10 Best Truck Bull Bar and Grille Guard Reviews
What can you do to ensure that, the front end of your truck is protected? You will need to utilize the best truck bull bar and grille guard to ensure that, the front end which is the most vulnerable spot on the vehicle. Apart from run of the mill gunk, you will need to worry about debris, deer, and other drivers on the road.
Keeping your grill, bumper and headlights free from damage need to be top of your priority, and the best way to do this is through getting the job done with a stylish and sturdy grille guard and bull bar. With several materials, styles, and finishes to pick from, you can find it very overwhelming at first to try and find the right grille guard or a bull bar for your vehicle.
Comparison Of Truck Bull Bar And Grille Guard
Truck Bull Bar And Grulle Guard Reviews
1. Tyger Auto Bumper guard TG-GD6T60028 For Toyota Tacoma
If you own a toyota Tacoma, then this patented bumper guard will be able to give your vehicle protection which is tough in front end and ensure that vehicle looks unique while in the street. If you have a Toyota Tacoma 2016 and up models, then you will need to do a little cutting.
It features US patented design with the kit including all mounting hardware and one bumper guard together with DIY instructions. For a sturdy structure, you will need to do seamless welding. It is constructed from 2.5-inch heavy duty tubing frame with e-coating which is durable, textured black finish so that, it is able to resist rust.
For optional LED lights it has a pre-welded light mount channel. It comes with two pre-drilled holes for the license plate relocation in case you want to do so. The installation is an easy bolt on. The bull bar comes with a 5-year warranty against any manufacturing defects.
Pros
1. The USA patented design
2. Made from heavy duty 2.5 inches tubing frame
3. Easy bolt-on installation
4. 5 years warranty on manufacturer’s defects
5. Two pre-drilled holes
Cons
1. Meant only for the Toyota Tacoma brand of cars
2. Tyger Auto Front Bumper Guard TG-GD6T60037 For Toyota Tundra
If you are a proud owner of a Toyota Tundra, then this might just be what you are looking for. It will likely give your Toyota Tundra protection which is tough and at the same time, ensure that it is unique. For LED mounts which are optional, it comes with pre-welded light mounts channels which are optional too.
It has pre-drilled mounting holes which will make installation easier and faster. You can use it to mount the license plate if you are relocating it. The design is USA patented with the kit coming with the DIY instructions and all the hardware that you require for mounting.
To ensure that it is sturdy, it is constructed with a sturdy structure made of 2.5 inches of tubing frame which is strong that is made of marine grade stainless steel with a finish which is seamlessly welded in which will is well polished for rust resistance and a customized look.
It comes with two pre-drilled holes for mounting where you can be able to place your license plate in case you are relocating. It has an optional channel for the light mount which is pre-welded for LED lights which are optional and the kit also doesn’t have lights in it and thus, you will have to purchase them separately. It has a limited lifetime warranty against workmanship and material defects. It has an easy bolt-on installation.
Pros
1. Limited lifetime warranty against workmanship and material defects
2. Sturdy structure
3. Rust resistant
4. No drilling during installation
5. Made of marine grade stainless steel which is heavy duty
Cons
1. Can only fit Toyota Tundra 2007 to 2018
You may like this: Best Truck Bed Step Reviews
3. Westin Black Grille Guard 57-2505 HDX Ford F150
If you own a Ford F150 and are looking for a heavy duty grille guard for your front end then this might work for you. It comes with a lifetime warranty on the finish which is made of stainless steel. There is a 3-year warranty on the black powder coat finish.
It will be able to put a barrier between you and the various road mishaps. It is a design which is custom made for Ford F150, featuring a full punch center grille and 2-inch design which is tubular. In the package, you will get one piece welded upright, heavy-duty rubber pads, and headlight guards which are fully wrapped around.
If you decide to purchase it, it will be able to give your vehicle a rugged look. On installation, you will just have to bolt up to get a quick installation. You have a choice between a polished stainless steel finish and a black coated powder mild steel finish.
