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bajaguy
Elite Nomad
Posts: 9247
Registered: 9-16-2003
Location: Carson City, NV/Ensenada - Baja Country Club
Member Is Offline
Mood: must be 5 O'clock somewhere in Baja
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Ranch Hand
By (and buy) far the best. Have one mounted on my 2011 Dodge Ram.
http://ranchhand.com/
About a 30 minute install, no drilling, perfect fit.
There are plenty of cheap brush guards out there, this one is heavy duty and built to last.
[Edited on 10-10-2011 by bajaguy]
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Maderita
Senior Nomad
Posts: 695
Registered: 12-14-2008
Location: San Diego
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Resist the temptation to buy a cheap bumper/grill guard. Many of the products mass-manufactured for the aftermarket are better for show than for
stopping a cow or VW.
Some grill guards, particularly those that have components bolted to the bumper, rather that welded as a unit, may actually cause more body damage
when hit. The grill guard collapses back into the hood, grill and fenders, resulting in many hundreds of dollars of additional damage.
Either buy top-quality aftermarket, or have one fabricated.
Reunel is a good example of high quality:
http://www.reunel.com/
There are a lot of underemployed fabricators in San Diego, East County area. Look for their ads on Craigslist or maybe the Bargain Trader. Sometimes
used bumpers come up for sale.
If you have one fabricated, it should be ERW steel tubing. DOM is unneccessary and expensive for bumpers (but good for roll cages).
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Ken Cooke
Elite Nomad
Posts: 8970
Registered: 2-9-2004
Location: Riverside, CA
Member Is Offline
Mood: Pole Line Road postponed due to injury
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Chinese Buck-Stoppers
Smittybuilt bumpers adorn both Rubicons in this picture. They are heavy, but mine came within mere inches of a deer on Mex Hwy 1. It dented the
drivers door and got knocked out on my rocker panel (now covered by Fabtech steel rocker protectors). I saw lots of good stuff while visiting friends
in Del Rio, TX. Here's my Rubicon and my friends Rubicon before we installed the suspension lift, tires, winch, accessories, etc.
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ddawson
Nomad
Posts: 103
Registered: 9-6-2010
Location: Hilo
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If you have an E250, I would suggest Aluminess. They fab the bumpers for Sportsmobile. They're pretty stout and made of aluminum so they are still
lightweight. Check their website:
http://www.aluminess.com/vans.htm
They're located in Santee.
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mtgoat666
Platinum Nomad
Posts: 20372
Registered: 9-16-2006
Location: San Diego
Member Is Offline
Mood: Hot n spicy
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mr magoo: why are you such bad driver that you need cow catcher on front of your vehicle?
| Quote: | Originally posted by Maderita
Resist the temptation to buy a cheap bumper/grill guard. Many of the products mass-manufactured for the aftermarket are better for show than for
stopping a cow or VW.
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if you hit something hard enough to collapse a brush guard, you may bend your frame. stock bumpers are designed to absorb shock and deform within
bumper so frame does not deform.
anyways,... why are you such a bad driver that you are hitting things with front of your car???????????? if you are such a bad driver that you need a
brush/cattle guard, i suppose the bars are perfect for you, or perhaps you are getting too long in tooth and should stop driving.
if you drive well, you can probably rely on stock bumper for what should be a very RARE event of hitting a cow or VW.
and if you have rare hit, isn't that what insurance is for?????????
if you hit a cow or vw more often that once per decade, you should not be driving.
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Woooosh
Banned
Posts: 5240
Registered: 1-28-2007
Location: Rosarito Beach
Member Is Offline
Mood: Luminescent Waves at Rosarito Beach
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| Quote: | Originally posted by comitan
If you were in La Paz, there are 5-6 stores that have them out front for sale. |
so you wouldn't buy the nutz keychain either then probably? 
[Edited on 10-11-2011 by Woooosh]
\"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing\"
1961- JFK to Canadian parliament (Edmund Burke)
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Cisco
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 4196
Registered: 12-30-2010
Member Is Offline
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| Quote: | Originally posted by mtgoat666
| Quote: | Originally posted by Maderita
Resist the temptation to buy a cheap bumper/grill guard. Many of the products mass-manufactured for the aftermarket are better for show than for
stopping a cow or VW.
