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No tow hooks? Front Recovery Solution help

256K views 1K replies 134 participants last post by  GMWK2 
#1 ·
No tow hooks? Front Recovery Soluition help

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.

Any suggestions for an alternative?
 
#150 ·
That should read, without disabling the sensors
 
#151 ·
Re: No tow hooks? Front Recovery Soluition help

Yes everything I've read says the nudge bar is not compatible with the parking sensors. I specifically added the sensors to my Laredo so there's no nudge bar in my future. Did I read somewhere that the genuine nudge doesn't have spotty mount points anyway??
 
#152 ·
Re: No tow hooks? Front Recovery Soluition help

Yes everything I've read says the nudge bar is not compatible with the parking sensors. I specifically added the sensors to my Laredo so there's no nudge bar in my future. Did I read somewhere that the genuine nudge doesn't have spotty mount points anyway??
Yes you are correct. I have fabricated some up out of stainless steel just need the fitting kit to get the bar at the correct angle then going to have a mate big weld them on.
 
#153 ·
Re: No tow hooks? Front Recovery Soluition help

Picked my new JGC WK2 Laredo Deisel up on Friday morning. Driven it last two days and very very happy. My dealer advised and noted on my delivery pick up that the missing front recovery hook (one only) would be fitted in approx 2 weeks. In my case no charge as I ordered late 2011 when it was not known they were being removed from the 2012 model. He also advised that anyone that ordered a JGC WK2 now would be advised that the front recovery hooks were not now standard and new buyers would be offered the front recovery hook or nudge bar as an extra at an appropriate cost.
 
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#155 ·
Re: No tow hooks? Front Recovery Soluition help

Picked my new JGC WK2 Laredo Deisel up on Friday morning. Driven it last two days and very very happy. My dealer advised and noted on my delivery pick up that the missing front recovery hook (one only) would be fitted in approx 2 weeks. In my case no charge as I ordered late 2011 when it was not known they were being removed from the 2012 model. He also advised that anyone that ordered a JGC WK2 now would be advised that the front recovery hooks were not now standard and new buyers would be offered the front recovery hook or nudge bar as an extra at an appropriate cost.
Thanks for the info. One is better than none, I guess....
 
#154 ·
Re: No tow hooks? Front Recovery Soluition help

Good to know. Mine arrived at Port Kembla on 12 March. Still awaiting delivery.
 
#157 ·
Re: No tow hooks? Front Recovery Soluition help

Can't speak for all dealers or Chrysler in general, but I have no complaints with my dealer. They know me, this is my second Jeep with them and I also kept all of my notes and emails through the waiting period, so at no point in time prior to signing over the finance or new car was there any doubt around the outcome I expected on the front receovery hook item.
At some stage I will look at the nudge bar and or a full bullbar as I intend to use off road and touring.
 
#159 ·
Re: No tow hooks? Front Recovery Soluition help

Picked up my GC 2012 Overland without front recovery hooks.

The dealer advised the tow eye bolt screw found in the boot is suitable and is now for recovery purposes.

This conflicts with things I am reading on numerous sites.

This situation is a joke. Prior to purchase every vehicle I saw and test drove had two recovery hooks. How can they delete such a thing and then give us such inconsistent advice!
 
#160 ·
Re: No tow hooks? Front Recovery Soluition help

The Dealer who told you that information is as useful as a herd of sheep.
He is incorrect. That tow hook is NOT SUITABLE for recovery work. It was designed to pull a car short distances on sealed roads only. I believe Chrysler Aust sent a circular to Dealers telling them not to tell buyers of the suitability of the tow hook as a recovery device.
My understanding is that Chrysler Australia is to deliver a "free" solution to all JGC buyers who ordered prior to 1 Jan this year. They will also offer a "extra cost" solution incorporating some sort of nudgebar.
If anyone knows of anything different, please post.
 
