MikeK

OK, update. I've managed to copy the JPeg picture of the last part of the document, from the earlier post. This has been emailed to Tom. He's just confirmed that it has been forwarded to Martin. He will keep me informed of developments and I'll report on here - Let's see what happens. Meanwhile, I'm wondering - the letter states that it would also need to be check that it meets Jeeps "Impact Requirements". I've been re-reading the guidance PDF, from Jeep to their Technicians, regarding how to conduct the N46 recall. Basically, it tells them to [a] Check there is a least 42mm clearance check that there are no sharp edges or protrusions that, in the event of an impact, could pierce the tank. I'm hoping that someone inside Jeep have miss-interpreted their own instructions, with regard to instruction and wrongly assume there is an impact test instead of a visual inspection that nothing will pierce the tank following impact. If, as I hope, this is the case, then the 'Impact Test' has been automatically conducted, during the recall inspection and thus, the requirement HAS been met. Here's hoping, let's see.

Laney, NO! All that there is, is a link to a Jpeg picture (not a pdf) and, if I open it, I only see less than half of the original document. Can anyone please provide these emails and documents? It would seem that Jeep are telling users one thing and the trade another.

Hello All, OK, these statements are very worrying !! It does not make sense to me. More importantly, it does not make sense to the 'professionals' either. This morning, I had a call, from Tom at Tow Trust who, understandably, is VERY concerned about these reported statements. He is SO concerned, that he has been in touch with Fiat/Jeep UK and spoken directly to Martin, who is the Campaign Manager for the UK N46 recall. With Tom's years of expertise in design, test and supply of Tow Bars and Martins expertise in the UK recall requirements, I have been asked to pass on the following information, on behalf of TowTrust/Fiat UK. The requirement was to fit a safety bar, of some sort, that would protect the fuel tank, in the event of a rear end collision, that provided a minimum of 42mm clearance, from the tow bar to the fuel tank. Fiat/Jeep UK were prepared to either: Fit a safety bar, where no protection existed. In the event of a tow bar existing, check it met the minimum 42mm clearance. In the event of an existing tow bar not meeting the 42mm clearance, give the customer the choice of [a] Replacing with the safety bar Give the customer the choice of keeping the existing tow bar and asking them to sign the work sheet, to acknowledge that they had been given the choice of replacing with the safety bar but had declined this, to keep their tow bar that did not meet the 42mm requirement. So long as the above options were adhered to, Fiat/Jeep UK had fully discharged the voluntary agreed responsibilities, as far as the N46 UK recall was concerned. Where this started, in the USA, where most of the affected vehicles were gasoline (petrol) not Diesel, the situation was a matter of urgency so, Jeep took the decision, AS A SHORT TERM MEASURE, to start fitting an existing tow bar, whilst they designed and manufactured a cheaper alternative (the safety bar). They also decided to offer the same solution to both types of fuelled vehicles on a global basis. They did not intend to supply tow bars as a permanent solution because [a] the cost the existing tow bar was not approved for use outside of the USA. The tow bars were only a short term measure, whilst they got approval for the safety bar. That is what they now fit in the USA also. Fiat/Jeep have NEVER had any plans to procure a tow bar that has been approved for use in all affected countries because it would be a costly exercise for what is a discontinued vehicle, and THEY STILL DO NOT HAVE ! This left UK customers with a towing problem. They had a discontinued vehicle that, itself was designed for towing but, in most cases, no suitable tow bar. Step in Tom and Tow Trust. Working with information provided by Martin, the Fiat/Jeep UK N46 Recall Campaign Manager, they designed a tow bar that met ALL of the N46 recall requirements. They then went to the expense of having this tow bar FULLY TESTED and CERTIFIED to the required EU type approval, for a tow bar fitted to that particular model of vehicle. Those tests are VERY STRINGENT, simulating the tow bar actually fitted to the vehicle and coupled for towing, then subjected continually, to forces in all directions, which include Tensile, Compressive, Shear and Impact at forces EXCEEDING the 3.5 UK Tons of towing capability of the vehicle. This test is run CONTINUALLY, for around 2 million cycles. The tow bar is then removed and submitted for minute inspection for ANY cracks or distortion etc. ONLY if it is subsequently found to be in the same, perfect condition, that it was before the tests were started, it is then issued with EU type approval certification. Both Tom and Martin are VERY CLEAR! The Tow Trust tow bar fully meets and exceeds the N46 recall requirements AND Jeep/Fiat UK applaud Tow Trust for achieving this. The Tow Trust tow bar fully meets the EU certification requirements, for use on that particular vehicle, EITHER WITHOUT towing, or towing with up to 3.5 UK Tons tow weight. THERE IS NO OTHER REQUIREMENT to be met ! Both Tom at Tow Trust AND Martin who again is the Campaign Manager in charge of the UK N46 recall, are VERY ANGRY about the current reported situation, to this degree. First, as an independent, they have asked me to post the forgoing information to allay concerns. Second JanetBrown. They please ask you to forward the above email to Tom at Tow Trust at the following ... tom@tow-trust.co.uk Tom will then forward to Martin, as he has been requested. Martin's intention is to identify those responsible and take disciplinary action !!! JanetBrown, please do this as a matter of urgency !! To summarise, the information provided from Fiat/Jeep UK, via Tow Trust, is as follows. The Tow Trust tow bar meets and exceeds all N46 recall requirements. It also meets and exceeds all EU type approval requirements. It is perfectly suitable for use, without any additional liability. The only requirement from Fiat/Jeep UK is that it meets the N46 recall requirements. Fiat/Jeep UK have no intention of supplying an alternative tow bar, for a discontinued vehicle, there is either the Safety Bar or the Tow Trust tow bar, there will be no third alternative. Any information provided, to the contrary, is considered totally inaccurate and, if proof of origin can be supplied, WILL be pursued by Fiat/Jeep UK. Tom, Martin, I trust I have reported all of the above, as intended. JanetBrown, please help to 'put this to bed'.

