Grill guard suggestions?

[Yardbrew]

I'm looking for a cow catcher. Any suggestions?

A company in San Antonio sells a fairly nice looking one for our vans. Company is called South Texas Outfitters, as I remember. From the photos on their web site, I can't tell how strong it is.

Around here, hitting a deer is just a matter of time. A good grill guard will pay for itself the first time if it's a good one.

Yardbrew

[Aceman]

Yardbrew,their van brush guard does not appear to be strong as it bolts up the the existing bumper. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img]
http://www.southtexasoutfitters.com/ford_pic09.jpg
I wonder if they can build a stronger bumper/grill guard assy.

Check out www.roadarmor.com
They now offer a lighter weight front bumper/guard in their new stealth series bumper line. Call for pricing.
I hit a large buck with my Road Armor bumper not too long ago doing 40mph. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gif[/img]
The deer just bounced off the front bumper and there was "zero" damage to the van. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggrin.gif[/img]
These bumpers are indestructable! [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smokin.gif[/img]

[sixiron]

Check out these folks www.tal-and-hadas.com they have some nice items for ford vans... they were my narrowed down choice until I had my own fabricated, but I have a cargo van and was not interested in chrome etc...Most 4x4 shops have access to tal&hadas they are made in Israel with warehouse in Brooklyn,NY. They make a regular black painted and a stainless steel version that is really nice looking....the truck guards are really heavy stuff as I was shown one at a local 4x4 showroom....Also had conversation with SW outfitters and they make a version for vans that is not shown on the web site....it's one they put on EMS vans they say knocks the texas deer away and you keep on going....sales pitch I'm sure but they will e-mail you photo's it was comparable in price with road armor ....good luck bd

[MADVAN]

YARDBREW

AS aceman states roadarmor is a good choice. I believe aceman has done a little deer testing and passed, Also you can check into a company called REUNAL. This is the bumper I use. Both are very good but they are not cheap. They are a worthwhile investment in how they will save you van.

BILL

[Aceman]

I just saw the new Road Armor rear winch bumpers at:
http://www.roadarmor.com/rear_bumper.htm
Looks like I'll be buying one this year. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif[/img]
The gunvault option looks very cool for the hunters. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smokin.gif[/img]

[Yardbrew]

Thanks for the suggestions everybody.

It certainly gives me some good info.

I'm wondering if the Tal and Hadas grill guards are strong enough to take on a deer at 60MPH? I agree on the South Texas Outfitters, but I will send them an email and see what else they have.

The Road Armour certainly appears adequate.

Aceman: Does yours just have the bars over the grill as in the photos on the website? Was that enough to protect the grill? Did you get the deer head on or were you able to partially avoid it?

Has anyone seen a Buckstop winch bumper and grill guard? http://buckstop.biz/products.html

They don't look too bad. I've yet to get their prices.

Yardbrew

[Aceman]

Yardbrew,I hit the deer on the drivers front right portion of the bumper. This bumper should prevent a deer from entering the middle section should a collision ocurr.
I have the older style bumper which can be seen in my photo page.
Those Buckstop bumpers look pretty good,too. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smokin.gif[/img]

[youngster]

I have Reunel bumpers front and rear. Love them. The kid who rear ended me doesn't like them as his car was totaled and I got away with two scratches on the outboard recievers (I have three receivers on the back for the motorcycle carriers I use). They good bumpers aren't cheap but they will protect you and the vehicle.

[sixiron]

Aceman and others who have hit objects...did you have any issues with the air bag deploying??....I am curious as I have a fabricated animal killer on the front and wonder if I am going to deploy the $$$$****airbag if I hit a deer....Also curious about airbag sensor location...I am pretty sure I moved mine when I installed a bigger trans cooler in the stock location...appeared to be the a/b sensor it was located dead in the middle of the radiator on a bracket...would be a shame to install a super bumper and blow an high priced airbag every impact...am I thinking right here?? [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shrug.gif[/img]later guys bd

[Aceman]

Bill,the first time I had an encounter with a deer,I was traveling 45 mph pulling my trailer (with stock bumper) and the airbag didn't blow. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img] The deer caused about $5000.00 damage to the van. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/mad.gif[/img] [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/sick.gif[/img]

The second time I hit a deer at 40 mph (with Road Armor bumper) the air bag didn't blow. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif[/img] The deer just bounced off the bumper and was thrown to the right side of the road. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gif[/img] It was a nice buck,too. The Road Armor did not have a scratch on it,just fur. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smokin.gif[/img]
It must have lived as I tracked it the next day as it was night when I hit it. Deer are extremely durable but do make some serious damage to vehicles. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gif[/img] It is well worth the extra money to buy a heavy duty bumper as it will pay off when you need the protection. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggrin.gif[/img]

You moved the air bag sensor from it's stock position and I don't know if this will sense the collision differently ie; less force needed or more force needed to blow the air bag. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shrug.gif[/img]
The first time I hit the deer my air bag sensor was pushed rearward about 1/8". I had my dealer check the circuit and everything checked fine. According to my mechanic,it takes a good hit to blow these airbags and/or it all depends on where the van gets hit,too.
I would consult with your mechanic about the placement of the sensor as it was placed at that position for a reason. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img]

[youngster]

The air bags shouldn't delpoy when hit from behind I don't think. I know mine didn't.

[Aceman]

Following are more bumper/grill guard websites.

www.eaglecarriage.com/bumpers.htm
www.jerrystruck.com/bumper.htm
www.quadvan.com/
www.stealthoffroad.com/
www.denveroffroad.com/
www.ortinc.com/index.htm
http://products.warn.com/

[Yardbrew]

So far, I like the Road Armor the best as I want the heavy bar across the top if a deer decides to climb my hood.

A friend had one come up over the hood and through the windshield and partially into the front seat of his pickup.

I sent Road Armor an email and got a quote of $2138.

Since I've been looking, I've seen some custom made ones that look quite heavy duty. Will take a look at that route also.

Will call Buckstop tomorrow.

Thanks again. Will keep everyone posted when I get one and maybe post some pics if I have one custom fabricated.

Yardbrew

[Aceman]

Yardbrew,did the Road Armor quote include all of the options for that price?
I paid $1759.00 for my road Armor bumper which included the top grill guard,Hella 500 fog lights and powder coat delete (-$50.00 refund).
You can also get the diamond plate cover for the top surface of the bumper and Warn M12000 or M15000 winch as an option,too.
I found it was less expensive to buy the Warn M15000 winch from another vendor due to the mark up.
Which options did you ask for?

[Yardbrew]

Stealth Series
Dual light mounts
Grill guard

I believe that is fairly basic.

No other options. I won't be getting a winch.

Yardbrew