vh5150
Well-Known Member
- Thread starter
- #1
Hi All - like many of you I have scoured this great forum for information and had an entire plan in place for 35s, new wheels, spacer lifts, etc. Even had the appointment scheduled. Appreciate all the help I have received! Unfortunately, I had to make a tough call to get rid of my Gladiator. I am just posting this info in the spirit that it might help others (especially those with back/neck issues). I was so excited to live the experience and use the vehicle for camping and fun. I am bummed but it had to be done. I'll bullet out the reasons below. For anyone considering this vehicle with back issues, get the dealer to let you spend a full day with the car, or more if you can. Sit in it, go for lunch, sit in it more and drive. Make sure you can get comfortable.
1) Number 1 reason was due to discomfort. I could not get the seat into a position where I was comfortable. I have severe cervical spine issues and the ergonomics and seat positioning just wasnt working. I actually purchased a mopar replacement headrest and bent the drivers side with a pipe bender. Within the last few weeks i could feel my herniation creeping back to the point where I started having issues with my arm. Now I could have explored after market seats but that could have ended up being a money pit as for me I never know until I spend time in the seat/chair/vehicle.
2) During the time i was struggling with the seat I began to notice several issues. Not sure how or what happened in the production of my hard top, but it was absolute crap. Paint was coming off before 100 miles (with no accidents). I did call and the dealer told me it would be hard to get that covered under warranty. And then I noticed that on one side the paint was thin so much that you could see the white fiberglass behind it coming out. I also noticed some paint defects in the bed of the truck.
3) I could not come to grips with the fact the radio was not up to par (i had 5 inch not upgraded). I am surprised that any car at this price point would have such a lackluster stereo. I am an audiophile/musician and it was just not something i could get used to. Once again, I could have explored more after market solutions but on what little i had planned to do to the vehicle the money was starting to pile up. Also, yet another reason to spend time with the vehicle.
All this said, had I been able to get comfortable I would likely have found a way to deal with the other issues. Although not ideal for a brand new vehicle. Thanks again for all the feedback, answers and support. You are all a great bunch. I'll miss the waves!
Peace
Thanks,
Marc
1) Number 1 reason was due to discomfort. I could not get the seat into a position where I was comfortable. I have severe cervical spine issues and the ergonomics and seat positioning just wasnt working. I actually purchased a mopar replacement headrest and bent the drivers side with a pipe bender. Within the last few weeks i could feel my herniation creeping back to the point where I started having issues with my arm. Now I could have explored after market seats but that could have ended up being a money pit as for me I never know until I spend time in the seat/chair/vehicle.
2) During the time i was struggling with the seat I began to notice several issues. Not sure how or what happened in the production of my hard top, but it was absolute crap. Paint was coming off before 100 miles (with no accidents). I did call and the dealer told me it would be hard to get that covered under warranty. And then I noticed that on one side the paint was thin so much that you could see the white fiberglass behind it coming out. I also noticed some paint defects in the bed of the truck.
3) I could not come to grips with the fact the radio was not up to par (i had 5 inch not upgraded). I am surprised that any car at this price point would have such a lackluster stereo. I am an audiophile/musician and it was just not something i could get used to. Once again, I could have explored more after market solutions but on what little i had planned to do to the vehicle the money was starting to pile up. Also, yet another reason to spend time with the vehicle.
All this said, had I been able to get comfortable I would likely have found a way to deal with the other issues. Although not ideal for a brand new vehicle. Thanks again for all the feedback, answers and support. You are all a great bunch. I'll miss the waves!
Peace
Thanks,
Marc
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