Hi All, I've been watching the comments, about the 'cheaper' supply of the Tow Trust tow bar. First, let's realise, we are talking of a difference of only '8 quid'. Why the difference? Tow Trust have done ALL of the work and offered a solution at a massive 58% discount (£135) if you buy ONE. The site on eBay is "Towbars Direct", also trading as "Norbrook Trailers" in Cheshire. They are a specialist towing company and Tow Trusts biggest customer, buying thousands of tow bars, from Tow Trust, every year. So, he has 'done a deal' with Tom at Tow Trust for bulk purchase discount but, happily, agreed with Tow Trust to pass the extra saving on to the customers. That's why the £8 difference. If you want to buy several, I'm sure Tow Trust would also give a little extra discount. The idea of BOTH companies, is to just provide an affordable solution to ALL Cherokee owners, where Jeep have failed them. It doesn't matter which company you buy from, either Tow Trust, or Towbars Direct on ebay. The important thing is that it IS the same tow bar and THE ONLY ONE that can GUARANTEE A PASS on the N46 recall. BEWARE of second hand tow bars on eBay etc. or even 'new old stock'. They are just a waste of money and will leave you in the same position. Don't forget ! Even the MOPAR/Jeep/Chrysler tow bars, that some are offering or using, are NOT LEGAL, because they never had EU type approval for use outside the US. Even if they do make the 42mm clearance.

rose1081, Tell your husband no need to remove the wheel. The one bolt is obscured by the exhaust but it's not difficult. 3/4" or 19mm socket with extension bar. Get someone to push the exhaust pipe to the side of the vehicle whilst he gets at the bolt, it WILL flex just enough, on the rubber mounts, to give enough clearance. Give the bolts a good 'squirt' with some easing fluid a couple of days before you do the job. I used 'WD40 Fast Release Penetrant'. Easy job! - 1 hour tops, with removal of the old tow bar included.

