Road Armor Installed -- Did anybody else try this at home?
01-03-2005, 10:03 PM
#1
Registered User
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2004
Location: USA
Posts: 270
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Road Armor Installed
Below is the original message regarding my installation issues. After speaking with Jim C at Road Armor, we determined that there was a misunderstanding of my level of satisfaction during our previous conversations. In conclusion, they are working with me to ensure 100% satisfaction as their guarantee states.
Original Message:
------------------------------------
I'm not sure where to start on this, but I suppose I'll start with the good point. I ordered my Road Armor in October during the sale and received a pretty good deal on it as far as price. Okay, that's the good part, now for the rest. I'll apologize for the length of this now.
I placed my Road Armor order the last week of October and was told it would ship on 11/29/2004. I had planned work travel around this schedule, also allowing some leadway for a late shipment. I would have never guessed that it wouldn't arrive until after Christmas. Anyhow, them mentioned that they had accidently powder coated it the wrong color.
My long awaited crate finally arrived on 12/28. The packaging was good, no nicks, dings, cuts or anything. Good job Watkins Motor Frieght. I signed for the front and rear bumpers and scheduled an install date of 01/03 with a local body shop.
Today at 1:00 we began the install. The first problem we noticed is that there were no instructions whatsoever. I tried to call them, but there was no answer at the main number, or at either of two other numbers I had for various individuals. I referred to the invoice that stated "For any Customer Service questions, please contact Jim Medlock at 206-510-8648." I left a voicemail.
Since I was on the clock at the shop, we proceeded without the instructions since it looked pretty simple. The front bumper was up first. We removed the factory bumper, brackets, etc and prepared to mount the RA brackets. They included two bolts in the hardware pack for the brackets. There were four original factory bolts and I knew two would not suffice for the new beast. We went to the bolt supply store and purchased a couple additional grade 8 nuts and bolts. After waiting nearly 3 hours for a call back, RA returned my call. They mentioned that I was supposed to use the factory bolts. When I asked why there were two bolts included, he said that they were for people who wanted to drill the frame for additional support. After reading this "Our bumpers offer a 'bolt on' application." from their website, one would only assume without instructions that they did not intend for you to drill the frame.
I then asked where the instructions were. The answer was that they hadn't yet created any for the 3rd gen install. What a crock.
Anyhow, we had the brackets on the frame and were ready to install the front stealth bumper with Titan II guard. I love the look. Upon removing the packaging, we looked the bumper over very closely. Here's what we found:
A 1 inch by 1/8 inch gouge in the tubing. Not only through the powder coating, but all the way down through a good percent of the metal. Yes, into the metal, not just exposing it.
Messy welds where the tubing attaches to the bumper
When the bumper is perfectly centered between the fenders, the contours under the headlights only line up correctly with the driver side.
The shackels were ordered black but arrived unfinished
The left and right side I'm assuming should be symmetrical. There are seams welded on the inside of the bumper where on one side of the bumper it is tack welded, yet the other side the same seam is completely welded.
Here's the funny one -- The decals are messed up. Instead of the bumper saying "Road Armor" they drilled it so that the decals say "Armor Road". You would think they would at least get THAT right, wouldn't you?
Anyhow, I called them back about some of these issues -- the gouge, the shackel paint and the "Armor Road" problem with the decals. They said they were sorry and that I needed to have the body shop touch up the gouge in the bumper, to paint the shackels myself with Rustoleum black textured paint, and that they knew they had a decal problem. They said they would ship me some corrected decals when they came in, but no ETA was provided.
Here's the problem I have with their proposed solution -- I paid $3200 for a set of bumpers that were powder coated and clear coated. They are telling me to pay a body shop to use touch up paint to fix it. I also expected black powder coated shackles. I recieved unfinished shackles and was told to go buy some Rustoleum textured paint and paint it myself. Has anybody else had these issues, or am I the first??
On to the rear bumper. Again, no instructions. We inspected the hardware and realized two things -- we had ten bolts and zero nuts, and the cross member between the frame where the hitch connects wasn't going to fit with the new bumper. We learned from the front bumper that it is best to try to call first. This time I was able to reach Mr. Medlock on the second attempt. He informed me that on their "test" truck, they had CUT the factory cross member to allow room for their new hitch. That was simply unacceptable. He mentioned an alternative which we chose -- unbolt the bed and lift it up to allow removal of the factory cross-member. No instructions, simple bolt on bumpers as they mention on their site -- and they say to cut an integral part of the truck out??
