Hitch is bent and rusted on new Gladiator Sport S Max Tow

[goose464]

My dealer just sent me a pic of my gladiator that was delivered today. The hitch is bent and rusted. Their solution is to order the assembly and replace. Anyone know what this entails? Is welding involved? Should I be worried about the dealer handling this work?

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[Casique]

I would worry about how the hitch was bent? Did it happen during transportation? Was the JT struck somehow, is there other damage that cant be seen?

 

[goose464]

I would worry about how the hitch was bent? Did it happen during transportation? Was the JT struck somehow, is there other damage that cant be seen?

Didn't look like any other damage but I am looking at it tomorrow. It's the small piece of metal off to the left of the hitch that you would normally place safety chains. It must've happened some time ago because it shows rust.

 

[Ozarkgolfer]

My dealer just sent me a pic of my gladiator that was delivered today. The hitch is bent and rusted. Their solution is to order the assembly and replace. Anyone know what this entails? Is welding involved? Should I be worried about the dealer handling this work?

I'm surprised the dealer called to tell you - I thought the M.O. was to have the body-shop fix it and you be none the wiser.

 

[PyrPatriot]

I got rear-ended and had the hitch replaced. It is a large assembly that bolts onto the frame via brackets. Confirm with the dealer to use new bolts. The factory service manual states that some of the bolts (cant recall which, will update) need to be new, not re-used. The parts distributor and dealer could not find/order the bolts for the hitch assembly so I authorized the shop to re-use the old ones.

 

[goose464]

I got rear-ended and had the hitch replaced. It is a large assembly that bolts onto the frame via brackets. Confirm with the dealer to use new bolts. The factory service manual states that some of the bolts (cant recall which, will update) need to be new, not re-used. The parts distributor and dealer could not find/order the bolts for the hitch assembly so I authorized the shop to re-use the old ones.

Thank you! That alleviates my concern of them doing any welding. Still a concern of how it happened and if there is unseen damage.

 

[PyrPatriot]

Thank you! That alleviates my concern of them doing any welding. Still a concern of how it happened and if there is unseen damage.

this is the only spot I could find needing to use new bolts after removal of something

 

[obrianmcc]

Easy bolt on .... not a huge deal

 

[radioinstl]

inspect frame for damage forces transferred due to impact. Look where it bolts on to the frame

 

[361Sean]

I wouldn't be too upset. It most look likely happened in transport and doesn't look that bad. That part that is bent is thin. It doesn't look like it took a big hit so I highly doubt there is any frame dammage.

Just give a look underneath to put your mind at ease and enjoy your new jeep I'm surprised they called you. It would have been easier to just change the part.

 

[JeepCares]

My dealer just sent me a pic of my gladiator that was delivered today. The hitch is bent and rusted. Their solution is to order the assembly and replace. Anyone know what this entails? Is welding involved? Should I be worried about the dealer handling this work?

Hi there,
We are sorry to see that this happened! However, we are confident in your dealer to repair the part properly. If you'd like our additional support during this service, feel free to send us a private message.

Kathryn
JeepCares

 

[Outdoor]

I swapped in a Mopar Class IV hitch this last weekend - took about 2 hours at a casual pace. Not a big job at all. I’d just recommend checking the torque on the bolts. Looks to me like they used the safety chain loops for a tie-down at some point during transportation - weeks ago based on the rust.

 

[Blade1668]

I think I'm seeing abrasion marks where the rust is the metal was abrasion from the bottom up. Like it was slid down concrete or hit with a grinder wheel. It could have been tied down and rubbing on rusty steel, during shipping or when unloading. I'd be pissed not so much with your dealer, it seems like your dealership is doing you right. Replacing and keeping you informed. Do look it over and under.

 

[Troybilt]

Repaint the hitch and have your dealer take the coast of the new one off your truck. Use that cash to go parts shopping.

 

[PsychoAL]

My dealer just sent me a pic of my gladiator that was delivered today. The hitch is bent and rusted. Their solution is to order the assembly and replace. Anyone know what this entails? Is welding involved? Should I be worried about the dealer handling this work?

You have to remove the bumper to replace the hitch. Good luck ordering one. Mine took six months to get in...

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