Bull Bar

[FoozGrind]

I had a question. Is there an actual purpose for a bull bar vs just getting a complete bar for the entire grill? I know what the bull bars look like but there are so many different types to choose from if they have no real use then i guess it would be a matter of which one looks the best.

Thanks

 

[ALt4r]

Technically, they are all called bullbars, i think. The smaller ones only differ in looks, not too much in functionality. Even the big ones can't help too much more in a collision (or so it is argued). Some people call the big ones brushgaurds, they would protect a bit from the brush/branches i guess. However, if you are parking in a tight space or someone else nudges you, it can be beneficial i guess.
Most people buy them for cosmetic reasons.

 

[Falls]

Most people buy them for cosmetic reasons.

Agree , or hang a set of lights on.

 

[03 Limited]

Technically, they are all called bullbars, i think. The smaller ones only differ in looks, not too much in functionality. Even the big ones can't help too much more in a collision (or so it is argued). Some people call the big ones brushgaurds, they would protect a bit from the brush/branches i guess. However, if you are parking in a tight space or someone else nudges you, it can be beneficial i guess.
Most people buy them for cosmetic reasons.

Honestly, i think having one of these might cause more damage in a collision then not having one. Now in a small "bump or nudge" to someone wont hurt it but in a conventional accident, prolly do alot of damage to the core support and frame rails.

 

[ALt4r]

Honestly, i think having one of these might cause more damage in a collision then not having one. Now in a small "bump or nudge" to someone wont hurt it but in a conventional accident, prolly do alot of damage to the core support and frame rails.

Thats what i think as well. Certain bull bars are actually banned in other parts of the world because of the damage they cause.

 

[shootmymime]

i had a go rhino, (now i have a newer one) brushguard and i got into a wreck with it back in december, slid on ice at 35 mph and hit a neighborhood gas meter fence protector, let me tell you, i hit it at the bottom of the guard so the top did not bump back and take out my hood... but it collapsed in and bent all up to cushin the crash.

and i was talking to my body shop mechanic and we both agreed that if i didnt have it, the crash would have bent mybumper and not only destroying my radiator, condensor, frame, engine, and the bumper and brackets, and the airbags would have gone off...... so that would have been the end of my 4runner.... but since i had the brushguard on it only took out the bumper, brackets and black pice under the bumper.....

so when i got it all fixed, the 1st thing i did was go but a brand new gorhino brushguard 3000 series....

damn that was alot of rambling, sorry, i just had to say that

 

[FoozGrind]

I will look into that model. Yea first thing i want is a system though in my truck before i get the guard.

 

[magnumfan]

ARB Bull Bars

Hey guys, Ive owned two ARB bars on previous 4x's that Ive owned

Down in Australia the ARB bars are very popular because they protect a car in a car Vs Kangaroo collision, I would venture that car Vs deer here would be about the same.

Ive hit kangaroos with previous cars, once without a bar and once with. The effect of the bar was significant in protecting my car. In both cases the Roo died.

I agree with the comment above, in a substantial car to car accident - you will damage the frame rails. Ive seen it previously. But against a light weight animal for for minor brush they work very well. And they are most often used as mounting points for Winches, Lights, CB antenna's etc

check out the ARB product, its about $1,000

 

[Uneek]

Personally, I refer to the smaller/lower bars that only cover the lower bumper grille opening section a bullbar. The ones that cover the upper grille and maybe headlights as brush or grille guards.

IMO, bullbars and brush/grille guards is a deterent for those who park by "feel". If they're full out mashing it in reverse, or even accidentally hitting the gas for the brakes, it'll won't save anything and possible cause more damaging because it'll now collapse into the bumper.

For better protection a steel bumper is better suited. Just the presence will make those think twice before they park in front of you. They are strong enough for recovery purposes as well. The flip side of the coin is it'll do much more damage to the vehicle in front in an accident.