One more thing I would like to mention. When I bought these bumpers and the accompanying hitch, I knew that my existing surepull class IV hitch would be replaced with the RA class IV hitch. What I didn't know was that the cross member would be removed and that the hitch would bolt directly to the frame. I've seen some aftermarket hitches that require the removal of the cross member and bolt to the frame -- But EVERY one of them is a Class V hitch. What gives?
In closing, I just wanted to apologize for the long message and lack of photographs. I took a few pictures during the install but cannot post them until tomorrow. I'm just appauled about one thing -- They claim that Road Armor (or should I say 'Armor Road') is "The Only Bumper Backed by a LIFETIME GUARANTEE!!" but yet they tell me to fix it myself when it arrives damaged and not to spec.
Original Message:
------------------------------------
I'm not sure where to start on this, but I suppose I'll start with the good point. I ordered my Road Armor in October during the sale and received a pretty good deal on it as far as price. Okay, that's the good part, now for the rest. I'll apologize for the length of this now.
I placed my Road Armor order the last week of October and was told it would ship on 11/29/2004. I had planned work travel around this schedule, also allowing some leadway for a late shipment. I would have never guessed that it wouldn't arrive until after Christmas. Anyhow, them mentioned that they had accidently powder coated it the wrong color.
My long awaited crate finally arrived on 12/28. The packaging was good, no nicks, dings, cuts or anything. Good job Watkins Motor Frieght. I signed for the front and rear bumpers and scheduled an install date of 01/03 with a local body shop.
Today at 1:00 we began the install. The first problem we noticed is that there were no instructions whatsoever. I tried to call them, but there was no answer at the main number, or at either of two other numbers I had for various individuals. I referred to the invoice that stated "For any Customer Service questions, please contact Jim Medlock at 206-510-8648." I left a voicemail.
Since I was on the clock at the shop, we proceeded without the instructions since it looked pretty simple. The front bumper was up first. We removed the factory bumper, brackets, etc and prepared to mount the RA brackets. They included two bolts in the hardware pack for the brackets. There were four original factory bolts and I knew two would not suffice for the new beast. We went to the bolt supply store and purchased a couple additional grade 8 nuts and bolts. After waiting nearly 3 hours for a call back, RA returned my call. They mentioned that I was supposed to use the factory bolts. When I asked why there were two bolts included, he said that they were for people who wanted to drill the frame for additional support. After reading this "Our bumpers offer a 'bolt on' application." from their website, one would only assume without instructions that they did not intend for you to drill the frame.
I then asked where the instructions were. The answer was that they hadn't yet created any for the 3rd gen install. What a crock.
Anyhow, we had the brackets on the frame and were ready to install the front stealth bumper with Titan II guard. I love the look. Upon removing the packaging, we looked the bumper over very closely. Here's what we found:
A 1 inch by 1/8 inch gouge in the tubing. Not only through the powder coating, but all the way down through a good percent of the metal. Yes, into the metal, not just exposing it.
Messy welds where the tubing attaches to the bumper
When the bumper is perfectly centered between the fenders, the contours under the headlights only line up correctly with the driver side.
The shackels were ordered black but arrived unfinished
The left and right side I'm assuming should be symmetrical. There are seams welded on the inside of the bumper where on one side of the bumper it is tack welded, yet the other side the same seam is completely welded.
Here's the funny one -- The decals are messed up. Instead of the bumper saying "Road Armor" they drilled it so that the decals say "Armor Road". You would think they would at least get THAT right, wouldn't you?
Anyhow, I called them back about some of these issues -- the gouge, the shackel paint and the "Armor Road" problem with the decals. They said they were sorry and that I needed to have the body shop touch up the gouge in the bumper, to paint the shackels myself with Rustoleum black textured paint, and that they knew they had a decal problem. They said they would ship me some corrected decals when they came in, but no ETA was provided.
Here's the problem I have with their proposed solution -- I paid $3200 for a set of bumpers that were powder coated and clear coated. They are telling me to pay a body shop to use touch up paint to fix it. I also expected black powder coated shackles. I recieved unfinished shackles and was told to go buy some Rustoleum textured paint and paint it myself. Has anybody else had these issues, or am I the first??
