What's your favourite defender bullbar ?

[incisor]

tittle says it all..

what do you consider to be the best touring defender bullbar (with winch mount)?

be interested to hear why as well...

[weeds]

As I have a PTO Winch, RIJIDIJ was the only one I could find to make a custom winch bar. I would like to have he additional hoops but I don't think he was doing them at the time.....either way I do my best not to drive at dusk and haven't hit any to date.

[travelrover]

tittle says it all..

what do you consider to be the best touring defender bullbar (with winch mount)?

be interested to hear why as well...Only ever fitted ARB to my Defenders and back in the 80's my Range Rovers, all with Warn high mount winches.

Hit a few roos, and used to push all sorts of things around yards at the former in laws properties, used as anchor point for recovery. Driving light mounts could be a fraction further back as the front of the lamps can protrude forward of the bar. Not even bent one yet.

[DiscoMick]

ARB too.

[stealth]

I built my own which originally fitted my old 2A then was adapted to fit my Defender. Has been modified since to take a winch and LED bar. I opened up the side of a Holden Rodeo ute in an accident once with one corner of the bullbar which bent the upright edge of the bullbar a couple of inches. No other damage to the Defender When claiming the insurance I told the assessor that I wanted my bullbar repaired not replaced as it had been custom made. (I didn’t say who made it).
He pointed to a number on the corner and suggested the manufacturer might just be able to supply a new corner piece. He was looking a the part number stamped in to precast corner elbows I bought from Metaland in Geelong when I built the bullbar.
I had to tell him I couldn’t remember who made it.

[Zeros]

I've always preferred ARB bars too. They seem to invest more in research and development than others? They usually look better too. However this also relates to my only criticism of the current ARB bar which apparently for design integration reasons, sits very close go the front quarter panels. It would be ideal if there were some kind of HD crashcan type spacers available to move the bar forward a couple of inches.

No no idea if it's possible? But I wonder if this might be something Nugget Stuff, Ridjidij or APT could develop? ...I'd be interested if it moved the bar forward, added strength to the bolt on mounting points and in a very heavy collision offered some energy absorption?

[VladTepes]

I've had ARB and TJM bars on Defenders. I prefer the style of the ARB bar. But otherwise there's not much between them.
I like a bar that provides 'full' frontal protection as opposed to some that are more or less just a fancy way of carrying a winch.

The main issue with the ARB bar I have is that its designed for a winch with a roller fairlead. The winch I have in the shed (and really should get around to fitting at some point) has dyneema rope. I worry that if I was in a nose down position and had to put the 'rope' in a higher position to winch out; that the rope would rub on the projection which the roller fairlead normally bolts up to.

I like the construction and winch mount set up of the rijidij deluxe bars, and think this probably a better set up if the ute would be off-road more of the time, but have a preference for a full loop around the headlights etc. A combination of the two designs would be MY ideal bar.

But having invested the $$$ in the ARB bar I won't be changing it.
If I was looking to purchase a new bar I'd at least have a chat with Murray to see what he could do by way of a custom type of bar.

(He does a 'full loop' type of set up on his hybrid bar so I suppose most things are possible...)


One thing for sure is that bars are expensive, so you do need to get it right !

[VladTepes]

It would be ideal if there were some kind of HD crashcan type spacers available to move the bar forward a couple of inches.

No no idea if it's possible? But I wonder if this might be something Nugget Stuff, Ridjidij or APT could develop? ...I'd be interested if it moved the bar forward, added strength to the bolt on mounting points and in a very heavy collision offered some energy absorption?

You are referring to crush cans. It's not really an issue in a non-airbag vehicle like a Defender but the engineering costs in making such a thing for airbag equipped vehicles is $$$$$

On the Defender this isn't an issue BUT coming up with a design that is both strong/sturdy enough for normal use AND offers some controlled impact would still be a difficult thing to do. And almost certainly an investment in time and $ which wouldn't be recovered.

That's just my opinion of course, the actual manufacturers might be able to be more detailed on this point.

[p38arover]

tittle says it all..

Tittle? Hmm, titillating! [bigwhistle]

[trout1105]

I've had ARB and TJM bars on Defenders. I prefer the style of the ARB bar. But otherwise there's not much between them.
I like a bar that provides 'full' frontal protection as opposed to some that are more or less just a fancy way of carrying a winch.

The main issue with the ARB bar I have is that its designed for a winch with a roller fairlead. The winch I have in the shed (and really should get around to fitting at some point) has dyneema rope. I worry that if I was in a nose down position and had to put the 'rope' in a higher position to winch out; that the rope would rub on the projection which the roller fairlead normally bolts up to.

