# Fleet Sensor Protection Kits Ex-Guard Brings Its Semi-Truck Grille Guards to Pickups and Vans By Adam Harrie | Written with AI assistance | Published 2026-10-31 | Autos Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fleet-sensor-protection-kits References: [prnewswire](https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/one-hit-9-500-in-parts-ex-guard-brings-class-8-protection-to-pickups-and-vans-as-deer-season-peaks-302923792.html)  Ex-Guard is bringing its 'HX,' 'FX' and 'CV' grille guards from the semi-truck world to pickups, chassis cabs and vans, giving fleets and work-truck owners a way to protect the [cameras and sensors](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vehicle-coverage-dash-cams) behind the front end. On an unprotected truck, a front-end crash averages $9,515.68 in replacement parts alone. Kits start at $2,310 and are now available via authorized distributors and upfitters, turning a major repair risk into a planned upfit expense. Installation takes about one hour, keeping added protection closer to routine shop work than to a long service interruption. In fleet use, the guards have trimmed spending on [front-end replacement parts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/unified-fleet-incident-systems) by as much as 97%. Starting at $2,310, the line makes semi-truck-style protection viable across more [fleet vehicles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fleet-management-platform), not just Class 8 rigs. That widens Ex-Guard's B2B reach and shifts this aftermarket category toward uptime and repair avoidance. Image Credit: Ex-Guard ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.9/10 - Popularity: 44% | Activity: 33% | Freshness: 100% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Autos](https://www.trendhunter.com/autos) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Sensor-safe Upfitting:** Protective hardware designed around cameras, radar, and safety systems signals a growing market for vehicle accessories that preserve advanced driver-assistance functionality while reducing repair exposure. - **Uptime-centered Fleet Protection:** Fleet buyers are prioritizing add-ons that convert unpredictable crash-related downtime into manageable maintenance planning, creating demand for products measured by operational continuity. - **Semi-truck Technology Transfer:** Heavy-duty vehicle components adapted for pickups, chassis cabs, and vans reveal opportunities in repackaging proven commercial solutions for broader work-truck segments. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Commercial Vehicle Aftermarket:** Aftermarket suppliers are positioned to expand from cosmetic or durability upgrades into data-backed protection systems tied directly to repair-cost reduction. - **Fleet Management:** Operators managing mixed vehicle classes increasingly value equipment that lowers total cost of ownership through prevention rather than post-incident service. - **Vehicle Upfitting:** Upfitters can benefit from modular, quick-install protective kits that fit into routine shop workflows while supporting higher-value fleet customization programs. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Adventure-Ready Overlanding Camping Trucks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/overland-campers.md) - [Overland Adventure Trucks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/2027-gxv-wild.md) - [Blind Spot-Monitoring Cameras](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dezl-dualview.md) - [Modular Truck Caps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/advbox.md) - [Efficient Medium-Duty Truck Models](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/harbinger-hc-series-cab.md) - [Workwear Pickup Trucks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/super-duty-carhartt.md) - [Armored Super Trucks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rezvani-fortress.md) - [Protective Windshield Covers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/frostguard.md) - [Truck Winch Grille Guards](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/go-industries-inc.md)