PCS to Germany: Looking for Vehicle Inspection info

As the title states, I've received order to Grafenwoehr and am trying to decide if it worth trying to ship and get my Tacoma through inspection. I have a lightly modified '08 TRD Sport all in good mechanical working order but I've changed the wheel and tire size (16" TRD trail teams with 265/75/16) and have 5100's set to 1.75. According to USAEUR reg tire and wheel size must meet manufacture's recommended size.

My limited research brought me to the conclusion they are very strict there. Anyone have any recent experience with bringing a modified Taco (or any other car) to Germany? Any suggestions whether I should sell/store/bring to stock or try to ship? Greatly appreciate any advice.

 

Maybe call the facility on your orders and see if they can give you a definite answer.

 

Post up on rallypoint.com and I'll guarantee you'll find your answer. Let us know how Graf is, the last time I was there was 1990.

 

I'd be more concerned with frame rust. No one ever looked at my door jams to see if my tires were factory specs. Rust on the other hand will be an immediate fail.

 

I am stationed in Stuttgart with a Tacoma. Veh inspection can be a pain here but outside of legit mechanical problems there are really only a few major things I have seen them fail you for. Dark tint on front windows is an immediate no go. Fender flares not covering tires is one but it is pretty subjective. Really I only see jeeps have trouble with this.

Frame rust and rusted rotors/ brake components are no go's. if you have questionable looking brakes or will need a brake job get it done before shipping your truck. They do not turn rotors here so it is always a replacement if needed. If your frame isn't coated or is rusted I would get it done prior to coming. The Germans salt the roads here.

Tires have to have a certain amount of tread, can't remember what and they can't be dry rotted. I have never heard of someone failing for having a different size though. This come from laws here stating that vehicles can't be modified from their designed form other than by using approved parts and doing approved mods. Gotta love socialism. These rules really only apply to the German citizens. We are covered under a status of forces agreement (SOFA) and don't have to play ball with that one. The rest of the rules do make sense with the autobahn here and are usually pretty good rules. Tires can actually be cheap here but the selection can be limited. I just scored some Toyo Opencountry MTs is 255/85/16 for 500 mounted.

Windshield cracks and chips will also get you failed and it's a PIA to replace them here.

Lifts aren't a problem, from what I have seen. I am doing a 3" this weekend and will be doing a CMC while I am at it. I'll put my truck through inspection next week and see if I get hit on anything to give you an idea. Not a big deal because they can't take your plates back if you fail prior to your reg expiring. I have a year left on my tags and pcs in 7 months so no biggie.

If you have any other questions let me know. Also if there are any big parts you want or want to do buy them now. Even if you ship them in household goods it's better than paying international freight for a bumper. I have wanted one for awhile but can't bring myself to drop 500 on shipping.

Hit me up if you have any questions and I'll try and think of anything else.

 

Vahalla, thanks for the info! My frame is good to go, got sprayed when I bought it in Alaska, I might touch it up myself. I may take a look at the brakes, I know the rears are at 50%. As for rusted rotors, does that mean for the rotor face? My rear drum covers are a bit rusty but I'm assuming that would be OK as it's not mechanical.

 

PCS question about Italy- just got orders and am considering taking my 2017 DCSB. Anyone done this? What do I need to know?

 

I don’t know about Italy but it’s no big deal in Germany. Just make sure the truck is clean and take care of any underbody rust before you get here. Parts and labor are a bitch so if there is anything questionable get it done before coming. Europeans don’t turn rotors, they straight up replace them. If you are into doing random little mods and whatnot go to the auto parts store and grab a bunch of the little random parts you would need, switches and other small crap. That and plate steel is super hard to get here.

 

Was curious about parts, etc. thanks for the info. Which models does Toyota sell in Europe? What are the common vehicles off-road? Looking forward to seeing exploring Europe...

 

I am sure there is a scene in Europe to offroad, when I was stationed in Vilseck in 2006-2009 there wasn't a lot of lifted trucks from service members out there only because some of the roads,parking structures, etc is a pain in the butt to get into with larger vehicles. A lot of the vehicles in Europe are a lot smaller, Fiat, Pugeot, BMW, Mercedes, etc. But I have seen people out there with 10 inch lifts giant mudding tires, etc. So should have no issues with almost stock tacos. Enjoy it there man its awesome.