Bullbars
Protect your Tow VEHICLE or 4x4
Importance of Bullbars
Bullbars are an essential accessory for off-road enthusiasts and those who frequently navigate remote areas. Designed to protect the vehicle's critical front end components from impacts including animal strikes, as well as other collisions.
Typically constructed from robust materials such as steel or aluminium, bullbars are designed and tested to withstand the harshest conditions to provide added protection and peace of mind. Additionally, bullbars act as an accessories platform. Feature mounting points that allow for the installation of accessories, enhancing the vehicle's functionality and versatility.
Whether for practical reasons or aesthetic appeal, bullbars remain a popular choice for those seeking to enhance their vehicle's protection, functionality and rugged appearance.
Benefits of Bullbars
Bullbars are at the forefront of vehicle protection and a must have for any 4x4 or tow vehicle looking to travel Australia. They offer a variety of benefits from both a safety and vehicle functionality point of view, these include;
Animal Strikes & Impact Collision Protection: bullbars assist in protecting essential components like the radiator, headlights, and driveline in the event of an accident or collision.
Accessory Mounting Point: bullbars offer the ability to house numerous accessories including; winches, spot lights, antennas & more.
Off-Road Capability: bullbars can enhance the off-road capabilities, improving entry angles & acting as a buffer, allowing you to navigate rough terrains with fewer worries about potential damage.
Visual Appeal: the right bullbar can enhance the rugged appearance of your tow vehicle or 4x4. Giving a sense of strength and purpose, making the vehicle stand out both on-road and off-road.
Types of Bullbars
It is important to select the right type of bullbar based on your vehicles needs, expected driving conditions, and intended usage. Below are some of the most common types bullbars available, with each having their own function & features;
2 Post Bullbar
2-post style bullbars are a type of protective grille or bumper guard typically mounted on the front of vehicles.
Consisting of two vertical posts connected by horizontal bars, designed to shield the vehicle's front end from damage in low-impact collisions or when driving off-road.
This style enhances protection for the grille, headlights, and radiator while maintaining airflow and giving the vehicle a rugged appearance
Triple Hoop Bullbar
Triple Hoop Bars provide maximum protection with three horizontal bars that span the front of a vehicle.
They are the preferred choice for those likely to encounter animal strikes, with the central hoop acting as a protective shield for the radiator and outer hoops protecting headlights and front-end components.
Single Hoop Bullbar
Single hoop bars offer a balance between front end protection and additional weight, making them suitable for both on-road and off-road applications. They feature a single horizontal bar that protects the front of the vehicle.
While they offer slightly less coverage, they still provide significant protection against animal strikes, minor collisions, and other potential hazards.
Hoopless Bullbar
Hoopless bullbars offer discreet appearance or and often integrate with the existing design of the vehicle. These bars replace the original factory bumper, providing added protection, style and clearance.
They offer sufficient shielding against minor impacts and rough terrain, while complementing the vehicle's aesthetics. However, they do not offer the same level of protection as triple or single hoop bullbar styles.
Nudge Bar
Nudge bars are a lightweight option designed for urban environments. They are minimalistic, providing limited protection for the lower front end of the vehicle.
Nudge bars are commonly used for aesthetic purposes or as a mounting point for accessories like driving lights. While they may not offer extensive protection for off-road adventures, they can still prevent minor damage from low-speed collisions.
Bull Bar Material
Bullbars are typically constructed from Steel, Alloy or Polymer, these various materials each have different applications and benefits.
Steel bullbars are known for their superior strength, however are usually heavier than their alternatives.
Alloy bullbars are generally lighter making them ideal for those looking to keep weight down without compromising on protection.
Polymer bars, such as ARB’s Smartbar, have the unique benefit of being able to return to shape after an impact.
Recovery
Some bars are designed with winch mounting points in mind, allowing for easy installation & operation. They provide enhanced off-road capability and additional recovery options for the avid 4 wheel driver.
For those tackling off-road terrain, recovery points are another crucial component for safely recovering vehicles. Most aftermarket passenger vehicle bullbars will come with recovery points as standard, however you need to keep in mind the rating of the recovery point to ensure it’s up to the job.
Bullbar Options
At the Towing Performance Centre we install a variety of bullbars from reputable brands including ECB, Offroad Animal, TJM & ARB.
East Coast Bullbars
ECB offers a variety of bars to suit a wide range of tow vehicles & 4x4 makes and models. Bars include Bullbars, Winch Bullbars, Nudge Bars, Roo Bars & Midi Tube bars.
PIAK
PIAK prides themselves on the design and development of 4x4 protection equipment that can take-on the worlds toughest environments. Products include the Genesis Loop, Elite Post, Elite No Loop, 3-Loop Premium Winch, Non Loop Premium Winch and Nudge Bars.
Offroad Animal
Offroad Animal is home to the Toro and predator bars which offers plenty of style and performance. These aggressive looking bars aim to improve air flow & offroad functionality.
TJM
TJM are known for their range of Venturer, ChaseR, outback, signature, Explorer & Frontier Bull bars. TJM has a strong focus on rated recovery points, making them an ideal choice for performing vehicle recoveries.
ARB
ARB bars are designed with functionality in mind, whilst complementing vehicle design. Arb make a number of different bars from the sleek deluxe & Sahara styles, to more functional commercial bars.
Previous Bullbar Installations
Looking for some inspiration for your vehicle? Here’s just a few examples of vehicles that have had bullbars installed through the Towing Performance Centre.
Frequently Asked Questions
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If you are travelling in remote or unsealed roads, bullbars are an essential accessory for any tow vehicle or 4x4. Not only do they help protect your vehicle they act as a mounting point for other vehicle accessories such as recovery winches or spot lights & light bars.
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One potential downside of using a bull bar is the additional weight it adds to the front of your tow vehicle. This can affect your vehicle's fuel efficiency, carrying capacity and handling to some extent.
At the Towing Performance Centre we keep GVM & GCM capacities in mind, with weight assessments available to ensure you are within your limits. You can get your vehicle weighed by booking a weight assessment.
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Yes, it is possible to install a bull bar on a tow vehicle equipped with front parking sensors or adaptive cruise control. However, it's important to choose a bull bar specifically designed to accommodate these features.
After a bullbar for your tow vehicle or 4x4? Have a chat with the experts at the Towing Performance Centre today to find a bar that’s right for your vehicle. Complete the booking form below or give us a call on 07 3624 3821.