Pros
1. It is sturdy
2. You have a choice when it comes to the finish
3. Easy to install
4. It will give your truck a rugged look
5. Lifetime warranty on stainless finish
Cons
1. Not for all types of vehicle
2. Installation instructions not clear
4. Autosaver88 3 Inch Bull Bar For Dodge Ram 1500
If you are a proud owner of a RAM 1500, then this brush pusher grill guard for the bumper could just do the job for you. It is a powerful and menacing grille guard which can withstand roads that are very rough and fast on road adventures.
If you combine it with the RAM 1500 which is strong, you will not be able to get problems while out there in the woods adventuring. The grille guard will be able to protect you from any mishaps.
My dad likes adventuring and he lives in Arkansas. I bought for him this bull bar three months ago to put on his RAM 150 and so far, he is happy with it. It is offering the truck the protection that is required.
It is compatible with Dodge 1994 to 2001 RAM 2001 models. So if your RAM 1500 falls under this category, then go ahead and install this bull bar as it will protect the truck for a longer period of time.
It is constructed from heavy duty 3-inch tubing frame. The black powder and e-coating will make your truck to look great. It comes with predrilled holes to ensure that the installation is convenient. On the overall, it will ensure the protection and safety of the front side of your vehicle.
Pros
1. It is available in silver and black
2. The frame tubing is 3-inch heavy duty
3. It is 100 percent bolt-on installation
4. The design is unique
5. It comes with a one year warranty against defects of the manufacturer.
Cons
1. It is made from cheap materials
2. It is not a one fit all trucks models
Read more: Best Truck Tailgate Lock Reviews
5. Ranch Hand Legend Grille Guard GGC08HBL1 Chevy Silverado 1500
If you are in the market looking for a grille guard for your Chevy Silverado, then this could work for you. It could give your truck a customized look while at the same time providing it with great protection for the front end.
It is an angled center pipe which means, you will be able to get extra center support. It is a one piece type of grille guard which will be able to give your truck more durability and thus, rusting chances are minimal. It’s a design which is wrapped around to ensure that, the headlights of your truck are protected. In terms of installation, you won’t require to drill making it a very easy installation.
To get tight you will need to mount it directly to the frame giving it the highest level of strength. Its finish will be able to integrate well with your other exteriors due to the black powder which is beautiful.
Pros
1. It is durable and less to rust due to grille guard that is one piece
2. Black powder finish makes it look great
3. It is able to mount directly to the vehicle frame giving it a fit that is tight
4. It has additional center support due to the center pipes which are angled.
5. The wraparound loop design protects the headlights.
Cons
1. It is expensive
6. Aries 1050 Black Steel Grill Guard For Jeep Wrangler
if this happens to be your grill guard of choice, then it is best to know that, it might just offer you that tough trail look that you are looking for on your truck. It has a one piece frame which measures about a ¼ inch thick with welded plates of about 1 ½ inch to give it a solid build. It is made with a vehicle specific design to ensure that, you will get a better fit, be easy to install and give you a more secure mount.
This means that the pre-existing factory holes will be used to ensure you have optimum fitment and the vibration will be less. This custom grille guard fits specific years of the Jeep Wrangler. It will also make it possible for you to customize the look of your vehicle.
Apart from the crossbar having two pre-drilled holes which you can mount aftermarket LED lights, there is a grille guard which has two option finish options – semi-gloss black steel or polished stainless steel. The stainless steel is made from 304 stainless which has the highest nickel content and truly resist corrosion and rust. It is an option that comes with a mirror-like polished finish for a definite shine.
The one that is semi-gloss black is made from high strength carbon steel for added strength. It features a dual layer, which is tough with a black powder coat an e-coat finish to ensure that, it is protected from scratches, rust, and elements. It also comes with rubber stripping which you will get on the risers to ensure that, the frames are protected against scratches and scuffs.
