GUIDE - CHOOSING THE RIGHT 4X4 BULLBAR - ROBSON BROTHERS 4WD

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PART 1

PART 1

The performance of your four-wheel drive and its ability to handle off-road conditions and carry loads are heavily influenced by its suspension system. A well-functioning suspension system ensures the safe and comfortable operation of your vehicle, determines its load-carrying capacity, and affects the durability of its mechanical parts. On the other hand, an insufficient suspension system can compromise these factors.

If you plan to load your vehicle or venture off-road, it is highly likely that you will require an aftermarket suspension upgrade. This will ensure that your vehicle is prepared for any terrain or additional weight you encounter. To determine whether your 4WD needs a suspension upgrade, consider the following factors:

BELOW AVERAGE PERFORMANCE

When you're on the road or off-roading, the primary aspect to consider is the way your vehicle handles. Pay attention to signs such as excessive body roll during cornering, nose-diving when braking, or a bumpy ride when carrying a load. These indicators strongly suggest that your current suspension system may not be functioning optimally. Additionally, if your vehicle bottoms out even on minor ruts, it indicates that it is hitting bump stops when encountering uneven surfaces, which is not ideal for navigating difficult terrains with your vehicle.

SAGGING IN THE REAR

If your vehicle's rear sags when towing or carrying a heavy load, it indicates an overstressed suspension. This sagging accelerates the deterioration of mechanical components and makes driving more challenging with reduced stability. This unmistakable indication implies that your rig needs an airbag suspension kit or another form of suspension upgrade to enable secure towing and handling of heavier loads.

SUSPENSION OVERLOAD

If you have made any additions to your vehicle, such as accessories, it is crucial to have your suspension system inspected. When it comes to your suspension, it is important to ensure proper fitting, taking into account the installed accessories and the typical weight of the loads you usually carry. In fact, an upgrade may be necessary, particularly if you have long-range fuel tanks, bull bars, or winches installed.

NOSE DIVES WHEN PRESSING THE BRAKES

That's correct! Worn-out shocks or struts can lead to a phenomenon known as "nose diving" when you apply the brakes firmly. When you brake, the weight of the vehicle shifts forward, and the front suspension should compress to maintain stability and control. However, if the shocks are worn out, they won't be able to effectively dampen this movement, causing the front end of the vehicle to dive downward excessively.

This diving motion can negatively impact your ability to stop the car quickly in emergency situations. With worn-out shocks, the weight transfer to the front end of the vehicle can cause a decrease in tire traction and braking efficiency, increasing the distance required to come to a stop. This can be particularly dangerous when you need to stop suddenly to avoid a collision.

EXCESSIVE TYRE WEAR

Uneven wear or bald spots on your tires can indeed be an indication of suspension issues. When the suspension system of a car is not functioning properly, it can lead to uneven weight distribution on the tires, resulting in uneven wear patterns.

There are several suspension-related problems that can cause uneven tire wear:

Misalignment: Improper wheel alignment can cause the tires to wear unevenly. If the wheels are not properly aligned, it can lead to excessive wear on certain areas of the tire. Worn suspension components:
Worn-out suspension components such as ball joints, control arms, or bushings can affect the alignment and stability of the wheels. This can result in uneven tire wear.
Shock absorber or strut issues: Faulty or worn-out shock absorbers or struts can fail to provide proper support and damping to the vehicle's suspension. This can lead to excessive bouncing or uneven weight distribution, causing uneven tire wear.
Improper tire inflation: Incorrect tire pressure can also contribute to uneven wear. Overinflated or underinflated tires can cause the tread to wear unevenly, particularly in specific areas.

Bullbars, made of robust aluminum and steel, are commonly installed on the front of four-wheel-drive vehicles. While they can be mounted on any vehicle, they are predominantly found on SUVs and off-road vehicles, serving as a shield against animal and minor collisions. With its name indicating its purpose, the bullbar is designed to safeguard the front end of the vehicle. When driving through rural areas, it is essential to have roadside protection for cars and trucks. Consequently, an off-road vehicle necessitates the inclusion of a bull bar. Various configurations of bullbars, grill guards, and bumper guards are now available to cater to a wide range of needs. You might have come across a customized version called a "nudge bar," commonly seen on police cars. These bars enable officers to safely immobilize a fleeing vehicle using the "PIT" technique.

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A WINCH BAR AND BULL BAR

As mentioned earlier, a bullbar serves as a protective device installed at the front of a vehicle to provide defense against trees, barriers, and animals. Conversely, a winch bar is essentially a bullbar equipped with a mounting point for a winch. This type of bar is designed to securely hold a winch in position. When selecting winch bars, numerous 4WD drivers opt for those crafted from steel due to their assured durability. However, it is important to highlight that not all steel bullbars can be classified as winch bars.

