I went to the dealer today to check the timing of my delivery and we hit a major stumbling block. The ECB bullbar does not fit the 2012 JGC. I spoke to the guy at ECB and he said the chassis rail has been shortened by a couple of inches. (they are working on re-engineering mounts but will take time)
It appears that to protect the pedestrian and satisfy NCAP (and ANCAP), not only are the hooks removed, but they have shortened the protrusion of the chassis rail.
I would appreciate someone in the know to let us know for sure but I'm guessing all AUS ORAII packs will come minus the tow hooks, and without any serious front end recovery solution at all.
They cannot charge for this, as it will be against the Trade practices act. They must MAKE GOOD this problem and that means parts and labour. The solution will also need to be fit for it's intended use, in other words it will need to be the same rating as the 2011 tow hooks. I cannot see them using a nudgebar as this would cause problems with the Overland ACC and customers may not want an ugly bar up front. They may also get in trouble with ANCAP as any modifications to the front of the vehicle could affect its crash rating.
This could be an interesting problem for Jeep to sort out.
Jeep Oz doesn't sort out problems, they ignore them or at best move them back to the customer but sorting out their problems would be unheard of :slapfight:
Update from my Dealer this morning and my response to him. I am trying to stay "polite" so hopefully this will keep the comm's channels open, Regards Don
Dealer Response:
Good morning Don,
I just thought I would let you know I had a state dealer meeting with our national manufacturer representative this morning.
I raised your concerns regarding the removal of the front recovery hooks from 2012MY WK. I have been advised that the local product development team is working on a locally produced retro fit version that will be available through spare parts.
This may not be of interest as it would really be no different than what you would be able to source through ARB / TJM or similar but I thought I would let you know all the same.
My Response Back to Dealer:
Hi Matthew,
Thanks for the update.
The issue appears to be (from the high level of commenting that is current circulating the various on line forums) the suitability of the Tow Eye and its mounting on the vehicle for 4WD recovery, ie have the eyes and probably more importantly the vehicle mounting been downgraded on the 2012MY model so that they are no longer suitable for the forces expected in a 4WD recovery.
At this stage ARB do not manufacture anything for the 2012MY and ERB had a bullbar for the 2011MY but as a number of buyers have recently discovered.... it will not fit the 2012MY model.
I have no doubt that Jeep Australia know that this is more than an Eye verses Hook issue and that the vehicle mount may also be in question.
Thanks for taking the time to keep me updated.
Regards, Don
Update from my Dealer this morning and my response to him. I am trying to stay "polite" so hopefully this will keep the comm's channels open, Regards Don
Hi Don, thanks for the update. I feel for the dealers because I think they are more in the dark than we are on most issues. At least your guy is keeping you up to date with what little he can find out.
This is absolutely ridiculous. You market your car as an off road vehicle and pretty much every 4x4 on the market has tow hooks. I realize the GC isn't really suited for extreme off roading. Especially with the full independent suspension. But this is basic stuff here. I am beginning to wonder if it was a good idea to get rid of my F150 now.
Just posted this on the Jeep GC face book page:
"Wow, I can't believe my new 4x4 Jeep doesn't have front tow hooks. Pretty sad for a vehicle marketed as being capable of off roading!"
I posted under the 300c artic edition on what the artic should have, but they deleted my post of it needing front recovery hooks..... I think they are starting to get the message
My post about the tow hooks not being the 66,666th liker becasue they are "noticeably absent" is still up there. It seems they are working on something and Bobs post and response from the admin seems positive. Just need to work out who is going to pay for the retrofit?????
I didnt get the off-road package but still assumed I would be getting the tow hooks. So lets not give any room so all who ordered in 2011 are eligible if some offer is made.
This is definately a vehicle you don't want to be without a recovery hook on, This was me earlier in the week stuck in easy sand on Moreton Island after the "Service 4WD System" light came on. Third break down in less than 2 months of owning this vehicle.
We used the screw in eye which worked ok for a straight pull. First time I've ever been bogged on Moreton Island after 22 years of driving there.
Barge opperator said they would get at least 1 new Jeep a week break down on the Island, we just happened to be the 2nd black WK2 that day....
Bummer, I'd be very interested to know the problem. I had a week on Fraser (and we go at least twice a year) with no problems through some very deep and soft sand. I did get the esc warning light which I put down to sand on the wheel speed sensor because if i drove through water it would go away.
i had the same message come up in the middle of nowhere
after some really bad corrugations. turned the car off and restarted
light disappeared . its the problem of two many sensors for safety
Yes I think it is a sensor problem. Rang Jeep assist and they couldn't help as we were "off road" so rang the nearest dealer and they suggested to disconnect the battery overnight to re-set the computer, didn't change anything
My theory is sand had built up around something as driving off the barge after some heavy bumps on the firm ground with hard tyres the light went off and has been ok since.
Rang Jeep today to book it in to get looked at and they said "see how you go next time and if it happens again let us know" This experience caused us (and our friends that were luckily there to help us) to miss a barge, almost get stranded below the high tide mark, and have to spend $$$$ on an extra nights accommodation. Not to mention all the organising to get our businesses sorted for an extra day without us there...
We didn't just buy an X-Trail (which was also in our group and drove every where we did with no problems) and expect to much from it, my impression was the Jeep Grand Cherokee was supposed to be a worthy off road vehicle..........
It just gets funnier. The second last condition in the list of permissions and conditions for entry to the Jeep Jamboree in September states,
"That the vehicle is equipped with appropriate recovery equipment, including rated tow hooks attached to the frame."
Check it out, it's at the bottom of the registration form at http://www.jeepjamboree2012.com.au/?page_id=346 . So I guess I'm out of it as are all owners of Jeep's flag ship 2012+ GCs.
I just posted this on another forum. I'm not an engineer, so just a suggestion and I'll try and describe this as best as possible.
Would it be possible for someone to manufacture a front tow hitch (similar to a rear tow bar with the square mouth mount) that would bolt to the chasis on the front left and right side. In effect a tow bar for the front.
Potentially a nudge bar and skid plates could be incorporated as an add on.
The square mouth mount (what I know as a Hayman Reese hitch could then be used with a tow bar recovery hitch insert or even a tow hitch mounted winch.
Scott
Just received an update from my fantastic dealer that a solution for the WK2 Recovery Hooks has been built and currently awaiting ADR approval. Suggest you contact your dealer for the update.
Just received an update from my fantastic dealer that a solution for the WK2 Recovery Hooks has been built and currently awaiting ADR approval. Suggest you contact your dealer for the update.
"Jeep Australia have informed dealers that they should have a solution for the 2012 Grand Cherokee recovery hook issue. They will be introducing a revised Nudge Bar incorporating a recovery hook and also a stand alone recovery hook. These are apparently being tested for ADR now and once approved should be available in mid April."
Hmm.. sounds like an extra add on we will have to pay for.
If the system costs the same as a pair of front hooks for the 2011, i guess that will be ok because you would have had to shell out for that anyway. Any more expensive and there is a problem.