Understanding truck grille guard mounting systems helps maintenance professionals ensure proper installation and performance. HERD grille guards use a tow receiver-based mounting approach with heavy-gauge steel brackets for secure attachment and proper force distribution.
HERD manufactures grille guards compatible with major semi-truck manufacturers. The mounting system design ensures secure attachment while maintaining truck system compatibility and allowing for professional installation through authorized dealers.
Understanding Tow Receiver Mounting Systems
HERD grille guards mount using heavy-gauge steel brackets that integrate with truck tow receivers. These brackets create a secure attachment between the guard and truck, handling forces during operation and impacts.
Tow receivers on commercial trucks handle substantial loads. Using these existing mounting points allows guards to attach securely without extensive truck modifications. The receivers provide standardized mounting locations across different truck models.
The bracket design accounts for truck geometry and ensures proper guard positioning. Proper alignment during installation ensures the guard sits correctly and distributes forces appropriately.
HERD Grille Guard Construction
HERD manufactures grille guards using 304 stainless steel. The HERD Grille Guard 300 features 3″ round tubes engineered for maximum strength, with tapered box uprights, a Grip Latch system, and CAS compatibility. The HERD Grille Guard 200 provides 3″ round tubes with tapered box uprights for solid commercial defense.
The stainless steel provides corrosion resistance, structural strength, and long-term durability. Heavy-gauge steel mounting brackets secure the guard to tow receivers and transfer forces during impacts.
Professional Installation Requirements
HERD recommends professional installation through authorized dealers. Professional installers understand mounting requirements for different truck models and verify proper installation, including tow receiver condition, bracket alignment, fastener specifications, component clearances, and system compatibility.
Attempting installation without proper knowledge can result in improper fitment, reduced protection, or system interference.
Mounting System Components
The mounting system includes heavy-gauge steel brackets engineered to integrate with tow receivers, necessary fasteners for secure attachment, and the Grip Latch mechanism for engine access.
The Grip Latch uses a compressed grip design, eliminating vibrations and rattling. It includes a secondary safety lock and carries a 5-year warranty, allowing maintenance access while ensuring secure closure during operation.
Installation Considerations
Key considerations for grille guard mounting include tow receiver condition, proper guard alignment with appropriate clearances, collision avoidance system compatibility (HERD guards are CAS-compatible), and secure mounting point connections.
All connection points must be properly secured with appropriate fastener torque before the truck returns to service.
Post-Installation Verification
After mounting, professional installers verify all mounting points are secure, the guard sits correctly with proper clearances, the Grip Latch operates properly, and all truck systems, including collision avoidance, cameras, and lights, function correctly. Documentation creates records for warranty purposes.
Maintaining Mounted Grille Guards
HERD grille guards require minimal maintenance. Periodically inspect mounting points for any loosening of hardware. After impacts, check both the guard and mounting system for damage, bent tubes, damaged brackets, or loosened hardware.
The Grip Latch requires minimal maintenance beyond cleaning. The sealed torsion spring design needs no service and is backed by a 5-year warranty. Standard truck washing cleans guards and mounting systems without special treatments.
Working with Authorized Dealers
Authorized HERD dealers verify mounting systems are appropriate for specific truck models and provide technical support for proper mounting requirements.
Common Mounting System Considerations
The tow receiver mounting system distributes guard weight plus impact forces through receivers into the truck’s frame. Proper installation ensures appropriate weight distribution without stress concentrations.
Guards must maintain clearances from all truck components, including suspension, steering, and accessories. Professional installers verify clearances during installation. Properly installed systems with correctly torqued fasteners eliminate rattling or movement. The Grip Latch design uses compressed grip technology, preventing vibration.
Warranty Considerations for Mounting Systems
HERD grille guards include a 3-year warranty on the guard structure (including mounting brackets) and a 5-year warranty on the Grip Latch. Professional installation provides documentation supporting warranty coverage. Service is handled through the dealer network.
Ensuring Proper Mounting System Performance
Understanding HERD grille guard mounting systems helps maintenance professionals ensure proper installation. The tow receiver-based approach with heavy-gauge steel brackets provides secure attachment when properly installed.
Ready to ensure proper mounting for your fleet? Contact HERD to connect with authorized dealers who provide professional installation and technical support for mounting systems.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do HERD grille guard mounting systems attach to trucks?
HERD grille guards mount to heavy-duty trucks using heavy-gauge steel brackets that integrate with the truck’s tow receivers. The brackets are included with each guard and are engineered to provide secure attachment while distributing forces appropriately. This tow receiver-based mounting approach uses existing mounting points on the truck without requiring extensive frame modifications. Professional installation ensures brackets align properly with truck geometry, all fasteners are secured to appropriate specifications, and the guard sits at the correct position with proper clearances from truck components.
Why is professional installation recommended for mounting systems?
Professional installation ensures proper mounting that protects both the guard and the truck. Authorized dealers have technicians trained on HERD products and truck specifications who understand mounting requirements for different truck models. They verify tow receiver conditions, ensure proper bracket alignment, apply correct fastener torque, confirm clearances for mechanical systems, and test all truck systems after installation. Improper installation can result in reduced protection effectiveness, interference with truck systems, or mounting system failure. Professional installation provides documentation for warranty purposes and ensures the mounting system performs as designed.
What maintenance do grille guard mounting systems require?
HERD grille guard mounting systems require minimal ongoing maintenance. Periodic inspection should check for any loosening of mounting hardware from normal road vibration. After any collision or impact, inspect mounting points, brackets, and fasteners to verify everything remains secure. The Grip Latch mechanism requires no maintenance beyond keeping it clean—the torsion spring design is sealed and needs no service. Standard truck washing procedures clean both guards and mounting systems without requiring special products. The minimal maintenance requirements reflect the durability of properly installed mounting systems.
How do mounting systems handle collision forces?
The tow receiver-based mounting system distributes collision forces through the brackets into the truck’s tow receivers and frame structure. Heavy-gauge steel brackets are engineered to handle impact forces while maintaining secure attachment. The tow receivers themselves are designed to handle substantial loads, making them suitable mounting points for protection equipment. When properly installed, the mounting system transfers forces effectively without compromising attachment security. This force distribution protects truck components while allowing the guard to perform its protective function during wildlife collisions or debris strikes.
What warranty coverage applies to mounting systems?
HERD grille guards include a 3-year warranty on the guard structure, which includes mounting bracket components, and a 5-year warranty on the Grip Latch mechanism. These warranties apply when guards are properly installed through authorized dealers according to specifications. Professional installation provides documentation showing correct installation, which supports warranty coverage if issues arise. Warranty service is handled through the dealer network, providing local support for any mounting system concerns. The warranty reflects HERD’s confidence in mounting system durability through extended commercial service when properly installed and maintained.