Brush Guards - Yay or Nay??

[DeputyChef22]

Looking at getting this just like my 2006 had installed. I know brush guards and full bumper replacements have been a huge point of discussions elsewhere I’ve looked but what are the great minds of this forum more leaning toward?

I never had any issues with my other, however didn’t have front park sensors like I do now either so there’s a lot to possibly consider adding one to my truck.

 

[NCRaineman]

I had that exact unit on my 2012. Looked nice, never gave me any issues and didn't break the bank. If it isn't covering the park sensors I do not believe it would interfere with them. Just remember they are calibrated for the normal bumper and not the extra few inches the brush guard adds.

 

[zrock]

Ugliest thing i have ever seen on a truck, unless you are actually using your truck in the bush pointless.

 

[bcbouy]

Ugliest thing i have ever seen on a truck, unless you are actually using your truck in the bush pointless.

agree.i will risk hitting a deer and having the front end replaced before I put that on my truck.probably wouldn't help anyway.remember when those bed roll bars were all the rage? hated those too.

 

[nlambert182]

I like them, and say if you like it to go for it. Different strokes for different folks. It's your truck.

But... I stopped putting them on because it makes cleaning the headlights and grill a pain in the rear.

 

[NCRaineman]

Ugliest thing i have ever seen on a truck, unless you are actually using your truck in the bush pointless.

They're good for catching deer & tree limbs that are in the road. A few years back my wife hit a deer on her way to work in our 1500, brush guard caught him and prevented him from crushing the front end. Truck had one dent in the door from where his backside spun around and a few scratches. $300 to the PDR guy and you can't even tell it happened. Grille, quarter panel, headlights and hood runs about $6000... not to mention the danger of a lone female being stranded on the backroads in the pre-dawn hours. Piece of mind is invaluable.

 

[Fatbob Frank]

I hit a deer with mine 3 days after I brought the truck home...
Worth every penny.
Plus it hides the stupid Freddy Mercury 'stache grill...

 

[Dredger]

Brush guards and roll bars . . . oh yea! This brings back TV memories

 

[mrack]

Brush guards aren’t terribly effective. They leave a lot of bumper exposed to deer and if you hit something hard they’re just going to fold into the truck. If you want front end protection get a full bumper like ranch hand or Steelcraft.

 

[rzr6-4]

A heavy duty bumper/brush guard combo mine that is purpose built to deal with the local white tail population, I approve. There are some "brush guards" that would likely help too, but they are definitely on the beefier end of the spectrum. A lot of the flimsy ones, instead of the deer going through your grill, it's just your brush guard getting folded down and hitting the front of your hood and possibly headlights. Might save your radiator so you can still get home, but it's still not going to be pretty.

 

[4xdad]

And nobody mentioned moose. Bruush guards are a good place to mount lights but little protection

 

[Docwagon1776]

And nobody mentioned moose. Bruush guards are a good place to mount lights but little protection

If OP hits a moose in Arkansas, one of them is lost AF.

 

[nlambert182]

Let's be real.. they're called BRUSH guards.... good for keeping brush such as small trees, limbs, and tall grass off the truck. They don't say moose guards, deer guards, etc.. They work when used as intended.

 

[4xdad]

Ok so no moose how about a big hog

 

[Docwagon1776]

Ok so no moose how about a big hog

If it's 1am or earlier, keep your options open. 2:45 am or later, either settle for the hog or go home alone.

Wait, what were we talking about?

 

[Badger 13]

I think you need something a little more substantial for good front end protection. This is what I had on my 95..

 

[markabby]

you could always use hem for PIT maneuvers

 

[DeputyChef22]

you could always use hem for PIT maneuvers

TVIs were fun back when I was in that business. And really, brush guards used like that don’t sustain a lot of damage because you’re not striking the vehicle but transferring energy from your vehicle to the suspects vehicle.

I’m still on the fence though. I don’t want to give up my front sensors so that’s something I’ve had to consider when looking for a bumper replacement so it’s just a big decision either way.