Before we entered the motorhome world we naively presumed passing
a COF would be like getting a warrant. Boy, were we wrong.
Like everything else, since we’ve bought the truck and rig,
it’s been a learning experience.
Six months ago we took the rig for a COF. We thought it
would fly through because it was brand new. What could be faulty on a new rig? Luckily, it
passed all tests - except one. The brakes! They failed the brakes?!?
So Bernie went for a drive around the block and applied the
brakes heaps to warm them up.
Then took it back for another test. It passed
with flying colours.
Now, fast forward six months… and our COF is due again. We’ve
hardly used the rig since the last COF but still we were slightly anxious that
something trivial might fail it. And sometimes that something ‘trivial’ maybe
something expensive!
The truck went first and passed. Although it was noted that
the seat belt had a slight glitch that would need looking at. Bernie explained
to the tester-guy, that it was a brand new seat belt. He advised us to spray
some silicon on it.
Next up was the rig.
While we were sitting in the waiting room another customer
remarked that it felt like being at the dentist – hoping nothing would need to
be done!
Since we’ve had our fifth wheeler we’ve talked to numerous
people who take their vehicles in for COFs. It seems some places have assessors
who are over the top and so pedantic it’s bordering on ridiculous.
Yes- these six monthly tests are necessary for safety.
However when you hear that some assessors fail vehicles for minor things, it
does make you wonder if at times, it is getting too picky?
Fortunately the rig sailed through. What a relief.
All I can say is, I am pleased we passed!