Pros
1. Two pre-drilled holes for LED lights mounting
2. Risers with rubber stripping for a clean finish
3. Black powder coat that is semi-gloss for rust resistant
4. It is a one piece 1 ½ diameter wall tubing that is heavy in high strength carbon steel.
5. Long lasting
Cons
1. Instructions not clear
Also Like This: Best Tri-Fold Truck Bed Tonneau Covers Reviews
7. Westin Grille Guard Black Sport 40-3845 For Chevy Colorado
This grille guard is the standard in front end products. It is a grille guard which is fully welded construction of one piece to provide solid strength and amount which is stable. The 1 ½ inch diameter tube frame is a design which is vehicle specific and comes together with a mounting kit.
This particular grille guard comes equipped with removable headlight areas and driving light mounting areas crossbars for easy maintenance of the vehicle headlights.
You will get it in polished stainless steel and comes with a lifetime warranty while the black powder coat has a warranty of 5 years. Installation is easy, with no drilling.
Pros
1. Uprights thick rubber protector
2. Headlights that are removable
3. Ridge bar design
4. 1.5 inches diameter tubing for the center crossbar
5. Thick rubber protector
Cons
1. Expensive
8. Bumper Protector Brush Grille Guard For Nissan Frontier
If you have a Nissan Frontier, then it means that this could be the brush grille guard that you should buy. It is heavy duty and this means that you will be able to get great protection for the front end of your vehicle.
It is constructed from 14 gauge steel tubing. Laser cut ¼ inch steel uprights are able to hold together the frame and a punched out center made of steel make the look to be perfect. It is available in two finishes: you can get the electrostatically applied powder coat finish which will be able to withstand scratches and dings. Or you have the option of taking on the heavy duty coating which will protect against scratches and chips from high-speed gravel and rocks and thus, the right one for use on roads which are unpaved.This grille guard is backed by a 3-year warranty.
Pros
1. 3 years warranty
2. High-quality gauge steel tubing
3. Great protection
4. Built-in center grille for extra coverage
5. Custom designed
Cons
1. The materials are not quite strong
9. Aries Grill Guard 9046 For Nissan Titan
If you have a desire to make your SUV or truck more athletic looking, then this could be one of the best grille guards to purchase. When you install it, you will end up with a vehicle which is looking more athletic, frontal protection that is improved, and a patented built in the front step for easy access to the engine compartment.
It is important to note that, it is not a one size fit all grill guard as they are custom engineered for each Nissan Titan vehicle, creating a fit that is perfect and easy to install. The manufacturing process ensures that the end product is of high quality which can be easily seen in the grill guard.
Pros
1. Modular design and thus easy shipping
2. Mounting holes for lighting
3. Flowing rounded edges
4. Center grill guard or full-width brush guards versions
5. Designed for each vehicle
6. Comes with all necessary installation mounting hardware
Cons
1. Takes time to install
10. Bumper Push Bull Bar And Removable Skid Plate For Honda Pilot/Ridgeline
It is a modern bull bar which is advanced in technology to be able to fit in front of your vehicle to protect it and the passengers from damage in a collision with animals and objects. So if you are searching for a push bull bar for your Ridgeline or Honda pilot, then this could be your solution.
It is constructed from lightweight mild steel which is powder coated for durability and strength. The brackets are also powder coated, protecting the front end of the vehicle from minor impacts.
The diameter tubing which are 3 inches enlarged, they have a seamless welding construction to ensure that, you have extra reinforcement. The installation design is a bolt on and comes complete with mounting kits so that you can have an easy and simple installation.
Pros
1. Extra reinforcement with the 3 inches enlarged diameter tubing that has seamless welding construction
2. Has removable skid plate
3. Powder coated brackets for mounting
4. Made from lightweight materials
5. Comes with a complete kit for easy installation
Cons
1. Doesn’t give a perfect fit
What Are Grille Guards & Bull Bar?
Whenever you drive, there are unforeseen dangers which lurk. For you to be able to protect against low-speed frontal damage of the vehicle it is best to have the best grille guards and bull bars.
They are a great way to add protection to the front end styling and protection to your truck. The grille guards are not the first upgrade that you will make to your vehicle but they are still very popular. It is possible to find them from several manufacturers
The bull bar is referred to as a push bumper, bush guard, push bar, bush bar, rammer pusher, grille guard, or cattle pusher in the USA. In Canada, it is known as a moose bumper. In the UK it is called a winch bumper. In Australia, it is referred to as a nudge bar or a kangaroo bar.
