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Cattle guards #16562770 10/26/21 Joined: Feb 2009 Posts: 10,942 B bbassi OP Campfire Outfitter OP bbassi Campfire Outfitter B Joined: Feb 2009 Posts: 10,942 after a pretty bad deer struck accident out of state this month, I'm thinking of adding a cattle guard to the front of the Tacoma. My question is do they really work or are they mostly for show? Are there certain brands that are better than others? Is it better to weld them to the frame or just bolt them on the way they come? They say everything happens for a reason. For me that reason is usually because I've made some bad decisions that I need to pay for.

Re: Cattle guards bbassi #16562784 10/26/21 Joined: Dec 2013 Posts: 638 West Tennessee Lacy1 Campfire Regular Lacy1 Campfire Regular Joined: Dec 2013 Posts: 638 West Tennessee Look at Ranch Hand brand GoTigersGo

Re: Cattle guards bbassi #16562787 10/26/21 Joined: Jan 2006 Posts: 69,300 Filer, ID Rock Chuck Campfire Kahuna Rock Chuck Campfire Kahuna Joined: Jan 2006 Posts: 69,300 Filer, ID After you pay well over $1000 for a guard and bumper that are questionable, check what it costs to just lower the deductible on your insurance and forget the guard. “In a time of deceit telling the truth is a revolutionary act.” ― George Orwell It's not over when you lose. It's over when you quit.

Re: Cattle guards bbassi #16562790 10/26/21 Joined: Aug 2004 Posts: 69,595 Not In The City rockinbbar Campfire Kahuna rockinbbar Campfire Kahuna Joined: Aug 2004 Posts: 69,595 Not In The City LOL... A cattle guard is what you run over between pastures... A cow catcher, or deer guard is what you put on the front of your pickup... Ranchhand makes some good ones for Toyota. The full replacement bumper is more solid and protective than the bolt on guard. https://www.ranchhand.com/toyota.html Molɔ̀ːn Labé Skýla!

Re: Cattle guards Rock Chuck #16562796 10/26/21 Joined: Aug 2004 Posts: 69,595 Not In The City rockinbbar Campfire Kahuna rockinbbar Campfire Kahuna Joined: Aug 2004 Posts: 69,595 Not In The City Originally Posted by Rock Chuck After you pay well over $1000 for a guard and bumper that are questionable, check what it costs to just lower the deductible on your insurance and forget the guard. That doesn't generally work out very well when you hit animals at highway speeds. You'll be glad to have a strong guard if you do. Molɔ̀ːn Labé Skýla!

Re: Cattle guards bbassi #16562806 10/26/21 Joined: Apr 2011 Posts: 151,096 Texas hanco Campfire Savant hanco Campfire Savant Joined: Apr 2011 Posts: 151,096 Texas I’d have one if I lived in a rural area. I hit a deer going 30 miles an hour in the middle of Georgetown by the HEB on 29 and 35. The SOB came out of the HEB parking lot. Someone had to have spooked it out of the River bottom. The San Gabriel rivers runs through Georgetown. It was about 3 in the afternoon. It did 2000.00 worth of damage. If I had a cow catcher on the front, no damage except to poor deer. Last edited by hanco; 10/26/21.

Re: Cattle guards Rock Chuck #16562808 10/26/21 Joined: Feb 2009 Posts: 10,942 B bbassi OP Campfire Outfitter OP bbassi Campfire Outfitter B Joined: Feb 2009 Posts: 10,942 Originally Posted by Rock Chuck After you pay well over $1000 for a guard and bumper that are questionable, check what it costs to just lower the deductible on your insurance and forget the guard. I spent 7 nights in a hotel in the middle of nowhere Utah waiting to get the truck drivable for the 1800 mile trip home. If it would help avoid that nightmare in the future I'd gladly spend $1000 on a cow catcher. They say everything happens for a reason. For me that reason is usually because I've made some bad decisions that I need to pay for.

Re: Cattle guards bbassi #16562824 10/26/21 Joined: May 2010 Posts: 14,940 Central Texas P poboy Campfire Outfitter poboy Campfire Outfitter P Joined: May 2010 Posts: 14,940 Central Texas One of my Mil's friends has one on her Lincoln Continental, way out in the boonies. Some people have bump gates out there. Last edited by poboy; 10/26/21. --- CAUGHT IN THE CROSSFIRE --- A Magic Time To Be An Illegal In America---

Re: Cattle guards poboy #16562827 10/26/21 Joined: Aug 2004 Posts: 69,595 Not In The City rockinbbar Campfire Kahuna rockinbbar Campfire Kahuna Joined: Aug 2004 Posts: 69,595 Not In The City Originally Posted by poboy One of my Mil's friends has one on her Lincoln Continental, way out in the boonies That's puro Tejas! Molɔ̀ːn Labé Skýla!

Re: Cattle guards bbassi #16562833 10/26/21 Joined: Feb 2011 Posts: 510 Montana H HalH Campfire Regular HalH Campfire Regular H Joined: Feb 2011 Posts: 510 Montana They are called grill guards. If you get one, get the type that are the grill guard and bumper all in one. Ranchhand is a great brand and will protect the front of your truck from deer. Hal Last edited by HalH; 10/26/21.

Re: Cattle guards bbassi #16562843 10/26/21 Joined: Nov 2004 Posts: 7,104 cumminscowboy Campfire Tracker cumminscowboy Campfire Tracker Joined: Nov 2004 Posts: 7,104 Originally Posted by bbassi after a pretty bad deer struck accident out of state this month, I'm thinking of adding a cattle guard to the front of the Tacoma. My question is do they really work or are they mostly for show? Are there certain brands that are better than others? Is it better to weld them to the frame or just bolt them on the way they come? . The problems I have had hitting deer is when they dart from the side. This means the side of my vehicle gets the hit. Knarley bumper would not help. I would like one so I could hit orange barrels again

Re: Cattle guards bbassi #16562853 10/26/21 Joined: May 2010 Posts: 14,940 Central Texas P poboy Campfire Outfitter poboy Campfire Outfitter P Joined: May 2010 Posts: 14,940 Central Texas Dang a suicidal deer. --- CAUGHT IN THE CROSSFIRE --- A Magic Time To Be An Illegal In America---

Re: Cattle guards bbassi #16562863 10/26/21 Joined: Jun 2006 Posts: 16,379 Las Vegas NM M mark shubert Campfire Ranger mark shubert Campfire Ranger M Joined: Jun 2006 Posts: 16,379 Las Vegas NM My brother had a Ranch Hand grill guard on a pickup, and hit an antelope. Critter went underneath that Chevy, tearing up the plastic air dam. It was cheaper to go to a full bumper/grill guard than to replace the plastic. Ranch Hand bumper/guard is all we use, now. I've always been a curmudgeon - now I'm an old curmudgeon. ~Molɔ̀ːn Labé Skýla~

Re: Cattle guards bbassi #16562864 10/26/21 Joined: Dec 2017 Posts: 4,576 J Jim1611 Campfire Tracker Jim1611 Campfire Tracker J Joined: Dec 2017 Posts: 4,576 Hillary Clinton was going to do away with the cattle guards out west as she saw paying those guys a waste of tax dollars.

Re: Cattle guards bbassi #16562881 10/26/21 Joined: Mar 2009 Posts: 18,125 🇺🇸 SandBilly Campfire Ranger SandBilly Campfire Ranger Joined: Mar 2009 Posts: 18,125 🇺🇸 Depends on the speed, size of animal and if it’s not a glancing blow. Sometimes you’ll just cause less structural and more frame damage. Then add the cost or replacing the grill guard for up to 2k ~Molɔ̀ːn Labé Skýla~

Re: Cattle guards mark shubert #16562882 10/26/21 Joined: Aug 2004 Posts: 69,595 Not In The City rockinbbar Campfire Kahuna rockinbbar Campfire Kahuna Joined: Aug 2004 Posts: 69,595 Not In The City Originally Posted by mark shubert My brother had a Ranch Hand grill guard on a pickup, and hit an antelope. Critter went underneath that Chevy, tearing up the plastic air dam. It was cheaper to go to a full bumper/grill guard than to replace the plastic. Ranch Hand bumper/guard is all we use, now. Happy Birthday, Mark! Molɔ̀ːn Labé Skýla!

Re: Cattle guards bbassi #16562899 10/26/21 Joined: Jun 2006 Posts: 16,379 Las Vegas NM M mark shubert Campfire Ranger mark shubert Campfire Ranger M Joined: Jun 2006 Posts: 16,379 Las Vegas NM Thank you, Barry. I only regret that I share it with Hillary! Last edited by mark shubert; 10/26/21. I've always been a curmudgeon - now I'm an old curmudgeon. ~Molɔ̀ːn Labé Skýla~

Re: Cattle guards bbassi #16562922 10/26/21 Joined: Mar 2009 Posts: 18,125 🇺🇸 SandBilly Campfire Ranger SandBilly Campfire Ranger Joined: Mar 2009 Posts: 18,125 🇺🇸 I recommend the BLM guard . ~Molɔ̀ːn Labé Skýla~

Re: Cattle guards bbassi #16562928 10/26/21 Joined: Apr 2019 Posts: 344 T Texson2 Campfire Member Texson2 Campfire Member T Joined: Apr 2019 Posts: 344 If you live in town they’re called niqqer catchers. Don’t ask me how I know. I won’t be without one. MAGA

Re: Cattle guards mark shubert #16562938 10/26/21 Joined: Aug 2004 Posts: 69,595 Not In The City rockinbbar Campfire Kahuna rockinbbar Campfire Kahuna Joined: Aug 2004 Posts: 69,595 Not In The City Originally Posted by mark shubert Thank you, Barry. I only regret that I share it with Hillary! I hope you have many, many more than she does! Molɔ̀ːn Labé Skýla!

