I installed one of the heavy bumpers with brush guard and really couldn't tell a difference in mileage. I installed the Gage brand on the 01 it's a cheaper version of the Ranchhand bumper but almost identical.

 

I have the brush guard from ranch hand, but not the full bumper, I also have a curt front mount hitch, I did not notice a change im in fuel economy.

 

I have a ranch hand bumper replacement and have not noticed a difference in fuel economy. However, it is the lightest bumper replacement they make I believe. I don't really like putting an extremely heavy bumper on the front of these trucks. I am always concerned about causing excessive wear to the front end parts. That is probably just me being paranoid from driving dodges in the past. Those parts were crap right from the factory.

 

I have the ranch hand bumper with grill guard and can't really say I noticed much if any difference. but then again, I don't pay a whole lot attention to MPG unless I see significant difference.

 

It would take some work to make these vehicles less aerodynamic than they already are; weight is negligible. At most, you’re adding one large passenger to your vehicle (in terms of weight).

I would not expect to see any statistical difference in fuel mileage by adding a bumper replacement/guard.

For what it is worth, I have added them to my prior 1/2 ton trucks and never saw a measurable difference in fuel mileage.

 

Ya, I was thinking more aero being a possible issue. I'm liking what I'm hearing so far.

 

Me too, considering that it’s on my list of things to do at some point. I do truly think it would take some serious work to make them less aerodynamic than they already are; we’re driving 8,000 pound giant bricks down the road as it is.

 

Are you concerned with air flow? I've read comments about overheating and removing grille guards to fix it. That may have just been tuned trucks towing big loads though, I'm not sure.

 

I wasn't thinking about that (am now!). I'd likely go for a more open design, I think, because the only purpose I'm after is deer strike protection. Not thinking Bambi will bounce harmlessly off the guard but if it keeps the truck drivable after a hit, thats kinda what I'm after. Also, in their wisdom, GM moved the fuel cooler from under the truck to out front with the rest of the cooling stack, would like to help keep that from rupturing in a strike.

 

Talking about deer this bumper I have has saved me money several times because of deer and it's still there, does have a bend here and there but tough as nails .I have hit deer at 60mph and never stopped. I also got the bumper because of deer damage to the stock bumper and added a little money to cover shipping and received a front and rear bumper to match with the insurance money.

 

A whole lotta chatter in here and not many pics...

Let's go. I like pics.

 

I whacked a deer at about 60mph with a Ranchhand back in December. Saved the truck and no damage to the bumper/guard. It's an older RH bumper if that makes a difference. On a 2004, likely put on new.

 

Adding weight to the front end of a GM truck will likely shorten the life of the front wheel bearing assemblies.

My used 07 had a grille guard on it when I bought it and the bearings were shot at about 85k Miles.

 

Bumper weighs in at 300lbs yes a lot of weight but still have original wheel bearings at 164,000 miles and if I have to replace them I'm fine with it as this bumper has saved my truck from thousands of dollars in deer damage and down time.

 

My truck is in the shop for maintenance but I dang near took out a deer and likely the front end of my car this evening while driving home on I-25 between Monument and Castle Rock, Colorado. uggh. Hit the brakes hard, did not swerve. The thing moved out of the way in time. Thankfully.

 

I have yet to hit a deer with my ranch hand, but i just totaled out my bike, hit a deer at 65mph earlier this week.

 

I have a ranch hand, love the peace of mind and ability to use the hitch receiver for winch or whatever is needed.

 

Thanks for including a pic!

 

I see lots of Ranch Hands on the road but how difficult is it to clean behind the center portion? Thinking bullnose for my truck based on that.

 

Mine has 5inches between the center section, so not too hard to clean.

 

Cleaning isn’t bad as there is room between the truck and bumper.