Bodyguard Bumpers: Where Strength Meets Style

It has been said that necessity is the mother of invention. Bodyguard Bumpers, a family-owned and operated upstart from Paris, Texas, is a prime example of that principle.

Though word of the company’s reputation for quality and durability is spreading like a North Texas wildfire, Bodyguard didn’t initially get into the aftermarket business to take it over or see big profits. The family’s initial motives were much simpler than that. They did it, frankly, because it was necessary.

In 2000, Grant Mallicote’s father struck a bull with his truck while he was out working on the family ranch, damaging the bumper in the process. Grant took it upon himself to fabricate a new one—from scratch. And just like that, Bodyguard Bumpers was born.

The Mallicote family took the opportunity to start a small business in their farm shop. Today, Bodyguard Bumpers operates out of a 37,000 square foot facility in Paris, Texas, and is one of the most respected names in the automotive aftermarket when it comes to rugged vehicle protection. All of the company’s products are manufactured in house, using cutting-edge equipment and processes. From raw material to finished product, every Bodyguard accessory is proudly made in the U.S.A.

Bodyguard Bumpers Products

So, what kind of products are we talking? Well, don’t let the name fool you: Bodyguard Bumpers does much more than just bumpers.

Gradually expanding over the years, the company’s lineup now includes fender flares, side steps, rock sliders, recovery gear, and more. With parts for both big name pickup trucks as well as the massive Jeep multiverse, more people than ever are proud to align themselves with the Bodyguard Bumpers name, and the Texas-strong reputation that goes along with it.

But while the company might do a little of everything these days, replacement bumpers are still its bread and butter. Below are Bodyguard’s most popular offerings, plus a few new additions.

Truck Bumpers

A2L

Bodyguard Bumper’s most popular product is its flagship bumper, the A2L. Released in 2016, it was a smash-success at launch, appearing on more than 50 vehicles at SEMA 2017.

Sporting a low-profile design and lightweight construction (courtesy of a 10-gauge plate-style shell), it features a modular bolt-in center skid plate and brackets accommodating a 30-inch single or double light bar. The A2L is available in either in either bare metal or black powder coat finish, and can be accessorized with a sport bar or complete grille guard protection.

For those seeking a similar appearance but with winch mount accommodation, check out Bodyguard’s A2 Series.

Traditional

The company’s traditional heavy-duty replacement bumper features a schedule 10 pipe frame with 11-gauge diamond plate. The base bumper can be upgraded with a sport bar or beefy grille guard for customized protection and style. It is available in either a gloss black or textured black powder-coat finish.

A matching rear bumper completes the look. Compatible with OEM tow hitch, trailer plug, and spare tire access, you can also make it your own by adding shackle mounts and rear LED lights. Available with or without sensor accommodations.

T2

Featuring a 3/16-inch channel-style frame, the T2 Bodyguard Bumper is available with a 2″ tube sport guard or 2″ full grille guard. Both have a 28-inch light bar cutout, parking sensor cutouts, and come standard with a bolt-in center skid plate that can be swapped out for a receiver hitch or winch mount. The T2 also offers bolt-in interchangeable lighting options—factory fog light mounts with mesh covers or recessed cubes.

A matching T2 rear bumper is available to complete the look. Constructed of a 3/16-inch channel-style frame with diamond plate skirting and top plate, it comes standard with corner step, shackles, and oval LED lights. Various upgrades are available for fully customized look.

Jeep Bumpers

RX Series

Another popular Bodyguard Bumpers offering is the Jeep RX Series Stubby Front Bumper for the Wrangler JK and JL. It offers a similar level of customization as the A2L, with a variety of different bolt-on components.

The RX series Stubby Bumper can be had with full width end caps, recovery shackles, mounts for small and mid-frame winches, and multiple LED light mounting options that includes an optional Baja bar with a 10-inch light cutout.

Its tough construction and innovative design earned Bodyguard Bumpers the Runner-Up distinction in the Off-Road/4-Wheel Drive category of 2018 SEMA’s New Product Awards.

Those looking to save a little money (and aggravation) should check out the company’s “Compete Package” options under the RX Series:

… The JK package features a winch mount stubby front bumper and stubby rear bumper, with optional light cutouts, two or four door bolt-on sliders with body cladding, and a complete fender system including liners and flares for front and rear.

… The JL package features winch mount stubby front bumper and stubby rear bumper with optional light cutouts, four door bolt-on sliders with body cladding, complete fender system including liners and flares for front and rear, A-Pillar light bar brackets, and the all new Jeep JL spare tire delete.

Both sets come standard with a textured black powder coat finish and save you $250 by bundling.

Gladiator Applications

For those new to the Jeep Bandwagon or those who’ve simply been waiting forever for their new pickup truck to emerge: Bodyguard’s Stubby Bumper is ready for action and available for the 2020 Jeep Gladiator, along with a host of other quality Bodyguard Bumpers parts.

Keep An Eye Out

Bodyguard Bumpers has made quite the splash at SEMA in recent years, earning recognition for its innovative new parts and being included in numerous elaborate builds. And with this year’s big event just around the corner, you can rest assured that the company’s level of participation will only increase this November.

While much of its involvement in builds is still shrouded in secrecy, Bodyguard officially stopped accepting applications for SEMA placement some time ago, with no spaces left for this year’s main event. Which means one thing: we can expect to see the maximum amount of Bodyguard Bumpers involvement in Las Vegas that week. And we, the hardworking American public, who love a tough product from an American company at a fair price, cannot wait to see what these upstart Texans have in store for us all.