Bumper Battle: Ranch Hand vs Road Armor for Your Truck
This face-off between Ranch Hand and Road Armor aftermarket bumpers could hardly be decided in one round. The two brands are arguably the best replacement truck bumper manufacturers in the US, so they are quite similar in terms of quality and class.
However, if we were to offer an expert opinion based on years of experience, we would say that each brand absolutely rules in its own segment.
- Ranch Hand is the king of strong, tough, practical, get-work-done kind of bumpers. You will find them on farms, offroad trucks, and anywhere else trucks need uncompromising protection.
- Road Armor bumpers are crazy-strong as well, but they are also built to be stylish and look cool. Designed to “define your truck’s true identity,” Road Armor bumpers are very popular on offroad trucks, Jeeps, and wherever else looks and protection matter.
This difference in design also means that Road Armor bumpers can be pricey due to their outrageous designs, while Road Armor bumpers are much more affordable.
However, as we said, this is not a knockout round. Both Road Armor and Ranch Hand have a wide variety of bumpers for different applications. If we’re going to do them justice, we need to get down to the finer details of each brand.
Overview: Ranch Hand Bumpers
Ranch Hand is one of the oldest brands of aftermarket truck replacement bumpers in the US. Established in 1983 in Boerne, Texas, Ranch Hand set out to create one of the very first aftermarket steel bumper brands at the time.
Decades later, Ranch Hand has established itself as the go-to brand for the toughest, no-nonsense style of bumpers, grille guards, running steps, and various other accessories. This happy customer’s feedback below reflects the sentiment of thousands of other Ranch Hand fans.
Source: ranchhand.com
Ranch Hand bumpers are designed to suit all kinds of trucks and SUVs, including bumpers for Jeeps. The company has a variety of bumpers designed for different applications.
Main Types of Ranch Hand Bumpers
The table below summarises the four types of Ranch Hand bumpers and their main features.
| Bumper Series | Bumper Features | Example |
| Ranch Hand Legend |
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| Ranch Hand Midnight |
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| Ranch Hand Sport |
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| Ranch Hand Summit |
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One of the most unique features of Ranch Hand’s grille guards is the use of punched grille inserts—that’s the mesh plate covering the front. Each one has a unique pattern matched to every vehicle model and carries Ranch Hand’s famous logo.
Just by looking at these bumpers, you can tell that Ranch Hand is all about beefy bumpers for ruggedness, durability, and utility.
Overview: Road Armor Bumpers
Road Armor prides itself on designing bumpers that “follow, complement, and accentuate the body lines of your vehicle.” That’s true, because the company makes some of the most beautiful yet aggressive front bumpers we have seen on the market.
Road Armor was founded in 2000 with a strong military background. Some of the brand’s founders are military veterans who continue to infuse strong military ties through partnerships with the army as well as charities that support veterans.
As a product, Road Armor bumpers are made of heavy-duty smooth steel and are forged not just for style, but for ultimate strength as well.
The company uses exceptional attention to detail with things like weld quality, internal structure, and even has a proprietary 5-stage powder-coating process as shown in the video below.
Road Armor is a Dallas, TX-based company with a wide range of tactical and off-road bumpers for all kinds of applications. We don’t use the word “tactical” lightly either—Road Armor partners with the US Army to armor tactical vehicles deployed overseas.
Main Road Armor Bumper Series
The table below showcases the main product Series that Road Armor has to offer.
| Series Name | Features and Specifications | Example |
| Road Armor Vaquero |
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| Road Armor Stealth |
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| Road Armor Spartan |
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| Road Armor Identity |
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Thanks to Road Armor’s highly innovative designs, most of the brand’s bumpers are compatible with factory sensors and cameras, which is a big plus.
There is also a Builder Series for those who want to buy the bumper components and do a DIY fabrication. This significantly cuts costs and allows you to make more extreme customizations.
Comparison: Ranch Hand vs Road Armor Bumpers
Having had a look at the main products and features of both Ranch Hand and Road Armor bumpers, it's time to do a detailed comparison of product features.
| Bumper Feature | Ranch Hand Bumpers | Road Armor Bumpers |
| Overall design |
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| Accessories |
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| Finishing | Finished with a durable coat of black powder paint |
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| Warranty | Limited lifetime warranty | Lifetime guarantee for structural integrity |
| Performance and durability |
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Which One Is Better: Ranch Hand or Road Armor Bumpers?
Having gone into that much detail, it's time for the verdict. To reiterate our opinion;
- Ranch Hand bumpers are the strongest and most durable bumpers out there. There’s no arguing with a bumper such as the Legend Series, but their looks are simple and utilitarian. Not for town folks or highway use unless you’re into that look.
- Road Armor bumpers are some of the most innovative, coolest-looking bumpers. Go for these if you are looking for moderate to high protection with style. However, be prepared to pay top dollar.
- Road Armor bumpers have superior finish and better rust and corrosion resistance.
There are many similarities between Ranch Hand and Road Armor. If you are worried about hitting deer on the road, both will do the job. If you’re looking for an intimidating front bumper, both brands will serve. And, if top-quality fabrication matters to you, both brands are top-notch.
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| This truck best displays Ranch Hand’s conservative but highly functional bumpers. | The Identity Series from Road Armor best display the brand’s class, aesthetics, and modular design features. |
However, the design philosophies of both brands are where they diverge. Ranch Hand is more of a workman’s brand with no-nonsense utility applications. Road Armor is the truck enthusiast’s dream with its cool styling yet strong construction.
At the end of the day, the winner of this bumper battle will be decided by you, the buyer.
Where to Get Both Ranch Hand and Road Armor Bumpers
Talking about buying, the one place where you will get both Ranch Hand and Road Armor bumpers of all types is here at Royal Truck Accessories. We bring them to you at unbeatable prices and impeccable service, no matter where you are in the continental USA.
Plus, we make sure that any bumper we stock, whether Road Armor or Ranch Hand, is of the best quality and finish. Make your order with us today and enjoy the ultimate in shipping and customer service experience courtesy of Royal Truck Accessories experts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ranch Hand better than Road Armor?
No, both Ranch Hand and Road Armor bumpers are equally capable. However, Road Armor has better and cooler styling, while Ranch Hand offers more front-end protection. Both are a great choice for rugged and heavy-duty use.
Which bumpers are compatible with truck sensors and cameras?
Both Ranch Hand and Road Armor have bumpers that are compatible with factory sensors and cameras. However, Road Armor is far more advanced in this respect, while very few Ranch Hand bumpers can accommodate these accessories.
Is Road Armor a good brand?
Yes, Road Armor is one of the top American-made brands of aftermarket truck bumpers today. The company makes top-notch bumper designs that both look and perform well.
Is Ranch Hand a good brand?
Yes, Ranch Hand is one of the best brands of American-made brands in the US. The company makes ultra-strong and fully protective bumpers for uncompromising protection and strength.
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