The main purpose of a bull bar is to protect the headlights and the grille of the radiator of your truck. it provides a platform where you will be able to install spotlights, vehicle recovery winches, and radio antennas. The modern bull bars feature airbag activation after a collision.
The modern ones are pedestrian friendly due to the fact that they act as a spring, and are able to deflect as a result of the force of the collision. After a collision, your truck will be driveable and thus, pedestrians will not face death or serious injuries.
Reasons You Should Get ABull Bar & Grille Guard For Your Pickup Truck
The following are some of the benefits you are going to get when you have a grille guard and bull bar installed on your truck.
1. They Work Well With Other Truck Accessories
One of the main benefits of a grille bar is that it tends to work perfectly well with other truck accessories without any problem. This includes working well with a tow hook. Grille guards can help protect some truck parts such as the radiator which is normally behind the grille.
2. You Can Be Able To Add Additional Lights To Your Grille Guards
For you to be able to enhance your vehicle’s look. It might allow you to feature additional off-road, fog and driving auxiliary lights on the front end of your truck.
You will have to check descriptions of each product to make sure that this will be possible. When you choose a grille guard, you will be able to bring the more rugged look to your vehicle while you give it additional capabilities in terms of additional lighting.
3. In Minor Accidents, It Will Protect Your Front End
In low impact, low-speed crash, a grille guard or a bull bar will be able to somehow protect the bumper of your front end together with the grille details from being able to be damaged. In some instances, a jeep brush guard together with other vehicles can be able to push a sedentary object at a low distance a short distance.
Bull bars especially the ones with skid plates are able to provide protection which is solid for a lower front bumper vehicle in low-speed collisions. It is important to remember that, in a high impact, high-speed crash, a grille guard will be crashed into your vehicle’s grille which could increase the cost of damage.
4. It Might Protect You In An Accident Involving Animals
A grille bar has the capacity to prevent the occurrence of major structural damage depending on the speed you are traveling in and the size of the animal. It is important to remember that, larger animals like the buffalo, moose or elk, will damage your vehicle. Even with a grille guard and bull bar, you will need to be alert whenever you are driving in animal area zone.
5. It Will Give Your Truck A More Rugged Look
While the main use of a grille guard is to ensure that it will help you in protecting your truck’s paint job from getting scratches and debris while you are offroading, it will also be able to give your vehicle a rugged look.
There are a variety of finishes which are available so it is possible to find a perfect grill to be able to compliment your truck. You will be able to match your grill guard to other truck accessories in order to give it a more complete look.
Grille Guard & Bull Bar Styles
There are a variety of ways in which you can be able to protect the front of your vehicle front from damage and in the process, enhance the rugged style of your vehicle. Here are some of the styles you will encounter:
1. Full Grille Guards
Full grille guards feature a pair of center uprights which are able to mount onto your frame, as well as side brush guards which wrap around and in the process, cover your headlights. They are a heavy duty which offers front end protection for SUV or trucks. Due to the fact that the brush guards normally curve around your lights, providing extra protection from side impacts and front end hazards.
2. Center Grille Guards
If you are looking for front protection without the need for the wrap around look of a full guard, then this particular type will fulfill this need by ensuring that it utilizes the tough upright design in the middle without having the brush guards.
3. Bull Bars
This type provides a more subtle stylistic touch while at the same time guarding the front end of your truck. They protect the lower section of your grill and the bumper from curbs and rocks without having to cover up your headlights and whole grill. Most of the time, these types come with pre-drilled holes to be able to mount off-road driving lights and fog lights.
4. Bull Bar Skid Plates
The skid plates are designed from tough steel sheet metal and are welded or bolted to the bull bar bottom. They might be removable on some models while others can be permanently mounted.
They will be able to shield your bumper against the debris and pebbles which get kicked up by the car that is in front of you. they tend to provide extra cover against curbs, big rocks, and other obstacles to ensure that the bumper looks good.
