PRODUCT - BULLBAR BUYING - JUST 4X4S

PRODUCT - Bullbar Buying

Not only do they provide essential protection from animal collisions and off-road hazards, but a bullbar can also enhance your vehicle’s capabilities and durability. With so many options available, this guide will help you choose the right bullbar for your needs.

What Is a Bullbar and Why Do You Need One?

A bullbar is a protective steel, alloy, or aluminum bar attached to the front of your vehicle. Originally designed to protect against animal strikes, today’s bullbars have evolved into a versatile accessory.

Types of Bullbars

Choosing the right bullbar for your vehicle depends on several factors, including the terrain you drive on, your vehicle’s design, and the accessories you plan to add.

Steel Bullbars

Steel bullbars are the strongest and most durable type, ideal for serious off-road driving and heavy-duty protection. They can take heavy impacts and are well-suited to extreme conditions.

Pros: Strongest material, excellent protection, long-lasting.
Cons: Heavier, may require suspension upgrades due to extra weight, higher cost.

Aluminium Bullbars

Alloy bullbars are a popular choice for those looking for a balance between strength and weight. They offer good protection but are lighter than steel, which can be beneficial for minimising impacts on your vehicle’s suspension.

Pros: Lightweight, less impact on suspension, corrosion-resistant.
Cons: Less impact resistance than steel, more prone to scratches.

Plastic Bullbars

While not as durable as steel or alloy, plastic bullbars are lightweight and suitable for light off-road conditions. They are less commonly used in Australia for rugged terrain but may be an option for urban environments or less demanding off-road adventures.

Pros: Lightweight, affordable.
Cons: Limited protection, prone to cracking under heavy impact.

What to Look for When Buying a Bullbar

Once you’ve decided on the type of material, there are several important features to consider before making your purchase:

One of the most important factors when choosing a bullbar is ensuring it’s compatible with your vehicle’s airbags. Airbag-compatible bullbars are designed to allow airbags to deploy correctly in case of a crash, maintaining safety for you and your passengers.

Even if you’re not planning on fitting a winch immediately, it’s smart to buy a bullbar that is winch-compatible. This allows you to add a winch later without having to modify or replace your bullbar. Winch-compatible bullbars are built with stronger mounts and reinforced areas to handle the stress of winching.

A good bullbar will have multiple mounting points for essential off-road accessories like driving lights, UHF antennas, and sand flags. Make sure your chosen bullbar has provisions for these accessories, as mounting them elsewhere can be difficult and less secure.

Look for bullbars with integrated recovery points, or that allow for easy installation of recovery points later. Recovery points are critical for safe vehicle recovery if you find yourself stuck in mud, sand, or other tough conditions.

One of the key benefits of fitting a bullbar is improving your vehicle’s approach angle, which allows for smoother navigation over rough terrain. Some bullbars also come with side protection or brush rails that connect to the vehicle’s sidesteps, offering additional protection to the sides of the car.

Bullbars can add anywhere between 30kg and 80kg to the front of your vehicle. It’s important to consider the weight of the bullbar, especially if you’re fitting a steel version. Adding too much weight without upgrading your suspension can negatively impact your vehicle’s handling and performance, especially when off-road.

Popular Bullbar Brands

Ironman 4x4 Commercial Deluxe Bullbar

Material: Steel
Features: Airbag and winch-compatible, driving light mounts, recovery points, and high-lift jack points.
Weight: Approx. 60kg
Why It’s Great: Ironman 4x4 is known for tough, durable products. The Commercial Deluxe bullbar offers comprehensive protection and plenty of mounting options for accessories.

ARB Summit Bullbar

Material: Steel
Features: Airbag and winch-compatible, dual jack points, integrated LED indicators and clearance lights.
Weight: Approx. 80kg
Why It’s Great: ARB is one of the most recognized names in off-road accessories, and the Summit bullbar is designed to handle Australia’s toughest conditions while keeping safety in mind. It’s a perfect option for serious off-roaders.

TJM Outback Bullbar

Material: Alloy or steel
Features: Airbag compatible, winch-ready, built-in recovery points, fog light and driving light mounts.
Weight: Approx. 50kg (alloy) or 70kg (steel)
Why It’s Great: TJM’s Outback bullbar offers the flexibility of either alloy or steel, making it an excellent choice for those looking for strength without the extra weight. It’s designed for both city driving and off-road adventures.

Opposite Lock Premium Bullbar

Material: Steel
Features: Airbag compatible, winch-ready, parking sensor and adaptive cruise control compatible.
Weight: Approx. 75kg
Why It’s Great: Opposite Lock’s Premium bullbar is a solid choice for modern vehicles, offering compatibility with advanced safety systems while providing heavy-duty protection.

Bullbar Installation and Legal Considerations

When installing a bullbar, it’s important to make sure it meets legal requirements. In Australia, bullbars must comply with state and national regulations, including being airbag compatible and not obstructing visibility of lights or license plates. It's also important to ensure your bullbar doesn’t interfere with any safety features like parking sensors or adaptive cruise control.

Finally, you’ll need to install your bullbar through a professional fitter to ensure it’s securely mounted and doesn’t affect your vehicle’s handling. Be sure to have your front suspension checked and upgraded if necessary to accommodate the extra weight.