we just purchased our first RV of any kind: A 2004 KZ 2505 Sportsman Frontier TT- we bought it used off of craigslist for a pretty great price. Went to get it safety inspected and the inspector is telling us that it will not pass inspection because there is a U-Bolt on the axle that is too low to the ground. It passed MD state inspection in 2009 - The RV repair place said it will cost $1200 for each axle to be replaced in order to remedy this. I am feeling like we might be taken advantage of here since we are new to the rv world. Why on earth would this have not been a problem 4 years ago but it is now? Also is KZ still in business? This same guy said they were not in business anymore...Looking for guidance before we make any decisions. The rest of the trailer is in good condition. Thanks for any thoughts.

I would take it to a commercial frame and axle shop and get another opinion. You do not have to get axles from the rv manufacturer. There are generally two are two main axle manufacturing companies : Dexter and Alko. A properly rated axle from any of these would likely fit your frame. Again, I would get another opinion from a shop that specializes I'm frame/axle repair and fabrication.Before you put a lot more money into it, make sure it is worth the investment. Steve

Never heard of such a thing but that doesn't mean anything. $1200 for one u-bolt, I'll do it for $600. Thats crazy. Why not just cut it off with a cutoff wheel or reciprocating saw? Am I missing something? I replaced one on my class A in about 45 minutes and that included the trip to Harbor Freight to buy an impact gun, that was a 30 minute round trip.

Dumb question, maybe... can't you just take it to another inspection place and see if it passes?

blangen wrote:Dumb question, maybe... can't you just take it to another inspection place and see if it passes?X2

never heard of such a thing either. I'd try to find a list of the inspection requirements and see where it should be or go back to the inspection place and have them show you the regulation on u-bolt height! :) And KZ IS still in business! Makes great equipment!

Need help after a not so great inspection | Good Sam Community

53 Replies

subcamper
Explorer II
Jun 01, 2013
So everyone that owns a trailer made like that by KZ has to pay for a fix to be able to use it legally in certain states? That doesn't fly with me.

I would still call KZ and at least talk with them about this. Maybe they will help with the cost of the fix ,maybe not. Also, report the incident to NHTSA (and any other relevant agency)as a safety defect on the trailer. As proof cite your state's safety inspection law. Just because the manufacturer made it that way doesn't mean it's safe!

I agree that that IS an unsafe design. If the tire goes flat or blows, the U-bolt ends will dig into the pavenment hard, acting as a powerful brake on that side only causing a huge rotational force on the trailer. In the least, you would cause a lot of damage to the road surface.

Steve
mandygail
Explorer
May 31, 2013
Just wanted to give a quick update on this topic - thank you to those who helped me with this in the beginning. We ended up doing the axle flip - the repair shop took FOREVER to get the flip kits in stock so I had to order the parts myself & had them shipped there. after it being at the shop waiting on the parts for TWO MONTHS - we finally took the camper on our 'maiden voyage'! had a great time- we got new wheels/tires & had no worries about anything. whew!
Aqua-Andy
Explorer
Mar 29, 2013
colliehauler wrote:
Why would anyone buy a axle? You could cut the bolts shorter or flip the axle for a lot less money. If it was built that way it had to pass DOT standards or KZ should be responable for the fix.

Agree 100%
colliehauler
Explorer III
Mar 29, 2013
Why would anyone buy a axle? You could cut the bolts shorter or flip the axle for a lot less money. If it was built that way it had to pass DOT standards or KZ should be responable for the fix.
wbwood
Explorer
Mar 29, 2013
Aqua-Andy wrote:
M GO BLUE wrote:
So you purchased the trailer BEFORE getting the trailer inspected?

Yes it appears that is what they did but I don't see much of an issue with it. There is not much to fail for a safety inspection on a trailer.

According to the first link posted in this thread about the Maryland Safety Inspections, it says a seller should obtain the inspection certificate before the sell. It lists some types of trailers it doesn't include, but unless I overlooked something, it didn't mean hers.
time2roll
Nomad
Mar 28, 2013
mandygail wrote:
ok here is a picture - the mechanic said that this is only the second TT he has ever seen made this way - in other states it is legal, in MD it is not - it does appear to be very low to me - he said he is going to find out if a lift kit is allowed and if that would work - anyone have any thoughts??

please let me know if you cannot see the picture - im new to the forum & need to figure out if it worked...[img][/img]

Probably a 4" drop axle. I think you could put a straight axle under it but you will lift the trailer (and u-bolts) 4" up if that is a big deal. Axle is not killer expensive especially if you can do the work yourself. Go to a suspension or trailer shop if considering a swap... not the inspection place.

http://www.al-kousa.com/pdf/T35_D35_2200-3500lb.pdf
kayco53
Explorer
Mar 28, 2013
The threads on u bolt look long just shorten them to a 1/4 longer than the nut.As per post earlier in thread problem done.Good Luck
Aqua-Andy
Explorer
Mar 28, 2013
Ok, I just looked at mine and it is built the same way. So I think it is safe to say this is how the factory built the unit and if it passed DOT standards when it was built it should be ok now. I still stand with my original suggestion, call your state DOT office and they will have the final say.
Hammerhead
Explorer
Mar 28, 2013
There is a post on the 2nd page with the following link.

My state also prohibits having part of a vehicle lower than the bottom of the rim. What would happen if the tire blew out and was ripped to shreds? That U-bolt would start digging into the pavement and might cause severe damage to the suspension.

gijoecam wrote:

I still can't see how it's illegal though... This is an exceptionally common setup for a travel trailer, car hauler, or utility trailer. I'd want to see the specific statute being violated, not just take somebody's word for it.
Steve_Martin
Explorer
Mar 28, 2013
I've got a KZ TT in my yard too. Will look at it in the morning. but I know it don't like like her picture. it does however fail the inspection spec! So the shop is not screwing with them in that respect..good to know.

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Need help after a not so great inspection

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