#161 ·
Re: No tow hooks? Front Recovery Soluition help

The Dealer who told you that information is as useful as a herd of sheep.
He is incorrect. That tow hook is NOT SUITABLE for recovery work. It was designed to pull a car short distances on sealed roads only. I believe Chrysler Aust sent a circular to Dealers telling them not to tell buyers of the suitability of the tow hook as a recovery device.
My understanding is that Chrysler Australia is to deliver a "free" solution to all JGC buyers who ordered prior to 1 Jan this year. They will also offer a "extra cost" solution incorporating some sort of nudgebar.
If anyone knows of anything different, please post.
If your understanding re Chrysler Australia is accurate, then I have to assume that Chrysler Australia are not making sure all dealers are up to date with the issue nor issuing the correct advice to customers.

Incorrect advice that could have serious ramifications - to the vehicle itself, the owner, the dealer, the Jeep name and Chrysler Australia. If the worst scenerio occurs that is.

I've heard/read the same things that you are saying here and elsewhere (JeepAustralia Facebook) and I agree the screw in tow hook does not look like it would hold up to recovery work.

I just needed to share here what the dealers response was when I stated I was shown, test drove and eventually ordered a 4wd that had recovery hooks as standard. Not a 4wd vehicle that jeep and other 4wd clubs won't allow me to venture out with them because I have no recovery hooks.
 
#164 ·
Re: No tow hooks? Front Recovery Soluition help

Mendo,

Nice letter. However, I think you made the error of believing they actually care. History dictates they either cannot read or write, or simply do not have the manners to respond.
 
#165 ·
Re: No tow hooks? Front Recovery Soluition help

Mendo,

Nice letter. However, I think you made the error of believing they actually care. History dictates they either cannot read or write, or simply do not have the manners to respond.
It's probably more of a case of not having the balls to say anything without HO approval and HO not interested in some kangaroo infested island.
 
#166 ·
Re: No tow hooks? Front Recovery Soluition help

Just as a side comment. I don't really know where HO is.
For example, I was trying to tack down some info on my car. Called Chrysler Cust Serv in Detroit, gave them the VIN and got the response that they could not see it. They gave me a phone number which was in Belgium. I called that, and it was answered by someone in UK who worked for Chrysler Intl.
I therefore get the feeling that the chain of command is as follows
Chrysler Aust -> Chrysler Intl -> Chrysler US.
If that is the case, when a car is ordered dy a dealer here in Oz, it goes through the above chain. If Chrysler Aust have an issue, they contact Chrysler Intl, not US.
Maybe I am wrong?
The above flow would possibly explain why the front tow hooks were removed, as Intl is in fact in Europe and think only about Europe.
 
#168 ·
Re: No tow hooks? Front Recovery Soluition help

Just as a side comment. I don't really know where HO is.
For example, I was trying to tack down some info on my car. Called Chrysler Cust Serv in Detroit, gave them the VIN and got the response that they could not see it. They gave me a phone number which was in Belgium. I called that, and it was answered by someone in UK who worked for Chrysler Intl.
I therefore get the feeling that the chain of command is as follows
Chrysler Aust -> Chrysler Intl -> Chrysler US.
If that is the case, when a car is ordered dy a dealer here in Oz, it goes through the above chain. If Chrysler Aust have an issue, they contact Chrysler Intl, not US.
Maybe I am wrong?
The above flow would possibly explain why the front tow hooks were removed, as Intl is in fact in Europe and think only about Europe.
It sure is a tangled web. Chrysler Group LLC's HO is in Auburn Hills, Michigan. They are 53.5% owned by Fiat. The CEO of both Chrysler and Fiat is Sergio Marchionne who holds both Canadian and Italian citizenship and lives in Switzerland. Michael Manley is President and CEO of Jeep Brand and Chief Operating Officer of Fiat-Chrysler Asia Pacific. He is English. I'm guessing he works out of Auburn Hills.
 
