Bullbar mounting strength

[BradW]

I have a 2010 Defender with an ARB bullbar. I have just noticed that the bullbar is mounted to the chassis rails with two high tensile bolts of about 9mm or so diameter on each rail. One goes through one side only of the rail and the lower one goes right through the chassis in a heavy tube welded inside the rails. Are these 9mm bolts big enough should a snatch strap recovery be attempted? If they aren't how big can I go without buggering the bottom tube through the chassis? The bar was installed by ARB and it's just the bolts look a bit wee.
Any info is greatly appreciated.

brad

[Beckford]

I don't have a bull bar, but I have drilled out the bottom holes to 12.5mm to suit M12 high tensile bolts (2010 Defender) to fit recovery points. Did not hit the tube spacers.

Beckford.

[PAT303]

They are plenty strong enough,you'll snap a strap or stall out a winch long before you cause them bolts any issue. Pat

[JDNSW]

I think you will find the bolts are as strong as the chassis! (The metal is not very thick)

John

[KarlB]

I think you will find the bolts are as strong as the chassis! (The metal is not very thick)

John

... and it is mild steel. So I suspect the bolts are probably stronger than the chassis.

KarlB