McHenry2500
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Does adding that remove the tow hooks?It's probably worth noting for those that have the front camera that the square mesh in the red circle is easy to remove if it obstructs. View attachment 15329
I have a Westin HDX. It follows the lines of the truck perfectly. I cut a hole with a dremel tool so the front camera still works. Removing it and bumper when my Road Armor arrives.
You can retain the factory tow hooks with this guard. I was hoping to swap out mine for something different. But haven't found anything aftermarket I like. I'll probably end up just re-installing the original set next time I'm working on the truck.Does adding that remove the tow hooks?
If you want just the grill guard but worried about protecting the intercooler, here's an excellent intercooler guard. Intercooler guardI am reviving this thread.... I am still debating a grill guard versus a full replacement and leaning toward full replacement. One big concern I have is protecting the intercooler down low from pheasants and such. A grill guard won't provide much protection on that front. Cost is about double to go from grill guard to full replacement. I am not too concerned about the weight difference. If the intercooler takes a hit, that's a bad day.
I talked to a very reputable local dealer at length and asked specifically about SteelCraft v Ranch Hand. (As I said before, I had a Ranch Hand Legend full replacement on my Duramax and I liked it a lot). He sells a ton of both. Ranch Hand is a staple where I live in Montana, very common. The SteelCraft is about $200 cheaper for a similar guard or bumper. Dealer said he likes both and recommends both. Said the mounting brackets on the SteelCraft are very solid and well-designed. On the Elevation full bumper, it allows for relocation of the factory tow hooks which he noted because on the Ranch Hand and some others, they stay tucked in back on their original mounts and can be a little more difficult to access. Small point.
I do like the smooth steel look of the Elevation bumper #60-12280C. I had the diamond plate style on the last truck, so this would be a different look.
I am reviving this thread.... I am still debating a grill guard versus a full replacement and leaning toward full replacement. One big concern I have is protecting the intercooler down low from pheasants and such. A grill guard won't provide much protection on that front. Cost is about double to go from grill guard to full replacement. I am not too concerned about the weight difference. If the intercooler takes a hit, that's a bad day.
I talked to a very reputable local dealer at length and asked specifically about SteelCraft v Ranch Hand. (As I said before, I had a Ranch Hand Legend full replacement on my Duramax and I liked it a lot). He sells a ton of both. Ranch Hand is a staple where I live in Montana, very common. The SteelCraft is about $200 cheaper for a similar guard or bumper. Dealer said he likes both and recommends both. Said the mounting brackets on the SteelCraft are very solid and well-designed. On the Elevation full bumper, it allows for relocation of the factory tow hooks which he noted because on the Ranch Hand and some others, they stay tucked in back on their original mounts and can be a little more difficult to access. Small point.
I do like the smooth steel look of the Elevation bumper #60-12280C. I had the diamond plate style on the last truck, so this would be a different look.
I like the looks of the one pictured. I doubt the sections around the headlights offer much protection. I’ve seen many that get pushed into body or headlight ……wonder if they helped or hurt in terms of protection.
The Steelcraft are very similar to the Ranch Hand products in appearance and I'd wager close in build quality if not quite as good, maybe a little lesser, and they cost a little less. I doubt its sides would get pushed in much from what I've seen and by reputation. I've owned a Ranch Hand Legend full replacement, exactly like the one posted just above by PGHChris81. Excellent bumper.I like the looks of the one pictured. I doubt the sections around the headlights offer much protection. I’ve seen many that get pushed into body or headlight ……wonder if they helped or hurt in terms of protection.
Check the steel gage as well as how robust the mounts are. Some are quite lame and offer virtually no protection. Perhaps some just want the look minus the utility.
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Thanks, that's a nice product. At $400+ for it, I would opt for the full replacement front which is my leaning anyway.If you want just the grill guard but worried about protecting the intercooler, here's an excellent intercooler guard. Intercooler guard
I too am still debating on which guard. Have always had a Ranch Hand but not sure of the mounts for the 2019-2020. I'm settling in on the Steelcraft as I like the mounting system better, and it retains the factory tow hooks. Why I keep hesitating is even with the open camera areas, they all restrict some of the front camera view. IMO Rancher has the best mounting system plus it has built-in tow hooks, factory hooks are discarded
The Steelcraft are very similar to the Ranch Hand products in appearance and I'd wager close in build quality if not quite as good, maybe a little lesser, and they cost a little less. I doubt its sides would get pushed in much from what I've seen and by reputation. I've owned a Ranch Hand Legend full replacement, exactly like the one posted just above by PGHChris81. Excellent bumper.
I do like the little tabs on the Ranch Hand that stiffen the side area.
@EK701Buckstop Classic 2. It does block the front camera a bit but it’s still usable. I’m working with them to see if we can improve the camera view.
View attachment 12919
I have LED driving lights fort heroine holes, I just haven’t installed them yet.
John, does the Rancher grille guard interfere with the Ram front sensor operation?Since this thread has opened up again I will report on what I finally did. I went with the Rancher because I believe it has the strongest mounting system and doesn't require the mounding straps over the top of the bumper (which I definitely did not want). I solved the front camera problem by buying a camera, cabling, and a camera mount. I disconnected the cargo camera (didn't need it as I have a Leer shell) and used its port to plug in the new front camera.
Here's the guard with my front camera added
View attachment 67858
Here's the added camera view
View attachment 67859
Here's the OEM front camera view
View attachment 67860
Yes, interferes with the middle sensors. I put Ranch Hand stick on canceling covers on them. That keeps them "off" while the end sensors still work.John, does the Rancher grille guard interfere with the Ram front sensor operation?
Also, can you post a picture that shows the Rancher tow hooks?
Looks beefy but I think “flows perfectly with the lines of the truck” is a bit of a stretchI had a Ranch Hand on my last truck. It was fine. I went with a local product this time. If you're in Montana like I am, check out CK Fab out of Laurel MT. Incredibly solid and flows perfectly with the lines of the truck. View attachment 69995