5. Bumper Guards For The Rear
You should never forget to keep the back of your vehicle covered. The rear bumper at times takes a lot of abuse from other drivers, not to mention parallel parking jobs which are botched. Instead of waiting to do a fresh paint job or replacing your bumper, you can keep it shielded using these guards.
How To Choose The Best Grille Guard For Your Truck
1. Front-End Coverage
It will depend on the amount of coverage you require from front end debris and impacts. If most of the time you drive around your neighborhood, you can just get simple protection by using a grille guard.
But if at times you are off-road, or you go through conditions which are rugged, like construction sites and farms, you are likely going to benefit from a grille guard that will be able to provide full frontal protection. Ensure that you get one that will be able to protect you from impacts and scratches.
2. Styles
Ensure that, the grille guard that you are about to buy should be able to look good and perform well. Whatever your style, you will need to get a grille guard which is durable. In case you are looking for bumper protection which has an understated visual accent, you will have to choose one that is less imposing.
When it comes to finishes, you will have a variety of choices as you will get them in both black powder coat and polished stainless. Both are designed to ensure that, they have a capacity to match with your other factory and aftermath accessories on the exterior. This will maintain blinged or blacked outlook which might be what you are looking for.
3. Price
There are a variety of bull bars from different brands which are available online. The difference in thickness, materials used, color, size, and tax which is included are factors which impact greatly on the price. You will have to compare the prices first before you decide that, that is what you really want to purchase.
Try and select those which are discounted off the original price. You can avoid buying the very expensive ones as the chances of them being stolen is very high. But you can still purchase the expensive ones and make it protect it by making sure that it is insured in case of theft or accident.
Those which are extremely cheap shouldn’t be recommended either as they require eventual replacement or regular maintenance. Purchase one that has a price that will match your budget and which will work for you. Aluminum bull bars tend to be more expensive as compared to steel bull bars.
4. Accessories
When you are looking around for a grille guard, you will have to remember that, there are some accessories which you are going to use on your truck. You might be in need of a strong place where you will be able to mount your winch and therefore, go for one that is very strong to be able to hold the winch.
5. Brand
Brand name is very important due to the fact that there is value attached to it. Check out what people are talking about the brand you are about to purchase by reading online reviews. You have to consider the reputation of the brand, what warranty it is offering, and other factors pegged on the brand.
6. Make Sure It Fits Your Vehicle
The bull bar and grille guard you are planning to buy should be able to fit your car. You have to check its thickness, length, and width to make sure that it is going to fit your car. If you are doing a replacement, you will have to see if it has similar dimensions or not. The bull bar will be affected by your requirements.
7. Easy installation
Most of the grille guards which are found in the market are easy to install with each being customized for the specific truck to ensure that, it has a perfect fit. there are some which are designed to be able to mount in the existing holes that are on the frame of the truck. While others you will have to bolt them on the truck directly without drilling, cutting, or welding.
8. Materials
This is one of the most important and obvious factors to check out when you are purchasing a bull bar. The type of material will dictate what type of impact it will be able to withstand.
Getting a quality material will ensure that the damage and scratches to the bumper are prevented. The top material option is the industrial grade rubber due to the fact that it is durable and resilient.
Rubber tends to be a standard material which is used in grille guards. You will also find grille guards made of foam, metal, and other materials. Foam grille guards are normally installed in the plate level of the license while the metals tend to be large.
9. Types
There are various types of grille guards which are available in the market for you to select the best. The type of grille guard will determine the impact type that your vehicle will be in a position to absorb.
There are some grille guards which are made for impacts while you park your vehicle. While others tend to be constructed from heavy duty to be able to bear low mileage impacts.
The two types are one that can allow you to use it when the vehicle is in a stationary mode. The second one is one which will be able to use when your car is in motion.
How To Install a Grille Guard / Bull Bar – Step By Step
It is easy to say that, the aftermarket bull bars are an accessory and not an exterior part due to the fact that, all you have to do is to bolt it up on your truck. They are easy to install most of the time.
