1world1love
SILVER Star
Hi all. So those that have followed my build thread and posts know that I have been a big fan of my Front Runner SlimLine II roof rack. Recently though, I started to notice that all of the hardware has extensive rust. This includes all of the hardware for the platform and all of the hardware for all of the mounts and accessories. I installed the rack just two years ago and some of the hardware is less than 6 months old.
I contacted FR about the problem and their response was that it was probably due to harsh climate, despite the fact that I live in exactly the same climate that they are located - arid California. They say that they recommend anti-corrosion treatment for all of the hardware, which I did for the platform hardware and it still rusted.
They offered to send replacement hardware, but that was it. I will have to remove the rack and all the hardware, disassemble it, reassemble it, and reinstall it all. The problem is that the hardware they send will be the same crap that is rusting in the sunshine now so I am not sure what the point would be. I am pretty reasonable about expectations, but I have to say that I am pretty disappointed that, A) A supposedly premium overloading outfitter like FR uses junk for hardware and B) they don't seem to care at all. No apology, just a recommendation not to use their stuff in harsh environments, despite all the advertisements showing their products in harsh environments.
So at this point, if I am going to have to remove everything, I am not feeling inclined to install it again as clearly if they will cut corners on a 25 cent bolt, then everything they make is questionable. I don't normally go scorched earth, but I am pretty miffed about this.
I contacted FR about the problem and their response was that it was probably due to harsh climate, despite the fact that I live in exactly the same climate that they are located - arid California. They say that they recommend anti-corrosion treatment for all of the hardware, which I did for the platform hardware and it still rusted.
They offered to send replacement hardware, but that was it. I will have to remove the rack and all the hardware, disassemble it, reassemble it, and reinstall it all. The problem is that the hardware they send will be the same crap that is rusting in the sunshine now so I am not sure what the point would be. I am pretty reasonable about expectations, but I have to say that I am pretty disappointed that, A) A supposedly premium overloading outfitter like FR uses junk for hardware and B) they don't seem to care at all. No apology, just a recommendation not to use their stuff in harsh environments, despite all the advertisements showing their products in harsh environments.
So at this point, if I am going to have to remove everything, I am not feeling inclined to install it again as clearly if they will cut corners on a 25 cent bolt, then everything they make is questionable. I don't normally go scorched earth, but I am pretty miffed about this.