Ex-Guard Fuel Economy Testing With Mesilla Valley Transportation

[Mike]

Went looking for this and thought it might be interesting to others. Most of you who have been here for a while know that fuel economy is up at the top of the list when it comes to me and truck specs.

That said, I wanted a grill guard for the new truck I have ordered because my gut feeling is that I am going to run out of luck in terms of avoiding deer. That, and I have already run out of luck when it comes to avoiding idiots in parking lots.

So, I picked out a grill guard. A big grill guard.



The above pic is the bumper I am getting. it will be on a much darker colored truck.

After ordering the bumper, I got concerned about fuel economy vs. vehicle protection

I had no idea, but Mesilla Valley Transportation actually did testing with Ex-Guard grill guards, and I was pleasantly surprised with the result. See for yourself, but I think it is a very small price to pay for the added protection. (And they look cool!)

 

[Mike]

 

[Electric Chicken]

Different guard though.

 

[Mike]

Different guard though.

True. I think mine will be very comparable to the larger LT that they tested, though mine will be about 100lbs heavier because it is thicker.

Since doing these videos, they now have a Gen2 of the XG series which wraps around at more of an angle for better aerodynamics (hopefully).

 

[Hammer166]

True. I think mine will be very comparable to the larger LT that they tested, though mine will be about 100lbs heavier because it is thicker.

Since doing these videos, they now have a Gen2 of the XG series which wraps around at more of an angle for better aerodynamics (hopefully).

I don't know if any wraparound would have any measurable benefit. It's quite possible that bringing the tubes closer to the body could have detrimental rather than beneficial effects.

Be fun to play in a windtunnel with an adjustable one, though. I'd bet that very minor changes in the locations of the uprights, and their associated vortices, could have significant effects on airflow. Positioning them so the vortex sticks to the body could have real impacts on boundary layer flow. It would make the truck slightly wider aerodynamically, but slicker. A post in the wrong place could just as readily generate increased turbulence along the body. And of course, effective wind angle is gonna move the vortices around, too. My front posts are horrible noise generators at certain wind angles where the turbulence hits the side windows.

 

[Electric Chicken]

This thread inspires me to make one for my truck since LTL specific parts are getting hard to acquire. My truck is square so my antifa bar can be as well.

 

[Mike]

I don't know if any wraparound would have any measurable benefit. It's quite possible that bringing the tubes closer to the body could have detrimental rather than beneficial effects.

Not sure about the strength. Main reason for the changed angle is to not interfere with the LED light projection.

 

[mndriver]

If they’re protecting the light throw, it’s likely not doing you much good protecting the hood or light.

 

[Mike]

If they’re protecting the light throw, it’s likely not doing you much good protecting the hood or light.

Give and take. Wouldn’t make much sense to block headlights, gotta be able to see.

 

[Mike]

Old vs new angles.

 

[mndriver]

I’ve got two dark spots out about 45*.

If it becomes an issue, I turn my driving lights on. Which is rare.

I’ve been told this is costing me 0.8-1.3 mpg so it’s interesting to hear this study.

It’s already been used by two deer at 65 mph. And zero damage was the result. Other than needing a rather good cleaning to get guts out of places you don’t expect.

Get yourself a box of nitrile gloves. After you hit a deer, you’ll want them to test your stomach as you remove gut globs off the bumper and other places to stay somewhat clean.

 

[mndriver]

Old vs new angles.

View attachment 74939

That’s a pretty substantial pushback. Both of my hits were center of my truck. The Montana mule deer actually hit hard enough at the license plate, it bent the lowest tube in the center. Just enough to push it back far enough to not pull the pin out to let me open the bumper.

That’s the space directly above the license in the picture you posted.

 

[Electric Chicken]

Old vs new angles.

View attachment 74939

Ooooo ahhh ooooo ahhh.