Hi All, Yesterday, 28th December, I fitted my new Tow Trust tow bar. This was done just lying underneath the vehicle, on the drive. Including removal of the old one, it took approximately 1 hour. Looks a good, heavy piece of engineering, with it's EU approval labels. This morning, 29th December, I took the vehicle to the Jeep dealer, for a retest. He put it on the ramps, looked at his 42mm 'test tool', looked at my 115mm gap and just laughed. He said "of course it's passed" - End of story. Thank you Tow Trust. Their company motto is "Tow with Trust" - I CAN!

Picture attached of Tow Trust tow bar. EU approved, N46 recall passed (easily), insurable, legal, ready to tow.

Hi All, Here is the current situation: Paul has been to Tow Trust this morning and had the new tow bar fitted. He also has a copy of the official EU certification from Tow Trust. The Vehicle was re-presented, within half hour, at the Jeep dealer for re-test on the N46 recall. Passed EASILY and Jeep records amended to show this. He then drove over to me to have a look. VERY professional product from Tow Trust. Tom, at Tow Trust then phoned me, to let me know the results and that he had stock ready. I have just collected my new tow bar from them, AND had a tour of their production facilities. Being an engineer myself, I assure you VERY IMPRESSIVE. It is too late for me to have mine re-tested, at the Jeep dealer, until Jan. 5th. Also, JUST has a phone call from Jeep customer services. They have enquired if there is any news on the Tow Trust tow bar. I’ve told them fitted and passed on first vehicle and ready to supply. They have informed me of the following OFFICIAL decisions… They WILL allow a re-test, free of charge, with the new tow bar. They have taken the formal decision that THEY WILL NOT contribute to the cost of replacement tow bars, because THEY never sold the vehicles with a tow bar in the UK and Europe and any dealer fitted, aftermarket tow bars on the vehicles are NOT THEIR responsibility. SO, there you have it. Want to continue towing? – Contact Tow Trust. Want to wait for Jeep? – You can FORGET IT, they don’t want to know. Merry Christmas to all of you. Merry Christmas to Tom and all at Tow Trust Jeep UK? - A pox on you!

Hi Laney, Yes, the certificate Tow Trust are waiting for is for the EU type approval, everything has already passed. If you order from either the Tow Trust web site, or by phone, you pay at the point of ordering. If you go to their premises, or arrange fitting through a reseller, then you pay when it's fitted. Very pleased to see Laney and JeeperMare are going to get the Tow Trust solution, so they can get towing again as soon as possible, THEN continue hounding Jeep for some form of compensation. I think that's the sensible way. Sorry to see about furrytyke. I understand your feelings as you're one of many. Sale of goods act, which applies to both new and second hand, states anything can be returned, during manufacturers warranty, if for example it proves to be unfit for purpose. What many don't realise is, when the manufacturers warranty has expired, the seller still has responsibility "for the reasonable expected life" of the product, typically around 6 years. Maybe the tow bar fitted in August could be returned to the supplier for refund, as it's no longer 'fit for purpose'? Difficult, because if it had EU approval, prior to this recall, they can legally sell it, you just can't legally use it. However, as it was bought in August, which was after this all started, you could argue that they failed in their duty of care, to the customer, because they should have been aware, or made aware by Jeep, that it was no longer suitable. NOW THAT would be very interesting. Imagine the additional pressure on Jeep, from Tow bar manufacturers claiming compensation for loss of trade etc. Which I KNOW is one of the things they have been worried about. One of the manufacturers I spoke to, trying to find an alternative solution before Paul found Tow Trust, actually TOLD me that it was the reason Jeep did the volantary recall and had been dragging their feet in supplying information to them. If I was in that situation, then that is what I would try. I would have taken a similar approach myself, when this all started, and gone back to the Jeep dealer I bought from, because they fitted the tow bar from new. The only reason I haven't is because they, sadly, no longer exist. Never mind, we live and learn. Just a few days now and at a reasonable cost, I will be towing again with a Tow Trust product. And YES, I WILL keep onto Jeep through my case number. Just because a UK company have solved my urgent problem of being able to tow, which is the primary purpose of the vehicle, I'm not letting Jeep off that easy, just treating it as 2 separate problems that need solving.

