In 2019, trucks and SUVs outsold passenger vehicles by more than a two to one margin. With their popularity soaring, trucks and SUVs have become mainstream with everyone from ranchers to soccer moms to Wall Street bankers driving them. It should come as no surprise that there is also a surging demand for after-market accessories to enhance the appearance and performance of these vehicles.
So, how do grille guards and bull bars compare? Grille guards are designed to protect the entire front grill and headlamp areas of a vehicle while bull bars sit lower and in front of the grill only. Unlike grille guards, bull bars feature a sturdy skid plate to protect the underbody. Both can be installed by do-it-yourselfers, and while they are not cheap, they do enhance a vehicle’s appearance and performance.
My deep-dive includes a side-by-side comparison of grille guards and bull bars, with the pros and cons of each. I also review step-by-step instructions on how to install them yourself. I answer essential questions such as what is their size and weight and whether they affect gas mileage. Lastly, I take a look at their respective prices and see that the sportier aesthetic they lend to trucks and SUVs comes at a fairly steep price, but one that people seem to be willing to pay.
How are Grille Guards and Bull Bars Different?
Aside from the obvious difference in their appearance, grille guards and bull bars serve slightly different purposes for protecting the front end of vehicles. The level of protection offered by grille guards is broader, literally and figuratively. With wrap-around cages that extend from one headlight to the other, grille guards are designed to protect the entire front-end from rocks, branches, long grasses, and wildlife that may be encountered in rural areas.
Bull bars are more limited in their scope, protecting what is most vital – the engine compartment. With three-inch diameter tubing and a rugged skid plate, bull bars are better able to withstand the impact of rocks and other debris. Bull bars are also designed to protect the vehicle from damage resulting from moderate collisions with large animals such as cattle, deer, and other wildlife found in rural habitats.
Here are some additional key differences between grille guards and bull bars:
| GRILLE GUARDS | BULL BARS |
| More complex design than bull barsStandard design consists of multiple horizontal and vertical bars of varying thicknessesSome grille guards feature a metal mesh area directly in front of the main grilleGrille guards are often contoured to partially wrap around from the front fascia to the side fenders Much greater coverage area protects the entire front fascia, including the front grille and bumper of the vehicle with smaller side cages to protect the headlightsTubing for grille guards are typically not as beefy as bull bars (one and a half to two inches in diameter) | Much simpler design than grille guardsUsually consist of two vertical bars and two horizontal bars, often taking the shape of a block letter A or a trapezoidRelatively narrow width and height of bull bars results in only the center and lower half of the vehicle’s front grill being protectedMost bull bars feature a sheet of metal, known as a skid plate, incorporated into the design to protect the underbodyFeature larger, thicker tubing than grille guards – typically two to three inches in diameter |
The Pros and Cons of Grille Guards
Installing a grille guard on your vehicle will drastically change its front-facing appearance. The demeanor of your truck or SUV will instantly transform into a more aggressive, no-holds-barred aesthetic whether or not this is your intention. Looks aside, there are other aspects of rocking a grille guard on your ride, both good and bad, that you should know before you buy:
| THE PROS | THE CONS |
| Headlight to headlight front-end protection for your vehicle against branches and airborne debrisProvides front-end vehicle protection in moderate collisionsIn rural areas where collisions with animals are commonplace (e.g., deer, elk, moose), a grille guard can deflect animals away from the hood, preventing windshield strikesAuxiliary lighting can be easily installed on horizontal crossbarsCan be adapted for installation of a winchEnhances the appearance of a vehicle | Does not provide any protection to the vehicle’s underbody (e.g., rocks and ground-level debris)Certain grille guards require that factory-installed tow hooks be permanently removedCan worsen damage to radiator and engine compartment in moderate to severe collisionsCan obstruct access to the engine compartment (specific models have quick-release features that allow the grille guard to be pulled away from the vehicle to allow the hood to be opened; others have an integrated step to facilitate engine access)Can be quite costly |
The Pros and Cons of Bull Bars
Bull bars are not nearly as large and prominent as grille guards, but they are by no means a subtle addition to your vehicle either. Because they slope up from underneath the grill, bull bars are better integrated into the overall look of your truck or SUV. With their three-inch diameter tubing and skid plate, however, bull bars do create an undeniably rugged and sporty appearance.
