Bambi Bumpers?

The Deer Strike thread got me thinking about a Bambi Bumper for my Gen 3. I didn't want to hijack that thread, so here are my questions.

I live in deer country, and I have hit a few with previous trucks. Of course, those trucks had steel bumpers and grilles, so damage was minimal. It's clear that won't be the case if/when I hit one in my new Tundra. I've heard reports of up to $20K worth of damage from a deer strike.

Are any of you running aftermarket grill guards? If so, what brands? Are they aluminum or steel? Do you believe they will help minimize damage if you hit a deer? Do they mess with the sensors in the front bumper?

Thanks in advance,

Matt

 

C4

 

Over a certain speed and over a certain size deer, I've never seen a guard, bull bar, whatever, not get damaged and/or prevent damage to the front end.
If it's any more than a light bump at slower speeds, you got damage.

 

Got pics of the bumper?
For the OP, and I always like checking out front bumpers/front end protection

 

I have Ranchhand bumpers on my truck. That said, I've had really good luck with the plastic stick on whistle things for decades and hundreds of thousands of miles of fast highway and country road driving. I think placement and keeping them clear of bugs are the reasons why. Obviously choosing your drive time when given the option can also reduce the risks. Good luck!

 

That looks pretty beefy.

 

Thats a gorgeous bumper, dont get me wrong. But looking at your profile pic head-on, I dont see that stopping a deer going through the grill or into the headlights. Im sure it's way better ( and more functional ) than the plastic oem front end.
You'll just have to hope it goes under. Beautiful truck !!

 

Thanks for the reminder on the Deer Whistles. Ive got them on my motorcycle and haven only see deer run across way ahead of me. I've got to get a set on the new Tundra asap.

 

Land Cruiser + ARB bumper + Rock Warrior wheels = Pure Toyota Awesomeness

 

it’s taken down 2 so far and no issues. If you hit the head on your hosed, but that will happen with everything unless you build a wall of death and have no exposed plastic/ front end.

thanks!

 

not the case at all, I’ve hit 4-5 deer that I remember with my old fav fours bumper, my old c4 bumper and a few with my new c4 bumper all between 60-90mph and have had zero damage to the front end. If you hit the right the go under the truck or under the tire and you’re golden. Some scratches in the powdercoat and a busted fog light from time to time

 

Local shop here in Boise did it!

 

Thanks for the information, fellas.

So far, I like everything about the C4 except the price. It would probably pay for itself in the event of deer strike, however.

Matt

 

look into the threads here on how much people are paying to fix deer hits and it makes a ton of sense, plus you get to spend extra money on winches, lights, new grills, etc since you have too while it’s all apart

 

Would you mind an update? Did you end up liking this bumper? I’ve heard of people dealing with rust on these after only a year or so.

 

C4 doesn’t do painting or powder coating so any rust isn’t on C4 but the Joe blow painter.

 

Ive had 3 c4 bumpers and zero rust... had them professionally coated since c4 doesn't do pc work. I think youre thinking of CBI

correct

 

The deer whistles work really well!! They even work awesome for raccoons, turkey, cats, dogs, squirrels and most all animals. I can’t recall ever hitting an animal while running with these, except for birds.

 

That front bumper dresses the deer for you, hardest part is picking up all the slabs all over the pavement lol

 

Might be CBI. I’ve been looking at a lot of bumpers lately. Thanks for the update