Hi JeeperMare, Hi All, Hi my new friends Paul and Tom at Tow Trust. OK let's try and clarify a few things... 1. I've been in touch with Jeep, they are aware that there is a solution from Tow Trust. 2. I've asked if they will authorise a free retest, once the Tow Trust product is fitted. They have said that is a 'reasonable request' and will contact me as soon as it's authorised. 3. I have asked them if they would consider "contributing" to the purchase of the new tow bar? Again, they said "it sounds a reasonable request" but they need authorisation - Remember, Fiat bought Jeep from the US Government, with the LEGAL agreement that they WOULD NOT be held responsible for previous liabilities AND this problem was indentified BEFORE they bought the company. I DO have an official case number from them. 4. I've been in to the Jeep dealer that did the initial test (I know Paul has as well) so they are aware of the situation and are also talking to Jeep UK. We will BOTH be submitting our vehicles for retest, EVEN if we have to pay ourselves, 'cos we NEED to tow, AS SOON as the NEW TOW TRUST tow bar is fitted. 4. The solution from Tow Trust EXCEEDS ALL of the requirements, it HAS ALREADY PASSED ALL of the tests, they are ONLY waiting for the official paperwork. 5. If you don't use your Jeep for towing (who wants a Jeep that can't tow?) then just have the Jeep 'safety bar' fitted and lose resale value of the vehicle. 6. If you DO tow, WAIT until after Jan. 5th. 2015 and have the Tow Trust tow bar fitted. Now, here is the really 'clever bit'. The design from Tow Trust, does not JUST meet the 'magic 42mm' it EXCEEDS it, by OVER double the ammount. How have they achieved this? They have moved the tow bat backward slightly AND downward slightly, so it is below the rear bumper. Why is this VERY CLEVER? - Simple! They have not just exceeeded the 42mm requirement, by OVER DOUBLE, thay have also ensured that IF you have someone run into the back of you, because the towbar is lower than the bumper, the vehicle colliding WILL nosedive whilst raising the rear end of the Jeep, so they WILL NOT cause the same fuel tank fractures that have caused the initial problems in 'the states'. - USA take note! - The safest solution is from Tow-Trust.co.uk.

JeeperMare, You say you need to find someone in Somerset, who can fit the new Tow Trust towbar? I've just googled, here's the first result... http://www.towbarsandtowing.co.uk/ They provide a mobile fitting service, covering Somerset, Glouscestershire etc. and list Tow Trust as an existing supplier.

Hi All, Here is my opinion, for what it's worth... The vehicle was bought to tow with. Chrysler/jeep/Fiat whatever they want to call themselves, screwed us up so that we could no longer legally tow with our vehicles, and also leave us wide open to insurance problems. Now, my major concern is that I can tow, as intended, legally, fully insured and without substantial financial loss with a vehicle that can no longer legally do the job for me. If you want to wait for Jeep, then I suggest you do not hold your breath. I would much rather use a product, specifically designed, tested and certified for the job, at a much lower cost than what I would lose in the value of a tow car that can no longer legally tow, and try to get compensation from Jeep later. We have a UK company that have taken the financial gamble of redesign and approval of an accessory for a vehicle that is no longer made. That is ONE HELL of a commitment of faith that even Jeep themselves were not prepared to commit to. Let's be clear. Jeep were forced into this recall and only did it voluntarily, at the last minute, because that meant they could not be forced to do anything. Their quick fix, in the US, was to just fit their OEM tow bar. They could not do this in the UK and Europe because they had never had the Mopar tow bar approved for use outside the U.S., YES, that's right, if you have a Mopar tow bar on your Cherokee, it does not have EU approval for use, so, just as big a legal and insurance problem, even if it did make the magic 42mm clearance. I see some are already attempting to raise a legal 'class action' against the owners of Jeep (Fiat)on this matter. How long do you think that will take? The other thing to realise is this, when Fiat bought the remaining 52% ownership of Jeep, from the U.S. Government(yes the government) they negotiated an agreement that they could not be held responsible for liabilities arising prior to their ownership. So me? I'm supporting the UK company that has solved the problems, I'm legally and fully insured, towing again as soon as possible. That's the primary concern. If I can get any compensation from jeep later, all well and good. If I cant, for the sake of around £250 I'm going to be towing again. That is a lot less than loss of value, the insurance excess if someone hits me up the back end through no fault of my own and less that the fine and points I would get if the insurance company decided to say I wasn't insured (once they've updated the database, those cameras are really quick - I know, because a member of my family uses one). So, wait for Jeep if you want to, I thought we were all complaining we needed to tow... Or, be proactive and you can - your choice.