On to the rear bumper. Again, no instructions. We inspected the hardware and realized two things -- we had ten bolts and zero nuts, and the cross member between the frame where the hitch connects wasn't going to fit with the new bumper. We learned from the front bumper that it is best to try to call first. This time I was able to reach Mr. Medlock on the second attempt. He informed me that on their "test" truck, they had CUT the factory cross member to allow room for their new hitch. That was simply unacceptable. He mentioned an alternative which we chose -- unbolt the bed and lift it up to allow removal of the factory cross-member. No instructions, simple bolt on bumpers as they mention on their site -- and they say to cut an integral part of the truck out??
One more thing I would like to mention. When I bought these bumpers and the accompanying hitch, I knew that my existing surepull class IV hitch would be replaced with the RA class IV hitch. What I didn't know was that the cross member would be removed and that the hitch would bolt directly to the frame. I've seen some aftermarket hitches that require the removal of the cross member and bolt to the frame -- But EVERY one of them is a Class V hitch. What gives?
In closing, I just wanted to apologize for the long message and lack of photographs. I took a few pictures during the install but cannot post them until tomorrow. I'm just appauled about one thing -- They claim that Road Armor (or should I say 'Armor Road') is "The Only Bumper Backed by a LIFETIME GUARANTEE!!" but yet they tell me to fix it myself when it arrives damaged and not to spec.
01-03-2005, 10:20 PM
#2
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: San Diego
Posts: 273
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
WOW !!! That definately changes my mind on buying the front bumper. That is ****-poor customer service!! And at that price!!! I wouldn't let up on this one..... keep calling them and or call the BBB. BOOOO...... what crooks !!!
01-03-2005, 10:49 PM
#4
Registered User
Can't go wrong with a Denver Off Road bumper built by layne. Or the UTE that he handles. I know I love mine fit & finish & even came with good instructions.
Sorry about your luck with Road Armor dsteinke. I know a few guys on the nw bombers that have road armor & havn't herd of any problems thru them. One of them is on a 3rd gen.
Sorry about your luck with Road Armor dsteinke. I know a few guys on the nw bombers that have road armor & havn't herd of any problems thru them. One of them is on a 3rd gen.
01-04-2005, 09:28 AM
#5
Thats MR Hoss to you buddy!
I think if I were you I probably would not have even installed the bumpers on my truck. I would have demanded a full refund and shipped them back to them (on their nickel). Sounds like they got in too big of a hurry making your bumpers and then expect YOU to fix their mistakes.
01-04-2005, 09:48 AM
#6
Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Northeast Washington
Posts: 110
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
dsteinke, you're not the first. I won't throw names out, but a friend of mine had a paint problem with his. He's pretty much satisfied with the service he got (I think), but shelling out that kind of $$ I'd expect a flawless product. JMO.
FWIW, I'm still going to buy one, but I'll be going over it carefully.
FWIW, I'm still going to buy one, but I'll be going over it carefully.
01-04-2005, 11:48 AM
#7
Registered User
Sorry to hear that. My Dad install a Road Armor bumper on his F350 Superduty a while back. No problems whatsoever other than having to use a engine hoist to hold it up for mounting.
MikeyB
MikeyB
Trending Topics
01-04-2005, 11:49 AM
#8
Registered User
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2004
Location: USA
Posts: 270
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Pictures of the install
I wish I had a couple more pictures, but here are some that I did get during the install. These are in no particular order. I would like to mention that I still do like the overall "look" of the Road Armor design better than the other manufacturers, but I did not expect the lack of instructions, defects, damage, and zero customer service to back the issues.
I thought these were Road Armor bumpers???
Nice heavy duty bracket. Too bad one had the powder coating chipped off and had already began to rust.
Powder coat pitting
Inconsistant welds
No instructions, but after telling me to cut the fram cross member out, we opted to remove the bed to allow removal rather than cutting.
Black shackles
The bumper is perfectly centered between the fenders. See how well the contours line up under the light? (driver side)
On the passenger side, you can see how far off the contour alignment is relative to the contours of the light.
This was damaged before the bumper was packaged. Notice the shard of metal hanging off the bumper. They said to have the body shop use some touch up paint to fix the metal and powder coating.
Bumper looks good on the truck. I'll be posting some higher quality pictures of the installed product after the weather here gets better.
I thought these were Road Armor bumpers???
Nice heavy duty bracket. Too bad one had the powder coating chipped off and had already began to rust.
Powder coat pitting
Inconsistant welds
No instructions, but after telling me to cut the fram cross member out, we opted to remove the bed to allow removal rather than cutting.
Black shackles
The bumper is perfectly centered between the fenders. See how well the contours line up under the light? (driver side)
On the passenger side, you can see how far off the contour alignment is relative to the contours of the light.
