We have heard of automakers cobbling collectively vehicles with {hardware} store-grade wooden earlier than, however this can be a new one. Meet Honda’s latest device for sellers to service the Honda Prologue and Acura ZDX SUVs: a pair of 4x4x8 picket posts.

Sure, you learn that appropriately. Honda is sending sellers a pair of picket posts, very similar to what might be discovered at any massive field ironmongery store, as a device to work on its new EVs. This identical device has discovered its solution to Reddit’s /r/JustRolledIntoTheShop the place the poster claims that Honda’s new “particular device” is “actually two 8-foot 4x4s with an official Honda half quantity painted on.”

That half quantity would possibly seem like it reads “Ozark Kazoo” (and that is completely what I’ll name 4×4 posts now), but it surely’s truly: “07AAK-KHZA100.” Honda calls this half a Dunnage IPU Help, and based on the Software Launch discover affixed to the wooden, its particular use is to assist raise EV batteries, presumably to stop injury by offering a buffer (or assist) between the raise and the battery pack.

Dunnage, IPU Help was despatched to your dealership as a required particular service device. This device will for use (sic) at the side of 07-EL-53000 EV Battery Help Fixture and 07-EL-53080 HV battery lifting system to facilitate the alternative of the Propulsion Battery.

EL-53080 and EL-53000 as referenced above are two Basic Motors elements. The primary is called an “electrical car service cart,” a wheeled cart to carry the EV battery when faraway from the car, and the second is a “excessive voltage battery lifting adapter” which is for use with a Forklift to maneuver the EV batteries. Provided that the Honda Prologue and Acura ZDX are each GM Ultium-powered autos, these elements all seem to tie in collectively.

A fast search exhibits one vendor in Florida that can promote you this identical device—and its MSRP is an astronomical $179.48. For comparability, a single pressure-treated 4x4x8 publish at Residence Depot prices $10.68.

The excellent news, although, is that transport from Florida to Pennsylvania is a mere $9.77. What a steal.

So if one may simply run to Residence Depot and seize these elements, why does Honda ship them to their sellers? For starters, it is clear that Honda is aware of methods to service its autos. Hell, the vendor mannequin is constructed round doing precisely that, full with directions from the automaker. Having the proper instruments to do the job is necessary, and we’re guessing that no tech needs to place their instruments away, degrease, and run to the ironmongery store to get a big device.

One commenter additionally notes Honda and different sellers not simply to arrange the techs doing the work, but in addition to cowl themselves.

“Producers do that in order that method they cowl themselves for required instruments for repairs and maintain the times down within the store to a minimal,” writes person frank13131313. “Up to now, I’ve seen some particular OEM instruments despatched to us that have been essentially the most ridiculous issues ever, was shipped a Phillips head screwdriver for a headlamp adjustment device recall, oil filter wrench as a number of the automotive off meeting line had unfastened filters, zip ties, butel tape, and so on…”

On the flip facet, different commenters say that some OEMs instruct sellers that some elements of restore (like Loctite or rivets) are to be obtained domestically. It isn’t clear which is the case right here.

There are additionally a number of fascinating factors from commenters who declare to be dealership staff over the slew of instruments despatched to service Honda’s new EVs. Some state that the pile of specialised instruments takes up a whole small service bay. Others expressed their concern over the reported $30,000 dealership funding into the instruments required by Acura and Honda as a way to service their Ultium-powered vehicles regardless of the partnership being formally axed.

So, there you’ve got it, of us. If you happen to occur to search out your self servicing your new Prologue or ZDX exterior of guarantee sooner or later, otherwise you simply need some candy Honda-branded picket posts to your subsequent woodworking mission, be sure you purchase a pair of real set of Ozark Kazoos—I imply, Dunnage IPU Helps.