Hello Everyone. Well Done Paul! Well Done Tow Trust Limited! I have just been talking with both Paul and Tow Trust - What nice, PROACTIVE people. OK, here's the situation. They have solved the problem. Never mind waiting for Jeep or Fiat. Contact TOW TRUST direct. Here's a link to their web site. www.tow-trust.co.uk They have gathered all of the information from Jeep and VOSA. They have redisigned their tow bar for the Jeep. They did a trial fitting, on Paul's vehicle. They have been running the tests and are now just awaiting the official certificate to be issued, which will be around January 5th. 2015. They will then go into production. They even have a night shift on, laser cutting parts, ready for manufacture NOW! They have ALREADY updated their web site, the item you want is under Chrysler/Jeep, it is item TCH1. Fitting instructions are there, as PDF. It gives - WAIT FOR IT ! Clearance between centre of tow bar to tank = 90 mm Clearance between ends of tow bar to tank = 110mm Clearance between the ends of the tank and the tow bar mounting points = 35mm When they have received the actual certificate, they will start to supply and fit if required. I have already ordered mine - second in queue to Paul, although they are only half hour from work, so I'll race you Paul :-0) So, do you ALL understand? TOW TRUST Ltd Carlyon Road Ind. Estate Atherstone Warks CV9 1JE tel: 01827 717412 This is a UK company that have supported us, let's support them - order now and forget this ever happened!

Hi All, Hi Andy, I think I've been reading your very helpful posts, on this subject, on another forum. Thanks for the information on the 'spoons'. So large end it 42mm diameter for centre of tow bar to tank, small end is 23.5mm at same position if a tank guard is fitted, the cranked spoons are for tow bar to tank gap at the left and right ends of the tow bar, not the sides, is this correct? are the sizes on the cranked spoon also 23.5mm? Reason why I am asking is this... I have a Witter tow bar, fitted from new, by the 'old' Jeep dealer in Worcester (no longer existing). Following what I think is your 'other' posts, I had a crawl about on the drive, with my socket set on Saturday - not too easy due to recovering from double hip replacement. Managed to slacken the tank strap bolts near the axel and found I could move the tank quite a lot. Gap increased from around 12mm to aroung 38mm - not enough but better. Wondering if this weekend I can persuade the tow bar to move a few mm in the other direction, to make the 42mm. Not sure if I should consider elongating the holes a few mm. I was just concerned when I saw how narrow the gap is, either side, between the ends of the tank and the tow bar mounting brackets, which is why my question about the use of the other spoons. Seems to me that, in a 'rear ender' there is as much danger of the sides of the tank being damaged, but they are obviously not concerned about this. Point of interest: The current 'fix' is to fit this pathetic cross beam. Due to the variations found, are any checks being done to see if the cross beam always makes the same 42mm gap? Looking forward to more positive updates from Paul, the Jeep is used to tow a caravan AND a trailer with 2 horses in it so the 'no tow fix' currently offered is totally unacceptable for me.

I have a question, that I am hoping someone can answer for me. The 'tool' that they are using, to test the tank/tow bar clearance is like a double ended lollipop. We know that the larger end is 42mm diameter and is used to test the 'front to back' clearance between the tow bar and fuel tank. What I can't seem to find out is... 1. What is the size of the smaller end of the test tool? 2. Am I correct in assuming this is used to test the 'side clearances' between the fuel tank and tow bar mounting brackets?