Blackhorse Grill Guard

Looking at purchasing a Blackhorse grill guard for some added protection for my Tacoma:



Haven't found many reviews online, does anyone have experience with this grill guard?

Thanks in advance!

 

Are you planning on playing chicken with some big game.. that’s one big ass guard

 

Welcome to TW!

 

I live in NW Montana with lots of terrible drivers, terrible roads, and deer constantly crossing the highway. From my understanding, a brush guard may still cause the truck to incur damage if/when I strike a deer, but I'm not wanting to put a huge front bumper installation on like ARB when the weight is so heavy the shop told me they would have to also lift my vehicle to maintain space for the shocks.

Would love others thoughts though, I'm a newbie to the Tacoma world.

 

Don’t know much about those bars but I’ve seen a lot of trucks in Montana with the Ranch hand bars on the front

 

Yes, those are a popular brand. It may be worth waiting until they come out with a brush guard for the 2024+ generation. I think Blackhorse is the only one with a brush guard out right now.

I'm also curious if anyone has hit a deer with a brush guard versus a front bumper like ARB and how their vehicle has fared.

Thanks!

 

Kfarrar17, i would call them to find out the gauge thickness of the guard (e.g. steel tube) then decide. The thicker the better, either way, anything will help with a deer(or any other animal) encounter.

 

I’ve had a guard on my 2nd Gen for years. I say go for it.

 

Thanks @Steves104x4 . Is the a Blackhorse or what brand is your grill guard?

 

It’s not a Blackhorse. I bought it used 14 years ago and can’t recall the make.

 

i always thought those things were kinda cheesy. they mostly only mount to the toe hook locations and are like a huge lever arm if they get actually used . plus the outside portion by the headlights deflect pretty easy because there is nothing supporting them.

 

It’s good for hanging my speedo for a quick air dry after my swim.

 

Brush guard vs ARB is not a fair comparison. ARB mounts in place of the truck's crush cans and internal bumper. The mounting points on the Brush guards are nowhere near as heavy duty. The ARB is also made of pretty sizeable plate and tube, whereas the brush guards simply aren't. ARB is also one of, if not the only, bumpers tested to work properly with your truck's airbags and such.

I'm not saying brush guards can't help in minor impacts, but it's not going to be the same protection you get from an ARB. And it's fine if that's what you're looking for.

 

Not all brushguards are created equal.

This company makes brushguards that are fully welded

https://www.sterlingequipment.us/winch-mounts--grille-guards.html

I had 1 of their winch mount brushguards on my 2nd gen.

When I flipped the truck on its side on a trail, the headlight hoop held up the weight of the truck.

That did tweek the whole guard about 1/2" to one side, but it didn't break and is still on the truck.

 

Thanks for your thoughts everyone!

 

It will save your radiator and should keep your pickup drivable. But the bars on the sides are pretty weak and will fold into the fender. I’ll say a prayer you on highway 93!

 

Not a fan of those. I've never seen one stand up to a deer strike. When they fold, they cause more damage than if they weren't there.

 

I had a Winch/Brush Guard. I cut the Brush Guard top part off due to the vibrating and the Deer and Elk. Where the winch mounts is solid, The rest of it wasn't and was going to cause more damage if I hit a Deer or Elk. Keep that in Mind!!!!

 

What Brand?

 

I paid $50 15 years ago and the stupid thing was 15 years old (and used) when I got it. I wish I could remember anything at this point. He said it came off a Ranger so I guess pick a shape that hopefully doesn’t look too stupid and stick it on. Aries, maybe? ‘96 Ranger