Drop in grill guard

What do you all think of some fab work to mount some receiver type tubes with a crunch can built-in to the tow hook mounts. Then fab a grill guard or deer catcher for highway use that can simply be unpinned and stored when not needed. Keep the truck protected or stock as needed so to speak. Make sense? Could pull it off on the trail if need clearance, could include a winch plate or even separate winch plate. Lots of options. Yes front receiver is already available but a double tube would be much better for obvious reasons. Plus you want a crumple zone to absorb impact to minimize potential frame damage and bodily injury. Any ideas or opinions?? Yes, you can start a new business with my idea for 20%. Build an aftermarket bumper with two vertical holes to drop in the removable grill guard as needed. We both will make bank!

 

Any type of grille guard like that is going to crumple and push back into the front of the truck in a hit or accident. There is a reason folks call them "damage multipliers".

For protection of deer hits and similar you need a full aftermarket bumper with integrated grille/brush guard. ARB makes great stuff, folks here run ranch hand as well. It needs to be substantial to fend off a hit from a 100-200lb animal and the bolt on brush guards will not provide that.

 

Maybe you are misunderstanding. First of all I am not speaking of something like a Westin or similar flimsy grill guard from Amazon. I am speaking of sonething fabricated from 2" .250 wall square tubing or 2.375" pipe. Being pinned into 3" .250 wall or similar double receivers. The crush cans of course would crush or stretch depending on vectors of force and sum of force. Obviously you dont want to bend the frame of the truck with a brick wall impact. Thats a huge damage multiplier. Even ARB and Ranch Hand will cause damage with enough impact.

 

I understand where you’re going with this and it’s not a bad idea. If you have good metal working/fabrication skills, go for it. Post pics of the results. If they don’t look like complete ass (which IMO the ARB and Ranch Hand offerings do) I’d be interested.

 

I have skills and equipment, time not so much. I agree those could look better. Because of time constraints mine will not be pretty to look at, but it will not cave and fail like a flimsy name brand bull bar or joke of a grill guard. What are those for anyway squirrels?? However, my not so pretty version will be easily removed and stored when I'm in the city and such. Getting ready to go to Colorado or Wisconsin, etc. Pin that dude on and roll with more peace of mind! Just sayin!

 

Let us know what you come up with. I don’ have the necessary skills (I’m a journeyman electrician working at a mining/processing facility) but I know people who do.

 

Just occurred to me that this could also be used as a bike rack or surf rod holder. Which also makes it more attractive and marketable.