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if you hit something hard enough to collapse a brush guard, you may bend your frame. stock bumpers are designed to absorb shock and deform within
bumper so frame does not deform.
anyways,... why are you such a bad driver that you are hitting things with front of your car???????????? if you are such a bad driver that you need a
brush/cattle guard, i suppose the bars are perfect for you, or perhaps you are getting too long in tooth and should stop driving.
if you drive well, you can probably rely on stock bumper for what should be a very RARE event of hitting a cow or VW.
and if you have rare hit, isn't that what insurance is for?????????
if you hit a cow or vw more often that once per decade, you should not be driving.
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Excellent points all Goat.
Actually I want them to keep the cars in Pacific Beach that are 13' 8" long from banging up the parked van when they try to get into a 14' parking
space and playing bumper cars. Drives me nut's. Am fabricating a pointy thingy for the 2" tow point aft also which should tear up a bumper before they
hit the van while parking.
I live two blocks north of the bars on Garnet and three blocks from the beach. A lovely, quiet community 20 years ago before the city started loading
bars (high tax income) into the area without adequate consideration of the immense parking problems we have now in this residential community. I could
go on about the jaywalkers popping-out at you also...
Since I got off the sauce I have not had one incident in Baja, which has saved me immense amounts of money and jail time and I am not concerned about
driving Baja. I am concerned about parking/driving in P.B. (or any of San Diego for that matter).
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Cisco
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 4196
Registered: 12-30-2010
Member Is Offline
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| Quote: | Originally posted by Woooosh
| Quote: | Originally posted by comitan
If you were in La Paz, there are 5-6 stores that have them out front for sale. |
so you wouldn't buy the nutz keychain either then probably?
[Edited on 10-11-2011 by Woooosh] |
Probably not Whoosh. I did just get the "dingle balls" installed around the inside of the windshield and I have a bobble-head Charger doll ordered for
the dash but it has not arrived yet.
Hope it gets here before I take off.
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Ken Cooke
Elite Nomad
Posts: 8970
Registered: 2-9-2004
Location: Riverside, CA
Member Is Offline
Mood: Pole Line Road postponed due to injury
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Insurance will pay for "EVERYTHING"??
| Quote: | Originally posted by mtgoat666
| Quote: | Originally posted by Maderita
Resist the temptation to buy a cheap bumper/grill guard. Many of the products mass-manufactured for the aftermarket are better for show than for
stopping a cow or VW.
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and if you have rare hit, isn't that what insurance is for?????????
if you hit a cow or vw more often that once per decade, you should not be driving.
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For full-replacement value, refer me to the better insurance company? I would like a factory-new 2012 Rubicon if I got into a tangle with this cow.
On the Mission Impossible trail in April, I had a Jeep back into mine - hitting the bumper and only leaving paint on the push bar. Had I relied on
the Factory bumper, I would have suffered expensive body damage - and possibly a $500/$1000 deductible to contend with.
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Maderita
Senior Nomad
Posts: 695
Registered: 12-14-2008
Location: San Diego
Member Is Offline
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Cisco,
Reading your post again, I see that you have an "E-250" (Ford 3/4 ton van).
Here's what I built for my E-350 (1-ton van). It started off as a used Warn brand winch bumper, $100. I welded on another 75+ lbs. of steel plate and
angle for reinforcement, including additional end braces which tie to the frame.
This bumper has been put to the test. Notice the facing sheet metal behind the black rubber in the foreground (passenger side)? That slight 1/2"
indentation is the only damage which occurred when a 1/2 ton pickup turned left in front of me. Knocked the truck 3' in the air, sideways about 10'
and caved in the rear corner of the bed about 2'. After the gentleman signed a statement that it was 100% his fault, I went on my way. Laughing to
myself a little. Had that been the cheesy factory bumper on my van, repairs would have cost several thousand dollars.
Do get an aftermarket bumper. Stuff happens! Factory OEM truck bumpers are notoriously light and flimsy and won't protect a truck in a parking lot
accident. Trucks/vans are exempt from Federal impact standards.
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Ateo
Elite Nomad
Posts: 5938
Registered: 7-18-2011
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My 1993 isuzu rodeo came with a grill guard. Thing came flying off on the way to Scorpion Bay in 1995. I was hauling ass down the North Road and hit
some bumps. The cow catcher literally flew off the front of the SUV, up and over the windshield, completely flying over my entire car. I guess
that's what you get for having a cow catcher on an isuzu.