This was damaged before the bumper was packaged. Notice the shard of metal hanging off the bumper. They said to have the body shop use some touch up paint to fix the metal and powder coating.
Bumper looks good on the truck. I'll be posting some higher quality pictures of the installed product after the weather here gets better.
01-04-2005, 03:34 PM
#9
Registered User
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2004
Location: USA
Posts: 270
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I spoke with the owner today. He has offered to work with me toward a solution, but we have not agreed which is the best solution. It sounds like the person who was handling my problems during the install did not follow company policy. I'll definitely post a follow up to let you know what happens.
David
David
01-04-2005, 04:51 PM
#10
Registered User
Before I changed my mind and traded in my 2000 for a 04.5, I was planning on lifting my 2000 and also installing a Road Armor front bumper (had it in my garage for a few months before I sold it).
I never had any problem w/ mine, It arrived in perfect condition and exactly as specified. I will say that I waited ALOT longer than just a month for mine, but sorta figured that was their standard build times.
Sorry to hear your having so many problems w/ yours. For the price you paid for them, they should be exactly the way you ordered them..............and the decal, whats w/ that? how could they not catch that???
hope you get it all worked out.
anywho, just wanted to point out that that type of service doesnt seem common for Road Armor, I know theres quite a few people on PavementSucks.com that have them and like them
good luck
Jeff
I never had any problem w/ mine, It arrived in perfect condition and exactly as specified. I will say that I waited ALOT longer than just a month for mine, but sorta figured that was their standard build times.
Sorry to hear your having so many problems w/ yours. For the price you paid for them, they should be exactly the way you ordered them..............and the decal, whats w/ that? how could they not catch that???
hope you get it all worked out.anywho, just wanted to point out that that type of service doesnt seem common for Road Armor, I know theres quite a few people on PavementSucks.com that have them and like them
good luck
Jeff
01-04-2005, 09:15 PM
#11
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2004
Posts: 61
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
David,
Sorry to hear about your bad experience w/ RA. I had the same prob. w/my RA bumper, a while back when they first came out, but they let me return it for a full refund, NO questions asked. This was before the company split up. I tried my luck again during the TDR GP, but the customer service was so edit poor that I never even got the chance to order a bumper-they said they would'nt sell to me
.
I'd really like to try one of these bumpers www.offroadalloys.com , but they're are a lot of $$$. I met one of the owners at Bullydog's Dyno Day, Great Guy. He even let me test drive the Big Black Dodge, by myself. He didn't even go w/ me...HeHeHe
! We shot edit for a while and toured the shop. The funniest part about this whole story is this guy had the exact same prob. you did w/ RA, but customer service was far worse than your experience. That's why he builds his own bumpers now, as a side deal, his factory mostly builds HIGH priced equip. for nuclear plants and such. So now we have the same guys building bumpers for our trucks that build $500,000 pieces of equipment for nuclear plants. Now you know your bumper won't be garbage when you get it.
edited due to use of symbols to bypass software word filter
Sorry to hear about your bad experience w/ RA. I had the same prob. w/my RA bumper, a while back when they first came out, but they let me return it for a full refund, NO questions asked. This was before the company split up. I tried my luck again during the TDR GP, but the customer service was so edit poor that I never even got the chance to order a bumper-they said they would'nt sell to me
. I'd really like to try one of these bumpers www.offroadalloys.com , but they're are a lot of $$$. I met one of the owners at Bullydog's Dyno Day, Great Guy. He even let me test drive the Big Black Dodge, by myself. He didn't even go w/ me...HeHeHe
! We shot edit for a while and toured the shop. The funniest part about this whole story is this guy had the exact same prob. you did w/ RA, but customer service was far worse than your experience. That's why he builds his own bumpers now, as a side deal, his factory mostly builds HIGH priced equip. for nuclear plants and such. So now we have the same guys building bumpers for our trucks that build $500,000 pieces of equipment for nuclear plants. Now you know your bumper won't be garbage when you get it.edited due to use of symbols to bypass software word filter
01-04-2005, 11:02 PM
#12
Registered User
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2004
Location: USA
Posts: 270
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The owner of the company gave me a call this morning and offered to work with me to resolve my issues. He mentioned that the person I had previously spoke with failed to realize how upset I was at the time.
