I purchased the Arc-Rite guard a couple months ago for my 2018 after seeing it on a post, I called them to see if they actually made one for a 2018. I am very happy with it. I hated putting a guard on the truck and was afraid I would hate the look but I think it looks good (to each his own). Almost every time someone says man I love that truck- they follow it up with- and that grill guard is awesome. It is not a dozer blade but it is pretty darn heavy. The upper mounts are pretty stout. The main reason for having it is deer. We are in Southeast Kansas and they are thick. I live in the country on a farm and we have deer hits on the highway all the time. My wife has hit two in the last year and I have hit three in the last two years. I have a Westin HDX on my 2012 f150 and it is similar as far as the side protection. It held up fine on all three deer it has smoked. I am sure a 70+ mph direct hit is gonna do some damage but I think it will hold up for most hits. Hopefully I don't find out.
I couldn't stand for not having my tow hooks. I actually use and need tow hooks. I manufactured tow hooks out of 3/4" plate that go inside the frame and attach to the original tow hook mounting location, they just attach inside the frame as opposed to the bottom side of the frame. I will attempt to attach some pictures, I have only posted a couple times so hopefully I can figure it out. The tow hooks had to have a curve in them to get around the guard so they will put a little side load on the frame but I don't think it will be a problem. I put a clevis on each side and just leave them. I don't have any pics with the clevis.
I ordered it without the expanded metal in the center so it wouldn't totally block the front camera. I figured I would have to relocate the adaptive sensor but tried it and I have no issues with it. It works fine.
It took me a about two weeks to get it after I ordered it. I would buy it again.
