aries bull bar

[spikemc]

Yep I'm sure this has been discussed before but I was unable to find anything, but has anybody installed the Aries 3" stainless bull bar on their 2012 truck if so what are your thoughts. Also is there anything else (bull bar) that is worth the money and looks good without spending a fortune, Thanks Skip

 

[Killgore]

Skip, I too have considered the Aries 3" Bull Bar and would like the same information. I have also considered the Big Tex grill guard from Go Industries. Do either of these provide reasonable protection, or are they just for show?



Ed

 

[spikemc]

Hi Ed, I hate it when I make it hard on myself when it comes to trying to decide on add on parts for our truck. My main concerns are 1) looks and functionality, 2) cost and 3 installation. It could be the best thing since sliced bread and canned beer but if it looks like s@@t and does not provide protection it's useless. If it cost as much as the truck it a no-go, but my real concern is with the installation it looks like some of the bars attach to the under side of the frame which makes one heck of a fulcrum point, if the bar is impacted any where at the mid point. What I can see is the bar taking a hit and ending up buried in the grill and more delicate coolers and other structure.

So to answer your question I'm not sure how much protection the bull bars actually provide, I can't afford a complte bumper change which is why I'm looking at other choices. I'll let you what If anything I can dig up on these bars. Skip

 

[cerberusiam]

A bull bar will only stop what is lower than it, and, if it is not heavy enough and bolted correctly it won't stop that. They are for looks not functionality.

Find out what your insurance deductible is, as 20%, add what you think the cost of not having the truck for 2 weeks, that is your break even point on cost. Generally $1500-1600 is in the ball park.

A deer even sneezes on the front end it will cost you. Don't hit a big one too hard or it will be more. A horse or a cow, totalled. Even with a bumper you almost need to level the truck or even raise it a little to keep the animals in front of it or they come over the hood anyway. Don't hit a big Moose, nothing will save the damage.

A good heavy front bumper will allow it to survive large animal hits with little damage. Deer just get launched in the direction they are running. After the second one you probably won't even lift off the throttle anymore.

 

[spikemc]

cerberusiam, I totally agree with your thoughts. The situation I have is the need / desire to add some lighting to the front of our truck so that means a grill guard or bull bar. At first the bull bar was an attractive option and I was aware of it's short comings. I have looked into the go industries grill guards and it may be the way I solve my problem. I have been hit twice both times were at very low speed. I had enough warning to get slowed down to 5mph so damage was minimal. 1 moose, 1 deer, I'm on bowered time and since we live in a very deer population that seem to go brain dead when they get near a road. I'm going to do something soon but my wallet is one of the driving factors.

Ed, I looked at Go industries web site and they seem to put out a quality product, hope to talk to them in the morning, I'll let you what I find out. Skip

 

[JJPage]

Here are a few more choices http://www.realtruck.com/bull-bars/dodge/ram-3500/2012/

 

[JR]

Keep an eye out on your local classified ads and Craigslist, sometimes you can find some pretty good deals if your patient.

I stumbled across a nice used Ranch Hand a while back over on Cummins Forum, got to talking to the guy and ended up trading a Well used set of 285/75/16 Good Year Duratrac with over 30k miles on them. He even threw in the fog lights, harness, and switch. I'm one of those cheap skates who won't pay full face value of something (unless I HAVE to have it) and being patient and waiting for the right deals can really pay off if you can afford to wait.



Cerb is right those bull bars are mostly cosmetic they won't do a whole lot in that department if protection is your main concern you would be farther ahead to save your money until you can get a full bumper IMO.

 

[Killgore]

Skip, being ever curious and with nothing to do, I called Go Industries and they recommended the Rancher, saying it was a one piece, all welded unit, and therefore more substantial than the Big Tex which bolted together from three separate parts. Evidently their vat for applying chrome isn't large enough to accommodate the assembled unit. I am now leaning towards this particular grill guard, however, I wish I could justify the reinforced bumper combo that Cerb recommended. Sitting on the front porch with a $500 deductible makes my project justification look pretty lean, and my wife's argument a lot stronger. Ouch!



I hadn't considered a painted grill guard (and the Rancher only comes with a powder-coated finish) because I wanted stainless or at the least chrome, but a call to a friend who has a body shop told me that he would repaint the grill to match my truck for $100. Shopping around I found good prices at autoanything.com. (I apologize if I violated the forum rules with that. )



Ed

 

[spikemc]

Well as it has worked out, looks like we have some work coming into the shop (cabinets) so the funds may show up sooner than later. With that said I'm leaning on cerbs and others advice on waiting for and installing a full bumper. Diesel I talked to friend in town today who has hit 5 deer with his ranch hand bumper, one hit was at 60mph with no damage. His bumper looks just like yours.

Ed, thanks for the info on Go industries that option is still floating in the vacuum between my ears. Thanks to allcon Skip