Branch Deflectors

by Chuque Henry

I decided to make some branch deflectors after pushing through some dense forest where I couldn't see, and had branches smacking against the vehicle with some respectable force. After making them I feel stupid for not doing it sooner. The whole thing cost me about $10. I used 3/32" cable plastic coated to 3/16" If I do it again, I'm going to use 3/16" cable that's coated and strip the plastic off where the clamps go. Other than that they work like a charm and I like the way they look.

Here's the turnbuckle assembly. I use two clamps on every joint for strength. As you can see, I just created a short loop to keep the buckle as close to the bull bar as possible. I tried it with the buckle in the middle, and it bounced like crazy. This also reduces the number of clamps you need.

This is what the deflectors look like after I ran them to the roof rack. Now they protect the driving/fog lamps and actually work much better protecting the windshield. Now the branches lift away long before they get to the windshield, keeping my vision much clearer. Another plus for the roof rack.