2012 Grand Cherokee Tow Hooks

[Gregm]

G'Day All,

This is my first post. I wish it was in happier circumstances.

I took delivery of my 2012 Grand Cherokee on 23/1 and its a great piece of gear - BUT...

You may be aware that the 2012 model is being delivered without front recovery hooks contrary to when I ordered the vehicle in September 2011. In addition it came with "All Season" tyres rather than AT. The front of the 2012 chassis has been changed from the 2011 model and the tow hooks will not simply bolt on.


The issue of the tow hooks is turning into a major issue for Chrysler with many customer complaints and no easy solution. I've made numerous attempts through the dealer and Chrysler Aust to find out what is going on, but Chrysler are no longer returning my calls and have gone to ground. The dealer seems to be in the dark. Without the tow hooks, the GC is unrecoverable.

I have now written a formal complaint letter and sent it to the Chrysler GM, Dept Fair Trading and anyone else I could think of and Im trying to get in touch with 4x4 Aust Magazine to see if they can apply some pressure.

The upshot is that if you are expecting delivery of a GC, my advice is DO NOT TAKE DELIVERY if the tow hooks are not fitted. In hindsight I should have checked better, but mine was so shinny and new and I couldn't wait to take it for a spin.

I think the only way to get Chrysler to move on this issue is to vote with your feet and do not order or take delivery of a GC until this issue is solved.

Ill try and keep you updated.

Greg

[Cpage66]

When did they start putting "tow" hooks on them?

[stevet]

Do not think any GC came out with tow hook's, but rather tie-downs only............. On the ZG/J initially, I got the tie-down's bits engineered, doubled in size/weight (& a copy for the R/L side?? to equalise the load - rated S/Steel bolts as well) and were rated and used plenty of times to recover until I got a bullbar................. You use the holes already there for the L hand drive models, steering box area I think............. Long time ago.....................

[Gregm]

The MY2011 WK came with recovery hooks as standard. This is what I saw on demonstrators when I ordered mine. Chrysler have deleted them on the MY2012 models that are being delivered at the moment. The recovery hooks from the MY2011 cannot be fitted to the MY2012 as the front of the chassis has been changed.

[stevet]

The MY2011 WK came with recovery hooks as standard. This is what I saw on demonstrators when I ordered mine. Chrysler have deleted them on the MY2012 models that are being delivered at the moment. The recovery hooks from the MY2011 cannot be fitted to the MY2012 as the front of the chassis has been changed.
They would have been "add-on" accessories to the 2011WK, not standard equipment............... I could not get anything for the ZG at the time, hence I got the Tie-down re-made rated and copied one to the other side, then I could be pulled out from the front on either point, but had to trim the outer part of the bottom plastic skirt to allow a rated shackle to be able to fit/use when necessary....... A guy from St.Marys 4wd made/copied them for me............. Hope you can get it sorted, otherwise get a towbar and never be last in line.....Lol........

[Gregm]

They would have been "add-on" accessories to the 2011WK, not standard equipment

Nope - they were standard on the MY2011.

Heres a link to the story on talking jeep :


http://talkingjeepoz.blogspot.com.au/2011/12/jeep-grand-cherokee-2012-is-it-trail.html (http://talkingjeepoz.blogspot.com.au/2011/12/jeep-grand-cherokee-2012-is-it-trail.html)

[stevet]

Nope - they were standard on the MY2011.

Heres a link to the story on talking jeep :


http://talkingjeepoz.blogspot.com.au/2011/12/jeep-grand-cherokee-2012-is-it-trail.html (http://talkingjeepoz.blogspot.com.au/2011/12/jeep-grand-cherokee-2012-is-it-trail.html)
Whow,
They finally do something right and then look what they have done... Had switched to a TJ by then and did not "keep-up" with their later G/C's spec's.. Even the use of the tie-down area seem's to be stuffed as well....................... Stephen.

[Gregm]

So I got a call from Chrysler Marketing today (I need a engineer, not a marketer!)

Basically just told me that Chrysler were aware of the issue and were "looking into it". Did not offer any timeframe or proposed solution or any commitment to do anything at all.

Very unhappy.

[stevet]

Sort off sound's like the usual Corp. Jeep "I donn't know" excuse.... Sux's badly...........

[Cpage66]

Just looked at two different 2011 models at work that co workers drive...a Laredo and a Limited. Those "tow" hooks are rather dubious for serious recovery work at best. Give Wooders a call and get some decent hardware on that thing if you plan on actually using them... NOT those factory "tow" hooks.
And welcome to the happy world of the stealership...

[stevet]

Just looked at two different 2011 models at work that co workers drive...a Laredo and a Limited. Those "tow" hooks are rather dubious for serious recovery work at best. Give Wooders a call and get some decent hardware on that thing if you plan on actually using them... NOT those factory "tow" hooks.
And welcome to the happy world of the stealership...
Good advice from one Whom is well versed in Jeep's........... Gregm, if you check the bolt's holding them on (factory "Tow-hook's), they are more than likely Not to be rated bolt's and have seen what non-rated bolt's used and the aftermarth of having them on to what can happen...... Take Chris's advice sooooooooonnnnnnnnn..............

[AJ]

The problem is that they have redesigned the front chassis section and the most forward part of the chassis where the MY2011 had the recovery hooks mounted has been completely removed, so there isn't even something to mount aftermarket hooks to..... all in the aim for a better pedestrian safety rating.

Now they only provide a screw in eye bolt for use as a tie down point, but there is NO way you would use it for a recovery and too make things worse they didn't even give me one with my MY2012. :(

[stevet]

Appear's to be good chance for some clever person in "after market area" to come up with something to solve the issue............... Can not see Jeep rushing head long into solving it...Lol.......

[Gregm]

As I havn't been able to get anywhere with Chrysler (yet), I got in touch with ECB and they told me that they intend to look at the 2012 GC shortly. I've asked ECB to keep me informed. ECB does have a full bull bar available for the 2011 GC but it is not compatible with the 2012. Im not really after a full bull bar - just want recoveray hooks! I could live with a combined nudge bar / hooks arrangement if that is what is necessary to get the hooks to work with the current chassis arrangement.

I havn't given up chasing Chrysler - I've now contacted my Federal Member and on recommendation raised the issue with ACCC.

[reyzor]

aj needed all the help he could get at stockton :P

sorry mate, had too have a dig..........

there doesnt look like thered be any room for reovery hooks without modifying the front bar? although it has been a few weeks since ive seen the front of a '12.......take it down to an engineering shop (i know a guy who is pretty keen to get into jeep stuff)

[Cpage66]

As I havn't been able to get anywhere with Chrysler (yet), I got in touch with ECB and they told me that they intend to look at the 2012 GC shortly. I've asked ECB to keep me informed. ECB does have a full bull bar available for the 2011 GC but it is not compatible with the 2012. Im not really after a full bull bar - just want recoveray hooks! I could live with a combined nudge bar / hooks arrangement if that is what is necessary to get the hooks to work with the current chassis arrangement.

I havn't given up chasing Chrysler - I've now contacted my Federal Member and on recommendation raised the issue with ACCC.


Is there enough room for a shackle under there? Bore it out and run the shackle pin through it?


http://www.jeepworld.com/accessories/grandcherokee/towhooks.htm

How much difference is there between these? What needs to be modified to make the hooks in the above fit??

[Gregm]

This was posted on the Talking Jeep site today (22/2/12) :

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.

Some positive news at last!