Less than a year after the purchase of the unit I noticed the wear on the inside of my tires on the back axle of the trailer. Also the rear wheels seemed tilted with the bottom of the tire further out than the top. I stopped at Brewbaker RV, where I bought my trailer and they diagnosed the problem as a bent rear axle. They said I probably hit something and did not offer to make any arrangements for fixing or compensating me for the issue. I had the axle replaced at my own expense with an axle comparable with what was on it. I also replaced the two rear tires. After less than another year I noticed the same problem with the tires wearing on the inside. I consulted the dealer, the manufacturer, and the component supplier, Lippert, who actually made the trailer. None where able to give me a reason or supply me with any compensation. I was left on my own. On my own I determined that the only answer that the trailer was to heavy for the suspension components. According to KZ, the carrying capacity of the trailer is 1300lbs. Even with a full load of water, propane and our camping items I am sure we weren't over that limit. We carried a similar weight on our previous fifth wheel, which was a foot shorter than the one we have now and never had any problems. At my own expense I replaced both axles with heavier ones and new heavier springs. It's been six months and so far there has been no abnormal wear on the tires. Looking at various RV forums I have found that this is not a unique problem. The government relies on the manufacturers and RIVA to self police there actions. Without strict government over site, manufacturers will put the minimum specified components on important items like suspensions without and thought to safety margins. I ask you to look into this for me and for other people who buy RV's.
- NHTSA ID
- 11545006
- Incident
- Sep 17, 2023