Rugged Ridge quality
Thread Starter
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 227
Likes: 0
From: Dallas, TX
Rugged Ridge quality
I wanted to ask others what their experiences are with Rugged Ridge? I've bought a few things since owning my 2012 and I'm both happy and angry depending on what part it is I consider. I'm overall very worried about their level of quality control and their customer facing service. For example, their websites ruggedridgeoffroad.com and ruggedridgesales.com are really lacking in 2012 info and even some 2011 support I suspect.
I first bought the black satin wheels and love the look! But I've noticed a lot of weights to balance them on the inside. Is this the result of the tires balancing or the wheel itself? Not to worry, or at least I hope not.
I also have the hitch and wiring harness combo. This seems to fit just fine and was easy enough to install but of course it used 18mm nuts and bolts which I didn't have in my kit I found. I also found it near impossible to get mounted with my aev bumper in place. I've since heard some hitches come with the nut welded to the hitch which would make install so much easier and quicker. I haven't tested it yet, no trailer to connect so I hope it all works well. Looks a little off angle when you look straight on but not drastically, just enough to make you wonder like when you see a photo hanging strange on the wall.
I have just got the neoprene seat covers and tried to install them, worst experience yet. Now it seems the kit is not meant for the 2012 and maybe 2011 too but it showed up on the list while searching 2012 parts on the website. I believe on many sites I looked at had it listed to 2011 or "and up" at least. Anyway, the head rest clearly is for the older style and would not fit the 2012. The top and bottom portions did fit, was tough to get the velcro parts through to the back but managed it after a while. The biggest concerns here are the abundance of poor stitching and excess/loose strings on each piece. Finally the worst part is the fact that one of the straps that goes below the seat and connects at the back, ripped free while installing with no more force than I use on any buckle tightening. They do comment not to over tighten but I didn't even get to that part! Also, the neoprene hardly fits the seat well and appears to have parts off their mark or where I would expect to see the seams and fitting around the seat controls.
I also have a pair of the rim protectors for the wheels that I have yet to install. I hope when I get the other 2 (not in stock) that they all match and fit properly. My confidence is shaken based on all the other parts I've seen first hand.
Just wondering if I'm being too critical or if this is expected of them? Perhaps the rugged ridge rep on here can comment even. I like the idea of a few other parts from the company but think I'll now spend more time looking for better quality alternatives from companies that at least have their act together enough to update their sites for 2012 properly.
I first bought the black satin wheels and love the look! But I've noticed a lot of weights to balance them on the inside. Is this the result of the tires balancing or the wheel itself? Not to worry, or at least I hope not.
I also have the hitch and wiring harness combo. This seems to fit just fine and was easy enough to install but of course it used 18mm nuts and bolts which I didn't have in my kit I found. I also found it near impossible to get mounted with my aev bumper in place. I've since heard some hitches come with the nut welded to the hitch which would make install so much easier and quicker. I haven't tested it yet, no trailer to connect so I hope it all works well. Looks a little off angle when you look straight on but not drastically, just enough to make you wonder like when you see a photo hanging strange on the wall.
I have just got the neoprene seat covers and tried to install them, worst experience yet. Now it seems the kit is not meant for the 2012 and maybe 2011 too but it showed up on the list while searching 2012 parts on the website. I believe on many sites I looked at had it listed to 2011 or "and up" at least. Anyway, the head rest clearly is for the older style and would not fit the 2012. The top and bottom portions did fit, was tough to get the velcro parts through to the back but managed it after a while. The biggest concerns here are the abundance of poor stitching and excess/loose strings on each piece. Finally the worst part is the fact that one of the straps that goes below the seat and connects at the back, ripped free while installing with no more force than I use on any buckle tightening. They do comment not to over tighten but I didn't even get to that part! Also, the neoprene hardly fits the seat well and appears to have parts off their mark or where I would expect to see the seams and fitting around the seat controls.
I also have a pair of the rim protectors for the wheels that I have yet to install. I hope when I get the other 2 (not in stock) that they all match and fit properly. My confidence is shaken based on all the other parts I've seen first hand.
Just wondering if I'm being too critical or if this is expected of them? Perhaps the rugged ridge rep on here can comment even. I like the idea of a few other parts from the company but think I'll now spend more time looking for better quality alternatives from companies that at least have their act together enough to update their sites for 2012 properly.
JK Newbie
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 90
Likes: 0
From: SuFu, SD
Most likely, the weights on the wheel is because of the tire not the rim, Im not shure though. The only Rugged Ridge product I have is their light bar. IMO well built and looks great. It is somewhat of a bitch to get together but when you get it, it is solid. Bought the bar through quadratec so I dont have any experience with RR's customer service. I would contact them yourself to get answers.
