Ute Roll Bars?

Good question. I know i am not answering the Q but I know of a few peiole that wasted money putting roll bars into holden panel vans. They already had an excellent rollbar built in. how do I know? i spent 5 seconds in the back of one going over 3 times and the reinforcement behind the drivers seat held up superbly and all 3 of us walked away with the only injuries being caused by smashed beer bottles, heads hitting cielings (no seatbelt) and me being canned by the tool box, spare tyre guns, ammo, etc

Matt

I think most are for show on the newer utes. They bolt on top+inside of the tray. It may give some protection or lessen the damage in a slow rollover manouver. A canopy would sit on top of the tray not allowing the RB to be in place, unless it is installed within the tray and under the canopy roofline, prob' custom made only. me thinks

G'day Matt,

saw a couple of vids about 18 months ago about this online, can't remember where at the moment although I'll have a look around. All conducted in the US but still relevent in my mind. Basically they took 3 "pick-up" style utes with aftermarket "sports bars" and deliberatley send them into a fairly violent roll over. 2 of the 3 shed their tubs on the first roll and the third tub completely crushed on impact, with the sports bar folding backwards into the tub. The all round consensus was that they provided negligible difference with regard to safety.

With little room inside the cab, I reckon you'd be better off with an exoskeletal bar setup if you're really concerned only downside is they aren't the most attractive addition to a nice new ute.

All this said, saw a rolled lux a few months ago down around Koo-wee-rup/pakenham. Don't know how quick or hard it rolled but the canopy was missing it's rear window and other than that looked fairly well intact.