Re: Cattle guards bbassi #16562950 10/26/21 Joined: Jan 2012 Posts: 26,469 Blue Ridge Mtns-Smokey Mtns R Raeford Campfire Ranger Raeford Campfire Ranger R Joined: Jan 2012 Posts: 26,469 Blue Ridge Mtns-Smokey Mtns Son and DIL have Ranchhand's[?] on all 3 of their trucks. He rolls out at 4AM to work and has a 25 mile stretch of Nat. Forest to cruise on his way. He averages about 1 deer month. FJB & FJT

Re: Cattle guards bbassi #16563006 10/26/21 Joined: Jun 2001 Posts: 19,070 Colorado Springs, CO, USA S saddlesore Campfire Ranger saddlesore Campfire Ranger S Joined: Jun 2001 Posts: 19,070 Colorado Springs, CO, USA Those guards only protect the front.I have had three deer run into my vehicles in my life of driving.First one jumped off a bank and landed on the hood of my 56 Chevy.Next one came from the side and buried it's head in the front wheel my 98 Dodge.Last one came from the side and hit the front of the fender on my horse trailer ( missed the truck) . The ones in front,I drive carefully enough I can usually avoid them.Around here,those guards are called brush guards.If you were to hit a beef or an elk with one,they are not going to help much. If God wanted you to walk and carry things on your back, He would not have invented stirrups and pack saddles

Re: Cattle guards mark shubert #16563011 10/26/21 Joined: May 2011 Posts: 15,868 Oklahoma O OSU_Sig Campfire Ranger OSU_Sig Campfire Ranger O Joined: May 2011 Posts: 15,868 Oklahoma Originally Posted by mark shubert My brother had a Ranch Hand grill guard on a pickup, and hit an antelope. Critter went underneath that Chevy, tearing up the plastic air dam. It was cheaper to go to a full bumper/grill guard than to replace the plastic. Ranch Hand bumper/guard is all we use, now. I'm going to put one on my Bronco (when it arrives) BTW, Happy birthday to you Mark! I hope its a great one. There are 2 rules to success: 1. Never tell everything that you know.

Re: Cattle guards bbassi #16563016 10/26/21 Joined: May 2011 Posts: 15,868 Oklahoma O OSU_Sig Campfire Ranger OSU_Sig Campfire Ranger O Joined: May 2011 Posts: 15,868 Oklahoma I did $4,500 damage to a 2016 F150 after a doe his my right front corner. I'll take a side impact if I can protect the front, which I think is much more expensive to repair and can render the pickup undriveable. There are 2 rules to success: 1. Never tell everything that you know.

Re: Cattle guards bbassi #16563044 10/26/21 Joined: Aug 2006 Posts: 22,908 Kiowa/Deer Trail, Colorado huntsman22 Campfire Ranger huntsman22 Campfire Ranger Joined: Aug 2006 Posts: 22,908 Kiowa/Deer Trail, Colorado

Re: Cattle guards bbassi #16563056 10/26/21 Joined: Aug 2006 Posts: 2,010 Box Elder Reba Campfire Regular Reba Campfire Regular Joined: Aug 2006 Posts: 2,010 Box Elder Donkey Knocker When the tailgate drops the BS stops.

Re: Cattle guards bbassi #16563101 10/26/21 Joined: Jan 2001 Posts: 30,760 Rural Utah USA T tikkanut Campfire 'Bwana tikkanut Campfire 'Bwana T Joined: Jan 2001 Posts: 30,760 Rural Utah USA Just last October..wife smacked a mature doe @ 65 mph + broadside Lexus GX 460 with Iron Man front steel bumper as shown---Deer DRT Truck had no fluid leaks...after SO/Insurance report....she finished her 12 mile commute Bumper was not damaged...sheared off 5 mounting bolts on left side Costly items were the left headlamp....($1200)...hood...LF fender....and of course labor/refinish etc Firm believer in 'real steel' bumpers...in our case the truck would have to been towed away instead of driven T R U M P W O N ! U L T R A M A G A !

Re: Cattle guards bbassi #16563119 10/26/21 Joined: Jan 2001 Posts: 5,611 Okanagan Campfire Tracker Okanagan Campfire Tracker Joined: Jan 2001 Posts: 5,611 Too bad you can't get a roo guard from Australia. They are massive, often made of 4" diameter steel pipe and extend well out beyond the sides of the vehicle. Never seen anything as big nor as strong (or as ugly) in the US.

Re: Cattle guards bbassi #16563165 10/26/21 Joined: Dec 2002 Posts: 25,852 West Treasure Valley, Idaho I Idaho_Shooter Campfire Ranger Idaho_Shooter Campfire Ranger I Joined: Dec 2002 Posts: 25,852 West Treasure Valley, Idaho Ranch Hand, as others have said, makes a great product. My Son in Law put a locally built clone on a brand new Ram 350 4x4. Just a few weeks later, coming home from a charter steelhead fishing trip on the Salmon River near Whitebird Id, a whitetail doe and two fawns leaped out of the weeds alongside the road and committed suicide on the bumper. They left a bit of blood to hose off of the rig. Otherwise the truck was undamaged. The bumper paid for itself that night. Not to mention that they make a hell of a winch mount. Bolted? or welded to the frame? Bolts will sheer off. Welds will not. An impact severe enough to sheer the mounting bolts would likely bend the frame and total the vehicle if the bumper were welded solid to the frame. People who choose to brew up their own storms bitch loudest about the rain.

Re: Cattle guards bbassi #16563187 10/26/21 Joined: May 2011 Posts: 56,274 Oregon Fireball2 Campfire Kahuna Fireball2 Campfire Kahuna Joined: May 2011 Posts: 56,274 Oregon Originally Posted by bbassi after a pretty bad deer struck accident out of state this month, I'm thinking of adding a cattle guard to the front of the Tacoma. My question is do they really work or are they mostly for show? Are there certain brands that are better than others? Is it better to weld them to the frame or just bolt them on the way they come? We run ARB winch bumpers on our Toyotas. They're very well built. Here's my old hunting truck with one. _______________________________________________________ An 8 dollar driveway boy living in a T-111 shack LOL

Re: Cattle guards bbassi #16563227 10/26/21 Joined: Jan 2001 Posts: 30,760 Rural Utah USA T tikkanut Campfire 'Bwana tikkanut Campfire 'Bwana T Joined: Jan 2001 Posts: 30,760 Rural Utah USA Iron Man builds a similar bumper..in Australia as well Seems better availabilty & pricing although T R U M P W O N ! U L T R A M A G A !

Re: Cattle guards bbassi #16563233 10/26/21 Joined: Aug 2004 Posts: 69,595 Not In The City rockinbbar Campfire Kahuna rockinbbar Campfire Kahuna Joined: Aug 2004 Posts: 69,595 Not In The City Without a doubt, the strongest one's I've seen are Del Rio Bumpers. They are made by real welders in a real welding shop in Del Rio, TX. They used to give you a new one if you hit a deer, and it bent the guard. (Because usually, deer won't phase it, even at highway speeds. ) Not sure if they still do that, but they used to. Never seen one replaced. (830) 768-0777 Molɔ̀ːn Labé Skýla!

Re: Cattle guards bbassi #16563234 10/26/21 Joined: Jun 2011 Posts: 3,747 Kane WY W WYcoyote Campfire Tracker WYcoyote Campfire Tracker W Joined: Jun 2011 Posts: 3,747 Kane WY I have a Ranch Hand on my diesel Ram to keep deer from getting into the radiator. I pull trailers a lot and your ability to steer or stop your way out of an animal collision is severely diminished.. If anything compromises your coolant system you are immediately a camper.

Re: Cattle guards bbassi #16563250 10/26/21 Joined: May 2016 Posts: 60,286 Montana J Jim_Conrad Campfire Kahuna Jim_Conrad Campfire Kahuna J Joined: May 2016 Posts: 60,286 Montana Ranchhand. I am MAGA.

Re: Cattle guards WYcoyote #16563257 10/26/21 Joined: May 2016 Posts: 60,286 Montana J Jim_Conrad Campfire Kahuna Jim_Conrad Campfire Kahuna J Joined: May 2016 Posts: 60,286 Montana Originally Posted by WYcoyote I have a Ranch Hand on my diesel Ram to keep deer from getting into the radiator. I pull trailers a lot and your ability to steer or stop your way out of an animal collision is severely diminished.. If anything compromises your coolant system you are immediately a camper. Never...ever ....try to maneuver away from a deer. Scrub off some speed if you can....but stay centered in your lane. I am MAGA.

