Pre-SAAQ Trailer and RV Inspection in Laval

In Quebec, the official mechanical inspection of a road vehicle is performed by a mechanical inspection agent authorized by the SAAQ. Some trailers must be inspected periodically, notably heavy vehicles depending on their gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) and use. Others need a one-time inspection: a home-built or modified trailer, a trailer coming from outside Quebec, or a trailer that received an inspection notice from a peace officer.

Which cases apply, how often, and the standards to meet depend on the trailer type, weight and use. To find out whether your trailer is concerned, refer to the SAAQ (saaq.gouv.qc.ca) or an accredited agent: they are the only official sources.

Our role is different and complementary: we perform a preliminary inspection, item by item, and repair what needs repairing before your official appointment. Location Remorque Laval is not an SAAQ-accredited agent: we do not issue any inspection certificate and we cannot guarantee the outcome, since the accredited agent alone judges their own inspection.

We go through the components an accredited agent examines on a trailer, starting with those that most often cause a failure.

• Brakes: condition of shoes and drums, electric brake magnets, springs, adjustment, leaks and fluid level on surge brakes, and operation of the breakaway system (switch, cable and battery).
• Lighting and signals: running, brake and turn lights, licence-plate light, clearance lights and reflectors, condition of the trailer-side 4- or 7-pin connector and quality of the ground.
• Tires and wheels: wear and cracks, bulges, pressure, load rating suited to the trailer, bent rims, lug nuts present and torqued.
• Bearings and hubs: play, noise, overheating, grease and seal condition.
• Trailer coupling: coupler and latch, tongue, jack, welds and fasteners, wear of the trailer-side gooseneck or fifth-wheel coupler.
• Safety chains: presence, length, hooks and a rating that matches the trailer's weight.
• Frame, underbody and suspension: rails, cross members, rust-through, cracks, leaf springs, equalizers and U-bolts.
• Floor, sides and body: loose parts, sharp edges and anything that could come off on the road.

We prepare every trailer format our shop already services every day:

• Light trailers: utility, enclosed (cargo), open, dump and small flatbeds. Failures usually come from lighting, tires and poorly adjusted brakes.
• Medium-duty trailers: heavy flatbeds, goosenecks and fifth wheels with axles up to 18,000 lb per axle. We pay special attention to high-capacity brakes, suspension and neck welds.
• Travel trailers (RVs): because they are towed less, their brakes, bearings and breakaway battery are often the weak points. An RV stored for several years deserves a full check before hitting the road again.

1. Book at 450-232-7828. If you received an inspection notice, bring it.
2. Prepare the trailer: empty, clean and free of ice or caked mud on the frame. The accredited agent requires the same, since a full visual inspection must be possible.
3. Item-by-item inspection at our shop, with a light and brake test.
4. Report and quote: we explain each item to correct and the estimated cost. Nothing is repaired without your approval.
5. Repairs: brakes, wiring, bearings, tires, welding or coupler replacement, as approved.
6. Official appointment: you then book the SAAQ-accredited agent of your choice for the mechanical inspection.

To be clear from the start:

• We are not an SAAQ-accredited agent and we do not issue a mechanical inspection certificate or sticker.
• We do not inspect the tow vehicle: our service covers the trailer or RV.
• We sell hitches and towing accessories, but installation on your vehicle is not offered (hitch, gooseneck ball, fifth wheel, vehicle-side wiring or brake controller).
• Our explanations of the regulations are general: when in doubt, the SAAQ is the authority.