When most people think about the best brush guard for Ram 1500 trucks, they automatically visualize an off-road adventure that takes a turn through heavy brush and small saplings.
That is one of the most common circumstances, but farmers use them when out in the fields to push hay and crops, racers and backyard mechanics use them to push cars around, and some consumers just like adding looks and style to their trucks.
One thing that may not be apparent is that a few different units can be installed on the front of your Ram 1500, depending on its primary use. But do you know what the various types are and what they are designed to do?
Brush Guard, Grill Guard, Bull Bar, or Push Bar
Many times these four types of front guards for Ram 1500s are confused with each other.
Even some sellers online call their product a specific type of guard when it is actually completely different.
It is easy to do when considering that people have called them all four names for years, even though it is only one specific style.
They connect up under bumper points designed into the truck (for the most part.) Brush guards then become an extension of the frame, which is why they are so strong.
Having one that is right for you will vary depending on the circumstance that calls for one to be installed.
Let’s check out the differences and learn what is actually needed.
Brush Guards
Best brush guards for a Dodge Ram 1500, or Ram 1500, will be made out of tubular metal or aluminum.
They wrap up from the bottom to the right under the top of the hood. Spreading out in both directions around all headlights from the main centerpiece of the brush guard.
Some are designed to wrap around the side of the truck, while others are straight across.
a) Where To Use
Brush guards are designed for off-road use.
b) Safety
They are designed to push weeds and small saplings away from the front-end parts.
c) Longevity
A good-quality brush guard will last for as long as the truck is on the road, as long as there are no serious accidents.
Brush guards are designed for drivers that enjoy going off the beaten path and maybe even making their own roads.
Grill Guard
Best grill guards for Ram 1500s will be built exactly like brush guards, but they will have some protective bars or metal screening in front of the grill.
It also wraps around underneath front bumper points and comes up to just below the hood, with sides that wrap around all headlights and side marker lighting.
a) Where To Use
Grill guards are designed for rural driving.
b) Safety
They are designed to deflect rocks, brush, saplings, and any small animals that may be run into.
c) Longevity
Main sections of any grill guard will last as long as the truck does, but even slight accidents can damage areas in front of the grill.
Grill guards are constantly mistaken for brush guards because they are so similar.
These units will protect the grill better, and they can be designed with an emblem in the middle to show pride in your choice of owning a Ram 1500.
Bull Bar
Bull bars are small section of reinforced tubular metal, or aluminum, that wraps up from the bottom of the truck and extends up just to the bottom areas of the grill.
Bull bars got their name from bull cows that it was designed to herd or push aside when called for.
a) Where To Use
Bull bars are designed to work on farms and ranches.
b) Safety
They absorb impacts when livestock, or animals, are struck when driving through fields.
c) Longevity
Bull bars are designed to take an impact, so unless a severe accident occurs, bull bars will stand the test of time.
Best bull bars for Ram 1500s are front guards commonly used to hook a winch to the front of the truck, which also goes along with tasks associated with working on ranches and farms.
Push Bar
Push bars are close relatives of bull bars, except most designs offer vertical bars, whereas bull bars have more horizontal ones. You will see these on police cars because of their specific needs.
a) Where To Use
Push bars are designed to push vehicles or objects at a slow rate of speed.
b) Safety
They absorb imp associated with pushing, distributing it evenly throughout the guard.
c) Longevity
Push bars are designed to take some abuse, so they will last longer than any truck it is installed on.
Best push bars for Ram 1500 trucks will be ones that are sturdy and designed with more than two verticle bars. They should also have some bumper guards on upright bars to reduce damage.
| Item | Shape | Installation Area & Protection | Average Cost | Purpose |
| Brush guard | Large rectangle | Entire front and lights | $500-650 | Deflect brush |
| Grill guard | Large rectangle with center grill protection | Entire front, light, and grill | $1000-$1500 | Deflect rocks, brush |
| Bull bar | Small rectangle with horizontal bars | Bottom of front | $100-$250 | Deflect animal impacts |
| Push bar | Small rectangle with vertical bars | Bottom of front | $100-$224 | Push cars or objects |
Which Guard Provides The Best Safety?
Guards that provide the best safety for all-around use would have to be brush guards. It will stand up to any off-road excursion that you can go on.
It will guard the grill and lights against rocks and brush being run over and any small animals that may jump out in front of your path.
A good brush guard will also help when an accident occurs by distributing hits evenly in front rather than having an accident localized to one area.