Re: Cattle guards Jim_Conrad #16563277 10/26/21 Joined: Jan 2001 Posts: 30,760 Rural Utah USA T tikkanut Campfire 'Bwana tikkanut Campfire 'Bwana T Joined: Jan 2001 Posts: 30,760 Rural Utah USA Originally Posted by Jim_Conrad Originally Posted by WYcoyote I have a Ranch Hand on my diesel Ram to keep deer from getting into the radiator. I pull trailers a lot and your ability to steer or stop your way out of an animal collision is severely diminished.. If anything compromises your coolant system you are immediately a camper. Never...ever ....try to maneuver away from a deer. Scrub off some speed if you can....but stay centered in your lane. good advise to any motorist...... T R U M P W O N ! U L T R A M A G A !

Re: Cattle guards bbassi #16563308 10/26/21 Joined: Jun 2013 Posts: 4,826 Great Lake State C CharlieFoxtrot Campfire Tracker CharlieFoxtrot Campfire Tracker C Joined: Jun 2013 Posts: 4,826 Great Lake State Curious about air-bag deployment and how they affect it. Also gas mileage. We tapped a young buck two weeks ago in the pre-dawn darkness on the way to goose hunt. Left some hair on the front bumper and ran off. +1 on what Jim said. "A Republic, if you can keep it." ~ B. Franklin

Re: Cattle guards Jim_Conrad #16563316 10/26/21 Joined: Dec 2002 Posts: 25,852 West Treasure Valley, Idaho I Idaho_Shooter Campfire Ranger Idaho_Shooter Campfire Ranger I Joined: Dec 2002 Posts: 25,852 West Treasure Valley, Idaho A skilled driver can maneuver away from many accidents. I have avoided several via a lane change, or taking the shoulder. Once, a head on at 65 mph with a car in my lane which would have likely killed me, my wife, and our three little kids in the back seat of the 77 Volare. Though your advice is the same as I would give my daughters. My son or wife? No, they can drive. Trucks and deer are one thing. But deer will come right through the windshield of many compact cars. A horse or elk will come through the windshield of many trucks. I would much prefer to avoid the deer than have it in the car with me, and possibly take my head off. I draw the line at cats and dogs. I will not swerve to miss them. People who choose to brew up their own storms bitch loudest about the rain.

Re: Cattle guards tikkanut #16563324 10/26/21 Joined: May 2011 Posts: 56,274 Oregon Fireball2 Campfire Kahuna Fireball2 Campfire Kahuna Joined: May 2011 Posts: 56,274 Oregon I hit a doe going 65 mph with an old Toyota (1990). Hit her square and barely felt a bump inside the truck. She slid down the road about 100 yards after hitting her. The truck is designed to collapse and absorb the impact. It folded like an accordion and protected the occupants as designed. The body shop just put a new front end on the truck by drilling out the spotwelds and removing the old one, slid a new one on, weld in place. Simplified overview. A bumper that doesn't give may bend the frame instead if impact is great enough. _______________________________________________________ An 8 dollar driveway boy living in a T-111 shack LOL

Re: Cattle guards Jim_Conrad #16563341 10/26/21 Joined: Mar 2009 Posts: 18,125 🇺🇸 SandBilly Campfire Ranger SandBilly Campfire Ranger Joined: Mar 2009 Posts: 18,125 🇺🇸 Originally Posted by Jim_Conrad Originally Posted by WYcoyote I have a Ranch Hand on my diesel Ram to keep deer from getting into the radiator. I pull trailers a lot and your ability to steer or stop your way out of an animal collision is severely diminished.. If anything compromises your coolant system you are immediately a camper. Never...ever ....try to maneuver away from a deer. Scrub off some speed if you can....but stay centered in your lane. Yep. Plus if you hit a deer it’s handled under comprehensive, if you swerve and miss the deer and hit something else it’s handled under collision. ~Molɔ̀ːn Labé Skýla~

Re: Cattle guards Idaho_Shooter #16563345 10/26/21 Joined: May 2016 Posts: 60,286 Montana J Jim_Conrad Campfire Kahuna Jim_Conrad Campfire Kahuna J Joined: May 2016 Posts: 60,286 Montana Originally Posted by Idaho_Shooter A skilled driver can maneuver away from many accidents. I have avoided several via a lane change, or taking the shoulder. Once, a head on at 65 mph with a car in my lane which would have likely killed me, my wife, and our three little kids in the back seat of the 77 Volare. Though your advice is the same as I would give my daughters. My son or wife? No, they can drive. Trucks and deer are one thing. But deer will come right through the windshield of many compact cars. A horse or elk will come through the windshield of many trucks. I would much prefer to avoid the deer than have it in the car with me, and possibly take my head off. I draw the line at cats and dogs. I will not swerve to miss them. That gets a bunch of "drivers" killed every year. I am MAGA.

Re: Cattle guards Jim_Conrad #16563358 10/26/21 Joined: Aug 2004 Posts: 69,595 Not In The City rockinbbar Campfire Kahuna rockinbbar Campfire Kahuna Joined: Aug 2004 Posts: 69,595 Not In The City Originally Posted by Jim_Conrad Originally Posted by Idaho_Shooter A skilled driver can maneuver away from many accidents. I have avoided several via a lane change, or taking the shoulder. Once, a head on at 65 mph with a car in my lane which would have likely killed me, my wife, and our three little kids in the back seat of the 77 Volare. Though your advice is the same as I would give my daughters. My son or wife? No, they can drive. Trucks and deer are one thing. But deer will come right through the windshield of many compact cars. A horse or elk will come through the windshield of many trucks. I would much prefer to avoid the deer than have it in the car with me, and possibly take my head off. I draw the line at cats and dogs. I will not swerve to miss them. That gets a bunch of "drivers" killed every year. It does. I don't know how many bad wrecks I worked on people swerving to keep from hitting a deer. Some were fatalities. Molɔ̀ːn Labé Skýla!

Re: Cattle guards bbassi #16563383 10/26/21 Joined: Apr 2011 Posts: 151,096 Texas hanco Campfire Savant hanco Campfire Savant Joined: Apr 2011 Posts: 151,096 Texas Hit the SOB, don’t swerve at high speed.

Re: Cattle guards bbassi #16563398 10/26/21 Joined: Jun 2013 Posts: 4,826 Great Lake State C CharlieFoxtrot Campfire Tracker CharlieFoxtrot Campfire Tracker C Joined: Jun 2013 Posts: 4,826 Great Lake State It's actually a question on the DMV test here...or at least was. Better to hit a 100lb deer than a 200 year old oak on the side of the road or swerve and roll it. Oncoming vehicles is a different topic all together. "A Republic, if you can keep it." ~ B. Franklin

Re: Cattle guards CharlieFoxtrot #16563423 10/26/21 Joined: May 2016 Posts: 60,286 Montana J Jim_Conrad Campfire Kahuna Jim_Conrad Campfire Kahuna J Joined: May 2016 Posts: 60,286 Montana Originally Posted by CharlieFoxtrot It's actually a question on the DMV test here...or at least was. Better to hit a 100lb deer than a 200 year old oak on the side of the road or swerve and roll it. Oncoming vehicles is a different topic all together. Not a lot different. Yes, avoid if possible. The studies have shown that with modern vehicles, a frontal collision is one of the safer ones. The car's crumple zones are most efficient with head on collisions. When you try and maneuver, you are actually putting less iron between you and the oncoming vehicle. BY FAR AND AWAY, the best thing to do is to dynamite the brakes. If you are driving a 76 Opal Kadet.......just stay home. I am MAGA.

Re: Cattle guards bbassi #16563501 10/26/21 Joined: Jan 2004 Posts: 4,573 Southern Oregon L logger Campfire Tracker logger Campfire Tracker L Joined: Jan 2004 Posts: 4,573 Southern Oregon For those of you that have the larger units on a diesel pickup, I would assume they add some real weight in front of the front axle. Do you need to up the front spring rates to account for the added weight of the brush guard?

Re: Cattle guards logger #16563522 10/26/21 Joined: May 2016 Posts: 60,286 Montana J Jim_Conrad Campfire Kahuna Jim_Conrad Campfire Kahuna J Joined: May 2016 Posts: 60,286 Montana Originally Posted by logger For those of you that have the larger units on a diesel pickup, I would assume they add some real weight in front of the front axle. Do you need to up the front spring rates to account for the added weight of the brush guard? On the GMs with the torsion bar suspension, they would sometimes crank the bars or install a leveling kit. I have had a Ranch Hand on a 93 Ford diesel with the IFS. Been fine for 15 years. I am MAGA.

Re: Cattle guards bbassi #16563557 10/26/21 Joined: Sep 2018 Posts: 2,065 Barney_Fife Campfire Regular Barney_Fife Campfire Regular Joined: Sep 2018 Posts: 2,065 Originally Posted by bbassi Is it better to weld them to the frame or just bolt them on the way they come? Don't weld it.