Before deciding whether grille guards or bull bars are your best move, here are some pros and cons of bull bars for you to consider:
| THE PROS | THE CONS |
| Compact design provides protection where it counts the most – the radiator and engineSkid plate protects underbody components, particularly when driving off-roadAuxiliary lighting can be easily installed on horizontal crossbarsCan be adapted for installation of a winchDoes not interfere with opening the hood or working in the engine compartmentCompatible with most factory-installed tow hooksEnhances the appearance of a vehicle | Headlights are exposed and susceptible to damage in adverse driving conditionsSkid plates can obscure the front license plate (may need to be repositioned higher on the bumper or off to the side if the local law requires front plates)Moderate to severe collisions can result in more significant damage to engine compartment componentsHigh-end models can be costly |
Can You Install Them Yourself?
Although larger grille guards can be quite bulky and heavy, you can install them yourself if you have someone assisting you when it comes time to mount them. The same can be said for bull bars, although they are usually much lighter than grille guards. Every kit should include all the hardware (e.g., nuts, bolts, washers, brackets, etc.) needed for proper installation.
As far as required skill level, if you have a set of wrenches, a level, and a sharp knife, and know how to use them, then you should be fine. The real challenge of installing a grille guard or a bull bar is the awkwardness and difficulty of lifting and positioning this heavy hardware while trying to fasten the mounting bolts. This is where your assistant will prove invaluable.
Whether you are installing a grille guard or bull bar on your truck or SUV, the underlying objective is the same. These accessories are bulky and heavy and must be appropriately attached. In virtually all cases, the primary support comes from underneath your vehicle. Therefore, the critical step during installation is attaching the weight-bearing brackets and supports to the vehicle’s frame to ensure rock-solid support.
How to Install a Grille Guard – A Step-by-Step Guide
Step One: Unpack all parts and make sure that none are missing or damaged. (You do not want to be midway through a challenging installation only to discover that you are missing a crucial bolt.)
Step Two: Many newer model year trucks and SUVs come with a factory-installed plastic splash guard underneath the front end of the vehicle. This splash guard will need to be removed to gain access to the structural components to which the grille guard brackets will be attached.
There are usually several metal screws that hold the splash guard in place along with metal or plastic clips, which also need to be removed. (It may be necessary to cut openings in the plastic splash guard before re-installing it due to the presence of grille guard brackets which will be in the way.)
NOTE: The first phase of installation is attaching the brackets that will support the grille guard. Because of their size and weight, virtually all grille guard manufacturers require the installation of a minimum of four brackets to provide proper support for what amounts to a vast web of heavy metal tubes welded together.
These support brackets are usually divided into a set of lower brackets which provide support from underneath the vehicle, and a set of upper brackets which stabilize the grille guard from the front of the vehicle. These brackets are attached to the most durable structural points on the front of the vehicle.
(Although most manufacturers adhere to this general layout of support brackets, there are exceptions; it is, therefore, critical that you follow the specific manufacturer’s instructions that accompany the grille guard you purchase. Here is an example of what such instructions may look like.)
Step Four: Lower Support Bracket Installation
The two lower brackets (one on the driver side and one on the passenger side) provide the bulk of the support for the grille guard. As such, they are typically mounted to the vehicle’s frame, and the preferred spot is where the tow hooks are located. The lower support brackets are often referred to as frame brackets.
Tow hooks are heavily reinforced features (often u-shaped or in the form of a loop) that are mounted directly on the frame and utilized to tow or pull the vehicle when it is disabled. Because they can bear the extreme force that occurs during towing, their location is ideal for bearing the load of a grille guard.
NOTE: Some vehicles come with smaller tow hooks that do not pose any conflict with the lower grille guard brackets. Other vehicles, however, have larger factory-installed tow hooks, which do interfere with frame brackets and may need to be permanently removed.
Frame brackets are typically fastened with large bolts, lock washers, and nylon lock nuts (in some kits, the frame brackets consist of two pieces that are bolted together). Once installed, they will protrude from underneath the front of the vehicle. Many manufacturers recommend finger-tightening fasteners at this point as slight adjustments (e.g., leveling the guard) may still need to be made.
Step Five: Upper Support Bracket Installation
Once the frame brackets are in place, the next set of brackets to install are the upper support brackets (also referred to as top brackets). One will be installed on the driver side and the other on the passenger side, and together they will stabilize the grille guard and add further support. These are initially finger-tightened.
