What's Your Opinion On GM Accessary's Vs After Market In Quality

[f5fstop]

Originally Posted by usetosellhummer

without touching the product it is hard to compare quality unless it is the same part just at a diffrent price. I buy most of my non performace related accessories aftermarket. GM is still trying to fighure out how to compete in the accessories world. Flat out they probally wont so buy what feels right. The dealers can't get it right either. the profit margins are slim unless it's china crap and dealers hate selling stuff non brand.

I agree, but I also disagree. On most items, on most vehicles, the GM part as it leaves SPO is a good buy. It is when it gets to the dealer the problems start. The dealers, being independent business people, cannot be told what price to charge for installation. I have seen advertised in some dealers a difference of over $200 between brush guard installations.

Another thing you have to understand, if if the part could affect safety, it has to be tested. Example, the front brush guard could affect the operation of the SIR impact sensor(s) during a crash. The side bars could also affect a side impact sensor (e.g. causing a smaller car to dive under, preventing the sensor to be impacted, preventing the side curtains from popping).

Wheels go through extensive testing in Milford too, as well as tires, and exhaust systems. Aftermarket companies are not required to test their components. However, there is some good aftermarket items out there, that are just as good as OEM, and probably just as safe, just not tested.

I felt that Hummer did good with the H3 in regard to the front brush guard, rocker protectors, underbody protection, and even the side tube steps. Mud flaps are ok, floor mats (both carpet and rubber) are very good. However, they are lacking in some needed accessories such as winch mount, exterior camera and/or sensors, etc.

[Viet Nam Vette]

Originally Posted by f5fstop

I agree, but I also disagree. On most items, on most vehicles, the GM part as it leaves SPO is a good buy. It is when it gets to the dealer the problems start. The dealers, being independent business people, cannot be told what price to charge for installation. I have seen advertised in some dealers a difference of over $200 between brush guard installations.

Another thing you have to understand, if if the part could affect safety, it has to be tested. Example, the front brush guard could affect the operation of the SIR impact sensor(s) during a crash. The side bars could also affect a side impact sensor (e.g. causing a smaller car to dive under, preventing the sensor to be impacted, preventing the side curtains from popping).

Wheels go through extensive testing in Milford too, as well as tires, and exhaust systems. Aftermarket companies are not required to test their components. However, there is some good aftermarket items out there, that are just as good as OEM, and probably just as safe, just not tested.

I felt that Hummer did good with the H3 in regard to the front brush guard, rocker protectors, underbody protection, and even the side tube steps. Mud flaps are ok, floor mats (both carpet and rubber) are very good. However, they are lacking in some needed accessories such as winch mount, exterior camera and/or sensors, etc.

All good points ...
As mentioned ..I keep my rig all GM as per your above post. But in this case a Buck 180 more his hard to justify for roof rails. If the quality is that bad when I receive it ..I send it back.

[HumbleAg]

Jumped in a bit late here, but I'll put my 2 cents in.

I bought the Aries aftermarket rails (were $224 on ebay a few weeks ago). They look the same as the OEM, but one of the end pieces on mine doesn't tighten very well (will move if you shove it). Also, the keys didn't work the locks properly, had to jiggle them quite a while to get them to open and close.

That said, for the $150 bucks or so that I saved, I'm pleased with them. Once they are mounted they look fine. I could probably figure out how to tighten the end piece up if I spent some time on it, but it isn't going to move on its own.

One thing to watch out for is the dealers that buy the aftermarket stuff and sell it for close to the OEM price. I know GM doesn't look fondly on those who do this, but it does happen.


Now I just need to find something else to add that I can spend that $150 on.

[usetosellhummer]

tail lamp guards????

[Wisha Haddan H3]

I want a set of roof bars to load my kayak on, but I need them rock solid. Last thing I need is something to break loose during a stop or a crosswind. Do you think the Aries would hold up to that?

[Agriv8r]

it is like everything...sometime the OEM parts are better, sometimes they are not...you have to look at each part individually...

[HumbleAg]

Originally Posted by Wisha Haddan H3

I want a set of roof bars to load my kayak on, but I need them rock solid. Last thing I need is something to break loose during a stop or a crosswind. Do you think the Aries would hold up to that?

I don't think mine would break loose and come off, just one side of one of them will slip a bit in the roof rail channel if it is really pushed. They are still locked into the roof rail channel. Sorry I can't be more help, I haven't loaded anything on mine to see how they do.

[NEOCON1]

most of the factory stuff is pretty good , except for the lame stick on chrome stuff

[Sewie]

Originally Posted by HumbleAg

I don't think mine would break loose and come off, just one side of one of them will slip a bit in the roof rail channel if it is really pushed. They are still locked into the roof rail channel.

Is it locked into one of the little notches in the rail?

[ChiHummer3]

Originally Posted by Wisha Haddan H3

I want a set of roof bars to load my kayak on, but I need them rock solid. Last thing I need is something to break loose during a stop or a crosswind. Do you think the Aries would hold up to that?

I've got the OEM roof racks....and have had 2 kayaks on top.....traveling at 90 MPH.....and the kayaks don't budge. OEM roof rails have held strong for me!

[RubHer Yellow Ducky]

Originally Posted by ChiHummer3

I've got the OEM roof racks....and have had 2 kayaks on top.....traveling at 90 MPH.....and the kayaks don't budge. OEM roof rails have held strong for me!

I'm glad i wasn't traveling with you..........

[HummerHippy]

Originally Posted by f5fstop

I agree, but I also disagree. ...

John Kerry.
Just teasing.