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What are my options?

3K views 38 replies 15 participants last post by  Knuckles65 
#1 ·
We recently had the local RV dealer install the air force stay in play tow plates on our 10th anniversary. The plate came with two sets of instructions, one for a regular Wrangler, the other for the 10th anniversary edition. The RV dealer did not follow the instructions, and now we have an extra hole in our frame, and the plate is not level putting additional pressure on our front tires. We contacted the blue ox, and sent them several pictures. They confirmed the plate was installed incorrectly. They gave us detailed instructions on how to correct it, which we are providing to the RV dealer. They pointed out that if the RV dealer drills additional holes and does not follow the instructions, it could compromise the structural integrity of the front portion of the frame. If this happens, does anyone know what my options are? My understanding is that the jeep is a single piece frame, so damaging the structural integrity of the front would essentially ruined the entire vehicle. Does anyone know if this is true and what my options would be? They also forgot to install the safety cables, but that is another story altogether. I am not looking for advice on how to correct the base plate, just wondering what my options would be if they actually compromise the structural integrity of the jeeps frame.
 
#3 ·
Thank you, we sent over 25 pictures to blue ox, tried to load them on here from my phone unsuccessfully. Thanks for the tip on getting insurance involved. According to blue ox, they can still repair it, but it is tricky. If they mess up a second time, that is what I am concerned about. Just really nervous.
 
#4 ·
Really doesn't sound like a good situation.

I'd definitely get insurance involved, which will in turn, get the RV dealers insurance involved. It may be for nothing as they could possibly fix their screw up, but better to have them "in the know" sooner than later.

I'd keep records of every conversation you have with the RV dealer (phone calls, emails, face to face visits, etc.) just so you are covered.

I'm assuming this RV dealer has insurance that would cover the work done on your JK?
 
#7 ·
Sounds good.

The last thing you want to have to do is pay any kind of deductible to cover their screw up. If Blue Ox "authorized" them, then I'd imagine they have some sort of liability in this whole thing too...no?

Good luck and keep us informed!
 
#6 ·
How large are the holes that you fear may cause the issue? Its not so much the hole that causes the "stress" on the frame but the drilling. While its probably not what you want to do to your nice jeep, you can always tap it and put a bolt in the hole. This will act as if the hole was never there as far as structural integrity is concerned.
 
#9 ·
Yeah ... I understand the concern for sure. I did not realize how close they were together. I agree that insurance is going to be the best way to go with this, had it been a older vehicle I would just put bolts in them and not worry about it. Good luck man
 
#12 ·
That would worry me too. Swiss cheese in a high stress area doesn't sound comforting.

Welding a steel plate over the existing holes before drilling new ones might be the safest option.

Lawsuit would be pointless unless you've suffered extensive damages not covered by an insurance policy.
 
#19 ·
I'm not sure I would trust the same a$$ clown to do the fix correctly. Hopefully you can watch him do the work to verify it was done correctly. Good luck.
 
#21 ·
Personally I would not drill additional holes in the frame.

I would request that Blue Ox send blank plates to the dealer and that they locate those plates correctly and then back drill the holes from the frame to the new blank plates. If the edge margin is not adequate on the plates, then the plates should be made with excess to allow for the required edge margins.

But then what the hell do I know, I'm only an engineer.
 
#22 ·
again, i see nothing wrong with the install of the base plate other than the safety cables not there.

i took a pic of mine, a comparison side by side shows no difference except i removed the warning sticker and gave the whole thing a shot of satin black paint.

 
#23 ·
again, i see nothing wrong with the install of the base plate other than the safety cables not there. i took a pic of mine, a comparison side by side shows no difference except i removed the warning sticker and gave the whole thing a shot of satin black paint.
yours looks really good and level. The issue with ours is that it slow down dramatically putting additional pressure on the tires when being towed.
 
#24 ·
Well, they were able to get it level. When I inspected it, I found out how they did it. It doesn't appear they followed the correction instructions we got from blue ox, instead, they ground the heads off of the bolts that run through my bumper into my skid plate. The bolt heads are now flush with the washer. So it is level, and they did put the safety cables on. Is there a risk to having the bolt heads ground down flush with the washer? I couldn't get a picture because there is not enough space to get a shot of what I am talking about.
 
