Grill guard

[Faststreak]

I’m looking at a waestin grill guard for my Ram 3500. How important do you long distance Truck camper travelers feel a grill guard is? Looking at going to Alaska, is protecting the front of the truck a priority? When I go through Texas many trucks have them. The Westin also has a screen that helps with rock damage as well animal crashes. I thinking of getting the one without the winch support. This would be for my Ram 3500. The grill guards are not inexpensive. Thanks Eddie

[Kayteg1]

Good grill guard cost $2-3,000 and weight well over 200 lb.
I was researching one shopping around for front generator mount, but those numbers scared me pretty big.
We had grill guard on SUV when my wife got Taco'ed between the cars and it was the guard who damaged the hood.
When it comes to accident, there is no win situation.

[Kennedycamper]

Check Craigslist for a pipe bumper before you buy.

[Bonesquatch]

They’re largely ornamental. I’ve never hit a deer in 12+ years of driving in Texas. But I did clock one in Wyoming 20 years ago. Drive carefully and slow down when you see wildlife. Very easy to do.

[scrubjaysnest]

When we went to Alaska didn't have a grill guard, also didn't need it there.
Later added one as the best solution for adding a winch mount.

[TxGearhead]

You see a lot of them in Texas because we have such an over abundance of deer, especially in the "Hill Country" (Austin- San Antonio- Kerrville). Pretty much required if you live there. Deer on the road at night is a danger about everywhere here though. I've been thinking about it myself. I want to look at one that doesn't interfere with a front receiver hitch where I carry a bicycle.
I wouldn't want to take a full hit from a bull elk, but the guard might help protect a glancing blow.

[Trackrig]

I've never understood the use of grill guards except as a way to mount lights. The only thing they can protect the grill from is a small deer. If headed for Alaska you're going to have Elk, Caribou, Moose, Bison, Grizzlies, and large Black Bears. The grill guard isn't going to protect the truck from any of them. If you hit one, you'll just have a ruined grill guard plus the front end of the truck.

They do look nice though.

Bill