24packman

I've been looking for a full brush guard for my 2013 f150. The main reason I'm putting one on my truck is for protection. I would also like the ability to carry a winch, but I drive an Ecoboost and it seems like every winch guard covers the bumper hole. I do not want a full replacement bumper, just a brush guard. I want to be able to hit a deer with minimum impact on my truck. If there is a brush guard like this I want it! Haha, show me your findings.

Russ103

A while ago my wife wanted a new Xterra so I was lurking through their forums trying to find out what the real owners were experiencing when I came across a brushguard thread where everyone seemed to agree that the brushguard multiplied the damage in the event of a front end collision and increased the chance of totaling the vehicle because it wouldn't allow the collision to spread through the crumple zone (in so many words) and protect the occupants.

I don't know if that applies to Xterra's only or to any truck/SUV but it's something to think about. It would no doubt save your grill, bumper, and hood in case you hit a deer for example but it could also decrease the overall safety in the event of a serious front end collision.

If anyone knows any specifics relating this to the F-150 please correct my theory.

24packman

Yea, this is true. But I don't care to put a new front end on my truck every 2 weeks. Just the road I live on has already claimed 12 vehicles since Christmas due to deer collisions. I've hit a deer in my old truck and my front end was never the same. I'm just trying to protect my investment.

sharpshooterz98

I had a Warn Trans4mer on my old Dodge. It was pretty stout - bolted to the frame and you could mount on winch on it. It worked in terms of saving my front end from a deer once and I generally didn't worry about whacking smaller things. That said, the above posters theory of crumple zones and all seems kind of spot on. Although, I would think if you had a collision that serious, your truck is FUBAR'd either way. My experience is that a 'real' pushbar/brush guard will generally help in most situations, but maybe others have different experiences.

LSULariat

Cattleman HD with LineX paint to match. Hit a deer with my old truck (2011) that had the same grille guard and it did the truck. Driving about 30-40 mph and the deer crossed in front from running along side the truck. She was hit and then I felt like I jumped her like a ramp. No damage to front end though.

LSULariat

Oh, and the 2011.... Totaled in a front end collision. All safety items worked properly. Can't find the pictures but if you look through my posts I have photos from the wreck. My new truck is identical.

24packman

Thanks bud, would you consider putting one on your new truck? Also, if you don't mind me asking what did it run you??

24packman

I like the trans4mer, it just doesn't looks as rigid as the rest. Still considering though, thanks!

Kytann

Then you need a full size replacement bumper. Not a brush guard. Brush guards bolt to the tow hooks and sit in front of the bumper. A replacement replaces the stock bumper.

There's a thread here in info

https://www.f150forum.com/f38/09-f15...r-list-163664/

24packman

Yea, but as I stated before. I would prefer to stay away from full replacements. I think they look better on lifted trucks. Mines not even been leveled yet. I don't care to drop all of than money either on one. Now back to my original question, brush guards!