Brush Guard Advice Wanted...(Pics are a bonus!)

[Greene728]

Looking to install a brush guard on my 2015 Ram 3500. I want protection, but also something that looks good. Deer are terrible in my neck of the woods, and I've already had a couple very close calls this past fall. These new diesels are packed with radiators in the front too! Anybody here have any recommendations good or bad? The two I'm currently looking at are as follows.

1. Ranch Hand Legend Series. $549 Amazon
2. SteelCraft HD Series. Amazon $474

Im leaning toward the SteelCraft obviously for price. But it also has very good reviews on a few different sites, as well as looks better than the RH to me due to the crossbars on the main grill section.

Again, pics, input (good and bad) are welcome!

[Greene728]

IdaD wrote:
Grill guards are a total waste, imo. If you hit a deer or anything substantial you'll do more damage than not having one at all. Look at replacement bumpers that are heavy and bolt to the frame. That will offer actual protection.

Example: http://www.autotrucktoys.com/ram/ICI-Dodge-Ram-Magnum-Front-Bumpers-PRD38366.aspx?gclid=CMrsxuWJm9ICFVBhfgod6_UMMw

Ida,
Maybe I wasn't clear. Both of the ones I'm looking at are very heavy brush/grill guards that bolt to the frame in 4 different locations. The ranch hand weighs 128 pounds and is a very substantial piece of steel.

I looked at the full bumper/brush guard units and they are just too much for me. Some of those things add 350-400 pounds to the front end. I'm just not sure that's good on front end components in the long run.

[kw_00]

Ranch hand is the best in my opinion. I had one on my truck and loved it, would like to put one on my 09.

[tdsxt51]

IdaD wrote:
Grill guards are a total waste, imo. If you hit a deer or anything substantial you'll do more damage than not having one at all. Look at replacement bumpers that are heavy and bolt to the frame. That will offer actual protection.

Example: http://www.autotrucktoys.com/ram/ICI-Dodge-Ram-Magnum-Front-Bumpers-PRD38366.aspx?gclid=CMrsxuWJm9ICFVBhfgod6_UMMw

Not necessarily true. The Ranch Hand- the one that is integrated into the front bumper- will stop any deer you hit. To really be a deer stopper- it has to be that kind. I just put a heavy-duty Westin brush guard on my truck, and it's pretty beefy. I would think it would stop any damage from a deer, but haven't hit one yet to find out. Again, the only REAL protection is the integrated one. I think the one you're looking at is not that kind. They run about $1200.00 if I remember right. One more thing- check out Auto Anything. They had the best prices I've found, free and fast shipping.

[IdaD]

Grill guards are a total waste, imo. If you hit a deer or anything substantial you'll do more damage than not having one at all. Look at replacement bumpers that are heavy and bolt to the frame. That will offer actual protection.

Example: http://www.autotrucktoys.com/ram/ICI-Dodge-Ram-Magnum-Front-Bumpers-PRD38366.aspx?gclid=CMrsxuWJm9ICFVBhfgod6_UMMw

[Jay_Pat]

I bought the RH with bumper and grill. I chose it due to the extra tab/support welded between the outer ends of the bumper and the grill.
I think this is better than no support/tab. Check it out.
The guy I purchased the grill from said the grill cannot guarantee no damage.
He said I should be able to drive home.
That's what I wanted.
I didn't want to be stuck somewhere from home for several weeks waiting for a repair.
Hope this is helpful!
Pat

[2003silverado]

I have heard of circumstances where brush guards have caused more damage to a front end as a result of a high speed deer collision than simply letting the deer hit the truck stock. I have personally seen damage to snow plow frames and mounts as a result of a high speed deer impact and I am guessing (I have a number of trucks with plows as I am in the business) that most snow plows have stronger frames and mounts than what a brush guard has.

Just some more food for thought as I have no first had experience with brush guards.

[FishOnOne]

Here's a factory video of Ranch Hand located in Shiner Texas. Shiner Bock will probably enjoy this one!

Ranch Hand

[austingta]

Links please

[agesilaus]

FishOnOne wrote:
Ranch Hand....

Yeah I have one on my truck.

[FishOnOne]

Ranch Hand....