starting point or baseline, but you need to ensure you meet the event specific requirements too. If you cannot find, drop me a personal note and I'll mail you a hard copy.

Have fun, be safe!

 

[mbella1]

Thanks for all your help guys. I will try and attend next months Rising Sun meeting. I live in Golden, CO and will definitely be in the loop soon.

Marc

 

[Rzeppa]

Hi Marc,

As far as I know there was a little glitch in a major under-the-hood transformation the tlca.org web site underwent earlier this week, where some info that is normally viewable to the general public was hidden behind the member's-only section. My understanding is that this has been corrected. TLCA webmaster (and also Rising Sun webmaster) Matt Farr has been working diligently to correct all the issues that were associated with moving to a new template for the TLCA web site and then moving forward to make our site better in many ways.

 

[Gumby]

Still no provisions for automatics?

Toyota has had automatic Land Cruisers for almost 20 years in the US. Minitrucks and 4 Runners too. But still my brakes are supposed to stall my truck in 2nd gear?

 

[Rzeppa]

Still no provisions for automatics?

Toyota has had automatic Land Cruisers for almost 20 years in the US. Minitrucks and 4 Runners too. But still my brakes are supposed to stall my truck in 2nd gear?

Hi Gumby, that is something we need to clarify in the TLCA requirements. At Cruise Moab, we addressed this some years ago by having the safety inspectors follow a procedure where the parking brake is engaged and the driver has to rev the engine to X RPM while in drive (I forgot the exact RPM figure) and the truck doesn't move.

<rant>On-topic but kind of a tangent, I have always objected to how the name for this requirement has morphed from "Safety" to "Tech". It is a safety inspection dangit! This is for participant's and bystander's safety! When I think of "tech" I think of coilover 4 link conversions on 40s and such! Safety is making sure the rig isn't going to be hurting anyone because the brakes don't work or the steering is going to fail!</rant>

 

[mbella1]

Hey, how did you guys get your pictures to show up as your icon on the thread?

 

[REKCUT]

Got to have more post. I think you get more options at 10. Somewhere around there.

 

[lenross1]

Here is a list of items from tlca.org. You can view it there but you will need to sign in with your tlca number and password. I will post it to make it easier(i.e. better) to find.

The following are minimum vehicle requirements which, if not met, disqualify a vehicle from participating in an event:
Vehicle Registration: Must be current Liability
Insurance Coverage: Must be current, and meet applicable governmental requirements.
Service Brakes: Must be able to stall engine when idling in 2nd gear (1st gear if 3 speed)
Parking Brake: Must be able to stall engine when idling in 3rd gear (2nd gear if 3 speed)
Brake Lights: Must be functioning properly
Tires: All tires, including spare, must have at least 2/32" of tread. Spare tire must be fully inflated. Air down to a maximum of 15 psi prior to safety inspection
Roll Bar: Any open vehicle must have a roll bar firmly attached to the vehicle
Seat Belts: Required for driver and each passenger
Fire Extinguisher: Must show full charge on gauge and/or have seal intact
First Aid Kit: Recommended to be as complete as is reasonably possible
Antenna Length: Not longer than 54", unless both ends are firmly attached to the vehicle

I have been to many events and some are strict about the list and others are not. I have yet to go to one that has not worked with the individual to find a way to pass the inspection.

Some questions:
Do you guys frown on the use of buggies or offroad only vehicles?

Hi Gumby, that is something we need to clarify in the TLCA requirements. At Cruise Moab, we addressed this some years ago by having the safety inspectors follow a procedure where the parking brake is engaged and the driver has to rev the engine to X RPM while in drive (I forgot the exact RPM figure) and the truck doesn't move.

<rant>On-topic but kind of a tangent, I have always objected to how the name for this requirement has morphed from "Safety" to "Tech". It is a safety inspection dangit! This is for participant's and bystander's safety! When I think of "tech" I think of coilover 4 link conversions on 40s and such! Safety is making sure the rig isn't going to be hurting anyone because the brakes don't work or the steering is going to fail!</rant>

If it is a SAFETY inspection, then what does that have to with registration and insurance. Damage to a vehicle while on a trail would be hard to claim on insurance, I believe. And If someone gets hurt on the trail or at an event, that is on that person's own medical insurance.
I am not knocking. I am just trying to see the relevance.

 

[Green Lantern]

I disagree with you VERY strongly.

TLCA has no business implying that TLCA SOPs guarantee safety. The Host Chapter has full responsibility for safety determinations and decisions. Please refer to the Bylaws at Article IX: Events.

Happy Trails! N

<rant>On-topic but kind of a tangent, I have always objected to how the name for this requirement has morphed from "Safety" to "Tech". It is a safety inspection dangit! This is for participant's and bystander's safety! When I think of "tech" I think of coilover 4 link conversions on 40s and such! Safety is making sure the rig isn't going to be hurting anyone because the brakes don't work or the steering is going to fail!</rant>

 

[woooody]

Some questions:
Do you guys frown on the use of buggies or offroad only vehicles?

No -- But you need to still be registered properly as an off-road vehicle (green Sticker in California). It also means that for Cruise Moab, you will need to trailer it to/from trail head.

 

[Rzeppa]

I disagree with you VERY strongly.

TLCA has no business implying that TLCA SOPs guarantee safety. The Host Chapter has full responsibility for safety determinations and decisions. Please refer to the Bylaws at Article IX: Events.

Happy Trails! N

Hi Nick, I never wrote that TLCA implies or guarantees safety. What I wrote was that I had an issue with the terminology "tech inspection". It is a safety inspection, not a tech inspection.

And I further wrote that it is for participant's and bystander's safety. That's not a guarantee, but IT IS the purpose!

 

[Rzeppa]

No -- But you need to still be registered properly as an off-road vehicle (green Sticker in California). It also means that for Cruise Moab, you will need to trailer it to/from trail head.

X2. That is correct, no way do we "frown on" purpose built off road buggies, but we certainly want to ensure that vehicles are safe for their occupants and any bystanders.

 

[Hottrod81]

Hi Gumby, that is something we need to clarify in the TLCA requirements. At Cruise Moab, we addressed this some years ago by having the safety inspectors follow a procedure where the parking brake is engaged and the driver has to rev the engine to X RPM while in drive (I forgot the exact RPM figure) and the truck doesn't move.

Honestly, taking an automatic and reving it to X RPM is ridiculous. The parking brake was not made to have torque from the engine applied to it. I can take a new car and it might move at 1000 RPMS while the parking brake is set. The parking brake was intended to keep a vehicle from moving while unattended and should be treated as such. Maybe a better test would be to have a participant for Cruise Moab park on a downslope and set the brake to see if it moves while it is in neutral. I am sure my thoughts will be dismissed though.

 

[megolfer]

That is very true. I can take my mini truck and put the parking brake oun and it will still move it I apply RPMS to it. I agree that the best test would be a down hill slope.