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 494
Likes: 0
From: Spokane WA
Re: Rugged Ridge quality
hR quality. I'm like you - both happy and disappointed.
I have their XHD modular front bumper. Yes, it takes 18mm and 19mm bolts/nuts. Was a PITA to fit those; didn't have wrenches/sockets for them (do now). As for quality of the front bumper, I can't complain. It's been holding up now for over 2(?) years with no problems.
As for their rear bumper with tire carrier - I think they dropped the ball on quality! After taking the spare tire on/off for only a couple of times in almost two years, two of the three bolts holding the spare on became stripped. When I contacted Quadretec (whom I bought it from), Quadratec sent me two new bolts. When I went to install them I noticed the bolts were spot welded to the tire carrier; so that didn't work. Back to Quadratec. Quadratec sent me a COMPLETE new rear tire carrier AND bumper. Since I only needed part of the tire carrier replaced, I exchanged that specific part and replaced the latch on the tire carrier (paint/powdercoating was already chipping off!). This only after having the rear bumper and tire carrier on since Memorial Day 2011!
Can't vouch for any other RR parts.
As for their web site, even when I was looking for information, it seemed to be outdated. I found more up-to-date information on various aftermarket sellers websites; most were much more comprehensive that RR's own web site. I think they'd rather have purchasers work through aftermarket sellers.
Seat covers. Originally I have canvas seat covers from CoverKing. Pieces of crap! You could not wash them; only spot clean! Ever try to get dust out of a seat cover by spot washing????
Recently I replaced the CoverKing canvas seat covers - that had been on for almost 4 years - since they were showing serious signs of wear - especially on the driver's seat with seat covers from Marathon Seat Covers. While the Marathons are canvas, they can be washed! They were extremely difficult to install - didn't do it until early November. I'm sure they would have went on better in warmer temps. So far, I am really please with the quality and fit and finsih of the Marathon seat covers. WARNING: They are a bit pricey, but sometimes you just gotta pay to get good stuff.
I have their XHD modular front bumper. Yes, it takes 18mm and 19mm bolts/nuts. Was a PITA to fit those; didn't have wrenches/sockets for them (do now). As for quality of the front bumper, I can't complain. It's been holding up now for over 2(?) years with no problems.
As for their rear bumper with tire carrier - I think they dropped the ball on quality! After taking the spare tire on/off for only a couple of times in almost two years, two of the three bolts holding the spare on became stripped. When I contacted Quadretec (whom I bought it from), Quadratec sent me two new bolts. When I went to install them I noticed the bolts were spot welded to the tire carrier; so that didn't work. Back to Quadratec. Quadratec sent me a COMPLETE new rear tire carrier AND bumper. Since I only needed part of the tire carrier replaced, I exchanged that specific part and replaced the latch on the tire carrier (paint/powdercoating was already chipping off!). This only after having the rear bumper and tire carrier on since Memorial Day 2011!
Can't vouch for any other RR parts.
As for their web site, even when I was looking for information, it seemed to be outdated. I found more up-to-date information on various aftermarket sellers websites; most were much more comprehensive that RR's own web site. I think they'd rather have purchasers work through aftermarket sellers.
Seat covers. Originally I have canvas seat covers from CoverKing. Pieces of crap! You could not wash them; only spot clean! Ever try to get dust out of a seat cover by spot washing????
Recently I replaced the CoverKing canvas seat covers - that had been on for almost 4 years - since they were showing serious signs of wear - especially on the driver's seat with seat covers from Marathon Seat Covers. While the Marathons are canvas, they can be washed! They were extremely difficult to install - didn't do it until early November. I'm sure they would have went on better in warmer temps. So far, I am really please with the quality and fit and finsih of the Marathon seat covers. WARNING: They are a bit pricey, but sometimes you just gotta pay to get good stuff.
JK Super Freak
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 1,651
Likes: 0
From: Montgomery, Il
I've got the XHD front and rear bumpers, windshield light mounts and A-pillar switch pod and switches, and have had ZERO. complaints. I got my front bumper in a scratch & dent sale and it was missing one of the bolts for the D-rings. I called RR, explained that I bought it as a S&D and wanted to BUY a new bolt. They said no problem, we'll just send you one. FREE. I also received some personal support on the forum when I installed my switch-pod. Unsolicited, the RR rep on the forum helped me out with a couple ideas for a better fit that worked out great. I find their pricing to be fair, service to be great, and products to be of high quality and durable. I'm not knocking anyone's opinions here, this is just me experience!
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JK Freak
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 965
Likes: 4
From: Red deer, Alberta
I'm pretty happy with my Rugged Ridge stuff. I would even put a Rugged Ridge Offroad windshield decal on my Jeep if they would offer one.
Last edited by Runewolf1973; Dec 23, 2011 at 09:20 PM.
