[Stark]

Hi All


Let me start-off by saying I'm new to this forum, new to 4x4'ing and new to Jeep.


We picked up a Renegade Trailhawk a couple of months ago, primarily to do some cross country driving on what could potentially be some rough roads.


Taking into account the "Trail Rating" and the numerous undercarriage protection items as described in the brochure I was happy to join some friends on a day out at a local 4x4 trail... unfortunately however we picked up some damage:

It was only at this point that we discovered that the undercarriage is not quite as robust as one would have thought and in my opinion this is a HUGE design flaw.
I'm engaging with Jeep at the moment, not sure if they're going to come to the party and assist with the cost of repairs as we hope.


In the meantime, to the rest of you, please take extra care not to do the same damage, or make a point of getting some additional protection down there.


PS - We also picked up punctures in 3 of the 4 tyres altogether not such a great experience, was expecting a lot more form the brand.

 

[erkmadhatter]

Very sorry to hear this, I have done quite a bit of serious off roading, even back when I had the factory Wrangler SRA's and I had no issues. Bad luck for sure. I am in the process of designing and producing a perforated skid plate for that area...it is left open to allow for exhaust flex and to keep exhaust heat from building up in the engine bay...Again sorry to hear

 

[LittleRedJeep]

And that's with the factory skid-plate? Man, that sucks! I'm surprised to see that much of a rusty-coating on those pieces already - I assume that isn't just dirt/dust, it really looks like a rusty-coating.

You're sure things looked good before you ventured out, and it didn't come off the lot like that?

 

[tazzel]

looks like you got high centered for sure.

 

[txjeeper35]

I do tires. Have been for the last almost 9 years, GY have some of the thinest sidewalls in the industry. Wrangler SRAs are super super thin, and I have seen a plastic spoon tear through a 265/70/17 SRA. On road lol. Continentals are also super thin. Typically factory tires arent so hot, unless theres a Michelin or BFG on it.

 

[Stark]

And that's with the factory skid-plate? Man, that sucks! I'm surprised to see that much of a rusty-coating on those pieces already - I assume that isn't just dirt/dust, it really looks like a rusty-coating.

You're sure things looked good before you ventured out, and it didn't come off the lot like that?

Yip, that's the factory skid plate, or actually the "Front Suspension Skid Plate".

From this angle you'll see that the "rusty-coating" is mostly just dirt.

 

[LittleRedJeep]

Ahh, yea... The second pic makes it easier to see it's really just dirt and dust.

Interested in seeing how your dealer handles things, keep us posted.

 

[Stark]

I eventually got the quote back from the dealers, apparently they can't simply repair/replace the damaged section, the whole front pipe has to be replaced.
The initial quote was R6 658.03 or $440, although after some negotiation we managed to get that down to R4 084 / $265.

That's still a lump of cash on something that should have been protected :-(

So learn from my mistake, don't go out without extra protection ;-)

 

[TWX]

We just picked up a Trailhawk last night, my wife is a novice off-road driver at best. I wonder if anyone's making a plate to add-in to help block that area a little better...

 

[Wickyup2]

Just checked mine and I also have some damage at that point. The whole exhaust system from that point to the back end is basically exposed and prone to damage

 

[txjeeper35]

Just checked mine and I also have some damage at that point. The whole exhaust system from that point to the back end is basically exposed and prone to damage

I was inspecting mine yesterday, and it is definitely the lowest part of the Jeep . I hope they will warranty this out when it gets torn up on the Rene's out there that off-road!! :|

 

[Wickyup2]

Added a plate to that area.

 

[Wickyup2]

At the back area of the opening there is a bracket that holds the exhaust with a rubber seat , you can raise the exhaust up about 1/4" with spacers

 

[TWX]

Added a plate to that area.

What is that plate out of?

I have some heavier metal parts from some cars I've junked, I may have to see what'll fit there.

 

[Wickyup2]

A

Added a plate to that area.

What is that plate out of?

I have some heavier metal parts from some cars I've junked, I may have to see what'll fit there.

Some bracing from a old steel bench. Laminated two pieces together to get about 3/16" thick

 

[PNW]

I finally managed to bang it, though in all fairness, I was being careless and a better line could have avoided the damage:

My front bumper has also seen better days, I'm still waiting for a good aftermarket solution:

 

[FireHawk]

I finally managed to bang it, though in all fairness, I was being careless and a better line could have avoided the damage:

My front bumper has also seen better days, I'm still waiting for a good aftermarket solution:

^ as are a bunch more of us!

 

[tazzel]

You guys are crazy but I know your having fun!!!!!

I cant afford to do that stuff with my main transportation.

 

[kevinfourlegs]

Oh how I wish that mine was a 4x4 model

 

[Frank b]

Sorry to hear it. I crushed my exhaust just in front of the muffler , directly under the left control arm. Cost me $65 to get a new 18" pipe welded on. Disappointing?