#167 ·
Re: No tow hooks? Front Recovery Soluition help

For what it's worth i documented our expectations regarding the hooks with our dealer - I felt we might become lost in the Jeep corporate maze. The dealer indicated he would pass on the document to Jeep for their information as well.
Nothing like keeping the pressure on.
Copy attached for info....
John
 

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#169 ·
Re: No tow hooks? Front Recovery Soluition help

I Agree!
Hey my 2011 GC has 2 front hooks and 1 read (rated!) direct from jeep! when did they turn wussy???
 
#171 ·
Re: No tow hooks? Front Recovery Soluition help

Hi guys,

I'd appreciate if someone doesnt mind getting under their GC and checking a measurement.

The problem is that the front holes for mounting the hook have been removed. But I believe the holes further back, for mounting the bracket are still there. Can someone check on a 2012 model what the centre to centre measurement is for the holes, and also what size thread they might be?

I've attached a diagram indicating which measurement I'm talking about.

I'm working on options outside the Chrysler ones, and will let everyone know if I manage to come up with something.
 

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#172 ·
Re: No tow hooks? Front Recovery Soluition help

don't think it is that easy to get to.
Had a quick look at my 2011 and to see anything need to take of the front skirt and maybe bumper cover.
 
#173 · (Edited)
Re: No tow hooks? Front Recovery Soluition help

Sorry Savvas, we're away travelling with the van.......and as per Deserthucker's post - definitely would need the front skirt off - you can't get at it from under or in from the front at all.
You are right though - there is a bracket still there bolted up and it has an integrated thread at the front end for the toy hook to screw into.
I thought from reading the US tow hook installation posts that the body threads were 16mm.
All you can see from the outside once the small grid trim panel in the front of the air dam skirt is removed - is a ~ 35mm hole behind in the plastic skirt, and inside that you can see the female thread the tow eye screws into.
Looks like once the skirt is off the bracket would need to be removed to be able to measure the hole centres, because the bolts are likely up inside the body of the bracket.

Hope someone with tools and a bit of time and work space can help - I reckon you are on the right track.

Good luck
 
#175 ·
Re: No tow hooks? Front Recovery Soluition help

Sorry Savvas, we're away travelling with the van.......and as per Deserthucker's post - definitely would need the front skirt off - you can't get at it from under or in from the front at all.
You are right though - there is a bracket still there bolted up and it has an integrated thread at the front end for the toy hook to screw into.
I thought from reading the US tow hook installation posts that the body threads were 16mm.
All you can see from the outside once the small grid trim panel in the front of the air dam skirt is removed - is a ~ 35mm hole behind in the plastic skirt, and inside that you can see the female thread the tow eye screws into.
Looks like once the skirt is off the bracket would need to be removed to be able to measure the hole centres, because the bolts are likely up inside the body of the bracket.

Hope someone with tools and a bit of time and work space can help - I reckon you are on the right track.

Good luck
No problem gents. I appreciate that it's not that easy to get to.

Regarding the US instructions, I figured that they are talking A/F (across flats) measurements for the bolts as they point out that 16mm and 30mm socket spanners are needed.

Josh ... thanks for that. 115mm centres makes it a bit interesting. Would love to see your diagram for the UHF bracket as I'm also considering how to mount mine when it gets here. This is until ARB do their bullbar.
 
#174 ·
Re: No tow hooks? Front Recovery Soluition help

I have made up a bracket to hold my UHF antenna until I get the mopar nudge bar fitted.
I have a drawing at home that I made up on autocad with all the measurements. From memory the bolt holes are 115mm apart and metric thread of 10mm. I will double check and post the drawing here on Monday.
 
#176 ·
Re: No tow hooks? Front Recovery Soluition help

I will post a picture of mine when I get back today. I have made the bracket and installed it already, I am in the same boat, waiting for arb.
 
#177 ·
Re: No tow hooks? Front Recovery Soluition help

Here is a couple of pics of mine, I drew it up on auto cad first and then fabricated it out of 8mm Steel. It sits just off the body so depending on the type of antenna you install you may want to make the stick out a little further.