Even though smaller bull and push bars are designed for deflecting animals or cars, they add no safety to front-end parts and pieces.
Grill guards are a great idea when small objects need to be deflected, but they can cause more harm than good when involved in serious accidents. Brush guards are the way to go unless a specialized task is required.
Benefits of Brush Guards
Since brush guards are the best option for overall protection, it is essential to know their benefits compared to all other types of guards on the market.
- Covers the entire front for better protection
- Covers a larger area, so it will disperse more of an accident
- No small sections that could cause excessive damage to front and grill components.
Best brush guards for Ram 1500s will be designed and engineered to take a small impact and sweep away anything small that might damage the truck’s front end.
Nobody wants an eyesore, so a great brush guard will look great. Adding some style and design to it is a benefit every guard should have.
Off-roading would not be the same without extra lights, so the best brush guard for your truck will also have a place to add auxiliary lights. Preferably an area that has some pre-drilled holes to save time and money.
Problems With Brush Guards
As with any other product on the market, brush guards have some negative aspects.
The good aspects far outweigh the bad, but it is a part of owning a brush guard that you need to understand.
- More damage to both vehicles when in a high-speed collision because it disperses hits evenly. This creates more damaged areas than if it was localized.
- There is an increase in pedestrian traffic risks because brush guards not only stick out farther than most bumpers but also have edges that people can get caught on.
- Brush guards add more weight to front-end sections, creating instances where braking is slower and can even cause suspension failure.
Brush guards are great for deflecting anything at slow speeds, but as the impact becomes more significant, guards will create more damage.
Is a Brush Guard Worth The Money?
Installing a brush guard on Ram 1500 trucks may be hard if you are trying to cut costs.
Even if you only use the truck for in-town adventures, such as shopping, it would be a good idea to have one, though.
They work great for low-impact safety, which will be dealt with when around other drivers.
Will a Brush Guard Help When Striking Animals?
At low speeds, brush guards help deflect damage, pushing the animal out and away instead of up and into the windshield. If you hit an animal at higher speeds, it may not help nearly as much.
At any speed, brush guards will push animals away, preventing an unwanted guest from the seat next to you.
How To Choose a Brush Guard For Ram 1500?
Choosing the best brush guard begins with you. Sizes and styles needed will depend on specific circumstances.
Guard that needs to go on may not be the same as what neighbors down the street need. Let’s review some simple things that must be considered before making purchases.
# Coverage
First thing that must be considered is how much is to be covered. How big of a guard you need, and want, will be a huge deciding factor when figuring out what to purchase.
Bull bars can be installed if coverage areas are small, or big grille guards can be opted for if the entire front end needs to be covered. Then, of course, some in-between sizes cover a little bit less.
# Style
If off-roading is anywhere in the near future, the types wanted will cover as much of the front as possible.
A guard that will push debris, weeds, rocks, and young saplings away from anything that could be damaged, such as radiators and lights.
A push bar may be perfect if the truck is a daily driver that will never see a dirt road.
# Need
The reason the guard is needed will also be a huge deciding factor when purchasing.
If it is used on farms, a bull bar would be an ideal choice, but if used to push cars, such as at race tracks, push bars will be perfect.
Reasons that you need a guard will point to which type to buy.
# Accessories
There are many reasons why a front brush guard would be needed, including needing a place to add some extra lights or a winch when an offroad mudding trip ends badly.
Sizes and types of required accessories must be factored into the buying decision.
When more accessories are wanted, a bigger and bolder front guard will need to be installed.
Choosing brush guards boils down to what it is needed for and where it is needed.
If the truck is getting an added-on guard just to look good, style and design will be more important than its construction of it.
On the other hand, if safety and needs are more important, styles and designs will not be as important.
Of course, brush guards on the market can meet these needs or fall somewhere in the middle.
There is no need to have an ugly eye soar attached to front bumpers when so many distributors can match your needs and still upgrade the looks and usability of the Ram 1500.
Final Words
Finding the best brush guard for Dodge Ram 1500s and Ram 1500s is not as daunting of a task as might be imagined.
Important things to know start with precisely what you are looking for and then check the fitment before ordering a product.
Regardless of how great it looks and sounds by the descriptions given, if it is not designed to fit the truck in your driveway, it will not do much good.
Bruce is a seasoned automotive aficionado with a deep passion for Dodge Ram vehicles. With years of hands-on experience, he’s your trusted expert for all things related to Dodge Ram cars.