Re: Cattle guards Barney_Fife #16563564 10/26/21 Joined: Aug 2004 Posts: 69,595 Not In The City rockinbbar Campfire Kahuna rockinbbar Campfire Kahuna Joined: Aug 2004 Posts: 69,595 Not In The City Originally Posted by Barney_Fife Originally Posted by bbassi Is it better to weld them to the frame or just bolt them on the way they come? Don't weld it. Yeah, if welded, it could interfere with the airbag deployment. Molɔ̀ːn Labé Skýla!

Re: Cattle guards Jim_Conrad #16563575 10/26/21 Joined: Jun 2011 Posts: 3,747 Kane WY W WYcoyote Campfire Tracker WYcoyote Campfire Tracker W Joined: Jun 2011 Posts: 3,747 Kane WY Originally Posted by Jim_Conrad Originally Posted by WYcoyote I have a Ranch Hand on my diesel Ram to keep deer from getting into the radiator. I pull trailers a lot and your ability to steer or stop your way out of an animal collision is severely diminished.. If anything compromises your coolant system you are immediately a camper. Never...ever ....try to maneuver away from a deer. Scrub off some speed if you can....but stay centered in your lane. I've avoided dozens and dozens of deer collisions by steering. I'm am no rookie driving at night in game country.

Re: Cattle guards bbassi #16563599 10/26/21 Joined: May 2016 Posts: 60,286 Montana J Jim_Conrad Campfire Kahuna Jim_Conrad Campfire Kahuna J Joined: May 2016 Posts: 60,286 Montana If you can safely steer away from a deer and stay completely in your lane....you went in that much danger of hitting it in the first place. I am MAGA.

Re: Cattle guards bbassi #16563643 10/26/21 Joined: Jun 2011 Posts: 3,747 Kane WY W WYcoyote Campfire Tracker WYcoyote Campfire Tracker W Joined: Jun 2011 Posts: 3,747 Kane WY Commuting through Yellowstone Park at night I came around a corner and had to slalom through a herd of elk in my little work car. All I could see was elk legs all around me. Was probably going a bit faster than prudent.

Re: Cattle guards bbassi #16563680 10/26/21 Joined: May 2016 Posts: 60,286 Montana J Jim_Conrad Campfire Kahuna Jim_Conrad Campfire Kahuna J Joined: May 2016 Posts: 60,286 Montana Hahahaha! Elk slalom! That's a good description. I am MAGA.

Re: Cattle guards bbassi #16563686 10/26/21 Joined: Mar 2007 Posts: 20,202 T_Inman Campfire Ranger T_Inman Campfire Ranger Joined: Mar 2007 Posts: 20,202 My niece hit an elk with her GMC heavy half at highway speeds. Even with a grill guard (not sure if it was bolted on or part of the bumper), it did enough damage to move the engine block back and bend the chassis. My point is, despite elk being bigger than deer, damage can still happen even with a grill guard. Beef cows are a danger anywhere in the country so even if the OP doesn't live in elk country, there is still the danger. Ranch hands are all I am familiar with, but I am sure others are good too.

Re: Cattle guards bbassi #16563699 10/26/21 Joined: Jan 2005 Posts: 11,322 Middle/West Tennessee P pullit Campfire Outfitter pullit Campfire Outfitter P Joined: Jan 2005 Posts: 11,322 Middle/West Tennessee Great timing for this thread as I just got back from Yellowstone and the area. I was noticing a lot of pickups had guards on the front and could see why. Was thinking about back here in TN, and wondering about getting one for my truck. I have not hit a deer (knock wood) but the wife and daughter and several friends have. WYcoyote, I was in Yellowstone coming back to the room for the night and about took out 2 elk standing in the road. Lucky for me (and them) I grew up in the country and learned how to dodge deer at a young age. Does not mean I can not hit one, I guess I am luckier than most. I may not be smart but I can lift heavy objects I have a shotgun so I have no need for a 30-06.....

Re: Cattle guards rockinbbar #16563713 10/26/21 Joined: Feb 2009 Posts: 10,942 B bbassi OP Campfire Outfitter OP bbassi Campfire Outfitter B Joined: Feb 2009 Posts: 10,942 Originally Posted by rockinbbar Originally Posted by Barney_Fife Originally Posted by bbassi Is it better to weld them to the frame or just bolt them on the way they come? Don't weld it. Yeah, if welded, it could interfere with the airbag deployment. Good point. Can you believe the air bags didn't go off on this one though? They say everything happens for a reason. For me that reason is usually because I've made some bad decisions that I need to pay for.

Re: Cattle guards Jim_Conrad #16563745 10/26/21 Joined: Jun 2006 Posts: 16,379 Las Vegas NM M mark shubert Campfire Ranger mark shubert Campfire Ranger M Joined: Jun 2006 Posts: 16,379 Las Vegas NM Originally Posted by Jim_Conrad Originally Posted by logger For those of you that have the larger units on a diesel pickup, I would assume they add some real weight in front of the front axle. Do you need to up the front spring rates to account for the added weight of the brush guard? On the GMs with the torsion bar suspension, they would sometimes crank the bars or install a leveling kit. I have had a Ranch Hand on a 93 Ford diesel with the IFS. Been fine for 15 years. I've had the front end "clocked" on a couple of GMC 2500's w/6.0 gas. Haven't done anything to the Dodge/Cummins I've always been a curmudgeon - now I'm an old curmudgeon. ~Molɔ̀ːn Labé Skýla~

Re: Cattle guards rockinbbar #16563942 10/26/21 Joined: Dec 2002 Posts: 25,852 West Treasure Valley, Idaho I Idaho_Shooter Campfire Ranger Idaho_Shooter Campfire Ranger I Joined: Dec 2002 Posts: 25,852 West Treasure Valley, Idaho Originally Posted by rockinbbar Originally Posted by Jim_Conrad Originally Posted by Idaho_Shooter A skilled driver can maneuver away from many accidents. I have avoided several via a lane change, or taking the shoulder. Once, a head on at 65 mph with a car in my lane which would have likely killed me, my wife, and our three little kids in the back seat of the 77 Volare. Though your advice is the same as I would give my daughters. My son or wife? No, they can drive. Trucks and deer are one thing. But deer will come right through the windshield of many compact cars. A horse or elk will come through the windshield of many trucks. I would much prefer to avoid the deer than have it in the car with me, and possibly take my head off. I draw the line at cats and dogs. I will not swerve to miss them. That gets a bunch of "drivers" killed every year. It does. I don't know how many bad wrecks I worked on people swerving to keep from hitting a deer. Some were fatalities. There are millions of people out there every day behind the wheel who could not properly be called "drivers". My youngest (36 YO) daughter is one, my stepmom is another. But at least they have enough smarts to keep their car on low volume, low speed secondary roads. Many do not. People who choose to brew up their own storms bitch loudest about the rain.

Re: Cattle guards bbassi #16563955 10/26/21 Joined: May 2016 Posts: 60,286 Montana J Jim_Conrad Campfire Kahuna Jim_Conrad Campfire Kahuna J Joined: May 2016 Posts: 60,286 Montana Originally Posted by bbassi Originally Posted by rockinbbar Originally Posted by Barney_Fife Originally Posted by bbassi Is it better to weld them to the frame or just bolt them on the way they come? Don't weld it. Yeah, if welded, it could interfere with the airbag deployment. Good point. Can you believe the air bags didn't go off on this one though? Yes. I am MAGA.

Re: Cattle guards Jim_Conrad #16563998 10/26/21 Joined: Dec 2002 Posts: 25,852 West Treasure Valley, Idaho I Idaho_Shooter Campfire Ranger Idaho_Shooter Campfire Ranger I Joined: Dec 2002 Posts: 25,852 West Treasure Valley, Idaho Originally Posted by Jim_Conrad If you can safely steer away from a deer and stay completely in your lane....you went in that much danger of hitting it in the first place. Why, is there a problem with using the other lane, if no one is in it? Or a good wide shoulder? Nowhere am I stating that a person should not get on the brakes hard at the first sight of a large critter in the road. But, then again, if one is incapable of a high speed lane change in an emergency, one ought not even be on the road in the first place. There are lots of places where such might be required. Come around a corner at speed and see a big boulder in the road? Crest a hill and see a semi or tractor virtually sitting in front of you? Realize those headlights in the dark in front of you closing at 130 MPH are in your lane? Slow down as much as you can, but then you have two choices. Avoid the collision or be dead, along with everyone else in the car. People who choose to brew up their own storms bitch loudest about the rain.

Re: Cattle guards bbassi #16564007 10/26/21 Joined: May 2016 Posts: 60,286 Montana J Jim_Conrad Campfire Kahuna Jim_Conrad Campfire Kahuna J Joined: May 2016 Posts: 60,286 Montana Thats the same kind of silly mentality that people use to justify not wearing a seatbelt. What if a meteorite lands in the highway?? Espescially as people age......golly officer...I just didn't see that van of kids in the other lane when I crossed the lane. I am MAGA.

