Had a Ranch Hand Legend Grille on my 2013, just traded in for a 2017. Front license plate bracket is already gone. Air dam is already gone.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/Y1LnBztSaTuMkPzs1

There are three bump gates at the lease where I hunt, it was nice having the Ranch Hand BUT, I am trying to think outside the box on this truck and avoid another grille. Any thoughts? The bump gates are direct lineup, no turning, angles, etc.

1. Some sort of reinforced or extended (larger/thicker?) composite bumper pads that can mount into the grille and replace the OEM? No brush protection but gate convenience. Keeps stock appearance.

http://www.gdmjoe.com/gothf150/exterior/bumperpads.jpg

2. Bull Bar. I like the chrome hooks, looks like most require that they go. Some block the CAC inlet on the ecoboost. Gate convenience and some front brush protection. You're suddenly that guy with a bull bar and KC lights.

3. Ranch Hand Legend. Stick with what works? Lose MPG, weight, gate convenience, brush protection, when not at ranch appear like city slicker with F150 and grille that does nothing except ricochet deer.

If you have unique ideas send them! I am able to fit the truck in my garage with Ranch Hand....FWIW.

 

I personally hate Ranch Hand bumpers. Just looks like somebody is trying way too hard to look tough. Especially since they're usually on otherwise stock trucks. I like option #1 or one of the more subtle #2's (my truck has zero chrome on it, XL FX4 Sport, so I would go with powder coated black or something instead).

Best of luck

 

How about a option # 4.........if you or have a few friends that can design/build a bumper that fits the trucks size, looks good and does everything you need for the task at hand. Maybe for your needs it could have the ranch hand durability with out the horrible looks and weight, but have the other options in it as well. You never know it may come out cheaper in the long run......plus its yours and there isnt another one like it.

 

For me, I don't think a ranch hand makes you look like a "tough guy or wannabe." It does provide gate convience. I never owned a ranch hand but one buddy I hunt with does on his Chevy and it was very convenient. Lots of trails we went thru I probably would have thought twice in my truck. I'm not a fan a bull bars. Damn near no protection at all.

 

Would be nice to have it quick-disconnect off the truck when not needed.

 

The ranch hand was really good at sweeping back brush and fantastic for the gates, but they are large. Even with the RH you get scratches on the side of the truck, thats why I stick with white or white platinum color. Not really worried about what people think of me, too old for that.

Here is my 2013 now on the used lot:

https://www.planetford45.com/preowne...9-f618a4e20436

I might take a stab at finding someone with a 3D printer to mock up some extended bumper inserts. lol

 

There are a couple of aftermarket bumpers out there that, if you order them without grille guards or prerunner bars, fit the stock lines pretty damn well while still giving a bit more protection (and providing a good way to push gates out of the way, assuming they line up vertically). I've got an HNC Metalcraft (hncusa.com) one on order, but I'm not sure exactly what the lead time is (I'm trying to be patient and let them get to it).

 

Did you have the full ranch hand bumper on your old truck, or just the legend grille guard? To my knowledge the 15+ legend grille guard could be fairly easy to remove while not in use. I've been looking at these for deer protection as of late.

 

Just the legend guard, not full bumper. There is a link above with pics to what was installed on 2013.

 

Gotcha, pics didn't work for me first time around. How much MPG did you lose on your old truck?