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

[Langwilliams]

I've said before I don't believe the interest people have in crash bars. Lots of mods change the factory safety rating potentially. Level kits change bumper height an could affect effectiveness of a frontal impact. Emergency lane change could be affected by the change in center of gravity. Tinted windows/windshields reduce vision. One thing I never hear about is the effect of 35" tires on the brakes. The factory tires weigh around 34 pounds now you're stopping 4 spinning 70 pound tires. Double the rotating mass. you use your brakes every time you drive, very few will be in a front impact.

I always say you be you. Do want ya want with your truck. If you want to ditch the crash bars have at it. If you want to weld in a sect set to back up the factory set great. You want a TGD? Well that's still questionable

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[McLeadslinger]

I don’t think any of us like to come on here and be lectured on safety. We do what we want with our trucks. Don’t like it? Move along then.

 

[Langwilliams]

Mercury Insurance V. Markham
Mercury Insurance V. Markham

after trying to read that my head hurts

 

[JACKSMYDOG]

Mercury Insurance V. Markham

Cole's Notes:

He lifted his truck and added big tires but checked the no box for altered/modified vehicle. Later he had an a claim come in, his insurance company cancelled his policy and refunded his money saying he lied on the application.

He sued them claiming it was ambiguously worded. He lost, but won a partial award on appeal. I flashed through pretty quick, didn't look for $ amounts.


On this front, and understanding I am in Canada, here's my experience.

I bought my truck and had a bunch of dealer work done, including MagnaFlo Cat Back Exhaust and Mishimoto CAI. I called my insurance company to add the truck to my policy, and told them about everything, to which they said no. Exhaust and CAI are considered High Performance add-ons, and they wouldn't cover me, even at a higher premium. They had no problem with lift less than 4 inches or 285/70-17 tires.

I called around and it was a common "hard no". No one would touch my truck with MF or CAI still installed. I paid cash and owe $0 so it's not about owing more than it's worth. My choice was remove them and get insurance, tell they were removed but leave them, or leave them on and not get coverage, so they both came off.

 

[BladeRanger]

Are you aware that those crash bars that some of you are removing so you can install bigger tires.... they are there to protect your legs in the event of an accident.

This crash test video helps to explain why... "That's because the test dummy indicated a "significant risk of injury" to a real person's right leg due to some intrusion into the cabin."

Be careful out there. If you get hurt because of changes you've made, that's one thing. But imagine if your passenger gets hurt... that would be hard to live with.

https://www.iihs.org/ratings/vehicl...ickup/2019#small-overlap-front-passenger-side

http://fordauthority.com/2019/07/2019-ford-ranger-crash-test-results-are-in-video/

https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a28244001/2019-ford-ranger-iihs-crash-testing/

I had mine deleted to fit 295 70R17 but eventually I will install after market, my first truck was lifted decade ago and I got rear ended, what save my life was that my truck was lifted cause a full size truck decide to plow directly behind me, the truck bed went in 3 inch in the cab, broke the bench seat and bend the frame.

 

[RedlyrsRevenge]

Exhaust and CAI are considered High Performance add-ons

???

Someone at the insurance company has been reading too many import forums and watching FnF movies.

 

[McLeadslinger]

Should we put safety disclaimers on every post that refers to aftermarket parts from now on? ?

Or should we just appoint one of these forum Karen’s to do it for us?

 

[McLeadslinger]

Karen… is that you ???

if you don't like a lecture, don't attend....move along???

 

[Langwilliams]

I was reading that an thinking stuff like: if I remove the chrome lug nuts an install "aftermarket" black ones did I just modify my vehicle an void my insurance? I added my own hitch, it didn't come with the factory tow package...will my insurance company cover a trailer I'm towing if someone uninsured runs a stop sign an hits it? If I have the FPT an speed was a factor is that grounds to void coverage?

Not being a lawyer I look at stuff with what I consider common sense. If the Mod contributed to the accident they may have a case but not be able to void all coverage. If I have dark tint windows an pull out in front of someone they may have a case. If they car was going 20 mph over the speed limit an it was sunset an no front/running lights maybe they don't have a case to not cover it.

I know one thing, I'm not going to live in fear of what could happen. I'm going to try to enjoy my truck, drive with common sense an look out for idiots on cell phones while driving

 

[KJRR]

Precedence set. A claim and insurance can be denied for "all the mods".
REMOVE THE DAMPER NOW!

 

[McLeadslinger]

Add another one to the ignore list. ?

 

[AzScorpion]

If you're afraid to ask the insuranc

Precedence set. A claim and insurance can be denied for "all the mods".
REMOVE THE DAMPER NOW!

You'd better delete that quick. That's some bad Juju right there!

 

[McLeadslinger]

Wouldn’t it be true that any part could be deemed a violation of a safety standard, warranty violation etc if it’s not exactly what the vehicle came with or when the crash tests were conducted ?

Slippery slope fellas…. Mod YOUR trucks how you want and like anything else weigh the risks vs benefits. ??

 

[KJRR]

You'd better delete that quick. That's some bad Juju right there!

Either my account was hacked or I may have had a few too many.

 

[JACKSMYDOG]

generally the manufacturer does that on the parts to begin with
but who reads that eh?
apparently the guy in the lawsuit above didnt read sweet f@ck all...serves him right. got what was coming to him. ignorance isnt an excuse.

Except that the contract was written poorly. Under the contract, a seat cover was a mod which is preposterous.

Also to note, he used a Broker who saw the vehicle and knew what it was, but still checked no mods.

I am very much on the side of personal responsibility for choices we make, and accepting what comes, but there is some middle ground in the case which is why the insurance company was held partial liability.

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