Re: Cattle guards bbassi #16564086 10/26/21 Joined: Dec 2002 Posts: 25,852 West Treasure Valley, Idaho I Idaho_Shooter Campfire Ranger Idaho_Shooter Campfire Ranger I Joined: Dec 2002 Posts: 25,852 West Treasure Valley, Idaho Well Jim, perhaps you have never been there. I have several times. Plus two times of avoiding intentional impacts by other drivers on the freeway. I assume you are familiar with the "swoop and squat" insurance scam. I am sure that I am not the only driver on the road who drives defensively and constantly looks for an avenue of escape. People who choose to brew up their own storms bitch loudest about the rain.

Re: Cattle guards bbassi #16564093 10/26/21 Joined: May 2016 Posts: 60,286 Montana J Jim_Conrad Campfire Kahuna Jim_Conrad Campfire Kahuna J Joined: May 2016 Posts: 60,286 Montana 100 pound deer and the possibility of exiting your lane, losing control and killing yourself and others.......yeah. Hit the fugging deer. Sheesh. If Jeff Bezos [bleep] of Discovery lands on the interstate infront of you....well, do what you have to do. I am MAGA.

Re: Cattle guards bbassi #16564149 10/26/21 Joined: Oct 2009 Posts: 1,474 K KRAKMT Campfire Regular KRAKMT Campfire Regular K Joined: Oct 2009 Posts: 1,474 I have a ranch hand on my GMC 3/4 ton. I have hit 3 deer in the last two years. I lose about a 1 mpg with it on on a big block gasser. The 3 impacts will still break the headlight plastic mounts. Most of the time people run the lighter brush guards to save the radiator, not the vehicle. If you can save the radiator, it saves immediate headache. I think Move bumpers are pretty well built also. Last edited by KRAKMT; 10/26/21.

Re: Cattle guards SandBilly #16564215 10/26/21 Joined: Oct 2008 Posts: 594 PA FWP Campfire Regular FWP Campfire Regular Joined: Oct 2008 Posts: 594 PA Originally Posted by SandBilly Originally Posted by Jim_Conrad Originally Posted by WYcoyote I have a Ranch Hand on my diesel Ram to keep deer from getting into the radiator. I pull trailers a lot and your ability to steer or stop your way out of an animal collision is severely diminished.. If anything compromises your coolant system you are immediately a camper. Never...ever ....try to maneuver away from a deer. Scrub off some speed if you can....but stay centered in your lane. Yep. Plus if you hit a deer it’s handled under comprehensive, if you swerve and miss the deer and hit something else it’s handled under collision. I just hit one a few days ago. I called my insurance company, State Farm, who told me that if the deer hit me it was covered under comprehensive but since I hit the deer it was covered by collision. I guess the insurance companies have found another way to screw people.

Re: Cattle guards FWP #16564241 10/26/21 Joined: Feb 2009 Posts: 10,942 B bbassi OP Campfire Outfitter OP bbassi Campfire Outfitter B Joined: Feb 2009 Posts: 10,942 Originally Posted by FWP Originally Posted by SandBilly Originally Posted by Jim_Conrad Originally Posted by WYcoyote I have a Ranch Hand on my diesel Ram to keep deer from getting into the radiator. I pull trailers a lot and your ability to steer or stop your way out of an animal collision is severely diminished.. If anything compromises your coolant system you are immediately a camper. Never...ever ....try to maneuver away from a deer. Scrub off some speed if you can....but stay centered in your lane. Yep. Plus if you hit a deer it’s handled under comprehensive, if you swerve and miss the deer and hit something else it’s handled under collision. I just hit one a few days ago. I called my insurance company, State Farm, who told me that if the deer hit me it was covered under comprehensive but since I hit the deer it was covered by collision. I guess the insurance companies have found another way to screw people. My insurance is state farm too and that's BS. I don't have collision and they covered it under comprehensive. They already paid me $5800+ with more coming. I'd call back and get a different rep on the phone. Last edited by bbassi; 10/26/21. They say everything happens for a reason. For me that reason is usually because I've made some bad decisions that I need to pay for.

Re: Cattle guards bbassi #16564245 10/26/21 Joined: Mar 2009 Posts: 18,125 🇺🇸 SandBilly Campfire Ranger SandBilly Campfire Ranger Joined: Mar 2009 Posts: 18,125 🇺🇸 Originally Posted by bbassi Originally Posted by FWP Originally Posted by SandBilly Originally Posted by Jim_Conrad Originally Posted by WYcoyote I have a Ranch Hand on my diesel Ram to keep deer from getting into the radiator. I pull trailers a lot and your ability to steer or stop your way out of an animal collision is severely diminished.. If anything compromises your coolant system you are immediately a camper. Never...ever ....try to maneuver away from a deer. Scrub off some speed if you can....but stay centered in your lane. Yep. Plus if you hit a deer it’s handled under comprehensive, if you swerve and miss the deer and hit something else it’s handled under collision. I just hit one a few days ago. I called my insurance company, State Farm, who told me that if the deer hit me it was covered under comprehensive but since I hit the deer it was covered by collision. I guess the insurance companies have found another way to screw people. My insurance is state farm too and that's BS. they already paid me $5800+ w more coming. I'd call back and get a different rep on the phone. Yes, or call your state insurance commission/board. Total BS ~Molɔ̀ːn Labé Skýla~

Re: Cattle guards bbassi #16566524 10/27/21 Joined: Aug 2014 Posts: 5,010 H Hogwild7 Campfire Tracker Hogwild7 Campfire Tracker H Joined: Aug 2014 Posts: 5,010 I have a Ranchhand Bumper and guard. Hit 1 deer so far. Killed deer not a mark on my truck. Stepson hit 3 different ones with his. No damage to his truck at all. People don't try to force their way in front of you in heavy traffic either

Re: Cattle guards bbassi #16566913 10/27/21 Joined: Aug 2021 Posts: 475 SE SD S SDLEFTY Campfire Member SDLEFTY Campfire Member S Joined: Aug 2021 Posts: 475 SE SD I've had or still have several ranch trucks w the ranch hand bumpers. They work well and are fairly cheap. I went w a Buckstop replacement bumper and guard on my last superduty. They are extremely heavy and nice looking. Color match to my truck as well. Highly recommend looking into that brand.

Re: Cattle guards bbassi #16566923 10/27/21 Joined: Jan 2012 Posts: 66,936 TN slumlord Campfire Kahuna slumlord Campfire Kahuna Joined: Jan 2012 Posts: 66,936 TN I slow down when I see deer Instead of doing 80 with 9 of them feeding along the shoulder of the road I also look way ahead, I dont stare at the bumper of the person I’m tail gaiting like Mr McGoo

Re: Cattle guards bbassi #16566934 10/27/21 Joined: Mar 2009 Posts: 18,125 🇺🇸 SandBilly Campfire Ranger SandBilly Campfire Ranger Joined: Mar 2009 Posts: 18,125 🇺🇸 I had a claim once with a guy that hit a cow. “That cow was on the side of the road and as soon as I got there it JUMPED, right in front of me” ~Molɔ̀ːn Labé Skýla~

Re: Cattle guards SandBilly #16566939 10/27/21 Joined: May 2016 Posts: 60,286 Montana J Jim_Conrad Campfire Kahuna Jim_Conrad Campfire Kahuna J Joined: May 2016 Posts: 60,286 Montana Originally Posted by SandBilly I had a claim once with a guy that hit a cow. “That cow was on the side of the road and as soon as I got there it JUMPED, right in front of me” I hit my own cow once. Totaled the pickup. Cow was fine. They are quite resilient. I am MAGA.

Re: Cattle guards bbassi #16567082 10/27/21 Joined: Nov 2008 Posts: 19,467 MAGA B BillyGoatGruff Campfire Ranger BillyGoatGruff Campfire Ranger B Joined: Nov 2008 Posts: 19,467 MAGA I’ve got a Herd aluminum bumper/grillguard on my power wagon, and the ranch hand 1/2 ton model on my 1/2 ton gmc&chevy. All have hit deer. And all are still great. The ranch hands went on th half tons same scenario. Wife hits a deer, truck is smashed, use the insurance money that would go towards the oem bumper and put it towards the REAL bumper, and cash out of pocket to make up the difference. Not having a real bumper and brush guard is a no go for me anymore. It’s the difference between being able to drive home, or be stuck in bumfugk Egypt and paying a million bucks for a tow. Swerving to avoid deer is one of the stupidest damn pieces of advice I’ve read on here. MAGA

Re: Cattle guards BillyGoatGruff #16567212 10/27/21 Joined: Jan 2012 Posts: 9,379 las vegas, Nv. L lvmiker Campfire Outfitter lvmiker Campfire Outfitter L Joined: Jan 2012 Posts: 9,379 las vegas, Nv. How much does the weight of an effective guard that far forward alter the ride and handling in slippery conditions? mike r Don't wish it were easier Wish you were better Stab them in the taint, you can't put a tourniquet on that. Craig Douglas ECQC

Re: Cattle guards Jim_Conrad #16567238 10/27/21 Joined: Feb 2009 Posts: 4,418 Northern Hill Country D DesertMuleDeer Campfire Tracker DesertMuleDeer Campfire Tracker D Joined: Feb 2009 Posts: 4,418 Northern Hill Country Originally Posted by Jim_Conrad Originally Posted by SandBilly I had a claim once with a guy that hit a cow. “That cow was on the side of the road and as soon as I got there it JUMPED, right in front of me” I hit my own cow once. Totaled the pickup. Cow was fine. They are quite resilient. I was given two longhorns as part of a land deal. Gave them away when the cow kept charging the pickup head on. I've always called them cattle guards (just like the ones you drive over), but I also have been know to call sorghum, maize. Thinking of buying one because I do a lot of driving on country roads in the dark.

