Front End Grill and Light protection from deer collisions

[CaptSteve]

Looking for full front end protection from collisions with deer for my 2021 F-150 Power Boost Hybrid. Trying to find a grill and light guard that will not interfere with the front sensors and camera. Anyone have one that fits my criteria?

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[24RMG]

I had a Ranch Hand on my 2024. Worked with front camera and sensors. You could see a little bit of it in camera but not bad.

 

[tspangle]

If you want one because you like the looks of it, go for it. If you're looking to actually protect the front of your truck, you're better off without one. Body shops call them "damage multipliers" because instead of damaging one part of the front end when you hit something, you damage all the parts as it gets pushed back.

 

[jhelrey]

$250 deductible with your favorite insurance provider.

 

[CaptSteve]

After hitting a deer last fall, I had to pay a $500 deductible on repairs that totaled $13,600. It took a month to get repaired and another week to get the software reset. So I’m not interested in one just for looks—I don’t think they look that great anyway, and it would make the garage an even tighter fit. The reset on the software took another two visits to the dealer plus another week.

 

[rcgrizz]

2025 KR, 3500 miles. Hit a deer several weeks ago. was able to slow speed to appx 20mph before impact. Very, very minimal visible damage. But since new, drove to my longtime body shop friend. Initial estimate $3,800, so went ahead and filed a claim. Once they got the area disassembled, more damage, including broken mounts on headlight, sensors, etc. Final repair damage was just shy of $8,000.

 

[0o7]

My neighborhood is overrun with deer. After hitting one at slow speed in my wife's car and seeing the amount of damage it did, I bought a ranchhand grill from a fellow forum member. Had to take a grinder to it to open the center a bit so I can use the front camera and it's worked great ever since. 10 for 10 would recommend for deer.

 

[Jmitchelltfo]

This is the one I've been looking at.
https://www.ironbullbumpers.com/products/2021-2023-ford-f150-f150-tremor





UGLY.....yes. Protect from deer, elk, maybe even a Grizzly. But if you're sick of dealing with insurance like I am, this could be decent option.
https://www.bumperonly.com/products/ali-arc-guardian-ford-f150-2021-2023-front-bumper-fdg274?currency=USD&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Google Shopping&stkn=9f29053a685a&srsltid=AfmBOoo_11poA6aqPyQTTUqTbTx_e9XQZmcj3G6J-OJF2av5RBYNp1S_RX8

 

[Buyer2021]

Living 70 years in rural deer country and seeing the result of countless hits with and without various bumper guards I don't think they predictably help mitigate damage or reduce repair costs at all.

Every strike is different and so is the resultant damage. IMO you're likely to be dealing with an insurance claim in any case.

Bottom line, I wouldn't install one unless I wanted it for the appearance. I sure wouldn't if it adds any inconvenience at all in terms of parking, garaging, etc. every day of use.

 

[CaptSteve]

2025 KR, 3500 miles. Hit a deer several weeks ago. was able to slow speed to appx 20mph before impact. Very, very minimal visible damage. But since new, drove to my longtime body shop friend. Initial estimate $3,800, so went ahead and filed a claim. Once they got the area disassembled, more damage, including broken mounts on headlight, sensors, etc. Final repair damage was just shy of $8,000.

My initial repair estimate was $6800. That grew into $13,600 after they began removing the parts of the front end. The shop discovered Louvers, sensors, and other parts that needed replacement.
My deer strike was a full-on broadside impact. I am sure a grill would have protected much of the front end. I just don't care for the appearance of grills but it is looking more like a necessity in this region of Western PA.

 

[Henfield]

I've seen mega bumpers cause as much damage to a vehicle as not having anything. All depends on how hard you hit them. So far I've been lucky. (tempting fate to say that)

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