He has offered me several possible resolutions, all of which are adequate in my opinion. One of the options I was given was a full refund of the product including shipping, etc. I never said I didn't like the product, in fact, I really love the look of the RA. It was the initial lack of customer service that I was upset with. As I mentioned before, the brackets are extremely strong, looks better than the competitors product, etc. For these and other reasons (such as labor), I was not entertained by the idea of a refund on the product.
Another option he offered was to do an advanced exchange replacement of the bumpers including shipping costs, shop fees, etc. I'm beginning to think that I might have jumped the gun in saying that they have no customer service. I am the first to understand that every product has an occassional lemon -- this guard was one of them (As was my previous Chevy). Thier willingness to completely rectify this situation has shown me that they ARE willing to take care of their customers, unlike what I had experienced the first time around.
I'm not one to jump up and slap any company in a public forum without first contacting the company for resolution. It looks like the resolutions they had initially offered did not completely follow their company policy.
Either way, I'm satisfied with the solution that we agreed on and will most likely be a satisfied customer in the end. Road Armor has apologized to me for the inconvenience and I feel obligated to let all of you know that all of the open issues are being resolved as stated in their company and warranty policies.
He has offered me several possible resolutions, all of which are adequate in my opinion. One of the options I was given was a full refund of the product including shipping, etc. I never said I didn't like the product, in fact, I really love the look of the RA. It was the initial lack of customer service that I was upset with. As I mentioned before, the brackets are extremely strong, looks better than the competitors product, etc. For these and other reasons (such as labor), I was not entertained by the idea of a refund on the product.
Another option he offered was to do an advanced exchange replacement of the bumpers including shipping costs, shop fees, etc. I'm beginning to think that I might have jumped the gun in saying that they have no customer service. I am the first to understand that every product has an occassional lemon -- this guard was one of them (As was my previous Chevy). Thier willingness to completely rectify this situation has shown me that they ARE willing to take care of their customers, unlike what I had experienced the first time around.
I'm not one to jump up and slap any company in a public forum without first contacting the company for resolution. It looks like the resolutions they had initially offered did not completely follow their company policy.
Either way, I'm satisfied with the solution that we agreed on and will most likely be a satisfied customer in the end. Road Armor has apologized to me for the inconvenience and I feel obligated to let all of you know that all of the open issues are being resolved as stated in their company and warranty policies.
01-05-2005, 02:33 AM
#13
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2004
Posts: 309
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
good to hear. I wouldnt think any smart buisnessmen that has a relatively expensive product with a somewhat small target audience is going to want angry customers. Glad to hear they are solving this for you. I hope the issues you had will be solved by the time i get mine this summer. Offroad alloy is just too much money and id be afraid of wrecking the shiny mirror polish id get along with it. I have an arb on my jeep and i am not afraid to use that for bashing whatever i see fit and expect the same for my "RAM" wish arb made one for the rams. my friend has hit two deer with his ARB equipped jeep and nary a problem. I bumped into a camry with only a scuff mark on the bumper. They had trunk, bumper, and rear quarter panel problems and this from a 5 mph hit. felt like i ran into styrafoam.
I have pushed over a junker truck in a stream, pushed over 6" diameter half dead trees. The only thing it doesnt like is a complete halt form a concrete ditch or my rock crawling boulders ah its good to have a street queen.
BTW both jeeps are cherokees with unibodys. only damage done was when i ran into the concrete drainage hole that someone had on the edge of their driveway. and that put the direct hit right into the middle of the bumpers mounting sytem. bent the brackets and the front crossmember a little.
wish arb made one for the rams. my friend has hit two deer with his ARB equipped jeep and nary a problem. I bumped into a camry with only a scuff mark on the bumper. They had trunk, bumper, and rear quarter panel problems and this from a 5 mph hit. felt like i ran into styrafoam. I have pushed over a junker truck in a stream, pushed over 6" diameter half dead trees. The only thing it doesnt like is a complete halt form a concrete ditch or my rock crawling boulders ah its good to have a street queen. BTW both jeeps are cherokees with unibodys. only damage done was when i ran into the concrete drainage hole that someone had on the edge of their driveway. and that put the direct hit right into the middle of the bumpers mounting sytem. bent the brackets and the front crossmember a little.
07-14-2008, 05:46 PM
#14
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2007
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
man it must have been nice to get some service form road armor! i have spent almost a year trying to get the bumpers! then i have been working on them for the last few weekends modifying them to try to make them fit. this is all after dealing with all the people at RA and them not caring to help me. I have had so many problems with the rear its not even funny. i still haven't found one thing to be done right on the rear. i really don't know how they make money.