Re: Cattle guards lvmiker #16567242 10/27/21 Joined: May 2016 Posts: 60,286 Montana J Jim_Conrad Campfire Kahuna Jim_Conrad Campfire Kahuna J Joined: May 2016 Posts: 60,286 Montana Originally Posted by lvmiker How much does the weight of an effective guard that far forward alter the ride and handling in slippery conditions? mike r Doesn't seem to make much practical difference. I am MAGA.

Re: Cattle guards bbassi #16567254 10/27/21 Joined: Jun 2020 Posts: 1,802 Houston, TX S Stammster Campfire Regular Stammster Campfire Regular S Joined: Jun 2020 Posts: 1,802 Houston, TX Be aware a lot of grill guards will interfere with the collision avoidance / automatic braking system - unless specifically designed for your model/year of truck.

Re: Cattle guards bbassi #16567256 10/27/21 Joined: Jun 2009 Posts: 344 B Badgerloader Campfire Member Badgerloader Campfire Member B Joined: Jun 2009 Posts: 344 In Australia, they are called "bonk" bars because of the sound made when you hit a kangaroo.

Re: Cattle guards slumlord #16567278 10/27/21 Joined: Dec 2004 Posts: 17,240 Northern Louisiana JPro Campfire Ranger JPro Campfire Ranger Joined: Dec 2004 Posts: 17,240 Northern Louisiana Originally Posted by slumlord I slow down when I see deer Instead of doing 80 with 9 of them feeding along the shoulder of the road I also look way ahead, I dont stare at the bumper of the person I’m tail gaiting like Mr McGoo Yep. Slow way down as soon as you see a critter or shining eyes on the ditchbank. And I like ARB bumpers, like others have already mentioned. Now with even more aplomb

Re: Cattle guards lvmiker #16567660 10/27/21 Joined: Nov 2008 Posts: 19,467 MAGA B BillyGoatGruff Campfire Ranger BillyGoatGruff Campfire Ranger B Joined: Nov 2008 Posts: 19,467 MAGA Originally Posted by lvmiker How much does the weight of an effective guard that far forward alter the ride and handling in slippery conditions? mike r None in me experience. That being said, I splurged for the aluminum on my ram because the front end is weak anyway, and the 1/2 ton version of the ranch hands for my 1/2 tons because they are built lighter. I am not a huge fan of the ranch hands, as they rust pretty quick. But they offered a 1/2 ton model and after probably 4-5 deer or so between them now I’m not complaining. I’ve no doubt hanging a homemade job welded up or a bigger commercial bumper in a 1/2 ton would have negative consequences at least in front end wear if not handling. Added benefit if some [bleep] tourist break checks me or cuts me off I’m pretty confident I can fugk up their day. MAGA

Re: Cattle guards Stammster #16567662 10/27/21 Joined: Nov 2008 Posts: 19,467 MAGA B BillyGoatGruff Campfire Ranger BillyGoatGruff Campfire Ranger B Joined: Nov 2008 Posts: 19,467 MAGA Originally Posted by Stammster Be aware a lot of grill guards will interfere with the collision avoidance / automatic braking system - unless specifically designed for your model/year of truck. I would never in my life own some piece of shidt that braked for me. MAGA

Re: Cattle guards BillyGoatGruff #16567680 10/27/21 Joined: May 2016 Posts: 60,286 Montana J Jim_Conrad Campfire Kahuna Jim_Conrad Campfire Kahuna J Joined: May 2016 Posts: 60,286 Montana Originally Posted by BillyGoatGruff Originally Posted by lvmiker How much does the weight of an effective guard that far forward alter the ride and handling in slippery conditions? mike r None in me experience. That being said, I splurged for the aluminum on my ram because the front end is weak anyway, and the 1/2 ton version of the ranch hands for my 1/2 tons because they are built lighter. I am not a huge fan of the ranch hands, as they rust pretty quick. But they offered a 1/2 ton model and after probably 4-5 deer or so between them now I’m not complaining. I’ve no doubt hanging a homemade job welded up or a bigger commercial bumper in a 1/2 ton would have negative consequences at least in front end wear if not handling. Added benefit if some [bleep] tourist break checks me or cuts me off I’m pretty confident I can fugk up their day. I am MAGA.

Re: Cattle guards SandBilly #16567695 10/27/21 Joined: Jun 2001 Posts: 19,070 Colorado Springs, CO, USA S saddlesore Campfire Ranger saddlesore Campfire Ranger S Joined: Jun 2001 Posts: 19,070 Colorado Springs, CO, USA Originally Posted by SandBilly I had a claim once with a guy that hit a cow. “That cow was on the side of the road and as soon as I got there it JUMPED, right in front of me” They actually do that at times though If God wanted you to walk and carry things on your back, He would not have invented stirrups and pack saddles

Re: Cattle guards cumminscowboy #16567707 10/27/21 Joined: Sep 2011 Posts: 45,084 North East Urth Valsdad Campfire 'Bwana Valsdad Campfire 'Bwana Joined: Sep 2011 Posts: 45,084 North East Urth Originally Posted by cumminscowboy Originally Posted by bbassi after a pretty bad deer struck accident out of state this month, I'm thinking of adding a cattle guard to the front of the Tacoma. My question is do they really work or are they mostly for show? Are there certain brands that are better than others? Is it better to weld them to the frame or just bolt them on the way they come? . The problems I have had hitting deer is when they dart from the side. This means the side of my vehicle gets the hit. Knarley bumper would not help. I would like one so I could hit orange barrels again Happened to my Tacoma.............................. Twice! One came down a runoff ditch from the top of a road cut, smack dab into the right front wheel well. Took out the headlamp and turn signal assemblies too. Second one came out of a ditch, same basic thing but busted out part of the grille too. Yippy Skippy. Didn't even get to bring them home for dinner either. The desert is a true treasure for him who seeks refuge from men and the evil of men. In it is contentment In it is death and all you seek (Quoted from "The Bleeding of the Stone" Ibrahim Al-Koni) member of the cabal of dysfunctional squirrels?

Re: Cattle guards Jim_Conrad #16567809 10/27/21 Joined: Nov 2008 Posts: 19,467 MAGA B BillyGoatGruff Campfire Ranger BillyGoatGruff Campfire Ranger B Joined: Nov 2008 Posts: 19,467 MAGA Originally Posted by Jim_Conrad Originally Posted by BillyGoatGruff Originally Posted by lvmiker How much does the weight of an effective guard that far forward alter the ride and handling in slippery conditions? mike r None in me experience. That being said, I splurged for the aluminum on my ram because the front end is weak anyway, and the 1/2 ton version of the ranch hands for my 1/2 tons because they are built lighter. I am not a huge fan of the ranch hands, as they rust pretty quick. But they offered a 1/2 ton model and after probably 4-5 deer or so between them now I’m not complaining. I’ve no doubt hanging a homemade job welded up or a bigger commercial bumper in a 1/2 ton would have negative consequences at least in front end wear if not handling. Added benefit if some [bleep] tourist break checks me or cuts me off I’m pretty confident I can fugk up their day. Lol I wish I carry a high deductible.after I met that, wasn’t much to add to get a real bumper MAGA

Re: Cattle guards bbassi #16568154 10/27/21 Joined: Aug 2004 Posts: 3,150 South Texas boilerpig1 Campfire Tracker boilerpig1 Campfire Tracker Joined: Aug 2004 Posts: 3,150 South Texas This little guy ran into the driver side front tire of my welding truck. A dog was chasing him. The collision knocked him out cold, but my tire survived unscratched. BP...

Re: Cattle guards huntsman22 #16568168 10/27/21 Joined: Jun 2016 Posts: 9,593 Kentuck G gunzo Campfire Outfitter gunzo Campfire Outfitter G Joined: Jun 2016 Posts: 9,593 Kentuck Originally Posted by huntsman22 [img]https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/c124/huntsman22 :D/IMG_9291.JPG[/img] Good gosh! bolt something on the truck to protect the grill but buckle the frame rails if ya hit ...anything.