I will post the drawing tomorrow as it is at work.
 

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#178 ·
Re: No tow hooks? Front Recovery Soluition help

Here is the PDF of the antenna bracket, you may have to zoom in to see the bracket, i have put measurments on it, if i have missed anything then let me know and i will measure it out for you.
 

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#179 ·
Re: No tow hooks? Front Recovery Soluition help

Latest on Talking Jeep Oz site


http://talkingjeepoz.blogspot.com.au/2012/04/australian-2012-grand-cherokee-owners.html


To-date I have been led to believe that I/we will be paying for this. Paying for it regardless of ordering a vehicle in 2011 clearly identified to us as having 2 front tow hooks strong enough for off road recovery but then given a vehicle with only 1 front tow hook and inconistent information on its use or purpose.
 
#180 ·
Re: No tow hooks? Front Recovery Soluition help

So, has anyone spied the new recovery hooks yet? They were supposed to be available mid April now they are saying "...soon...".
 
#184 ·
Yeah. I got told about two weeks a week ago


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
 
#185 · (Edited)
Re: No tow hooks? Front Recovery Soluition help

Sometime ago I posted a complaint and question on the Jeep Australia Facebook website regarding the missing front tow/recovery hooks.


They replied with, "please call 1300 133 079 in the morning and our team are expecting your call and they will have all the relevant answers regarding your purchase. Thanks Jeep Australia."


I phoned but no one was expecting my call. (May I suggest more people call this number).


One week later I called having not heard anything from them.

Days later I received a call from them stating I should take the matter up with the dealership as they mislead me. I asked her when were the dealers notified that the tow hooks were removed from the 2012 model and she advised me it was approx Jan 2012. I replied well if I ordered a vehicle that had tow hooks in Nov 2011 then the dealer did not mislead me. Instead Jeep Australia mislead dealers, me and numerous others.


I requested she advise me of what Jeep Australia's stand is on:
Is the front tow eye suitable for offroad recovery?
If not, then how is Jeep Australia going to provide or compensate customers who ordered the Grand Cherokee that came with two front recovery hooks as standard?

She advised me she would call me back with answers - 2 weeks later I remain waiting for the call and answers.

I now notice Jeep Australia prevent users from posting on their Facebook wall but the complaints keep getting up there via posting comments on their own posts.

There seem to be numerous issues relating to spare parts in Australia also.
 
#187 ·
Re: No tow hooks? Front Recovery Soluition help

Sometime ago I posted a complaint and question on the Jeep Australia Facebook website regarding the missing front tow/recovery hooks.


They replied with, "please call 1300 133 079 in the morning and our team are expecting your call and they will have all the relevant answers regarding your purchase. Thanks Jeep Australia."


I phoned but no one was expecting my call. (May I suggest more people call this number).


One week later I called having not heard anything from them.

Days later I received a call from them stating I should take the matter up with the dealership as they mislead me. I asked her when were the dealers notified that the tow hooks were removed from the 2012 model and she advised me it was approx Jan 2012. I replied well if I ordered a vehicle that had tow hooks in Nov 2011 then the dealer did not mislead me. Instead Jeep Australia mislead dealers, me and numerous others.


I requested she advise me of what Jeep Australia's stand is on:
Is the front tow eye suitable for offroad recovery?
If not, then how is Jeep Australia going to provide or compensate customers who ordered the Grand Cherokee that came with two front recovery hooks as standard?

She advised me she would call me back with answers - 2 weeks later I remain waiting for the call and answers.

I now notice Jeep Australia prevent users from posting on their Facebook wall but the complaints keep getting up there via posting comments on their own posts.

There seem to be numerous issues relating to spare parts in Australia also.
I posted a story about the above on Jeep's facebook site. It lasted 30mins before it was deleted. LOL
So I just reposted it. It may last till morning.
They are now deleting all complaints.
 
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