#27 ·
It sounds like this tip is too late for you, but as the owner of an insurance agency I always advise people to start claims only if they are positive there will be a payout in their favor. Obviously there are exceptions to that rule but generally it's a good one to follow.

The problem with beginning a claim is that it becomes a claim on your record as soon as it's opened. Most carriers (95% probably) count a $0 claim the same as a real claim in auto insurance and use the reasoning that they started spending money on the claim as soon as it was called in. It sucks, but it's how things generally work.
 
#28 ·
It sounds like this tip is too late for you, but as the owner of an insurance agency I always advise people to start claims only if they are positive there will be a payout in their favor. Obviously there are exceptions to that rule but generally it's a good one to follow. The problem with beginning a claim is that it becomes a claim on your record as soon as it's opened. Most carriers (95% probably) count a $0 claim the same as a real claim in auto insurance and use the reasoning that they started spending money on the claim as soon as it was called in. It sucks, but it's how things generally work.
all tips are good ones. We haven't filed a claim at this point, just had our insurance company take a look at the pictures. He is a pretty good guy and said we should not open a claim just yet. He advised us to hold onto all communication records and ask a Jeep dealer
 
#31 ·
Wow, this sounds like you really have your hands full with a bunch of inept installers.

I'd stop everything immediately! Get your insurance adjuster out to look at it. Get BlueOx on the phone and tell them they need to come fix it or face a lawsuit. The installer needs to be fired and you should not be held responsible to pay them a penny for any of this "installation".

You can't grind the head off of a bolt and expect it to remain functional. That's basic physics. The bolt could pull through the washer and that's a recipe for disaster and a very clear safety issue.

I would start questioning the integrity of the frame at this point and DEFINITELY don't let them drill more holes! It sounds to me like the frame needs to be plated (plate welded over the holes they've drilled (run the plate at least six inched past the holes - in both directions and on both sides if possible) before they even attempt another installation. Even then, I wouldn't get these morons to do that work either!

Find out who their insurance company is...and give them a call. After all, it should be THEM that pays any claims.
 
#32 ·
Damn...
I'd be knee deep in a lawsuit by now...
I don't put up with incompetence from my employees nor with other company's employees, if we cause an issue we fix it 110% and in the healthcare IT business that could mean over $1m out of pocket for us, only once has an issue even come close to needing major outlay and we still fixed it THE CORRECT WAY before the deadline... Forget the insurance company get an attorney...

I'll keep this in mind if I ever decide to tow the JKU... I'll just install it myself... Finding more and more horror stories of installers anymore... I want to re-gear and the only thing stopping me is the confidence to do it myself...
 
#33 ·
Jeep is going to inspect it in the morning. The regional from blue ox is going to inspect it next week. If both are good reports I am going to let it go. I just want to make sure it is safe and structurally sound. I don't need it breaking free from our RV on the freeway or having the frame fail going over a bump. I should have askedd my neighbor to do it. He is an amazing jeep mechanic, but he was booked up and I was too excited to get this on. At the end of the day, I just want affirmation that it is safe.
 
#34 ·
Sounds like you've got a good plan of attack on this. Keep us updated.

And yes, at the end of the day, safety is the most important issue!
 
#35 ·
Well, the good news is, since my end caps were off I could install the fog lights. JW Speaker 6145. Awesome! My neighbor is amazing with this stuff! If anyone needs jeep work done in Northwest Arkansas, message me and I will put you in touch with him. Keeping my fingers crossed for the jeep inspection in the morning.
 
#36 ·
Thanks to everyone on the forum for the advice and guidance. I think we are nearing the end of this ordeal. Blue ox has been an amazing partner throughout this process. We received confirmation from blue ox, and the Jeep dealership that the fix we are about to attempt should work and restore the integrity to the frame and towbar. The installer has agreed to install a brand-new towbar, hire a certified welder to plate the front of the frame it and fill all slotted holes, and they are providing us a replacement vehicle while the work is being done. Thanks again to everyone for the guidance and suggestions.
 
#37 ·
Sounds like a great resolution to this situation!

Hopefully the same installer isn't going to install the new bar.
 
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