Steel Winch Bullbar (Ebay)

[Peterpilot Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close Peterpilot]

Depending on how well they have copied the bar, and especially the mounting hardware, it may well behave the same as the original on impact. Does it wobble around like an ARB bar does? lol

If the standard is voluntary and there are no roadworthy issues, then there should be no issue with insurance, unless they have a specific clause precluding it.

[iantz Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close iantz]

Well according to the post above to comply with the rules they must have the sticker. The bar doesn't, so they are misleading customers. Maybe someone should point this out to them...

[Peterpilot Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close Peterpilot]

"Built To Australian Standard AS4876.1-2002 & ADR 69" is not the same as "Complies with Australian Standard AS4876.1-2002 & ADR 69". A matter of semantics, being built to a standard is one thing, but without the required testing, it is not able to bear the compliance sticker and therefore is not ADR 69 compliant.

A case of buyer beware, there has to be a reason why this bar is cheap, and it is because it is a copy of the ARB product and has not had the R&D done on it for full compliance. In fact I would say that it is "Built To Australian Standard AS4876.1-2002 & ADR 69" simply because it is a copy of a fully certified product and built to the standard set by the original. Probably a good product, but the advertising is misleading.

[AJ120 Out of control poster! Find all posts View Profile Close AJ120]

What about the ethics of buying from a company that blatantly rips off another companies design? ARB might be expensive but they do put a lot into R&D, unlike this company which has spent nothing.

Cheers Andrew

[Burger Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Burger]

Good thread this, I was looking into this bar as an alternative to fitting the Sovereign Bar winch cradle etc. I am in insurance and the way I see it, unless the Bar actually caused an "event" there would be no troubles. Realistically, if an air-bag failed to deploy, the scenario it leads to is much worse then that loss of dollars from insurance if that were to be the case. That said, I am still looking at the bar. AJ120, agree the ethics... but the dollars saved in my pocket is the seller!

BTW - list your bull-bar as a modification/accessory on your insurance and all should be well! In fact, list everything you have is my advice (general advice only!). You will probably have a higher excess, but the payout in the end is worth it.

[mackayvx Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close mackayvx]

Wow... Im in the market for a new bull bar and yes I have searched thru ebay with great interest!! As always i turn to PP for real life opinons and im glad I did in this case - ---- i cant risk the life of my wife and child in my VX if the Air bags were to not deploy or deploy to often. Enough said - NO MORE EBAY CRAP FOR ME.... I might stay away from ARB after hearing some negative feedback in this thread and will start to look hard at TJM & OL for my new front & back bars..... Thanks every one!!!

[peril Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close peril]

Great thread for us new to PP, very informative but yet not judgemental, just what we want.

Superb!

[paddy81 Member Find all posts View Profile Close paddy81]

Well I have been through this whole thread and I have been trying to work out the way to go! I have decided that I am going to buy this bar, colour code it to my car and put it on! I have already rung AAMI and told them that I am putting a steel bullbar on, and they didn't ask any questions at all as to what make it was or anything, so I asked her does it matter what brand it is and was told that as long as it is listed on the policy you are covered.
As for the airbag issue I can't say what it will or won't do and I hope I never or anyone never has to have that happen!
Will keep you all posted and put some pics up

[paddy81 Member Find all posts View Profile Close paddy81]

It's finally on and looks great! Even got an ARB sticker!! The only thing I have to say is the wiring on the fog lights is shit!!! I had to re-wire them myself not a big job just something you shouldn't have to do. The other question I have is ( as I've never had a bullbar on my car ) how much movement are they meant to have? Mine moves around when hitting bumps etc and not sure whether that is normal or not??

[stevensr34 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close stevensr34]

Bullbar Movement is normal on a 120.

The Bar is attached to a chassis that appears to have little rigidity at the front end, and the bar itself hangs out a long way from the end of the chassis. Both combined result in quite a vibration over bumps.

Unfortunately this does little to convince you that the bar will hang on over corrugations, or if it comes in contact with a roo...

[paddy81 Member Find all posts View Profile Close paddy81]

Yeah I was freaking a little and went off road today and it looked like it was going to come off but it was fine!!!

[Hutch Addicted PP Member Find all posts View Profile Close Hutch]

Guys, I was looking around about this ADR-69 compliance issue and found the following in the RACV website

"Australian standard for bull-bars
In September 2002, the first Australian Standard for Motor Vehicle Frontal Protection Systems (more commonly termed 'bull-bars') was published. At present, the standard is voluntary. However RACV encourages motorists who choose to fit a bull-bar to their vehicle to purchase one that complies with the standard."(Link)

I'm trying to find out the truth about this. It's not ideal to drive around with a bull bar which doesn't meet the standards but since I have already got the bar, it could be my get out of jail card !!!

It is that close to ARB, wack a sticker on it nd no one will know. IF it got smashed up in an accident do u really think the insurance company will be asking were the bar was brought???

[leeboy Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close leeboy]

Damm keen myself now to get one of these! gotta be better than my factory bumper bar.
Only problem now is $350 postage to Cairns. I'll sort that out somehow though, thanks all for for the info.
Been a good read!

[hore1984 Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close hore1984]

they don't want to replace the interior of your car (and airbags) just because you hit a possum!

Instant laughter, classic

[kevinbloomfield Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close kevinbloomfield]

What about the ethics of buying from a company that blatantly rips off another companies design? ARB might be expensive but they do put a lot into R&D, unlike this company which has spent nothing.

Cheers Andrew

Andrew, how much money exactly has ARB put into R&D and how did you get access to the ARB figures as well as the figures for this particular company? ARB are expensive because people think their stuff is better, several on here think otherwise.
Rather than following all the other sheep I think it's good some people give the little guys a go.