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TriciaB · 06-30-2014, 03:15 PM

Blue Ox, broke out of frame, ttl separation. Liberty was "on its on".
Not sure how to post pixs.. Brake did not set as wires pulled in two, fortunate flat ground, leaving a stop light. Jeep just sat there. God looking out for us, if it would have let go 5mins. Latter we would have been at speed, jeep would have gone??
Anyone interested in further details contact me.

Blue Ox has been good about it, Jeep was not deemed repairable.
Blue Ox furnished us a new Plate, tow bar, lights etc. Paying for install.
We sold the Jeep, bought a Honda CRV.

Bill & Tricia
11 Dutch Star, 14 CRV, 32 Ford

**JohnRR** · 06-30-2014, 05:50 PM

Not something I would want to happen to me.

jmckinley · 06-30-2014, 06:12 PM

What do you mean "broke out of frame"? Sounds scary. When I installed my baseplate I was worried about some of the bolts in some very thin frame sections. I substituted larger thicker washers to prevent pulling thru the thin frame sheet metal.

**CLIFFTALL** · 06-30-2014, 06:17 PM

My Blue Ox came with two cables to attach to frame in case of failure.

Old Scout · 06-30-2014, 06:27 PM

Interesting--my B/O came with internal cables that loop around the frame's cross-member--as a back up in the event of a plate failure. Agree that external safety cables or chains probably went with the faceplate. Would have thought the break away on aux brake system would have locked the brakes--unless the activation plug was damaged/disabled during the frame failure--wow!!!!!Would love to see some pics.....

TriciaB · 07-01-2014, 03:20 PM

You have a ford! This was a jeep liberty, doubt they are close to the same frame.

TriciaB · 07-01-2014, 03:22 PM

Good,

TriciaB · 07-01-2014, 03:28 PM

Send me your E. As stated the wires pulled in 2, thus the brake could not set. The base plate & part of the frame was still attached to the coach. The Jeepwas sitting in the street all alone.
Billbag414@gmail.com. Under subject put" Jeep"

macnkat · 07-02-2014, 09:53 AM

It sort of looks like the toad had some rust in the frame section...or am I seeing something that's not there. I just installed a baseplate on my 06 Liberty last Saturday and my California Jeep had no rust of any kind in the area. That's a little disconcerting.

Borderbuster · 07-02-2014, 10:50 AM

I noticed the rusty edges of the break too. It appears that there was some prior cracking of the jeep material before it finally tore out. At least long enough for rust to form on the edges.

I just installed the base plate on our 2003 Explorer. The 2003 Explorer is a frame/body vehicle, not a unibody type. Even so I was not impressed with the thickness of the frame where the base plate bolted on. I will be inspecting this area on a regular schedule and if there is any movement or deterioration I will reinforce the frame. Probably what I should have done anyway.

macnkat · 07-02-2014, 12:21 PM

Another question just occurred to me, how many miles have you been towing this Jeep?

Old Scout · 07-02-2014, 02:18 PM

Agree, looks like the cracking started sometime ago--I've seen this same thing with a friend's "break-away" on a Saturn. Doesnt explain why the frame cracked in the first place but could have started after a "defining" event like a railroad crossing, a very tight turn, or forgetting to unlock the steering wheel. Still no mention of the internal frame cables that B/O provided with my faceplate. I thought they were kind of over-kill when I installed my plate--glad I used them now.

jarwiebe · 07-02-2014, 07:40 PM

Just looking at the pictures, makes me thankful that did not mount my breakaway switch on the base plate as I was wanting to do. I mounted mine on one of the supports behind the grill so that should the base plated part company with the toad the breakaway switch could still do its job. And I did loop the safety cables around the frame and the base plated as per instructions that came with the base plate.

TriciaB · 07-03-2014, 10:11 AM

Yes, some signs of early cracks, had been under it about 2 mos before, basic cking bolt tightness which was no prob. Obvious did not see any cracks but did not really think to look. Every one asks about cables, did not use cables on this unit as "tie backs". Honda has tie backs.
We are in S Texas, humid, does not take long for fresh cut metal to show rust.
Liberty is a separate frame vehicle, metal approx 16ga.
Towed miles could be around 80,000.
Put this out for the cautious to stay cautious.

The bad new, not in a good position nor felt the need for a new tow. Whole situation has put finances in a tight.

The good news, the CRV we bought is a pleasant car. Thus far Driven MPG up about 10 over the liberty. Towed might be up about 1/2 MPG. Stands to reason, lighter. jeep has a lot of additional parts in motion while towing or driving.
Waiting on a Ck then will start out for about 7000miles. Should know after that.
Have a record of every gal on the Newmar.