Changing an Axle

Draggo wrote:
Hello,
Any suggestions?

As noted above, replacing an axle is fairly easy (providing you have the needed space and tools). Have you weighed the TT and know what the actual weight on the axles is?

I see that like us, you have a KZ Spree and know about some of their frame issues. They build these using a frame that has I-beams made from 3 pieces of 1/8" mild steel welded together and *look* like a regular I-beam. They flex a LOT and that could be a contributing factor in a bent axle. Check that the spring hangers are perfectly vertical and not bent to one side. I'd also inspect for cracks in the vertical part of the I-beams above the spring hangers. We had bent spring hangers on a previous Spree we owned and it came from the factory like that! We no longer own that TT due to frame issues...

Specs say that the 318BHS is 32'-9" and has a GVWR of 7K lbs. Our 262RKS is 29', has a 6800 lb GVWR and weighs just a few lbs under the GVWR (fully loaded for 2 plus some mods). Just one full holding tank would put us over the GVWR. I would suspect that you have been running your TT close to or over the GVWR which would also be a factor in a bent axle.

I would definitely upgrade the 3500 lb 2-3/8" dia. axles to larger 4400/5200 lb axles. This would mean upgrading to 6-lug wheels and you'd obviously need to replace both axles. You'd get 12" brakes which would be a bonus. I'd also upgrade the spring ratings and would recommend installing a Dexter wet bolt kit while in there, or at a min. Dexter's never-fail bushings. If the original bushings have never been replaced, I doubt there'd be much left of them. Our were totally shot after just the 2K mile trip from Indiana to the dealer. Our current Spree 262RKS has a special one-off heavy duty frame with 5200 lb axles. The improvement from the standard setup is absolutely amazing.

If you have LRC tires they may have been running close to their max. load capacity rating. I'd upgrade to LRD to get more reserve load capacity.

If you do upgrade the axle rating and want optimize the work, I'd consider adding gussets above the spring hangers and possibly "boxing" the spring hangers to add strength. Doing all of the above work would of course add more expense.