Part 2. What do you use or recommend to protect your vehicle in a deer collision?

[zettler]

As some of you now know, after 67 years, or 51 years of driving to go hunting and fishing, this retired guy just got his first 4WD vehicle.

No, not a new one but one that is immaculate and looks new.

I found a man who owned a 2003 Chevy Trailblazer LT and he truly only drove it to work and home again for 17.8 years. It has 138,000 miles and it's showroom class IMHO.

While I took possession on Tuesday, I haven't driven it much as I'm trying to start out on the right foot. I've already received excellent, new floor liners and am deciding on whether I go with Marathon seat covers or ________ (separate thread)?

I also plan on adding vent visors to the windows and possibly a bug shield.

But what has me befuddled and looking for input on is there "something" I can add to the front end to help protect against damage from deer collisions????

I mean, what can be added (brush guard, bull bar, grill guard, bumper guard, etc.) that is actually functional, doesn't negatively impact the safety and integrity of the vehicle and doesn't cost an arm and a leg???

Maybe I'm being too paranoid but I probably won't be buying too many more vehicles, as I am 67, but I want to protect this vehicle and make it last.

It really came to the forefront recently as I drove those miles in my other vehicle early mornings to and then back on mid-afternoons from turkey hunting these past few weeks. I almost hit three deer, two by mere inches and one of them at 330 pm!

Anyway, I have been researching, or at least trying to see what others are doing or have done, and I began to doubt my sanity that I was going way overboard until I saw some OLD posts on a forum that led me to Facebook page for MDB Fabrications tonight.

Yes, you all know I'm long-winded and have been forever as it suits me as an outdoor writer these past 40 years. So sorry for the "War and Peace" post but I would love to hear what you and others think.

I realize it's no longer an expensive car like when it sold years ago new but it has value to me.

Thank you in advance.

 

[darkvibe]

Last time I hit a deer it ran into the side of my truck and dented both doors and the rear fender on the side of the bed. I would just get comprehensive coverage and call it good.

 

[Out of focus]

That should do it.

 

[tomturkey]

When my brother knew he was getting transfered from VA to AK with the Army he put a big guard on the front of his Chevy Suberban. Before he left for Ak a deer hit in the side.

I alway carry Comp, fire and theft and towing on all of my vehicles.

 

[zettler]

I'm starting to see the picture here and thought I was getting overboard...

 

[Native NV Ducker]

I mean, what can be added (brush guard, bull bar, grill guard, bumper guard, etc.) that is actually functional, doesn't negatively impact the safety and integrity of the vehicle and doesn't cost an arm and a leg???

That part in bold is the problem. You pay for quality. Go too cheap, and you basically have aluminum foil for a guard. Before you buy, go to a truck accessory shop and touch/feel the options.

I was looking for a guard for my 2013 F-150. I was reading reviews and such, and came across a review on a Westin model. Guy was from TX, and said he had hit 22 deer with his bumper, with no damage to his truck.
Now, first, the guy is an idiot, and needs to slow down. But, 22 deer? No damage? I am sold.

The cheaper ones will probably guard your actual grill area, but the 'wings' are gonna fold back and damage the truck.

 

[negooseman]

I’ve only come truly close to hitting a deer once in my 36 years of driving. It would of hit my driver’s side door. Any front end collisions I’ve seen the deer coming and stop for them. I did drive thru a herd of deer one night going duck hunting and I was almost asleep, still trying to figure out how I didn’t hit one of those. I’d say have good insurance with a low deductible and take your chances as chances you’re gonna hit one directly on your guard are pretty low to begin with.

 

[Fogie]

View attachment 293265 Tube steel and the longest Hi-lift

 

[zettler]

Fogie,

What is that?

Also, I have only bumped one deer but have missed many more by mere inches.

However, three years ago one hit me. No, not in the front but for some reason I had looked to my right when there was a collision and out of the corner on my left eye I caught this image of a Bucks face sliding along side my window all smooshed up.

All the damage, fortunately, was just above the left front headlight and four or five dents along the driver side with the loss of my mirror - no engine damage, nor headlight. When I recovered and backed up, no deer either and that was a big bump!

I looked with searchlight for 10 minutes before I had to head out for duck hunting but came back around Noon to look after gaining permission.

Found the nice buck 60 yards away in a small creek. His pelvis was split down the middle and compounded both front legs BUY he made it that far in a minute or so...

My reaction time is probably slowing down so that's another reason I was contemplating something for protection that wouldn't cause extra damage in and of it's self.

 

[Fogie]

Fogie,

What is that?

Also, I have only bumped one deer but have missed many more by mere inches.

However, three years ago one hit me. No, not in the front but for some reason I had looked to my right when there was a collision and out of the corner on my left eye I caught this image of a Bucks face sliding along side my window all smooshed up.

All the damage, fortunately, was just above the left front headlight and four or five dents along the driver side with the loss of my mirror - no engine damage, nor headlight. When I recovered and backed up, no deer either and that was a big bump!

I looked with searchlight for 10 minutes before I had to head out for duck hunting but came back around Noon to look after gaining permission.

Found the nice buck 60 yards away in a small creek. His pelvis was split down the middle and compounded both front legs BUY he made it that far in a minute or so...

My reaction time is probably slowing down so that's another reason I was contemplating something for protection that wouldn't cause extra damage in and of it's self.

The bumper?...an ADD, Addictive Desert Designs. They make bumpers, rock sliders and such for desert-race style trucks. The term for the type is a pre-runner bumper. The farm jack is nearly as wide as the truck though the pic doesn't look it and is for more protection up high and recovery, a serious piece of steel.
Looks to me like that MDB (googled) should be able to make you something nice and tough, they obviously know how to bend tube and lay down some nice welds.

 

[zettler]

Thank you for taking the time to elaborate and educate.

Bob