Bull bars in collisions

[Offroader]

Which bull bar can actually protect the vehicle in the event of a collision?

After all, push bars in police patrols are designed for ramming.

Isn't there a sturdy Push bar for the T4R?

Which one would you say is the toughest?

JAOS
Westin Safari
Manik
Go Rhino
WAAG
Tal & Hadas

 

[TranceKrayz]

it depends on how fast your "collision" is. to me, a bull bar is only to protect against minor fender benders, which are about 5-10mph. the bar would not hold in anything above. my front bar has survived 2 collions at about 5mph. my rear bar survived one at about 5-10. By the way....have you actually seen how well those push bars on squads hold up? I haven't so I can't vouch for them, but I doubt they'd even survive anything above 10-15mph.

 

[Offroader]

Go Rhino! Push Bumper Testimonials

Clare County Sheriff Dept.

I am with the Clare County Sheriff Department, and I need to thank you for making a great product. You see, I think having your push-bar helped save my life in a crash I had last week. I think the braces going from the push-bar to the strut towers made all the difference. We had got struck by a car, and then we struck a tree. By the time we got to the tree, the air bags were deflated, and I needed something to absorb the energy coming my way. It is one of those things where you had to be there to understand, but your parts did the trick. I know you must be busy, so I will not bother you any more with my story, but I just had to tell you...Thankyou!! If you get some bean counter or customer come in and ask if you can make them a little cheaper, and with cheaper parts...show them these pictures and tell them this is why it is worth having better parts. If you look close at one of the pictures, you can see the car frame did not absorb anything, just the push-bar and bumper. Thank you very much.

PS: We will insist on one of these bars before we drive the replacement.

- Deputy Daniel Skaff
Harrison, MI

 

[TranceKrayz]

interesting......i would like to see variations of crash tests done on various bull bars, just like insurance companies test cars. It would be interesting to find out how well each hold up. From your first post i thought you mean which can protect the COSMETICS of the vehicle in the event of a collision. sorry for the misunderstanding. so what you're really asking is which will absorb impact the best? All vehicles are designed with a "crunch zone" to absorb impact, but i guess the bull bar increases this.

 

[Gryphon]

Living in deer country, I have been seriously shopping for frontal armor. I have found very little that I would trust to survive.

ARB is about the only aftermarket bumper I have found that appears to be worthwhile AND offers a product to fit our rigs.

Short end of my story: I am getting with some friends and making one this summer.

About 1/4 the cost of a "cosmetic appliance" and these are of tested design for surviving deer strikes at highway speeds.

Heavy? Yes.
Stong? Heck yeah!
Nice and shiny chrome? Nope!
Paintable? Yes.

I'll try to get pics if anyone is interested.

 

[asingh1]

Hey, thank you for the post. I would definitely like to see the pics.

 

[Too Stroked]

The problem I have with all bull bars is that they're designed independently of the vehicle's crash management systems. Anyone who knows anything about vehicle design these days will tell you that it's a very complex issue involving crash energy management. Some parts of the vehicle are designed to be very rigid - like the actual occupant compartment. Other parts are designed to absorb crash energy by deforming at specific rates or in specific directions.

I can guarantee you that no aftermarket bull bar manufacturer takes any of this into account in the design of their products. I've even heard a friend of mine in the collision repair business refer to bull bars as "damage multipliers." Something to consider.

 

[Rocket3004]

I've even heard a friend of mine in the collision repair business refer to bull bars as "damage multipliers." Something to consider.

I can believe that. The few I have seen/owned over the years bolt to the frame, but I can totally see how in a collision would just squash the front end rather than protect anything.

They may help more as a brush guard in terms of nudging brush and small things out of the way as you are moving along.

 

[randy88fj62]

I have an arb on my landcruiser and my 4Runner. They are called "roo bumpers" as they are designed to take a hit and keep your headlights and radiator intact. Now I don't think hitting a deer at 80 mph head on would be a good idea but I feel better having one when travelling.