Discreet protection from deer...

billyw · Dec 5, 2021

A friend recently had his new F150 completely disabled by hitting a small deer. His bumper buckled enough to puncture the right front tire and radiator. My 1500 Laramie has chrome bumpers and grill. My lifestyle is slowly shifting to more time on the road (towing my travel trailer). I would like to add some kind of protection for deer and other road hazards. I would like to keep it not too flashy or large. I only have 6" of clearance to fit in my garage. I don't want something that's pretty, but useless. I'm totally clueless to this particular kind of stuff. Thoughts or suggestions?

mtnrider · Dec 5, 2021

Going to be tough finding something low profile that will actually offer you any protection. It needs to be pretty robust to do any good against a deer.
I have tons of deer around me and drive mostly back country roads. I rely more on aftermarket lighting to give me a better view down the road. I know that doesn't work in all situations but I'm just not a fan of those bumpers that are large enough to do any good.

.

Hemi395 · Dec 5, 2021

Following.

I've been looking for the same thing for my truck. A couple years ago a deer ran out in front of me from the side of the road. Thankfully I saw it coming out of the woods and slammed my brakes on and just barely nudged it. It got up and ran to the other side of the road. 0 damage on the front of my truck but it got me thinking about getting some front end protection.

Like you I don't want anything bulky or in your face but I haven't been able to find anything that fits what I'm looking for....

billyw · Dec 5, 2021

I haven't had it off to see if it's possible, but has anyone ever tried to strengthen the original bumper? Can you add reinforcing from behind? That way I could add a simple grill guard similar to what the police use.

mtnrider · Dec 5, 2021

billyw said:
I haven't had it off to see if it's possible, but has anyone ever tried to strengthen the original bumper? Can you add reinforcing from behind? That way I could add a simple grill guard similar to what the police use.

Anything is possible but I think it would be a lot of work for something that probably isn't going to work well. Chances of hitting a deer dead on are pretty slim, you need something that covers the complete front if you expect any real protection.

Hate being a Debbie downer but I think that's the reality of the situation. People hit deer here all the time and nothing but a big a$$ bumper saves the truck.

.

huntergreen · Dec 5, 2021

Buckstop bumper comes to mind. Not what your looking for though.

Hemi395 · Dec 5, 2021

I'm assuming something as simple as a bull bar wouldn't do too much?

sandawilliams · Dec 5, 2021

This is what many use in the mountains of Colorado for deer and elk. Problems are price and weight. Hanging another 500 lbs. off the front end of our trucks isnt good for the suspension.

Ranch Hand® - Legend Series Full Width Front HD Bumper with Brush Guard

Legend Series Full Width Black Powder Coated Front HD Bumper with Full Grille Guard - Part Number FBF111BLR (FBF111BLR) by Ranch Hand. Without Sensor Holes. Exterior.

www.carid.com

Hookedup87 · Dec 5, 2021

Hit a deer last month a little after 2am on my way in to work. Jumped right out in front of me from some bushes in the center median. Had no time react. Luckily, it was small. I still feel bad about it but there was nothing I could’ve done. It took out the front bumper, but luckily didn’t get to the grille and the hood. I was looking into those deer whistles. Not sure if they work or not. They look pretty small and discreet, but I don’t know.

pacofortacos · Dec 5, 2021

You probably could put a 1/4" steel or aluminum plate between the bumper and the mounts without noticing it much. Steel would obviously be stronger but would rust unless powder coated. Aluminum can take a hit without breaking and would add some strength.

There might be enough room to put a custom tube guard behind the grille - if you remove the shutters there should be plenty of room to put a hidden tube protection system. Of course it would have to be custom made.

As long as the rad and trans cooler are not hit and everything concerning the motor and trans is protected, you should be fine.
Even if it hit the outside and took out a tire and body work, that usually wouldn't be crippling.

Of course this does defeat some of the designed in crumpling in the crumple zones for accidents.

pacofortacos · Dec 5, 2021

Hookedup87 said:
Hit a deer last month a little after 2am on my way in to work. Jumped right out in front of me from some bushes in the center median. Had no time react. Luckily, it was small. I still feel bad about it but there was nothing I could’ve done. It took out the front bumper, but luckily didn’t get to the grille and the hood. I was looking into those deer whistles. Not sure if they work or not. They look pretty small and discreet, but I don’t know.

I had those on a Reliant K car back in the day. Big buck standing on the side of the rode with a doe - he looks at me (doing 55 mph) and bolts out in front of me. ( I swear he told the doe, "I'll get rid of those damn annoying whistles!). I slam on the brakes but still smack him in the r u m p. He flips through the air 2-3 times, lands in the ditch and gets up and runs away.
I get out to check the damage and wouldn't you know, the only thing damaged on the car is the deer whistles were knocked off! lol
Last set I owned

GTyankee · Dec 6, 2021

most of the bumper guards are made for HD Rams

I think that i would do the research & find what i liked & could afford

Then if the day ever comes & you should strike something, or if something strikes you.

You would know what you need to make your repair

huntergreen · Dec 6, 2021

Hemi395 said:
I'm assuming something as simple as a bull bar wouldn't do too much?

Sure it will, gives the insurance adjuster another thing to add into his tally of things needing to be replaced.

Dean2 · Dec 6, 2021

Discreet but effective is not a combo you will ever find. If you really want protection it has to be beefy. Like someone else said, good lights and paying very close attention are the best options. I have had winch bumpers on every pickup I ever owned but I never relied on them for protection from hitting animals. Up here we have to worry about moose and bear too, even a semi with a bull bumper is going to take a beating hitting one of those. Learn to watch for the glint of their eyes. LED lights will actually make a moose's eye reflect, any other light I have seen doesn't. LEDs also make things reflect far further out. You are looking for the tell tale signs, not the whole animal.

hunterdan · Dec 6, 2021

Best options, avoid hitting them. Slow down, get better lighting, keep your head on a swivel and lower your comprehensive deductible down to the lowest you can afford.

GTyankee · Dec 7, 2021

because of my business,
I carry $750,000 Commercial auto policy with $2500 deductible for $5200 a year

Regular auto insurance is like 2/3rds of that for the larger coverage amounts

thkbaron · Dec 7, 2021

hunterdan said:
Best options, avoid hitting them. Slow down, get better lighting, keep your head on a swivel and lower your comprehensive deductible down to the lowest you can afford.

Damn someone beat me to the lower your comprehensive deductible down. Best option ever.

Fatbob Frank · Dec 7, 2021

Hit a deer on the 3rd day I had it...

The little dent next to the license plate is all that happened.
I don't buy a brush guard for brush...

svtnos · Dec 7, 2021

I convinced myself the other day, looking into some good ditch lights. hauling butt down the pitch black road out here can be dangerous with these suicidal deer lol..

Jim Carelas · Dec 9, 2021

I have deer whistles on my Harley. Does anyone have hope/faith on something like that.??

Discreet protection from deer...

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