Re: Cattle guards gunzo #16568260 10/27/21 Joined: Nov 2008 Posts: 19,467 MAGA B BillyGoatGruff Campfire Ranger BillyGoatGruff Campfire Ranger B Joined: Nov 2008 Posts: 19,467 MAGA You can drive home with a bent frame. Not so much when the whole plastic shidtaree that is the grill caves in. MAGA

Re: Cattle guards bbassi #16568318 10/27/21 Joined: May 2009 Posts: 1,057 LNF150 Campfire Regular LNF150 Campfire Regular Joined: May 2009 Posts: 1,057 This is the one I put on my truck. http://thunderstruckbumpers.com/

Re: Cattle guards BillyGoatGruff #16568327 10/27/21 Joined: Jun 2016 Posts: 9,593 Kentuck G gunzo Campfire Outfitter gunzo Campfire Outfitter G Joined: Jun 2016 Posts: 9,593 Kentuck Yep, it takes a half ton of bulbus fab to do that. Sorry, I forgot.

Re: Cattle guards gunzo #16568333 10/27/21 Joined: Nov 2008 Posts: 19,467 MAGA B BillyGoatGruff Campfire Ranger BillyGoatGruff Campfire Ranger B Joined: Nov 2008 Posts: 19,467 MAGA Originally Posted by gunzo Yep, it takes a half ton of bulbus fab to do that. Sorry, I forgot. Can’t find one to fit your Prius? MAGA

Re: Cattle guards bbassi #16568345 10/27/21 Joined: Jan 2001 Posts: 29,834 Burns/Hines, Oregon, USA 1minute Campfire Ranger 1minute Campfire Ranger Joined: Jan 2001 Posts: 29,834 Burns/Hines, Oregon, USA Bumpers link Have one of these on my crew cab 350 Ford and was center punched by an oncoming van driven by a texting mom. Absolutely totaled the van taking her bumper almost to the windshield. Put a bend in my roo guard but not a dent in my truck. With the stock bumper, I likely would have had an 8 to $10,000 repair bill. Hence forth, I will always be so armed. Especially since there's a lot of plastic and aluminum on today's rigs. Lots of spiffy light metal chrome versions available, but they don't ring like a bell when one gives them a knock with his knuckles. Many moons ago I was quite impressed with the Australian's rigs. Little English Fords with huge roo guards on the front. Last edited by 1minute; 10/27/21. 1Minute

Re: Cattle guards BillyGoatGruff #16568349 10/27/21 Joined: May 2016 Posts: 60,286 Montana J Jim_Conrad Campfire Kahuna Jim_Conrad Campfire Kahuna J Joined: May 2016 Posts: 60,286 Montana Originally Posted by BillyGoatGruff Originally Posted by gunzo Yep, it takes a half ton of bulbus fab to do that. Sorry, I forgot. Can’t find one to fit your Prius? . A guy here built one for his Prius. I am MAGA.

Re: Cattle guards Jim_Conrad #16568363 10/27/21 Joined: Nov 2008 Posts: 19,467 MAGA B BillyGoatGruff Campfire Ranger BillyGoatGruff Campfire Ranger B Joined: Nov 2008 Posts: 19,467 MAGA Originally Posted by Jim_Conrad Originally Posted by BillyGoatGruff Originally Posted by gunzo Yep, it takes a half ton of bulbus fab to do that. Sorry, I forgot. Can’t find one to fit your Prius? Hospice. A guy here built one for his Prius. There was a minivan I used to see around some, I think it was from the Rez, had a square tubing cow catcher all welded up. Very mad max, often wondered how it would hold up on a deer. Necessity being the mother and all I bet it did fine. MAGA

Re: Cattle guards Jim_Conrad #16568374 10/27/21 Joined: May 2001 Posts: 18,345 S. Utah Steve Campfire Ranger Steve Campfire Ranger Joined: May 2001 Posts: 18,345 S. Utah Originally Posted by Jim_Conrad Hahahaha! Elk slalom! That's a good description. I did that in a Camry in the Coast Range at about 60mph at night. Still don't know how I didn't hit one. Carpe' Scrotum

Re: Cattle guards bbassi #16568407 10/27/21 Joined: Jun 2016 Posts: 9,593 Kentuck G gunzo Campfire Outfitter gunzo Campfire Outfitter G Joined: Jun 2016 Posts: 9,593 Kentuck Gosh, a poor pic, but all I've got. My first 4x4, about 75 or 76. [url=https://postimg.cc/FY7q82DD][/ur Grill guard maybe visible. A copy of one seen in a Californy magazine. Cut out of plate with an oxy/fuel torch & finished with a Black & Decker Wildcat grinder. Prius LMAO, but then again, the Duke boys did have one on a car. I approved.

Re: Cattle guards bbassi #16568422 10/27/21 Joined: Feb 2006 Posts: 43,859 Hi-Line SamOlson Campfire 'Bwana SamOlson Campfire 'Bwana Joined: Feb 2006 Posts: 43,859 Hi-Line The only downside to the cattle guard is that they tend to stick out a little too far. Which isn't an issue until you hit the bottom of a sharp dip. A non issue for most. Case in point. Frontier. Ranch Hand. The RH sticks out more, enough so that you can actually stand(sorta) between the grill and the grill. Handy for working on the engine.

Re: Cattle guards SamOlson #16568479 10/27/21 Joined: Nov 2008 Posts: 19,467 MAGA B BillyGoatGruff Campfire Ranger BillyGoatGruff Campfire Ranger B Joined: Nov 2008 Posts: 19,467 MAGA Originally Posted by SamOlson The only downside to the cattle guard is that they tend to stick out a little too far. Which isn't an issue until you hit the bottom of a sharp dip. A non issue for most. Case in point. Frontier. Ranch Hand. The RH sticks out more, enough so that you can actually stand(sorta) between the grill and the grill. Handy for working on the engine. And setting down beverage containers. MAGA

Re: Cattle guards gunzo #16568482 10/27/21 Joined: Nov 2008 Posts: 19,467 MAGA B BillyGoatGruff Campfire Ranger BillyGoatGruff Campfire Ranger B Joined: Nov 2008 Posts: 19,467 MAGA Originally Posted by gunzo Gosh, a poor pic, but all I've got. My first 4x4, about 75 or 76. [url=https://postimg.cc/FY7q82DD][/ur Grill guard maybe visible. A copy of one seen in a Californy magazine. Cut out of plate with an oxy/fuel torch & finished with a Black & Decker Wildcat grinder. Prius LMAO, but then again, the Duke boys did have one on a car. I approved. That’s a badass truck. Details? MAGA

Re: Cattle guards gunzo #16568492 10/27/21 Joined: May 2016 Posts: 60,286 Montana J Jim_Conrad Campfire Kahuna Jim_Conrad Campfire Kahuna J Joined: May 2016 Posts: 60,286 Montana Originally Posted by gunzo Gosh, a poor pic, but all I've got. My first 4x4, about 75 or 76. [url=https://postimg.cc/FY7q82DD][/ur Grill guard maybe visible. A copy of one seen in a Californy magazine. Cut out of plate with an oxy/fuel torch & finished with a Black & Decker Wildcat grinder. Prius LMAO, but then again, the Duke boys did have one on a car. I approved. Boy....either that was a tall pickup or you are short as hell.... I am MAGA.

Re: Cattle guards bbassi #16568519 10/27/21 Joined: Aug 2002 Posts: 37,875 San Antonio TX Birdwatcher Campfire 'Bwana Birdwatcher Campfire 'Bwana Joined: Aug 2002 Posts: 37,875 San Antonio TX I thought about putting a ranch hand on my 2wd Nissan Frontier pickup, I was advised I’d have to upgrade the front suspension to handle the weight. "...if the gentlemen of Virginia shall send us a dozen of their sons, we would take great care in their education, instruct them in all we know, and make men of them." Canasatego 1744

Re: Cattle guards Birdwatcher #16568526 10/27/21 Joined: Nov 2008 Posts: 19,467 MAGA B BillyGoatGruff Campfire Ranger BillyGoatGruff Campfire Ranger B Joined: Nov 2008 Posts: 19,467 MAGA Originally Posted by Birdwatcher I thought about putting a ranch hand on my 2wd Nissan Frontier pickup, I was advised I’d have to upgrade the front suspension to handle the weight. If you use it to hit pedal bikers we could probably start a go fund me. MAGA

Re: Cattle guards bbassi #16568539 10/27/21 Joined: Aug 2006 Posts: 22,908 Kiowa/Deer Trail, Colorado huntsman22 Campfire Ranger huntsman22 Campfire Ranger Joined: Aug 2006 Posts: 22,908 Kiowa/Deer Trail, Colorado

Re: Cattle guards BillyGoatGruff #16568547 10/27/21 Joined: Dec 2019 Posts: 4,020 Utah crittrgittr Campfire Tracker crittrgittr Campfire Tracker Joined: Dec 2019 Posts: 4,020 Utah Originally Posted by BillyGoatGruff Originally Posted by Birdwatcher I thought about putting a ranch hand on my 2wd Nissan Frontier pickup, I was advised I’d have to upgrade the front suspension to handle the weight. If you use it to hit pedal bikers we could probably start a go fund me. I'll put in the first hundred!

