Need help with my build - full body bash plates or brush guard?

[Maximus3311]

I’ve posted a few times here and everyone has been incredibly helpful so I’m hoping I can get some more advice (plus I’m snowed in and kinda bored...so thinking about my Bronco is my excitement for the day).

I’m *very* new to OHVs (beating my old Denali to death 20 years ago on dirt roads and fields probably doesn’t count).

Ergo I’m a novice and don’t intend to be too aggressive. I’m going to start on easy trails and work my way up to moderate and ultimately difficult. But I don’t ever foresee myself rock crawling (unless I end up stuck somewhere and it’s the only way out...but I’m cautious so don’t foresee that happening).

I was trying to add the full body bash plates and brush guard - but apparently can only pick one.
For reference - I live in Colorado so will be doing my off-roading in the mountains. I’ve reserved a Wildtrak so at least I have the front bash plates included.

Thanks for any/all advice!

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[Bronc-Itus]

https://www.bronco6g.com/forum/threads/brush-guard-incompatible-with-full-body-bash-plates.13786/

 

[AcesandEights]

The brush guard is aesthetic. It has no practical use but to elicit an emotional response.

 

[Maximus3311]

The brush guard is aesthetic. It has no practical use but to elicit an emotional response.

Ok thank you that's good to know - as much as I love the way my Bronco looks I'm more interested in substance over style. I don't need something sticking out the front that's not going to provide actual protection.

Given that I'll just stick with the bash plates and protect my investment.

Thanks@

 

[Maximus3311]

https://www.bronco6g.com/forum/threads/brush-guard-incompatible-with-full-body-bash-plates.13786/

Yep that was my post too...I wanted both but since I can't get both I figured I'd solicit information about which was more useful.

 

[kimmnen]

Ok thank you that's good to know - as much as I love the way my Bronco looks I'm more interested in substance over style. I don't need something sticking out the front that's not going to provide actual protection.

Given that I'll just stick with the bash plates and protect my investment.

Thanks@

and what is easiest for you to install on your own if you decide you need both.

 

[PSUTE]

The brush guard is aesthetic. It has no practical use but to elicit an emotional response.

Disagee. May be the difference between getting home after hitting a deer and not. #Deerslayer...

 

[Maximus3311]

Disagee. May be the difference between getting home after hitting a deer and not. #Deerslayer...

Well here's the question - since I already have the front steel bash plates and the rear (plastic) - would those combined be sufficient for what I'm going to be doing?

I really appreciate all the advice too - like I said I don't know enough about this stuff to make an informed decision.

 

[AcesandEights]

Absolutely, that's sufficient.

Ford's "brush" guard is just that. It's bolted to the bumper and is a tear-away piece, capable of blocking brush. What @PSUTE says about deer is true if you're talking about a welded or formed piece of steel that is integral to the bumper, but not what Ford is offering. Ford's piece is not a structural component making a difference when bashed. The brush guard is for looks, not for protection.

 

[Maximus3311]

Absolutely, that's sufficient.

Ford's "brush" guard is just that. It's bolted to the bumper and is a tear-away piece, capable of blocking brush. What @PSUTE says about deer is true if you're talking about a welded or formed piece of steel that is integral to the bumper, but not what Ford is offering. Ford's piece is not a structural component making a difference when bashed. The brush guard is for looks, not for protection.

Ah ok well that makes perfect sense. Maybe I'll bolt one on myself afterwards (depending on price). I'm capable of doing that...but going under the bronco to bolt on bash plates would be a lot harder for me. Would probably end up setting a fire somehow.

 

[swooshdave]

Absolutely, that's sufficient.

Ford's "brush" guard is just that. It's bolted to the bumper and is a tear-away piece, capable of blocking brush. What @PSUTE says about deer is true if you're talking about a welded or formed piece of steel that is integral to the bumper, but not what Ford is offering. Ford's piece is not a structural component making a difference when bashed. The brush guard is for looks, not for protection.

If it was a deer proof they would have called it a deer guard.

 

[BenB007]

I personally like having a brush guard. I had one on my 98 Discovery and it was nice when people would back into me while parallel parking. I've also bumped into a sign post or two in parking lots with my Tundra in the seven years that I've had it. Seems the Bronco version does little on the trails but around town I would expect it to be decent. That being said, reading the above replies, it looks as though the Bronco brush guard isn't substantial enough that it would help much.

 

[AcesandEights]

A bullbar or push bumper (also called a (kanga)roo bar or nudge bar in Australia, a moose bumper in Canada, and a push bar, PIT guard, PIT bar, PIT bumper, ram bar, ram bumper, brush guard, bumper bar, grille bar, grille guard, rammer or cattle pusher (in the United States)

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bullbar

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