Victory Roof Rack Safety Warning (please read if you have an over-cab rack)

Looks like they are sending him a new bumper. At least that’s what I gathered. Still a pain in the ass to even have this happen with such an expensive item.

 

I meant the vehicle manufacturer, not the maker of the parts. Sorry for the confusion.

As to the rest of your statement, we have already had this argument in previous posts.

And yes, Victory should probably idiot proof the process going forward.

 

So now you are the gatekeeper for me being able to give my opinion on a public forum?

Take your own advice and kick rocks.

 

If you choose not to follow manufacturer’s instructions, or use their supplied tools, I could envision a stronger argument for the manufacturer to claim no-fault in the event of damage.

I don’t actually believe its possible to drill these holes with the supplied tool and only penetrate 1/2”.

I used drill oil and was VERY patient allowing the bit to cool every 5 seconds or so. The layers of sheet metal force you to keep the bit speed up, otherwise the bit ceases.

The hardness of the welded metal layers require decent pressure to make progress vs just heating the bit. I would guess each hole took 10 minutes. I completed them over two work periods and several battery changes on the drill.

The instant you penetrate, the supplied bit threads the hole and you react as quickly as possible to prevent that. As shown in the video - what might “seem” like 1/2” is much more after further inspection.

I realize there is some “idiot” subtext here, but sometimes things may not be as easy as they appear...and you have no firsthand experience with this.

With a different tool and/or procedure, stopping the drill @ 1/2” is certainly possible.

 

I see the update now. Missed it earlier.

 

This statement here says everything. You're wrong. The issue is, you don't know how to properly use the tool or even clearly understand how a drill bit works. Its easy to blame someone else.

 

Not calling you an idiot, btw.

Although, a drill stop is pretty easy to use.....

personally I would have grabbing different drill bits, a stop, and probably a good cutting oil. Apparently since I haven’t modded my truck though I shouldn’t have an opinion here.

Hopefully Victory and you can come to a conclusion that works out for everyone.

 

sorry to hear of the troubles. maybe the installer in that pic was using a shortened bit? that's possible. a drill stop definitely would be good.

 

Let’s get serious here. If anyone in this thread is saying they have never over drilled, over penetrated a hole while drilling with a hand drill they are lying or haven’t drilled enough holes to have made a mistake. Everyone is human. Should a drill stop be suggested or even included in this kit since the design allows the installer to possibly over penetrate and strike an airbag, yes. As for Victory's involvement in this thread, they are aware because they posted earlier. I would think they should be a little more concerned about what there customers are saying. I will remember this thread when purchasing parts made by a fabrication company that I put on my truck. Just my .02 cents, carry on

 

I'm not sure what the picture is supposed to represent. I also want to be clear, I'm not bagging on you at all.

 

Did you watch the install video?

 

That’s A picture of the install video putting the whole drill bit in!

 

Ah no, you're wrong. With the supplied bit you have to put a lot of pressure to get it to work - as shown in their install video. Without a drill stop - which was not provided or even recommended - it is damn near impossible to stop the bit after only 1/2". This process requires a drill stop, not just a piece of tape marked out at 1/2". Many I bet are like myself who don't own a proper drill stop, I'd just have to wrap the thing up with a crap load of tape to make it thick enough to not go past, something I thought would not have been necessary based upon their video.

 

And to think this probably could have all been prevented with a $4 set of drill stops.......Victory should recommend this be used in their instructions is the only argument I see....or recommend you drop the headliner and through bolt it....or include the stops. Either way, I have no interest in adding a roof rack to my truck so this doesn’t really apply to me.

 

Again, from this statement you do not know how to use a drill bit correctly or even drill a hole.
This project is for DIY people and if you buy the product you are taking responsibility that you have a basic understand of how to accomplish it.
If the instructions tell you to only go 1/2" deep but you watch the install video and see them sinking it all the way to the chuck, you should have had concerns which should have made you ask questions. Pretty simple
It doesn't require a drill stop. Plenty people with experience could do this job with out one, would it make it simpler for you ? Maybe, what if the stop moved ? They do that a lot and need to be checked after every hole, would you know to do that ?

I'm not trying to bag on anyone but get tired of hearing people blame everyone but themselves when things go sideways.

 

In the install video, the installer states that the holes are drilled in safe zones away from airbags (as stated throughout this thread).

Are you of the opinion that the customer should not trust that information when doing the install? And if they do trust that information, its their fault that they damaged airbags?

The screenshot shows that even the manufacturer can’t keep the bit from penetrating beyond their recommended depth. It appears they do, until you go frame by frame in the video (which you may want to watch and listen to). So you expect the customer to be more proficient than the manufacturer?

This thread was not here to blame anyone. If you read it in its entirety, I think you’ll see that.

Personal abilities and the arguments of drilling excellence aside...some folks are going to have damaged airbags and they outta know.

 

I’m only here to acknowledge your awesome username and avatar, and to point out that if you reply to this comment, you’ll have 666 messages.

so wait, cutting corners IS the answer? My boss is gonna hear from me about his assessment of my work. I’ve been cutting corners forever.

 

I had a really bad day and your post just made me laugh, both on the signature count and cutting corners comments. Thank you SO MUCH for that much needed comic relief!!

Username is my gaming handle from at least 20 years ago. Avatar is Cthulhu, as I’m a huge fan of Lovecraft’s work.

And here is my baby photo if you’re interested:

 

here’s yer sign

 

I’ve been looking at these for a few weeks, and noticed / laughed when watching the install video and the drill was punched all the way in. I considered buying these because the DIY process didn’t look crazy, and the installer claimed he was drilling into a safe zone.
Thanks @TwoWheels for the information.
It would be nice if everyone could just note the information and move on.
For those who’ve installed already it’s great information.
For those yet to install it’s a solid warning.
For those just trolling, Hope it was enjoyable.
It’s also worth noting @Victory4x4’s response. I value a company’s customer service more than their products usually. Noting the problem and updating information seems like a small thing to do to keep customers safe and happy.
All the best

 

That's a quality first post.

 

Any word on repairs/cost?

 

Dang .... I was just about to order there roof rack . Thanks for sharing , Probably just get a prinsu now

 

I’ve got no bad things to say about victory 4x4. Have the blitz bumper and their rock sliders. On the sliders, they notified me of a hole that needed to be widened, offered a discount or a swap for newer ones. I took the discount because easy enough to widen a hole. I think they’ve been great.
As far as install goes, it’s your truck, you mess something up it’s on you. If they install and mess something up, it’s on them. It’s not the fabricators fault for mishaps, it’s the installers. If they say don’t go past 1/2” and you do...... it’s on you.

 

did U happen to watch the install video?

 

...or read where OP said 50 times that instructions said it was a "safe zone" ?

 

No, I haven’t , and I haven’t purchased that product. But I also know how to fab stuff, drill stuff, measure 2x before cutting. I’ve messed up plenty of times on my own to know better than blaming someone else for something. I take instructions more as a guide than a bible. I use my own knowledge, learned the hard way, to do do installs and fabrication.

ultimately, it’s your vehicle. You want to cut or drill on it, cool. It’s yours.