Since front-end vehicle shapes vary widely, there are several methods for attaching top brackets depending on the make, model, and model year. The two most common locations for installing top grille guard brackets are the (1) front bumper bracket or (2) the front headlight bracket.
In either case, the top brackets will protrude either through the vehicle’s front grill section, or adjacent to the headlamp assemblies. Although they do provide additional support, the top brackets do not bear nearly the same weight load as the frame brackets. The top brackets do, however, provide vital top-end and lateral stability.
Step Six: With all support brackets in place and finger-tightened, it is time to lift the grill guard into position and begin the fastening process, starting with the frame (lower) brackets. As with the frame and top brackets, it is advisable to finger-tighten bolts, washers, and nuts, on the grille guards to allow for final adjustments.
NOTE: Nearly all grille guard kits are modular, meaning that they consist of different sections. The typical setup is a central section that sits directly in front of the vehicle’s grill area, and side cages that attach to the main cage and protect each of the headlamps.
Some grille guard manufacturers require that the entire grille guard be fully assembled before installation, meaning that the side headlamp cages should be attached to the central (primary) cage before installing on the vehicle. Others instruct that the main cage be mounted on the vehicle first, and then each of the headlamp cages be installed after that.
NOTE: If your vehicle came with a plastic splash guard underneath the front end, and it was removed to install the frame brackets, you will need to decide whether you want to re-install it or leave it off permanently.
Should you decide to re-install your splash guard before fastening the grille guard onto the support brackets, you will need to cut slits into the plastic molding to accommodate the frame brackets, which would now be protruding from underneath the vehicle.
You will need to approximate the location of these openings by holding the splash guard up against the frame brackets. Once your splash guard is back in place, you can then proceed to mount the grille guard onto the support brackets. (Some instructions provide measurements to assist with the cutting process.)
Once the grille guard is attached to all support brackets (fasteners finger-tightened), it is time to ensure that the entire assembly is centered correctly and level.
Step Seven: If everything looks good, you can proceed with tightening all the fasteners. Your grille guard instructions may specify that a torque wrench be used with specific fasteners – it is advisable that you pay heed to these instructions as an improperly installed grille guard will not perform as intended.
Step Eight: Regardless of the finish on your grille guard (chrome, glossy paint, matte paint), it is advisable to apply a coat of wax to protect your new accessory once the installation is complete. Regular applications of wax are recommended to maintain a like-new appearance.
How to Install Bull Bars
The installation of bull bars is very similar to that of grille guards but not as complicated or time-consuming. Bull bars are typically lighter and less bulky, although higher-end models feature very thick tubing (3 inches in diameter) fabricated from stainless steel. As stated earlier, bull bars are structurally different than grill guards in that they do not extend over the headlights, and they usually feature a skid plate. Here is an example of instructions for installing bull bars.
The following table highlights the similarities and differences between installing bull bars and grille guards:
| SIMILARITIES | DIFFERENCES |
| If there is a plastic splash guard underneath the vehicle, it must be removed before installation (and if you want to re-install it, you must cut openings for the frame brackets to extend through)Lower brackets (frame brackets) attached to the vehicle’s frame provide the bulk of the support for the accessory’s weightIdeally, frame brackets are attached to existing tow hook bolts (tow hooks of a specific size, or on particular vehicle makes/models/years may need to be removed permanently)All bracket and grille/bar fasteners should be finger-tightened initially to allow for proper centering and leveling | Since bull bars are narrower and sit lower than grille guards, they are less cumbersome to installBull bars typically do not require the installation of top or upper brackets, only the frame (lower) bracketsThere are no side cages for headlights to mount or install on bull barsBull bars are more comfortable to install with a single personBull bars installation can be done in one-half to two-thirds the time it would take to install grille guardsThe front license plate of the vehicle may be obstructed by the skid plate on bull bars and may need to be re-located to comply with local laws (usually need to be mounted higher on the front bumper, or off to one side) |
Looking at Steps One through Eight above for installation of grille guards, the steps for installing bull bars will be mostly the same, except for Step Five, which will be omitted. Remember that, with the wide range of vehicle shapes and sizes, installation procedures may vary among different makes and models, so it is essential to follow the instructions that accompany your bull bars kit.
