Ranting and Raving!

[Snzzbry_Ovrlnd]

First off, please don't move this to another forum. I just spent almost an hour calling 2 dealers and chatting with Jeep online. I found out that none of them know shit. Not knowing the absolute details of what my JTO included when I bought it was my fault. However, I hadn't bought a new vehicle since 2002, when I bought my Tahoe. So, excuse me for overlooking the fact that my truck didn't have the auxiliary switch group. The auxiliary switch group is a $295 add-on option that comes with a larger battery, a stronger alternator, and the switches prewired.

After finding the part number myself, because NEITHER dealer part employee could find the part number, I was told just the switch bank was $375 plus tax. Also, it was on backorder. Also, it would be 3 hours of labor at $130/hr. So, $790 just to get the switch bank installed and no larger battery and no stronger alternator. And $130 per hour for labor? Are you shitting me? Exactly what year was it that mechanics charged as much as doctor's per hour?

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[Mac]

All sounds about right.

 

[ZTMAN]

Welcome to 2021.

If you don't like the price, do it your self. Lots of threads on here about installing the aux switch.

 

[robinja]

There's a reason they call them stealerships. Go aftermarket to get what you need: https://www.extremeterrain.com/roug...er-mlc-6-multiple-light-controller-70963.html

 

[RavensEyeOffroad]

First off, please don't move this to another forum. I just spent almost an hour calling 2 dealers and chatting with Jeep online. I found out that none of them know shit. Not knowing the absolute details of what my JTO included when I bought it was my fault. However, I hadn't bought a new vehicle since 2002, when I bought my Tahoe. So, excuse me for overlooking the fact that my truck didn't have the auxiliary switch group. The auxiliary switch group is a $295 add-on option that comes with a larger battery, a stronger alternator, and the switches prewired.

After finding the part number myself, because NEITHER dealer part employee could find the part number, I was told just the switch bank was $375 plus tax. Also, it was on backorder. Also, it would be 3 hours of labor at $130/hr. So, $790 just to get the switch bank installed and no larger battery and no stronger alternator. And $130 per hour for labor? Are you shitting me? Exactly what year was it that mechanics charged as much as doctor's per hour?

Several other options include the upgraded alternator. What all did you get?
There are other aftermarket options for the switches (that look the same or dont) that you can do yourself.

 

[Rubi_Rhod]

I do believe if you got the towing package you get the bigger batter and alternator as well.

As for the switch, take a look at the Trigger. All in its about $300 for the controller, fuse tap, underhood mount and the interior mount. And will give you 4 switches (that are also Bluetooth controlled and dimmable) and really easy install.

Otherwise, unfortunate bit of luck, and DIY threads here on the Mopar switch install.

 

[RavensEyeOffroad]

Trigger Switch system

 

[StingGrayJT24]

I sympathize with your frustration, it sucks.

As others have pointed out, you have other options, many less expensive and simple to install. Check this out for $249. Simple do it yourself install and works great.

https://www.amazon.com/Voswitch-JL300-Switch-Compatible-Wrangler/dp/B089YD1J14

 

[mike921921]

As others have pointed out, lots of options (least painless is probably Quake wireless). I too believe this is one option I regretted not buying, but I was looking at 2020 close outs, so I took the best deal. As for labor/hours/etc., the reality is they all go by the book, so it if really takes only 1 hour and the book says 3 - the job gets billed out at 3.

 

[Dreaded1]

I sympathize with your frustration, it sucks.

As others have pointed out, you have other options, many less expensive and simple to install. Check this out for $249. Simple do it yourself install and works great.

https://www.amazon.com/Voswitch-JL300-Switch-Compatible-Wrangler/dp/B089YD1J14

This is option I will be going with.

 

[RavensEyeOffroad]

I sympathize with your frustration, it sucks.

As others have pointed out, you have other options, many less expensive and simple to install. Check this out for $249. Simple do it yourself install and works great.

https://www.amazon.com/Voswitch-JL300-Switch-Compatible-Wrangler/dp/B089YD1J14

this is what I am doing as I already have the bulletproof mounts that work with it (I think).

