Forum Discussion

Explorer

Mar 27, 2013

Need help after a not so great inspection

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.

53 Replies

blangen
Explorer
Mar 27, 2013
Dumb question, maybe... can't you just take it to another inspection place and see if it passes?
Flyfisherman128
Explorer
Mar 27, 2013
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.
therink
Explorer
Mar 27, 2013
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