What You Need to Know about Grille Guards and Bull Bars
As a testament to their growing popularity, there are hundreds of grille guards and bull bars available, many of which are custom-tailored for popular truck and SUV makes and models. Grille guards and bull bars instruction sheets will often specify with which make, model, and even model years they are compatible. Manufacturer websites also make it easy to find the best match for your vehicle simply by entering the make, model, and year of your vehicle.
When deciding whether to install grille guards or bull bars on your vehicle, other considerations may not be the first to come to mind but are important nonetheless. These include the following questions:
Do They Affect MPG?
On the surface, this seems like a legitimate question, particularly in the case of grille guards with metal mesh in the center module. Grille guards fabricated from stainless steel can easily weigh more than 100 pounds. Given the fact that these heavy, bulky accessories are mounted in the very front of the vehicles they protect, it seems that fuel efficiency would suffer.
However, grille guards have little to no effect whatsoever to a vehicle’s average MPG. It stands to reason that this result applies to bull bars as well. So, this is one area that need not be of concern.
Do They Cause Rust?
Grille guards and bull bars are most commonly made of mild steel or stainless steel and are available in a variety of finishes. Chrome, gloss, and matte are the most popular choices, and all are treated with rust-resistant coatings to maintain their finish. Manufacturers recommend periodic applications of car wax to protect the surface of grille guards and bull bars and maintain a like-new appearance.
Since grille guards and bull bars are mounted on brackets that attach to key structural points on the vehicle’s frame and body, and there is no drilling required for installation, there is little to no risk of rust forming as a result of installing this fashionable accessory.
Mini Buyer’s Guide to Grille Guards and Bull Bars
Now that we have reviewed the essentials of grille guards and bull bars, and you have seen that installing them can be done in your garage, we can put it all together and look at some options. Bearing in mind that there are now grille guards and bull bars for virtually any make and model truck or SUV, you must confirm compatibility with your vehicle.
Here is a sampling of different types of grille guards and bull bars that can take minutes to order from your mobile device and be delivered right to your doorstep. (Note: the below options are for Ford F Series trucks, which was the top-selling truck in 2019.)
| Price Range ($) | Grille Guards |
| Less than $500 | Hunter Premium Black Grille Guard-This modular grille guard (headlight cages can be removed) features sleek contours that match the lines of your truck perfectly. This Hunter grill guard provides high-quality protection that does not break the bank. |
| $500 to $1000 | Ranch Hand GGF111BL1 Legend Grille Guard-This handsome, rugged grille guard is one of a few models that permit factory-installed tow hooks to remain in place. Metal mesh screen protects the grill area of your truck while wrap-around headlight cages feature three horizontal bars to provide maximum protection. |
| $1000 + | Westin 57-93835 Black HDX Grille Guard-Available in either a black powder coat or polished steel finish, this winch-compatible grille guard is rated for 16,500 lbs. of line pull and features a honeycomb screen for added protection. |
| Price Range ($) | Bull Bars |
| Less than $150 | TAC Bull Bar-Featuring a black powder-coat finish, this bull bar with skid plate is an excellent no-nonsense option for those seeking sturdy front-end and undercarriage protection at an affordable price. |
| $150 to $250 | Autosaver88 Chrome Bull Bar-With its glossy mirror finish, this chrome bull bar adds function and beauty to your truck, while providing durable protection. Holes on the horizontal crossbar are pre-drilled for easy installation of auxiliary lights. |
| $250 + | Lund 47021215 Bull Bar with Integrated LED Light Bar-Despite its elegant appearance, this 304 stainless steel bull bar features an incredible 3.5” diameter tubing for unsurpassed strength and max protection. Its integrated 20” LED light bar provides a flood beam of 3000 lumens for unsurpassed visibility in dark or nighttime conditions. |
Conclusion
Not too long ago, pickup trucks were strictly a utilitarian vehicle found on farms and ranches and rarely seen on city streets. Then, they became sleeker and sportier, and their appeal grew among consumers from all walks of life.
Like the trucks of yesteryear, grille guards and bull bars were born out of necessity and practical purpose; and like trucks today, their functionality remains part of their DNA, but their growing popularity probably has less to do with the protection they provide and more to do with how they look doing it.
If you’re thinking of different ways to accessorize your truck or make it more functional, consider checking out my recommended accessories page. I spent a good amount of time picking out mods that can be useful for most pickup trucks.