Date:         Fri, 14 Oct 2005 08:49:04 -0600
Reply-To:     jimt <camper@TACTICAL-BUS.INFO>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         jimt <camper@TACTICAL-BUS.INFO>
Subject:      Re: Reflectors on back of van
In-Reply-To:  <8a.3168227b.3080ea4a@aol.com>
Content-type: text/plain; charset="ISO-8859-1"

Unfortunately the bumper height codes are not usually enforced because of
loop holes some mfr have been using in putting the SUV on the road.  For
example did you know the PT cruiser is produced under light truck standards?
Very obviously a passenger vehicle but because of the seat/cargo
availability it fits through a loop hole in the law.  Many minivans also use
the loop holes.  In some states this changes the bumper height allowable and
on the Fed level sneaks it around CAFÉ rules.

This is a very debated issue right now up at fed levels and some vehicle Mfr
are very scared about their bottom lines if these loop holes vanish.  GM
would probably vanish if the rules were suddenly changed and Ford would be
in severe financial diff as well.  Diamler/Chrysler has maintained a
diversified line across all lines so they would probably survive easily.
Noted they are also the only one of the big three not screaming.

jimt

On 10/14/05 5:02 AM, "George Goff" <THX0001@AOL.COM> wrote:

> In a message dated 10/13/05 10:24:17 PM, felder@KNOLOGY.NET writes:
> 
> << Probably every state (I know mine does) has laws that set minimum and
> maximum bumper and headlight heights measured from the road. Probably
> not one SUV meets the requirements. Does anyone care? Hell no.
> 
> Jim >>
> 
> I've been meaning to check into the bumper height requirement for PA.  I have
> a vague memory of seeing a sooty, yellowed inspection chart at a garage years
> ago which called out a required bumper height.  This especially comes to mind
> whenever I pull into a parking spot next to a monster truck wannabe (or
> Expedition) and find myself looking up at its door handles.
> 
> George
> 
>