Bull Bar and New Car Warranty

[Cambo Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Cambo]

All

First post, so please go easy.

Have read through this and other forums and identified that there are some "issues" with Bull Bar recalls on the 200 series LC and 120 series Prado (for both factory fitted and aftermakrket brands). Have told myself that this may not be as widespread as certain forums make out and also that any issues have been ironed out for the 150 series Prado?

Can't get my head around the factory Bar from Toyota (missus looked at it today and said that its no longer an option!) and have been looking at the TJM and the ARB bars. Both these bars are airbag compliant, but noted the following two points of potential differentiation for the TJM Bar over the ARB Bar:

(1) "This is a bumper replacement bar, no cutting required"
This is not a big issue for me and would not sway me one way or the other if one requires cutting and the other does not. Had the ARB on my Paj, required cutting, fantastic bar, so no issues there. I presume without the cutting the TJM Bar may not have as good an approach angle as the ARB Bar?

(2) "does not void your new vehicle warranty"
This would be a big deciding factor if the ARB Bar voids the new vehicle warranty. Does anyone know if this is the case or not?

Cheers, Keith

[gxllouie Member Find all posts View Profile Close gxllouie]

Re: Bull Bar and New Car Warranty

All

First post, so please go easy.

Have read through this and other forums and identified that there are some "issues" with Bull Bar recalls on the 200 series LC and 120 series Prado (for both factory fitted and aftermakrket brands). Have told myself that this may not be as widespread as certain forums make out and also that any issues have been ironed out for the 150 series Prado?

Can't get my head around the factory Bar from Toyota (missus looked at it today and said that its no longer an option!) and have been looking at the TJM and the ARB bars. Both these bars are airbag compliant, but noted the following two points of potential differentiation for the TJM Bar over the ARB Bar:

(1) "This is a bumper replacement bar, no cutting required"
This is not a big issue for me and would not sway me one way or the other if one requires cutting and the other does not. Had the ARB on my Paj, required cutting, fantastic bar, so no issues there. I presume without the cutting the TJM Bar may not have as good an approach angle as the ARB Bar?

(2) "does not void your new vehicle warranty"
This would be a big deciding factor if the ARB Bar voids the new vehicle warranty. Does anyone know if this is the case or not?

Cheers, Keith

hey keith,

the tjm bar doesn't require cutting because it replaces the entire front bar - it has bits of painted plastic either side of the bullbar to mimic the original bumper. so essentially, even though it doesn't require cutting, in terms of fitment it looks much the same as the ARB bar. therefore, not much difference in approach angle i would imagine. check out some of the rig build ups to see the difference between the two.

i'm still unsure as to which bar i would choose. i think the finish and fitment quality of the arb is better, but the tjm has nice lines and good underbody protection. the first one to release a model with or capable of taking recovery points will get my vote.

i can't imagine that either bar would void warranty - toyota have these fitted to the vehicle before delivery. but wouldn't hurt to check.

louie

[D4D Addicted PP Member Find all posts View Profile Close D4D]

Re: Bull Bar and New Car Warranty

Nike

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

Re: Bull Bar and New Car Warranty

Cambo,

As far as the TJM vs ARB argument goes, I went for the TJM for several reasons.
First, and this is of course personal taste, the TJM suits the lines of the 150 much better. The ARB is the same style across all car fitments, whereas the TJM is a new 150 specific style. In my opinion it really takes into account the grill and headlight shape, and compliments them nicely.
Second, the TJM bar is slightly more compact than the ARB. It doesn't project as far from the front of the car, and hugs the front end. This also increases the approach angle slightly.
Third, the TJM totally replaces the bumper, rather than chops it up. I was able to remove the front bumper assembly in its entirety, and am able to return the car to standard when sale time comes if need be.
Neither bar will accept recovery points which bolt to the front chassis rails due to their design in that area. Don't hold your breath for either manufacturer to release an 'updated' bar which does.
Neither bar will void the new car warranty.
Cheers,
Rambo

[Cambo Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Cambo]

Re: Bull Bar and New Car Warranty

Thanks for the feedback. I am actually starting to favour the TJM Bar. To try and round out the exercise, I spoke with "SmartBar" here in Perth and was informed that they would have a 150 series bar/s (winch and non-winch) available by mid December (it has taken them longer than they envisaged). Thought this would at least be worth a check before making the final decision.

