spare wheel carrier
Submitted: Monday, May 02, 2005 at 19:46
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hogscar
Has anyone bought a spare wheel carrier from 4WD Sytems? They seem to be the only ones who can supply a bolt on wheel carrier ( no need to change the rear bumber). But I read an article which indicates that their products are less than satisfactory. ( A decission by the ACCC)
I need to know if their spare wheel carriers will handle a pounding and won't fall apart during a trip before I purchase one. Does anyone have any experience with 4WD systems?
Reply By: warthog - Monday, May 02, 2005 at 21:23
Monday, May 02, 2005 at 21:23
I have bought a roof rack, cargo barrier and dual battery system from them and have had no complaints with these items however I would be interested in reading the article if you could post a link.
Cheers.
AnswerID:
109308
Reply By: Brian (SA) - Monday, May 02, 2005 at 21:35
Monday, May 02, 2005 at 21:35
Link to Article link text
First I had heard of this. Decision was October 2001. You would have thought it would have been publisized in 4wd press; but I guess the claims of bais towards regular advertisers is probably justified here.
I have bought many things from 4wd Systems; including diff lock,roof rack,battery tray and wheel carrier.
I have had the whell carrier for 18 months on troop carrier and have had no problems with it falling apart.
However I had to return to their
shop to get the correct bolts;(not supplied in box) and had to modify a cuople of components to get it to fit correctly.
Also the instructions varied from vague to incorrect; no drama if you have the patience to fit and remove the carrier a couple of times to sort out; and have the confidence to modify items.
They quoted $150 I think to fit and in hindsight it would have been easier to pay them to fit; but at least I know it is done properly.
AnswerID:
109315
Follow Up By: hogscar - Monday, May 02, 2005 at 22:13
Monday, May 02, 2005 at 22:13
I noticed their diff locks are at $500. Has your diff lock lived up to expectation and have you given it a good work out. The major item mentioned in the ACCC report was about the diff locks.
At $500 bucks they are looking
well priced but are they cheep?
I am also looking for a diff lock but the report scares me.
FollowupID:
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Follow Up By: Brian (SA) - Monday, May 02, 2005 at 22:22
Monday, May 02, 2005 at 22:22
Had no problems with the locker.
I had it fitted in the front and it works fine. You notice steering is a little "stiff" (hesitation on turn in) on fast dirt roads at the initial turn in but from then on ok.
On sand it tends to understeer a little which you soon become used to and I have found if you back off the throttle a little it tends to disappear.
A mate has one in the rear and the only complaint he has is the noise it makes unlocking as he goes around corners
Some of the reports on the net suggest they are prone to breaking but it seems setting up the clearances in the diff are critical to avoid this.
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Follow Up By: warthog - Monday, May 02, 2005 at 23:37
Monday, May 02, 2005 at 23:37
"You would have thought it would have been publicised in the 4wd press", yeah you would, but you're right; protecting their advertising revenue is far more important than objective, informative content. Take a look at the articles, they don't even bother pretending they are any more than an advert; the 100 series aftermarket advertorial in the last two issues of a certain monthly.
I am finding it more enjoyable and informative to read forums like this which are for the most part untainted by commercialism.
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Reply By: hogscar - Monday, May 02, 2005 at 21:39
Monday, May 02, 2005 at 21:39
Try the link below or try a google search ( 4wd systems and ACCC) the pages will unfold.
www.accc.gov.au/content/index.phtml/itemId/87865
AnswerID:
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Reply By: Sand Man (SA) - Tuesday, May 03, 2005 at 09:35
Tuesday, May 03, 2005 at 09:35
Hmmm!!!........Is this a Vendor Beat-up???
I have no interest in 4WD Systems except purchasing a couple of things from them.
I read the ACCC articles identified above and noticed with interest that the Court Case notification was issued by the ACCCon 28 Sept. 2001.
Whoa!!! I would assume if the court case was successful, or 4WD Systems awarded a heavy penalty against them, they would no longer be is business, or still have franchise dealers on their books.
I think this post is bordering on potential slander perhaps???
It is good that us consumers have organisations such as the ACCC to help protect the interests of us and other retailers, but on the other hand, there is no obligation on the ACCC from also issuing the results from court proceedings (both for and against them) to balance the actions of their "muscle flexing".
My limited experience with 4WD Systems is that they appear to offer comparable products at considerably cheaper prices than other companies I have compared with and for that reason, I will continue to include them in my decision making.
Their Head Office is in
Adelaide and doesn't have the overhead of flash premises, or floodlit showrooms. Maybe that is one reason they are cheaper.
I currently have on order through them a set of side steps. These were $100 cheaper than any other brand I could find and I have checked the quality of the product. Yes, I have been waiting a while, as 4WD Systems have been waiting on the raw material to arrive from the overseas supplier. But, for the savings I will gain, I'm prepared to wait. No worry hurry!!!
AnswerID:
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