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Cisco
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 4196
Registered: 12-30-2010
Member Is Offline
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| Quote: | Originally posted by Maderita
Cisco,
Reading your post again, I see that you have an "E-250" (Ford 3/4 ton van).
Here's what I built for my E-350 (1-ton van). It started off as a used Warn brand winch bumper, $100. I welded on another 75+ lbs. of steel plate and
angle for reinforcement, including additional end braces which tie to the frame.
This bumper has been put to the test. Notice the facing sheet metal behind the black rubber in the foreground (passenger side)? That slight 1/2"
indentation is the only damage which occurred when a 1/2 ton pickup turned left in front of me. Knocked the truck 3' in the air, sideways about 10'
and caved in the rear corner of the bed about 2'. After the gentleman signed a statement that it was 100% his fault, I went on my way. Laughing to
myself a little. Had that been the cheesy factory bumper on my van, repairs would have cost several thousand dollars.
Do get an aftermarket bumper. Stuff happens! Factory OEM truck bumpers are notoriously light and flimsy and won't protect a truck in a parking lot
accident. Trucks/vans are exempt from Federal impact standards. |
EXCELLENT!!! That looks like the deal for my application. Thanks for going back and checking me out. Appreciate your effort.
And thanks to all who replied here. There is a tremendous amount of expertise, experience, opinion and B.S. on this forum and it certainly came to my
assistance with this question.
Leaving next week and this project in mind for while SOB and (if not done there) then NOB when I return.
Maderita you certainly recognized my needs for this area. This will be a very welcome addition to the van while out there and a money-saving
protector while here NOB.
And, it should adequately protect my vehicle in the event that I inadvertently strike a bicyclist. or a large group of bicyclists while motoring.
Might not even realize it while gazing at the countryside in Baja, or the attractions along Mission Blvd. during a sunny day.
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Russ
Elite Nomad
Posts: 6742
Registered: 7-4-2004
Location: Punta Chivato
Member Is Offline
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I went to the local welder and drew a picture of what I thought I wanted and he improved on my simple design. Also did an excellent job on an Xtera.
Here's mine on the F250.
[Edited on 10-11-2011 by Russ]
Bahia Concepcion where life starts...given a chance!
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jakecard
Nomad
Posts: 141
Registered: 7-13-2011
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You have mentioned taking out jaywalkers twice. You have disclosed your fond desire to tear up people's bumpers. And now you are musing about the
possibility of mowing down bicyclists as well.
Good thing there are laws precluding your "jokes" here from becoming evidence of your pre-meditated "accident." Because otherwise your careless
self-incrimination on the Internet could really suck for you in court, eh Cisco?
Jake
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Cisco
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 4196
Registered: 12-30-2010
Member Is Offline
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| Quote: | Originally posted by jakecard
You have mentioned taking out jaywalkers twice. You have disclosed your fond desire to tear up people's bumpers. And now you are musing about the
possibility of mowing down bicyclists as well.
Good thing there are laws precluding your "jokes" here from becoming evidence of your pre-meditated "accident." Because otherwise your careless
self-incrimination on the Internet could really suck for you in court, eh Cisco?
Thank you counselor, your perceptive reading of my post’s is impressive.
Actually tearing up other peoples bumpers was a suggestion of a San Diego Police Officer, not mine.
I did not use the term “mowing down” bicyclists although after one experience with “Critical Mass” it certainly sounds tempting, again thanks.
Unless you live in the circumstances of this area I consider your comments to be completely uniformed. I have spoken on numerous occasions with
S.D.P.D. in person, by phone and through e-mail communications regarding the problems we have in this community, problems brought on directly by the
city of San Diego and the upshot of the whole thing is they are making money on it and are not going to change anything.
One officer told me, in person, that it will take someone’s death on the street due to jaywalking before anything will be implemented. It is
impossible to get an officer to your property after dark for anything short of an impending murder or assault as they are too busy policing the
immediate bar district and protecting their revenues. (we are #1 in DUI’s here in P.B. a dubious honor).
Directly I was told to protect myself and my property and given specifics as to how that should be done. Hence the reason for my search for vehicle
protection information.
The “self-incrimination” you speak of is highly documented by myself and the authorities and although sympathetic they are unwilling to offer anything
in the way of enforcement.
