Toyota Hilux

Basics of Bullbars and Things to Look for When Buying

When most 4×4 Hilux enthusiasts think about modifying their beloved Hilux, a bullbar is oftentimes the first major modification to be implemented. The main reason for this is usually because whether touring around Australia or venturing off the beaten tracks, a bullbar is unarguably the most essential piece of vehicle protection equipment you can install on your Hilux. However, with the wide range of manufacturers available on the Australian market, picking the right one for your needs can be a somewhat difficult process. That being said, understanding the basics certainly helps, which is what’s actually following in this guide.

Toyota Hilux

For starters, a Toyota Hilux bullbar is a piece of manufactured metal that’s specially designed to protect the front (unarguably most fragile) part of your vehicle from collisions that might damage the engine and other components. They’re usually used by people who tour long-distance in order to get adequate protection against animals like kangaroos, or people who venture off-road and need to protect their Hilux from debris.

When buying a Toyota Hilux bullbar, the first thing you need to decide about is the material it’s made of. Typically, bullbars are made of steel, aluminium and plastic. Each material has benefits and it’s suitable for different purposes. Picking the right one will ultimately come down to where you’ll be traveling and what you’ll be using it for mostly. Steel is by far the most popular option, and it’s the go-to choice for many 4×4 enthusiasts simply because of its outstanding strength.

Next, aesthetics and build quality should be a major part of your decision. It’s important to get a bullbar that’s going to enhance and accentuate the appearance of your vehicle. However, you shouldn’t compromise quality for looks, so make sure the bullbar is built with high-quality materials and perfect bends and welds. If possible, make sure to inspect it before purchasing it, and if you aren’t confident in what you see, move on.

Furthermore, consider features such as tow points and high-lift jack points. The majority of bullbars come with high-lift jack points, but it’s best that you check with the retailer you’re purchasing from, as not everyone includes them and they’re difficult to notice. Different brands use different pads to help make a difference between companies, but typically, the high-lift jack points are down the bottom near the front face of the bar.

Rated tow points are probably the best add-on you can have on a bullbar. Having them means that the manufacturer of the bullbar has had engineers test the tow point to a chosen limit and gave it a rating. That being said, if you’re hestitating between two similar bullbars, one of which has – while the other one doesn’t have a rated tow point, definitely go with the one that has a tow point.