Re: Cattle guards crittrgittr #16568573 10/27/21 Joined: Nov 2008 Posts: 19,467 MAGA B BillyGoatGruff Campfire Ranger BillyGoatGruff Campfire Ranger B Joined: Nov 2008 Posts: 19,467 MAGA Originally Posted by crittrgittr Originally Posted by BillyGoatGruff Originally Posted by Birdwatcher I thought about putting a ranch hand on my 2wd Nissan Frontier pickup, I was advised I’d have to upgrade the front suspension to handle the weight. If you use it to hit pedal bikers we could probably start a go fund me. I'll put in the first hundred! I’ll match it. But require gopro footage from at least one target strike. MAGA

Re: Cattle guards BillyGoatGruff #16568595 10/27/21 Joined: Jun 2016 Posts: 9,593 Kentuck G gunzo Campfire Outfitter gunzo Campfire Outfitter G Joined: Jun 2016 Posts: 9,593 Kentuck Originally Posted by BillyGoatGruff Originally Posted by gunzo Gosh, a poor pic, but all I've got. My first 4x4, about 75 or 76. [url=https://postimg.cc/FY7q82DD][/ur Grill guard maybe visible. A copy of one seen in a Californy magazine. Cut out of plate with an oxy/fuel torch & finished with a Black & Decker Wildcat grinder. Prius LMAO, but then again, the Duke boys did have one on a car. I approved. That’s a badass truck. Details? 1970 on 14-36's, with a home made lift, & a 327 out of a 64 Impala SS. In dash AM/FM 8 track. Cutting edge.

Re: Cattle guards rockinbbar #16568597 10/27/21 Joined: Jan 2016 Posts: 95,648 J jaguartx Campfire Oracle jaguartx Campfire Oracle J Joined: Jan 2016 Posts: 95,648 Originally Posted by rockinbbar Originally Posted by poboy One of my Mil's friends has one on her Lincoln Continental, way out in the boonies That's puro Tejas! I luv bumpgates but cattle guards are even mobetter. Sob i hate getting out opening and closing gates 10 or 20 times a day quail hunting. Last edited by jaguartx; 10/27/21. Ecc 10:2 The heart of the wise inclines to the right, but that of a fool to the left. A Nation which leaves God behind is soon left behind. "The Lord never asked anyone to be a tax collector, lowyer, or Redskins fan". I Dindo Nuffin

Re: Cattle guards BillyGoatGruff #16568602 10/27/21 Joined: Feb 2006 Posts: 43,859 Hi-Line SamOlson Campfire 'Bwana SamOlson Campfire 'Bwana Joined: Feb 2006 Posts: 43,859 Hi-Line The beverage holders are going up in price. We bought the Ranch Hand for that white pickup Spring of 2020, think it was around $1200? Just priced one today, $1600.

Re: Cattle guards SamOlson #16568610 10/27/21 Joined: Jan 2016 Posts: 95,648 J jaguartx Campfire Oracle jaguartx Campfire Oracle J Joined: Jan 2016 Posts: 95,648 Originally Posted by SamOlson The beverage holders are going up in price. We bought the Ranch Hand for that white pickup Spring of 2020, think it was around $1200? Just priced one today, $1600. Lets Go Brandon. Ecc 10:2 The heart of the wise inclines to the right, but that of a fool to the left. A Nation which leaves God behind is soon left behind. "The Lord never asked anyone to be a tax collector, lowyer, or Redskins fan". I Dindo Nuffin

Re: Cattle guards SamOlson #16568636 10/27/21 Joined: Nov 2008 Posts: 19,467 MAGA B BillyGoatGruff Campfire Ranger BillyGoatGruff Campfire Ranger B Joined: Nov 2008 Posts: 19,467 MAGA Originally Posted by SamOlson The beverage holders are going up in price. We bought the Ranch Hand for that white pickup Spring of 2020, think it was around $1200? Just priced one today, $1600. No kidding. First one was about a grand, second one couple years ago was 1200ish I think. Ordered it online and had it delivered freight. And that’s the lighter 1/2 ton with less steel. MAGA

Re: Cattle guards SamOlson #16568664 10/27/21 Joined: Jun 2016 Posts: 9,593 Kentuck G gunzo Campfire Outfitter gunzo Campfire Outfitter G Joined: Jun 2016 Posts: 9,593 Kentuck Originally Posted by SamOlson The only downside to the cattle guard is that they tend to stick out a little too far. Which isn't an issue until you hit the bottom of a sharp dip. A non issue for most. I understand this. When I built this bumper I tucked it back as close aa I could get it, the winch touching the grill. The bumper killing the approach angle got me into about a much trouble as the winch got me out of. But I do understand cattlemen needing such a thing. I've seen several trucks around here that have been destroyed by a bull, or even a momma protecting her baby.

Re: Cattle guards bbassi #16568673 10/27/21 Joined: Feb 2006 Posts: 43,859 Hi-Line SamOlson Campfire 'Bwana SamOlson Campfire 'Bwana Joined: Feb 2006 Posts: 43,859 Hi-Line Jag and Gruff, it's getting ridiculous.

Re: Cattle guards BillyGoatGruff #16568683 10/27/21 Joined: Aug 2002 Posts: 37,875 San Antonio TX Birdwatcher Campfire 'Bwana Birdwatcher Campfire 'Bwana Joined: Aug 2002 Posts: 37,875 San Antonio TX Originally Posted by BillyGoatGruff Originally Posted by crittrgittr Originally Posted by BillyGoatGruff Originally Posted by Birdwatcher I thought about putting a ranch hand on my 2wd Nissan Frontier pickup, I was advised I’d have to upgrade the front suspension to handle the weight. If you use it to hit pedal bikers we could probably start a go fund me. I'll put in the first hundred! I’ll match it. But require gopro footage from at least one target strike. See..... https://getyarn.io/yarn-clip/embed-test/8cbbc300-a8ef-4358-aeb3-c5d6805a6788 How long you lived athwart the Geat Northern Trans Continental Bicycle trail now, with them cow catchers on your trucks? Nary a cyclist down. "...if the gentlemen of Virginia shall send us a dozen of their sons, we would take great care in their education, instruct them in all we know, and make men of them." Canasatego 1744

Re: Cattle guards bbassi #16568718 10/27/21 Joined: Sep 2014 Posts: 21,766 Clinging to our God and Guns Dillonbuck Campfire Ranger Dillonbuck Campfire Ranger Joined: Sep 2014 Posts: 21,766 Clinging to our God and Guns How do people hit so many deer. We used to have one of the highest population densities in the country. And we're are here in farm country, had tons of them. Farmers plant corn to within a few feet of the road. Not even a cars width shoulder. Don't drive those roads as much now, but did for 20 some years. Hit, 3 deer that i can recall. One did damage. I know guys that hit that many in a year or two. I don't drive slow, dam sure didn't when we had more deer. And I keep my eye out, but don't worry about it too much. PS Have dodged them. Personally have no issue with evasive maneuvers under hard braking. Common sense and controlled reactions need to apply. Advised our daughter to just hit them. As to losing control. Ever look at single car wrecks in the winter? We have several bad turns that play into snowy wrecks. Almost never see a car that couldn't turn. Or one that lost its ass and spun. Most actually wreck well past the turn. Because they had a skid, and over reacted. There's a tidbit in that. And another thing we taught our daughter. Last edited by Dillonbuck; 10/27/21. Parents who say they have good kids..Usually don't!

Re: Cattle guards Dillonbuck #16570564 10/28/21 Joined: Nov 2008 Posts: 19,467 MAGA B BillyGoatGruff Campfire Ranger BillyGoatGruff Campfire Ranger B Joined: Nov 2008 Posts: 19,467 MAGA I think a lot of it is the cosmic lottery. I know people who drive the same roads I do that have never hit a deer, and others who hit several a year. If the road is dead and I’m solo and going slow enough or have a chance to brake yes, I’ll juke to miss a deer. Outside of that fugk and now. Also, best way to get a deer in the road to move is to drive straight at them like you want to spill their guts. If you doubt me try it. MAGA

Re: Cattle guards bbassi #16570632 10/28/21 Joined: Dec 2005 Posts: 3,003 U urbaneruralite Campfire Tracker urbaneruralite Campfire Tracker U Joined: Dec 2005 Posts: 3,003 SOP here is to lift the truck and install a brush guard. Deer hits the guard and goes under. Lifted also helps keep it clean if you drive slow on muddy roads. If you're cheap just get a bull bar and center the deer on it. Kinda funny how different locales have different names for them. Living in a world of G17s and 700s, wishing for P7s and 202s

Re: Cattle guards bbassi #16571331 10/28/21 Joined: Jan 2001 Posts: 30,760 Rural Utah USA T tikkanut Campfire 'Bwana tikkanut Campfire 'Bwana T Joined: Jan 2001 Posts: 30,760 Rural Utah USA this is actually....... a deer/elk guard........ encourages deer/elk to jump low fence..... instead of going across the ATV crossing but look close at the elk tracks tip/toeing through the re bar T R U M P W O N ! U L T R A M A G A !