Author: Matt Richards
Last Updated: April 2023
Welcome to the ultimate guide to the best bull bars for the alt car!
If you want to prevent your 4wd from impacts from kangaroos and other wildlife here in Australia, then you’re in the right place! Let’s get started.
Best Bull Bars For The Ford Ranger
Here are my highest-recommended bull bars…
1. TJM Commercial Deluxe Ford Ranger Bull Bar
The most popular bull bar in the range, the Commercial Deluxe Bull Bar is developed to provide maximum protection and safety on and off road. Following the vehicle lines and driving light shape, the triple a-frame bar provides an enhanced integrated look whilst maintaining all critical functional elements needed in a bull bar.
Pros
Vehicle specific
Winch compatible
Airbag compatible
Multiple options
Cons
Expensive
Many upsells
Wait times
2. ARB Summit MKII Bar Bull Bar
The ARB Summit MKII Bar muscles up with the most innovative and advanced technology yet, all while fully integrating with Ford’s suite of advanced driver assist safety technology that are specific to the Ranger.
Pros
Vehicle specific
Steel construction
Hi-Lift points
Winch compatible
Cons
Expensive
Wait times
3. Ironman 4×4 Deluxe Ford Ranger Bullbar
The Ironman Deluxe bull bar for the Next-Gen Ford Ranger also has a range of added features making it the ultimate protection bull bar on the market.
Pros
Recovery points
Winch compatible
Airbag compatible
Vehicle specific design
Cons
Expensive
Made to order
4. Offroad Animal Toro Bull Bar
The popular Offroad Animal Toro Bull Bar gives your Ranger an incredibly aggressive look!
Pros
Not vanilla
Looks incredible
Increased airflow
ADR compliant
Cons
Very expensive
Delivers to businesses only
5. Predator Bull Bar
With the Predator front bar, you’ll be able to show off your Ranger’s wild side with its sleek design and optional stealth hoop that can fit a 22″ LED light bar. Plus, its lightweight design means your Ranger will still be able to keep up with the fast crowd. And with its better airflow, your motor will stay cool during those long off-roading adventures.
Pros
Very light
Created in Australia
Fully tested
Cons
Hoopless design
Wait times
6. Rockarmor GT
I’m leaving the best to last! The Rockamor is just incredible, apart from the price! It’s ‘roo proof’ and is sensor compatible while looking like a fighter jet. Just have a look at this video:
Pros
Designed in Sydney
Looks modern
Matte black finish
Chassis mounted
Cons
Expensive
Bull Bar Buying Guide
Protection from kangaroos is the main reason that people purchase bull bars, as well as trees, logs and boulders. I’ve found that they also provide an excellent place to mount winches, antennas and spotlights.
Here are some things to consider before you open your wallet…
Plastic vs Aluminum vs Steel
Plastic bullbars are significantly lighter but are extremely weak too. If you strike anything that’s small (such as an eagle) then these can potentially be folded back in, but offer mild protection.
Alloy bars are 30% lighter than steel but don’t provide ultimate protection. They can bend, crack and even break off upon impact. As they are made from aluminum, they are reasonably priced.
Steel bars provide the ultimate protection from kangaroos but often require a front-suspension upgrade. They’re also the most expensive and will best suit those who are looking for a long-term and dependable solution.
Hoop vs Hoopless Bullbars
I typically recommend hooped bars rather than hoopless, given how much additional protection they provide. Hoopless bars do look fantastic but will do far less to protect your radiator.
Poster Bars
Poster bars provide remarkable protection against the largest of kangaroos, however, they significantly reduce the entry angle when offroading. They’re also significantly heavier too!
Recovery Points
Some bull bars have recovery points that are essentially towing points, rather than genuine recovery points for snatch straps. It’s best to have a bull bar mounted directly to the chassis.
Mounting a Winch
I always recommend purchasing a winch-compatible bullbar. Most tourers who need a bull bar will inherently mount a winch too, either right away or within months. So they essentially go hand-in-hand!
Airbag Compatability
Every modern 4×4 has a number of airbags that greatly improve the safety of the occupants during an accident. However, some cheap bull bars and custom bull bars are NOT airbag-compatible and you may not be covered in the event of an accident either. I have and will always recommend airbag-compatible bullbars from well-known manufacturers.
High-Lift Jacking Point
Consider purchasing a bullbar that has a high-lift mounting point. If you get a flat front tyre, this provides a safe and effective
Should I Buy a Nudge Bar?
Nudge bars provide little to no protection against kangaroos. They only provide a helpful place to mount antennas and driving lights. Nudge bars are best for SUVs that often travel to regional or remote areas and whose suspension cannot handle the weight of an aluminum or steel bullbar.
Can I Mount Fishing Rod Holders To My Bull Bar?
No. Years ago, many Australians with 4x4s would mount ‘sausage makers’ to their bullbars for their surf fishing rods. However, this is illegal in many states now as they present a high risk to pedestrians.