Bernie from Berns Beaks & Tradesman Trailers replied:

yes a bullbar is a extremly handy piece of equipment to have on you vehicle so long as it is a steel one because aluminium bullbars are just NOT UP TO THE TASK if needed to be used to pull the vehicle out of a creek or bog also if you hit anything heavier than an empty plastic bag the aluminium bullbars collapse and self distruct and they really don't weigh much less than a steel one anyway.
go to your local towbar & bullbar fitter and i suggest you buy an ARB BULLBAR
THEY REALLY DO WORK and are strong and also look good.
by the way i don't represent ARB i just happen to admire a quality product

regards - Bernie Berns Beaks & Tradesman Trailers

Will replied:

I agree, get an arb steel bullbar.

Member - Karl replied:

Yes they are a good idea, especially driving around the country. On my 80 Series I have the polyurithain (not spelt right I know) 'Smartbar'. I haven't hit anything yet - and I hope I never, but it is made well and light weight and for 100 Series you can get winch models.

A word of caution though - I wouldn't buy a steel bull bar (or any other type of bar) to use to pull anything out of a bog. Fit good quality recovery hooks or you may find that you will rip your bar from the front.Everyone is entitled to have an opinion - just make sure that yours is correct.

KiwiAngler replied:

I would also ensure that you get it fitted professionally and ensure that they fit the "concertina thingies" between bullbar and chassis to ensure that your airbags still work :-)

Member - Jack replied:

No idea what an "estate" bar is, but there is one for sale on eBay starting at $500.
It might fit the bill.
JackNo trees were harmed in the making or sending of this message.
However a great number of electrons were terribly inconvenienced.

Landcruiser replied:

Hi there.....

I have had both the alluminium and steel bull bars on my 100 series landcruiser...

I believe that a bullbar is a neccessary item for the serious 4wder...

i had to replace my alloy (Toyota Estate Bar) after my car came to rest along a tree stump... The alloy bar provided me zero protection at all!!! I vow to NEVER get another alloy bar again!!! They look good but provide no protection!!!

I replaced the alloy bar with an ARB Deluxe Winch Bar.... It looks awesome, fits great and provides me with the strength that i need....

I am looking at purchasing another 4wd in the near future and the only bullbar that i will ever fir is an ARB... I have had a look at some of the competitors products and have not liked the finish , quality, look or fittment of their bars... ARD has done me well!!!

When looking at a bar, make sure that they are constructed out or a songle piece of steel, and that all joins are welded... The TJM bar was my second choice, but i found that it was a 3 piece bar... Not strong enough in my books!!!

I hope this info has been helpful for you...

Cheers and happy 4wding...

Cashy replied:

Tac,

To answer your question no they are not necesary, but highly recommended for outback travel. With the van in tow I would definitely be looking at fitting one as your stopping distance wil be increased and it would be dangerous to try and stop suddenly to avoid hitting a roo and possibly end up rolling the cruiser and/or van.

I would recommend a steel ARB winch bar, this will allow you to fit a winch later if you want with out buying a new bar, also I believe they are stronger then the none winch bars, but that is only in my opinion.

Cashy

Moose replied:

G'day Tac
No they are not necessary however they are handy places to hang spotties, aerials, winches etc. I have a steel one, have travelled thousands of kilometres on outback roads in the Cruiser and have never hit any largish animal however I don't like travelling at night. If you do intend to do be on the road at night then certainly consider getting one or slow down heaps. The most use mine gets is when I'm doing surveys for trips and it gets used to push through regrowth on seldom used tracks. I think that they also make a 4WD look like the genuine thing and I'll bet that lots of people buy them for that very reason.
You will still be able to get a recovery hook fitted to the chassis rails without having a bullbar fitted.
Having said all that I wouldn't be without one.
If you do get one go for steel.
In summary - not essential but useful.
Have a safe trip.