WINCH COMPATIBILITY

Deciding whether to equip your bar with a winch presents a significant challenge. While the front appearance of the bullbar may seem unchanged, the crucial distinction lies in its ability to securely accommodate and bear the weight of a 4WD winch. Certain bars are designed to be winch-compatible, while others are not. It is occasionally possible to attach a bullbar to a non-compatible structure, although achieving this without modifying the existing bar is not always feasible.

WEIGHT

Overloading your 4WD is ill-advised as it adds excessive strain on all components, leading to increased fuel consumption and exceeding cargo and axle limits. Each item you load onto or into your 4WD decreases its overall capacity and often results in surpassing the recommended limit. It's crucial to carefully assess your payload capacity and axle rating, particularly when adding heavy items such as bars to your vehicle.

STYLES OF BULLBARS

There exists a wide range of bars, which can be classified based on their shapes and materials. Presented below is an overview of each type.

TRIPLE HOOP

Ideal for routes prone to collisions, these bars are the heaviest and offer the highest level of protection.

SINGLE HOOP

The hoop bar, a singular component, effectively balances both front-end performance and weight protection. The car's radiator receives protection through a sole brace located on the grill.

NUDGE BAR

When it comes to significant collisions, a nudge bar proves to be quite ineffective as it is primarily designed for minor impacts such as maneuvering through foliage and debris. Certain individuals obtain them more for aesthetic purposes rather than practical functionality.

WHY ARE THEY IMPORTANT?

Here are some benefits of having these bars on your vehicle.

VEHICLE PROTECTION

Vehicles used on rough trails often sustain damage from various sources such as rods, stones, logs, and other minor incidents. Installing bars can provide protection to the vehicle's frame, headlights, and bumpers, guarding against these potential damages.

OFFER PASSENGER PROTECTION

In instances of collisions or accidents, these bars play a crucial role in minimizing the intensity of impacts. By hindering the dispersion of high energy within the vehicle, they effectively diminish the impact's potency. Such a life-saving advantage greatly benefits all passengers involved.

OFFER MOUNTING ACCESSORIES

Bars serve as excellent mounting rails for accessories such as antennae, lights, and flags, providing them with a sturdy foundation. Typically durable, these bars ensure a solid support for these items. Additionally, the rugged bumper effectively secures the accessories in place, preventing them from dislodging during high-speed travel over rough terrain.

MOUNTING WINCHES

While it is possible to install winches on your vehicle without bull bars, it is advisable to prioritize their installation. The presence of a bull bar simplifies the process, making it more convenient. Regardless of your decision to incorporate a winch, as a responsible car owner, it is important to recognize that a bull bar paired with a winch consistently offers the superior option. Bull bars with winches hold a higher perceived value compared to standard bars.

ENHANCES DRIVING TERRAIN

Driving on challenging terrains can be quite demanding, but having a bull bar proves invaluable in safeguarding both you and your vehicle. This not only ensures your safety but also helps you save a considerable sum of money. While the car is highly likely to sustain damage, the cost of repairing the bull bar remains minimal.

MATERIALS

Aluminium bars are often left in their natural state, devoid of any coating, allowing for the option of polishing or leaving them raw to achieve a stunning finish. However, in order to maintain its quality, aluminium must undergo machining processes.

On the other hand, steel is comparatively heavier, which necessitates a maximum thickness of 6 mm for the materials used. Although it is a durable and cost-effective choice, steel is prone to rust if the paint deteriorates.

Typically, aluminium bars tend to be thicker than their steel counterparts. The selection of material primarily depends on the desired reduction in weight for the 4WD vehicle, as well as budget constraints and the overall design considerations.

STEEL

Steel has held its dominant position as the preferred material for bull bars for a considerable time. Many people opt for steel due to its perceived strength, making it capable of enduring animal collisions and a favored choice for rural drivers. Steel bars, apart from occasional cleaning, demand minimal maintenance, are easily fixable, and typically come at a lower cost compared to aluminum bars. However, it is worth noting that steel is significantly heavier, weighing up to 30% more than aluminum.

ALUMINIUM

Aluminium is becoming increasingly comparable to steel in terms of strength, while still maintaining a significant weight advantage. However, due to their relatively lower tensile strength and higher price tags, many enthusiasts choose to steer clear of aluminium bars.

PLASTIC

In the bull bar industry, plastics have emerged as a formidable contender. They stand out as the lightest but also the least robust among all materials. However, their advantage lies in their ease of displacement upon bending or collision. If you seek a bull bar primarily for urban environments, plastic bars are worth considering. Unlike steel or aluminum, these bars are designed to minimize harm to pedestrians, making them notably less prone to causing severe injuries in accidents.

We can see that a bullbar is an essential component of any off-road vehicle. However, you should consider some of the factors listed above when picking one out.