PSA For you folks that are removing / modifying the crash bars to install bigger tires.....

[gwhalin]

I'm not sure Karen is the right term.

Common sense is not a karen.

Nope I think it is a perfect term here.

Sponsored

 

[gwhalin]

theres no fun in minding your own business though.

Pretty sure that is what Karens say. ?‍

 

[Langwilliams]

Common sense is not a karen.

I didn't see your response to Ford removing them on F150 an Bronco models to fit larger tires on certain option packages. Is that common sense or stupidity?

 

[JACKSMYDOG]

Maybe not where you live but, they are required to disclose that information where I live in Florida.

I'm sure there is a good reason, but it sounds like it would promote inflated claims.

 

[JDowns]

Interesting topic. You can read how Ford removed the crash bars and how IHS doesn’t consider models that are considered performance trim to count against their five star ratings. Or how IHS scolded Ford for removing them in super cab models resulting in Ford later including them.

Interesting question would be to your insurance provider if they would deny a claim or require a larger premium if removed. Id be comfortable in saying factory tubed steel would outperform aftermarket flat steel with a simple filet. It’s just gonna bend at the filet. Better than no bar for sure.

to me it’s not a question of whether I can be sued, or insurance not covering, but can I afford the attorneys fees because I opened the door to the possibility.

Personally if I go that route I’ll confirm the modification with my provider. I did that with my old truck and the new bumpers. I did pay more to cover the replacement costs and the parts weren’t considered a safety item.

 

[AdamHarris]

For the love of god somebody please show us a case where an ins company denied a claim based on crash bar removal. Or where someone was sued into poverty after an accident over said modifications. No more “Well I feel like such n such”. Real cases. Real examples. No more theoretical bs.

 

[Motorpsychology]

I highly doubt anyone making aftermarket crash bars is crashing trucks to prove them out.

I'm just saying that you should AT LEAST put something back there that can approximate any support instead of cutting them off and having nothing.

My guess their claims are based on an "out of vehicle" structural analysis at a minimum, but I've seen no such data/information.


Just hope for 1. no crashes, 2. if there is a crash, whatever is still there protects your legs, and 3. the Insurance company doesn't get wind that you knowingly removed safety equipment that could have prevented your injury...

What is the liability if the truck is sold and the new owner is injured in a crash because the crash protection system was altered?

 

[KJRR]

Could we sue Ford for not having a warning label on the crash bars telling us that removal may result in serious injury or death? ?

 

[AzScorpion]

Doing a Google search only brings up useless threads like this one from many different forums. There is NO evidence showing that removing them is legal or illegal so everyone is just speculating with their answers.

I couldn't find one case (I only looked through 2 pages) where someone sued another for removing them. Could this be used against them, I'm sure! You can can be sued for just about anything now a days but until there's proof let's let this one die, it's been beat to death enough.

 

[grizzly]

Since we are all OK with removing safety equipment...........

Do you think it would be OK to remove my seat belts? They wrinkle my suits.

How about tail lights? Not crazy about that red color.

 

[AdamHarris]

for the Love of God Adam....get out your google and search yourself.
insurance companies routinely deny claims, but they don't publish the records of such.
the information is out there, but it would take an obscene amount of time to find something specific to satisfy your ever changing requirements for specifics. You, sir are not worth my time, this is a stretch that I even feel compelled to comment now.

You could also pay a lawyer to search some case law for you if you're really that hell bent on this.

Common sense prevails here. If Mcdonalds can get sued successfully for a coffee incident then you could get sued for your passengers broken ankles.

Jesus I swear I believe you are in all actuality a very intelligent but emotionally disturbed 12 year old girl. Just 1 case to support you never-ending story. Just 1.

 

[AdamHarris]

Doing a Google search only brings up useless threads like this one from many different forums. There is NO evidence showing that removing them is legal or illegal so everyone is just speculating with their answers.

I couldn't find one case (I only looked through 2 pages) where someone sued another for removing them. Could this be used against them, I'm sure! You can can be sued for just about anything now a days but until there's proof let's let this one die, it's been beat to death enough.

Yep. Exactly.

 

[AdamHarris]

Since we are all OK with removing safety equipment...........

Do you think it would be OK to remove my seat belts? They wrinkle my suits.

How about tail lights? Not crazy about that red color.

You too feel free to support your fear of removing crash bars with just 1 example of financial ruin, death, dismemberment, etc. Just 1.

Seat belts, airbags, third brake lights, etc. are NOT the same thing at all. But you know this.

 

[onobeka]

The main question to ask is why the USDM Rangers have those crash bars in the first place. The ROTW do not have them. And it's not like the US market is so crazy about protection and vehicle safety given that you are allowed to run 40" tire if they fit. OTOH, the EU market is anal about safety. The ranger 2012 got 5* on testing, and that's the base of the 2019+ USDM Ranger as well.

https://www.euroncap.com/en/results/ford/ranger/10926

People call those bars crash bars, but I really doubt in reality they are a crash aid, honestly. Since in US you can fit whatever tire it the hub and fender can receive, I honestly believe that Ford tries to limit the warranty calls on CV, hubs, transmission components in order to discourage you guys. I could be very wrong on this, but then why on earth the rest of the world does not have them? Mind you, in US you do receive a metal bumper, tow hooks. The ROTW has plastic bumpers, no hooks (except the Raptor), so in a collision, the intrusion would be much more detrimental.

Again, to me, these flimsy bars, bolted, with huge room to play with sound like bugfixing or preventive measure for something else than crash prevention.

 

[JDowns]

Doing a Google search only brings up useless threads like this one from many different forums. There is NO evidence showing that removing them is legal or illegal so everyone is just speculating with their answers.

I couldn't find one case (I only looked through 2 pages) where someone sued another for removing them. Could this be used against them, I'm sure! You can can be sued for just about anything now a days but until there's proof let's let this one die, it's been beat to death enough.

This really has been beat to death about legal liability. If your willing to take the risk thats your call.

I will leave this out there though. If you have any question about insurance just ask your provider. I can tell you from discussions with Geico, removal or modification of any device considered structural in nature can void your policy unless you have modified vehicle coverage. When I lifted my F150 I had to have modified coverage. You would be surprised at what is considered modifications to providers; level lifts, lifts kits, bumpers front/rear, etc. IMO it's silly to be paying for coverage and not have a discussion with your provider about what could void that coverage.

Sponsored