Diamond Standard Parts, LLC released the visual results of comparative tests conducted on the 2012 Dodge Ram Pickup rear stepbumper system – Diamond Standard and OE Service Part. Representing the first extensive dynamic test by an aftermarket manufacturer is a new milestone for the expansive and exhaustive dynamic and destructive testing of Diamond Standard Brand parts. Credible, third party, independent experts of MGA Research Corporation (www.mgaresearch.com) conducted the tests with a major insurer in attendance. Diamond Standard takes the issue that a part must provide functional performance equivalent to the optimum level so seriously, we embrace the obligation to fully evaluate the performance of our structural parts and non-structural stepbumpers. Third party testing and certification ensure that a Diamond Standard part meets the service part in the areas of quality and functional performance. For stepbumpers Diamond Standard’s protocol of quality, testing and certification relies solidly on the expert credentials of MGA and their tests covering all applicable Diamond Standard Stepbumpers to the only required Federal Standard test – the Vehicle Equipment Safety Commission (VESC) V-5 test for towability. In 2012 Diamond Standard issued a stepbumper White Paper detailing the performance of a Diamond Standard Silverado stepbumper subjected to a V-5 test at twice the load factor of the Federal Standard to evaluate performance under extreme towing conditions where loaded trailer weights exceed the manufacturer’s stated Gross Trailer Weight (GTW). After many consultations with industry experts, Diamond Standard is not aware of any Federal regulations which involve rear bumpers on light trucks. In fact, light trucks are still available without any rear bumpers or with roll pans, tube bumpers, drop bumpers or service bodies. Though not required, Diamond Standard believed it important to determine and establish the crashworthiness of a Diamond Standard stepbumper and release the results to the industry.

The MGA supplied photo documentation shows the direct comparative pre and post test results of the Diamond Standard and service part at 6.2kph conducted to the Insurance Institute for
Highway Safety (IIHS), Bumper Test and Rating Protocol Version VIII September 2010 – Rear Full Overlap Test. The Diamond Standard and service stepbumper were rigidly attached to the IIHS moving sled for testing. The choice of the 2012 Dodge Ram stepbumper coincided with the CAPA certification of the Diamond Standard front steel bumper for this make and model year and provided a view of both front and rear protection performance.

“We take a great deal of pride in our unrelenting comparative testing to establish new markers to prove the certainty and consistency of Diamond Standard parts. We manufacture and supply “One Quality” parts that are tested, proven and certified and that commitment separates our manufacturing platform and promise from all other competitive manufacturers and is why our replacement policy recommendation is Diamond Standard or OE only” said, Michael O’Neal, President of Diamond Standard Parts, LLC.

Diamond Standard Brand parts are backed by a limited lifetime warranty and $40,000,000 in product liability protection under the Diamond Standard Security Shield, a strong and resonating message to the industry that we stand behind our parts. For more information visit the NEW Diamond Standard website which launched in early April – www.diamondstandardparts.com. For insurers or major shop associations wishing to visit our U.S.A. manufacturing facilities contact Geoff Crane – [email protected] .

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