[grahmax Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close grahmax]

Re: Bull Bar and New Car Warranty

Smart Bar - just spoke with Smart Bar and local agent in Melbourne - 150 models will be available in 3 weeks ex SA factory only avail in black and white and non winch at this time. I was quoted $1895 fitted.

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

Re: Bull Bar and New Car Warranty

Smart Bar - just spoke with Smart Bar and local agent in Melbourne - 150 models will be available in 3 weeks ex SA factory only avail in black and white and non winch at this time. I was quoted $1895 fitted.

Smart bar are a great bit of kit. Much more effective at preventing damage from animal strikes than steel.

I know that will get the old "steel is the only way to go" brigade salivating at the mouth with frustration, but it's true. I'm a convert, I thought steel was the way to go - until I got a work vehicle with a smart bar. I hit a roo at 110kph without getting onto the brakes - absolutely no problems, no damage, no nothing.

Steel bar I hit a roo in my previous work car with a steel ARB bar, at 80kph, (same size roo/circumstances). The ARB bar actually bent, it was pushed back and pierced the radiator and popped both my front tyres.

...and to those who say the smart bar are weak and flex, you're right - they do, it's their design to absorb some of the impact to a degree once it reaches maximum flex it is rigid and won't move any further. It certainly won't flex back into the vehicle... on that note, has anyone ever tried to flex or move a smart bar with your hand? - you can't, they require a decent impact before they even begin to flex.

Anyway, smart bar = good bit of gear. Technology moving us forward.

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

Re: Bull Bar and New Car Warranty

It will be good to see what they look like on the 150 . Ive only ever clipped a roo doing about 50kph with my ARB steel bar and it cracked the light cluster but im hearing very good reports about the Smart Bars ... i just hope they are not ugly :wink:

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

Re: Bull Bar and New Car Warranty

It will be good to see what they look like on the 150 . Ive only ever clipped a roo doing about 50kph with my ARB steel bar and it cracked the light cluster but im hearing very good reports about the Smart Bars ... i just hope they are not ugly :wink:

If they look anything like the Pajero smart bar then I'm sure it will be a great thing. I reckon the Pajero's look great with them fitted.

[grahmax Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close grahmax]

Re: Bull Bar and New Car Warranty

Ordered a black Winch compatible Smartbar for silver pearl Prado 150 today - a bit more than the non-winch type but worth doing it right first time - expect 3 weeks to delivery to Melbourne- will advise on outcome.

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

Re: Bull Bar and New Car Warranty

Smart Bar - just spoke with Smart Bar and local agent in Melbourne - 150 models will be available in 3 weeks ex SA factory only avail in black and white and non winch at this time. I was quoted $1895 fitted.

Pity they r so ugly.

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

Re: Bull Bar and New Car Warranty

Hello There is a short article on Smart Bars available on this media link. It looks like a good alternative to steel and aluminium options.

http://fw.farmonline.com.au/news/state/ ... 52080.aspx

[wifecallsmegrumpy Member Find all posts View Profile Close wifecallsmegrumpy]

Re: Bull Bar and New Car Warranty

Great to finally see one, looking forward to some more detailed pics and be nice to see a white one.

[Jase150 Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Jase150]

Re: Bull Bar and New Car Warranty

That looks terrible!!!!

[grahmax Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close grahmax]

Re: Bull Bar and New Car Warranty

That looks terrible!!!!

Who cares what they look like - as long as they work effectively - I guess looks are important for those who don't intend to go bush.