 

[Commodus]

First off, please don't move this to another forum. I just spent almost an hour calling 2 dealers and chatting with Jeep online. I found out that none of them know shit. Not knowing the absolute details of what my JTO included when I bought it was my fault. However, I hadn't bought a new vehicle since 2002, when I bought my Tahoe. So, excuse me for overlooking the fact that my truck didn't have the auxiliary switch group. The auxiliary switch group is a $295 add-on option that comes with a larger battery, a stronger alternator, and the switches prewired.

After finding the part number myself, because NEITHER dealer part employee could find the part number, I was told just the switch bank was $375 plus tax. Also, it was on backorder. Also, it would be 3 hours of labor at $130/hr. So, $790 just to get the switch bank installed and no larger battery and no stronger alternator. And $130 per hour for labor? Are you shitting me? Exactly what year was it that mechanics charged as much as doctor's per hour?

I know new car fever can be overwhelming when looking at a vehicle that you want and it is sitting there in front of you, believe me I have been there. But spending 40 to 60 thousand dollars for a vehicle hits home and I think anyone spending that type of money with little to no research is foolish. Ask me how I know, when I bought a new Porsche Boxster with a known engine defect that will cost a new engine eventually. My lesson learned the hard way, at least you have many factory and after market options to choose from that won't cost more than the vehicle is worth, or be able to drive and enjoy for a couple of years and trade in without taking a bath in depreciation.

 

[eaglerugby04]

yep the pricing of these options outside of the factory sticker is criminal at times, even without labor. Mopar in general has some very bad pricing practices. $150 for the soft top bag, wtf? I think the underseat lock box costs more than the entire cargo management package does from the factory.

Go aftermarket on the switches. there is a 6 switch one that is available now

 

[JTpoor]

First off, please don't move this to another forum. I just spent almost an hour calling 2 dealers and chatting with Jeep online. I found out that none of them know shit. Not knowing the absolute details of what my JTO included when I bought it was my fault. However, I hadn't bought a new vehicle since 2002, when I bought my Tahoe. So, excuse me for overlooking the fact that my truck didn't have the auxiliary switch group. The auxiliary switch group is a $295 add-on option that comes with a larger battery, a stronger alternator, and the switches prewired.

After finding the part number myself, because NEITHER dealer part employee could find the part number, I was told just the switch bank was $375 plus tax. Also, it was on backorder. Also, it would be 3 hours of labor at $130/hr. So, $790 just to get the switch bank installed and no larger battery and no stronger alternator. And $130 per hour for labor? Are you shitting me? Exactly what year was it that mechanics charged as much as doctor's per hour?

I kinda ranted on a sales guy about how little he knew about the ins and outs of the Gladiator and he actually pushed back and said “dude!!....do you know how many types of vehicles we sell? And each level of each model?? And then try to keep up w Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram and the constant mid year changes they’re making to trim level and options pricing?!?!” I’m glad he did. That gave me a lot of perspective. My sole concern was the Gladiator and his was pleasing his boss by trying to sell 24 different models of 8 brands of vehicles. It’s best not to be surprised by how little they know about each level of each model.

Nevertheless, I feel your frustration. It’s almost like a $40-50k purchase is not a big deal anymore. I have no problem running every dealership through the ringer to get the best deal for myself. And I refuse to pay dealership costs for anything I think I might be able to figure out myself using aftermarket products. The sense of satisfaction you get by doing your own mod and knowing you saved $500 is awesome. Use this forum. It’s great and 99% of the people on here are really helpful.

 

[aldo98229]

I blame the way FCA bundles the options; they are easy to miss.

There are countless posts from owners who missed the proximity locks because the option sits all by itself. The auxiliary switches is the same.

On Wrangler, the auxiliary switches are included in the Max Tow Group, so it is hard to miss. But for some obscure reason, on Gladiator FCA separated the auxiliary switches from the Tow package, making it easy to miss.

The entire way Jeep has the JL/JT ordering system set up is one big mess. I mean, who really needs 12 different freaking trim levels?!?! And asking dealers for help is useless.

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