So Jake I consider your comments, as well intentioned as they may be, to also be completely naive and ignorant.
Jake |
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Ken Cooke
Elite Nomad
Posts: 8970
Registered: 2-9-2004
Location: Riverside, CA
Member Is Offline
Mood: Pole Line Road postponed due to injury
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I WAS REAR-ENDED IN ROSARITO BEACH AT DUSK
by a Camero that did not want to stop in time behind me. The damage (due to my heavy-duty bumpers) - NONE. I would suggest that anyone that enjoys
traveling throughout the Baja peninsula - even the populated Northern areas to invest in heavy-duty bumpers.
The hood of the Camero didn't even leave a scratch on my scratched bumper!
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mtgoat666
Platinum Nomad
Posts: 20372
Registered: 9-16-2006
Location: San Diego
Member Is Offline
Mood: Hot n spicy
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| Quote: | Originally posted by Ken Cooke
by a Camero that did not want to stop in time behind me. The damage (due to my heavy-duty bumpers) - NONE. I would suggest that anyone that enjoys
traveling throughout the Baja peninsula - even the populated Northern areas to invest in heavy-duty bumpers.
The hood of the Camero didn't even leave a scratch on my scratched bumper!
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ken:
the scenario you describe is good for you, because the other car absorbed energy through deformation.
the day you collide with another vehicle that also has reinforced bumpers like yours is the day you learn that a crash w/o energy-absorbing bumpers
and crumple-frames to absorb energy is painful for vehicle occupants. if all cars on street had solid bumpers like yours you would see some pretty
horrible results in collisions. vehicles with bumpers that absorb energy are good for all occupants of vehicles involved in crashes. sort of like
the difference between playing tackle football with and without pads, and removing energy dissapators from bumper and frame is sort of like removing
air bags from your vehicle..
good luck!
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mtgoat666
Platinum Nomad
Posts: 20372
Registered: 9-16-2006
Location: San Diego
Member Is Offline
Mood: Hot n spicy
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| Quote: | Originally posted by Cisco
Thank you counselor, your perceptive reading of my post’s is impressive.
Actually tearing up other peoples bumpers was a suggestion of a San Diego Police Officer, not mine.
I did not use the term “mowing down” bicyclists although after one experience with “Critical Mass” it certainly sounds tempting, again thanks.
Unless you live in the circumstances of this area I consider your comments to be completely uniformed. I have spoken on numerous occasions with
S.D.P.D. in person, by phone and through e-mail communications regarding the problems we have in this community, problems brought on directly by the
city of San Diego and the upshot of the whole thing is they are making money on it and are not going to change anything.
One officer told me, in person, that it will take someone’s death on the street due to jaywalking before anything will be implemented. It is
impossible to get an officer to your property after dark for anything short of an impending murder or assault as they are too busy policing the
immediate bar district and protecting their revenues. (we are #1 in DUI’s here in P.B. a dubious honor).
Directly I was told to protect myself and my property and given specifics as to how that should be done. Hence the reason for my search for vehicle
protection information.
The “self-incrimination” you speak of is highly documented by myself and the authorities and although sympathetic they are unwilling to offer anything
in the way of enforcement.
So Jake I consider your comments, as well intentioned as they may be, to also be completely naive and ignorant.
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Sounds like the neighborhood changed and you harbor resentment about the change. you might be happier if you moved to a new place, ya know?
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jakecard
Nomad
Posts: 141
Registered: 7-13-2011
Member Is Offline
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Christ. You are serious!
Put down the keys, man.
Just put 'em down.
Jake
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Ken Cooke
Elite Nomad
Posts: 8970
Registered: 2-9-2004
Location: Riverside, CA
Member Is Offline
Mood: Pole Line Road postponed due to injury
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| Quote: | Originally posted by mtgoat666
| Quote: | Originally posted by Ken Cooke
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ken:
the day you collide with another vehicle that also has reinforced bumpers like yours is the day you learn that a crash w/o energy-absorbing bumpers
and crumple-frames to absorb energy is painful for vehicle occupants. |
It would certainly be a freak accident. I am a very careful driver that regularly gets cut off because of the cushion of space I leave between the
driver in front of me. This normally gets gobbled up by other drivers looking to "get ahead."
I once had a very minor fender-bender in 1989. 
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