kz travel trailer

[vintholidays]

just wondering what your opinion is with the kz brand. We are purchasing a 2014 kz spree 280 rls and hope we picked the right one....thanks (hate buyers remorse)

[campinia]

We love ours. One year of use now and no problems!

[PeteK-Hou]

We've had our KZ for about 6 months. My overall opinion is 'above average'. I've found the workmanship to be good and although we've only had it out 7-8 times, we've not found anything to bring back to the dealer.

[TxTiger]

I've had a KZ 27TH (Toy Hauler) for nearly 4 years. I have only had a couple of very minor, expected type of issues with it. It is not real fancy, but has all the necessary stuff. I find it comfortable and reliable, and it has held up really well. All the KZ's have Lippert frames, not sure if they are of the same construction mentioned above, but my welds all look good and the frame build quality looks really good also.

KZ has been awarded the DSI Award many times over the past several years. Good luck with your new purchase.

[myredracer]

If it's one of the models with the Lippert frame that is made by welding 3 pieces of sheet steel together to form an I-beam, I'd look for something else. These frames are very weak and flex a lot and can cause serious problems.

Our KZ dealer has refused to honor the 2nd year of the 2 year factory warranty because I've done some modifications. Just an excuse as it in no way contravenes the written factory warranty. Not impressed with our dealer for other reasons too. I'd try and find out what the dealer is like before buying.

Other than the frame, I'd say overall our KZ Spree is above average. Doesn't mean it's acceptable IMO though, as on average quality in TTs is lacking. I've found some things, like wiring for ex. are not done well. (I'm an EE so have a good idea what is good and what isn't)

Would we buy another? After what we've been through, nope. Especially since they're now owned by Thor. Friends of ours have a Keystone TT and I'm shocked by some of the poor workmanship and inherent design. Only time will tell if Thor does the same thing with KZ.

[azwildcat]

We have a 2009 323RLS Spree. Few minor issues but overall has been a very good TT. Would not hesitate to purchase another.

[Need-A-Vacation]

93Cobra2771 wrote:

Need-A-Vacation wrote:
When comparing different brands and models, one thing I found if I remember correctly with the KZ is the axles were not rated as high, so it didn't have a lot of reserve cargo capacity. The average camper adds about 1k lbs to the trailer dry weight. It was the Sportsmen, comparable to the Jay Flight- 2yr warranty, Al/ wood construction, etc. I never went to look at them in person though.

One thing I found in shopping is some tt's had 4400lb axles, but a 9500lb gvwr for example...... Relying on adding some of the tw that the tv carries to the axle ratings to have a higher gvwr. Not sure if this is similar for other models, but it was for a comparable floorplan of our Jayco.

Other than that from what I found online KZ seemed like a pretty good trailer, some good, and a lemon occasionally just like any other brand.

Good luck!

The 06 in my sig is completely different. 5300# axles on a GVWR of 10000. Yes, 10000 on a 30' tongue to tail TT.

Very solid and well built camper, no complaints at all about it.

What I found with the axles and gvwr difference was a different brand (Coachmen), but in looking up the KZ Sportsmen S322BHK again (couldn't remember the exact details) it only has an 8800lb gvwr at 34'5" and ~7k lbs dry. Probably 2-4400lb axles, the same as the Coachmen, but KZ doesn't "stretch" the gvwr.

As mentioned, depends on what you are looking for. Different price points have different features, both standard and what is available as an option. In the Jayco 26 BH thread I mentioned a handful of things to look for when shopping. Oven was something I forgot to mention, but one thing we do use on occasion, so was a must have.

Good luck with the new rig!

[cbshoestring]

Lots of people on the KZ FAMILYforum seem to love them. Not a very active site, but reading the older posts can be useful.

We enjoy ours. Seems to be built as well as other TT I have encountered. No real issues after two seasons of use.

The biggest complaint seems to be how LOW the trailers sit. Lots of people flip the axels because of the low ground clearance.

I have a 5" drop in order to get my trailer level. The WDH bars are almost on the ground. I must be very, very careful not to hit the bars or the bumper. I still scrape them every now and again going in/out of parking lots.

[93Cobra2771]

Need-A-Vacation wrote:
When comparing different brands and models, one thing I found if I remember correctly with the KZ is the axles were not rated as high, so it didn't have a lot of reserve cargo capacity. The average camper adds about 1k lbs to the trailer dry weight. It was the Sportsmen, comparable to the Jay Flight- 2yr warranty, Al/ wood construction, etc. I never went to look at them in person though.

One thing I found in shopping is some tt's had 4400lb axles, but a 9500lb gvwr for example...... Relying on adding some of the tw that the tv carries to the axle ratings to have a higher gvwr. Not sure if this is similar for other models, but it was for a comparable floorplan of our Jayco.

Other than that from what I found online KZ seemed like a pretty good trailer, some good, and a lemon occasionally just like any other brand.

Good luck!

The 06 in my sig is completely different. 5300# axles on a GVWR of 10000. Yes, 10000 on a 30' tongue to tail TT.

Very solid and well built camper, no complaints at all about it.

[ford_truck_guy]

I had a KZ fifth wheel until July of this year for 8 years.. I know you cannot compare the 2 but it was a great unit ! and KZ was a very good company to deal with , now that was PRE-THOR so I am not so sure if it has all changed ??? going off my past KZ experience , I would not think twice about referring KZ to anyone!!!
Good Luck with your decision ! Joe

[GordonThree]

my classic 200 cost half what the same size in other brands wanted. maybe they're using lower rated components, but I don't know - there's really only a handful of factories building these things and even fewer component providers (BAL, Dexter, etc).

i think the other brands offer a few upgrades and a much steeper price - maybe the rooftop is a bit quieter, or the fridge a bit fancier - maybe an oven or three/four burner stove.

think about how you intend to use your trailer, and what your method of travel is. i bought mine as a mobile motel room to lug around - some place to eat, sleep and maybe watch TV when it's raining. I didn't buy it to have a luxury apartment and live in it full time, so upgraded internals and cargo capacity aren't super important to me.

[Need-A-Vacation]

When comparing different brands and models, one thing I found if I remember correctly with the KZ is the axles were not rated as high, so it didn't have a lot of reserve cargo capacity. The average camper adds about 1k lbs to the trailer dry weight. It was the Sportsmen, comparable to the Jay Flight- 2yr warranty, Al/ wood construction, etc. I never went to look at them in person though.

One thing I found in shopping is some tt's had 4400lb axles, but a 9500lb gvwr for example...... Relying on adding some of the tw that the tv carries to the axle ratings to have a higher gvwr. Not sure if this is similar for other models, but it was for a comparable floorplan of our Jayco.

Other than that from what I found online KZ seemed like a pretty good trailer, some good, and a lemon occasionally just like any other brand.

Good luck!