But it is important to remember that, there are certain vehicles which will not allow this installation without drilling installation holes. The installation depends on bull bar specs, vehicle model and make, and on the year of manufacture. But for all the vehicles, the installation is easy.
Step by step installation
◆ Locate the pre-drilled holes which are normally at the bottom of the front fascia of the vehicle.
◆ The mounting brackets have to be installed and bolted on the vehicle without having to tighten the nuts.
◆ Pre-fit the bull bar and ensure that you attach it to the brackets.
◆ Align the bull bar and ensure that the bolts are tightened.
FAQs
1. What Differentiates Bull Bars, Brush Guards, And Grille Guards?
Bull bars
It is generally designed with a frame which is A-shaped consisting of a center and main outer tube, crossbar or horizontal tube. The main tube is able to extend up from an underside of the vehicle, to be able to cover a portion of the grille and bumper, depending on the model.
Typically, a bull bar is able to bolt onto the frame of the vehicle and covers just the center portion of the front end of your vehicle as opposed to the headlights. You will mainly find bull bars on jeeps, trucks, SUVs and even crossover vehicles.
Several of them come with a crossbar which is able to accept the aftermarket lights together with a skid plate which is attached to the lower portion of the frame to be able to deflect stones and other small debris on the road.
Bull bars tend to be different from the grille guards because of they:
◆ Usually, come with a skid plate
◆ They generally cover less area than the grille guards
◆ They don’t have brush guards to be able to cover the headlights.
Grill guards
They have an H-shaped frame. Sometimes referred to as a brush guard, the grille guard is made up of center horizontal member referred to as a center flange or crossbar and two vertical members referred to as risers.
Most grille guards tend to have a pair of rings attached to the risers or side brush guards extended outward to be able to ensure that, the vehicle’s headlights are protected as well as a bottom tube and a top tube spanning in between the risers.
Just like on the bull bar, the crossbar on the grille guard is designed to accept the aftermarket lights, whether using holes which are predrilled or on LED light bar housing.
They are different from bull bars because of they:
◆ Don’t have skids
◆ Have brush guards which are able to wrap around the headlights
◆ They tend to cover a bigger portion of the front end.
2. Can I Use Tow Hooks With A Grille Guard?
Yes, you can use tow hooks with a grille guard. The custom design for grille guards normally allows for maximum functionality with the system which is in place.
The factory equipment will be accounted for and thus, there are several grille guards which will pair well with tow hooks. In this instance, the manufacturers will ensure that they include new tow hooks for use with the guards.
3. Will A Grille Guard Or A bull bar protect my vehicle in an accident?
In a low impact, low-speed crash, a grille guard or a bull bar will be able to modestly protect your bumpers in front, lights and grille details from the impact. In some instances, a brush guard for some vehicles can be able to push an object which is sedentary for a certain distance at a speed which is low.
But you have to take care as this might end up creating marks or scratching your guard finish. The bull bars with skids can be able to provide protection which is solid for vehicles lower front bumper while in a collision which is low speed.
In case the impact is high and the speed is high, it will cause it to crash back into the grille, which in the process, might increase the damage cost.
4. Is It Difficult To Add Lights To A Grille Guard?
In most instances, the grille guard does have pre-drilled holes or tabs to be able to accommodate the addition of driving, fog, and off-road auxiliary lights. You have to ensure that you have checked the descriptions of the product individually to find out that it has features which you need.
5. Are Full Metal Bull Bars legal?
Fitting bull bars which are not compatible with strict directives are illegal. The minimum level of protection for pedestrian and type approved for the cars they are fitted on are what should be adhered to. Steel bull bars don’t meet the standards and thus, illegal. The reason is that they tend to cause a lot of damage in case of an accident especially if it involves a pedestrian.
Conclusion
Getting one of the best truck bull bars and grille guards are one of the best things you can do for your vehicle. It will transform its look and durability. If you are out looking for a good grille guard for your truck for professional or recreational activities, you can easily choose from the ones I have reviewed above. In case your vehicle is not mentioned, then you can go to Amazon and you will be able to get a variety of them. Read customer reviews and make sure that, you get the right one for yourself.
Source:
