Bull Bar (Brush Guard) add of any use?

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Bull Bar (Brush Guard) add of any use?

November 03, 2017, 08:56:34 pm

Hi all,
We are the owners of a 1997 27' mid bath and have been for a little over 6 years. We have just rolled over 120,000 miles and are starting to do bigger trips in to the back woods of the West.
Is the addition of a bull bar on the front end an actual help in protecting the front from maybe something hit on the road or is it really just for looks?

Thanks and happy trails,
Rod

Re: Bull Bar add of any use?

Reply #1 – November 03, 2017, 09:55:23 pm

" Is the addition of a bull bar..."

I've never heard the term "bull bar" before this but I'll presume that you are talking about what is commonly called a 'Brush Guard'. 4x4 off road vehicles are seen with them quite often. I owned and drove a 1977 International Scout for 24 years and most of it's life (it's still on the road under new management) it sported a grill guard. Was it worth it? Not really! Only once can I recall a need for it when I was trying to 'bull' my way through a grove of young aspen trees.

Re: Bull Bar add of any use?

Reply #2 – November 03, 2017, 10:20:14 pm

One thing they do is get you started on a path to a Mad Max look. Could be interesting to see and LD careening down forest roads all tarted up like this Westy
https://images.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=https%3A%2F%2Ftse4.mm.bing.net%2Fth%3Fid%3DOIP.hRU9ljbNizCnetcr2WUM3QEsDh%26pid%3D15.1&f=1

Or
https://images.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=https%3A%2F%2Ftse1.mm.bing.net%2Fth%3Fid%3DOIP.vKpkaBHBBEcdzoZfG_-KFwEsCz%26pid%3D15.1&f=1

I first saw bull bars in Australia where they are called roo bars, and the big rigs that drive across the interior sport them so they don’t have to slow down for the kangaroos. I would bet on a LD the deer would be effectively deflected, the height seems good. Let’s see some photos of at least a mock-up?

Re: Bull Bar add of any use?

Reply #3 – November 03, 2017, 11:13:17 pm

We presently have 3 4X4 vehicles (1 is for sale) and have owned 7 of them over the years. Bull bars are mostly just for looks, IMHO. I haven't owned one and don't see a reason to. A winch is an occasionally useful piece of bumper jewelry, but in my world, a bull bar just looks silly.

HD

Re: Bull Bar add of any use?

Reply #4 – November 04, 2017, 12:16:17 am

Deer are the biggest risk and in some areas free grazing cattle can be. Slow it down a bit and try not to drive at night. You'll be ok. Frank

Re: Bull Bar add of any use?

Reply #5 – November 04, 2017, 12:14:54 pm

Quote from: kool83704 - November 04, 2017, 12:16:17 am

Deer are the biggest risk and in some areas free grazing cattle can be. Slow it down a bit and try not to drive at night. You'll be ok. Frank

I have hit deer twice, once requiring a new grille, surrounding brightwork and headlight. Both time the deer rolled into the ditch, got up and ran off.

Chris

Re: Bull Bar add of any use?

Reply #6 – November 04, 2017, 01:01:39 pm

It finishes out the look on most off road vehicles. Provides a bit of protection, and can be used to place added lighting in a convenient location.
I think it looks good on this one.

Re: Bull Bar add of any use?

Reply #7 – November 04, 2017, 01:29:25 pm

Quote from: Jota - November 04, 2017, 01:01:39 pm

It finishes out the look on most off road vehicles. Provides a bit of protection, and can be used to place added lighting in a convenient location.
I think it looks good on this one.

Wonder how far over the GVW it it, especially the front axle rating.
The added 4X4 equipment and bumpers add a lot of weight to the front end that is usually near its GVW in its stock form.
Anyway, it sits so high a deer would go under rather than into the front bumper.
Now, if you are going to be cruising the Serengeti , it might be a different story.

Larry

Re: Bull Bar add of any use?

Reply #8 – November 04, 2017, 03:05:53 pm

Here is the finishing touch for a Smart Car.

Jim

Re: Bull Bar add of any use?

Reply #9 – November 04, 2017, 03:49:17 pm

Pair the Bull Bar with a "Police Interceptor" badge and you'll be among the Lazy Daze elite.

I've had this in my Amazon cart since forever. Only modesty stops me from (ahem) pulling the trigger.

Amazon.com: Genuine Ford XW7Z-5442528-AA Nameplate: Automotive

As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.

Re: Bull Bar add of any use?

Reply #10 – November 04, 2017, 03:53:04 pm

"Only once can I recall a need..."

Just thought of something else! My brush guard was made in such a way as to carry a "Hi-Lift" jack in addition to a tow hook and a hitch ball. The hitch ball came in handy when I was trying to place my tent trailer into a tight spot.

Re: Bull Bar add of any use?

Reply #11 – November 04, 2017, 11:26:36 pm

Quote from: Jota - November 04, 2017, 01:01:39 pm

It finishes out the look on most off road vehicles. Provides a bit of protection, and can be used to place added lighting in a convenient location.
I think it looks good on this one.

Oh man, that is a purposeful looking class c. Kinda like the love child of a Lazy Daze and an Earthroamer. Oh I just noticed that is a modded Bigfoot. So definitely overweight. But deer won't be able to damage it.

I vote that you should do this. Though too high for deer it may be just right for elk. Too low for moose though. But without the 4WD package the height will be just right. Of course in my experience deer are the kamikaze of the animal kingdom. They will hit you from all angles so will probably dodge the bull bar in any case.