Ranch Hand/Grille Guard

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Mar 14, 2013 | 06:54 AM

jspence105

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Laughing Gas

Joined: Sep 2012

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From: Ontario, Canada

Ranch Hand/Grille Guard

I've decided I would like a ranch hand on my Ex. Yes NicMike I'm kicking myself for not buying the one you showed me when I was in Texas. I don't really need one I just liked the way it looked on mikes truck and have been kicking myself since I saw it. Any brands to stay away from? Recommended brands? Are the cheep ebay ones worth the money or will I be replacing it in a year? Any help would be appreciated.

John

Mar 14, 2013 | 07:14 AM

Gene Horr

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Joined: May 2010

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From: South Texas/RGV

I've got the Ranch Hand brand and can recommend it. There are a few minor engineering design weaknesses that could be improved but for the most part it is a sturdy design. A nice plus is that it gives you a front shelf to stand on when working on the engine. And people tend not to crowd you in traffic for some reason.

Mar 14, 2013 | 08:01 AM

Studawg

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Joined: Dec 2010

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From: SC

I got a Ranch Hand off ebay for $950 shipped by freight. It was from a place in Texas and it was the best price I could find.

Mar 15, 2013 | 05:36 PM

Gene Horr

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Joined: May 2010

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From: South Texas/RGV

Mine was $1239 including tax, freight and installation for the top end model with the front receiver, winch bed, etc. Note that installation took a forklift and two workers. Those things are not light. Make sure that you get the model with the cutouts for the driving lights. There's a cheaper one that doesn't have those. Also you may want the front license plate holder if your state requires those.

I've seen an older model that has a spring loaded hinge for the front license plate that covers the front receiver. To me that is a much better design. That way you don't have to worry about keeping track of the licence plate holder when you remove it plus you don't keep smashing the license plate because it sticks out so far in front of the bumper. Just wiring/bolting the license plate to the grill may be better than the holder for some.

Mar 15, 2013 | 06:15 PM

Pickupmanx2

Lead Driver

Joined: Jun 2006

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From: Near Yosemite CA

I went with just the grill guard, not the whole bumper, still looks great, works on deer (ask me how I know!) and doesn't add as much weight. Wish I had a pic,,,got one on my half-dumb phone,,,can't make it appear here though!
editing,,,it was the Ranch Hand grill guard, put on at the Ranch Hand store in San Antonio! Also bought one for my 96 F350 at the same time.

Mar 15, 2013 | 09:31 PM

Nicmike

Veteran/Sheepdog

Joined: Feb 2012

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From: Western AR

LOL! Mine is the Ranch Hand grill guard. The Ranch Hand bumper is a much bigger, heavier animal. You can get the grill guards all day on CL down here in Texas for $200-$300. I do like the bumper, but that would be a chore installing it unless you have good help. As already stated, they are 4X the price of the grill guard.

I like their ability to keep people away from you in traffic as well. If you should bump into somebody, it would greatly mitigate any damage to the front of the truck. If you ever take up hunting, it is a great place to toss the carcass till you get back to camp.

May 10, 2013 | 01:03 PM

Studawg

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Joined: Dec 2010

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From: SC

I came across this thread looking for info on the RH rear bumper on Excursions...

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gene Horr

Note that installation took a forklift and two workers. Those things are not light.

For what its worth, two people and a forklift is not required. I installed mine by myself with a creeper, a floor jack, a Hi-Lift jack, and 2 jack stands. Once it arrived by freight, I couldnt wait to get it on and was determined to do it immediately.