I like the construction and winch mount set up of the rijidij deluxe bars, and think this probably a better set up if the ute would be off-road more of the time, but have a preference for a full loop around the headlights etc. A combination of the two designs would be MY ideal bar.

But having invested the $$$ in the ARB bar I won't be changing it.
If I was looking to purchase a new bar I'd at least have a chat with Murray to see what he could do by way of a custom type of bar.

(He does a 'full loop' type of set up on his hybrid bar so I suppose most things are possible...)


One thing for sure is that bars are expensive, so you do need to get it right !

Have you looked at the offset fairleads for the synthetic ropes, This may solve the "Rubbing" issue [thumbsupbig]

[VladTepes]

Have you looked at the offset fairleads for the synthetic ropes, This may solve the "Rubbing" issue [thumbsupbig]

Do tell. Link?

[trout1105]

Here you Go [thumbsupbig]

Hercules Offset Hawse Fairlead , 4WD & Outdoor Products - Australia (https://www.4wdsupacentre.com.au/products/recovery-accessories/offset-hawse-fairlead.html)

130951

[weeds]

Have you looked at the offset fairleads for the synthetic ropes, This may solve the "Rubbing" issue [thumbsupbig]

Nugget does custom fairleads out of billet ally....you can even have engraving.

[Michael2]

I bought mine with a TJM steel bar and highmount winch. I was of the understanding that the ARB bars could not take the highmount, but a previous post on this thread seems to contradict that idea.

All the early ARB bars I've seen on Defenders have rusted in the outer corners, which I haven't seen on the TJM. I think the design of the new ARB bars is better for rust prevention, and they do look good too.

I drove a Defender in Africa for a month with a sturdy South African style winch bar, and it just doesn't look anywhere near as neat as the Australian bars, partly because it sits higher than the bonnet and is a very square-ish front on area.

I don't think TJM make the bar I have anymore, so if I had to buy one, I'd go for the new ARB bar with a low mount winch.

[cuppabillytea]

I have the ARB with a Warn 10K winch. The only issue I have is that the winch had to be mounted with the release lever under the bar. Not nice. Other than that it's done a good job.

[one_iota]

I have the original ARB bar on my Defender. It was fitted in 2008. No winch fitted.

It's starting to show its age...oxidation showing through the paint work. Also the lower cross member between the chassis rails collects water so rust is an issue that I should deal with...drill drainage holes and rust treatment.

131066

Accommodates the CB and mobile phone aerials although a wider spread would be preferred...they're in your face. The light mountings work well.

131068

I've added a bespoke bug, stick and weed screen which does the job with out affecting air flow to the radiator.

131067

I added some recovery points...not used in anger yet:

one_iota's front recovery points (https://www.aulro.com/afvb/90-110-130-defender-county/87778-one_iotas-front-recovery-points.html)

[mfhall]

Slightly off topic - but I installed a black ARB bar (no winch) on my 2002 Series II Disco. I live near the beach in Williamstown Vic (and it's my wife's car that gets garaged ...) and found that ARB's powder coating isn't good.

Rusting and peeling on sharp edges in less than 18 months. Granted it's in a harsh environment, but it would be nice if there was some sort of rust proofing (eg hot dip galv - either as dipped or followed by etch primer before powder coating).

It's the third car I've parked in the same place and only the ARB bar has rusted. The cars haven't.

Wouldn't it be good if ARB coated their bars against rust as well as the car industry paints the cars?

[one_iota]

Slightly off topic - but I installed a black ARB bar (no winch) on my 2002 Series II Disco. I live near the beach in Williamstown Vic (and it's my wife's car that gets garaged ...) and found that ARB's powder coating isn't good.

Rusting and peeling on sharp edges in less than 18 months. Granted it's in a harsh environment, but it would be nice if there was some sort of rust proofing (eg hot dip galv - either as dipped or followed by etch primer before powder coating).

It's the third car I've parked in the same place and only the ARB bar has rusted. The cars haven't.

Wouldn't it be good if ARB coated their bars against rust as well as the car industry paints the cars?

I think that your post is on topic [bigsmile1]

I don't know what ARB were thinking when they considered longevity!

[travelrover]

The ARB bar highmount winch on my Td5 i had fitted when i bought it new in 99.. spent most of its life garaged but did spend 5 years outside when i was overseas. No rust except for stone chips. Could do with a sanding and fresh coat of paint othe than that no proble.
The ARB bar on my Tdi300 (history generally unknown) apparently fitted new in 96 according to the paperwork i have. This is also in good nick except where someone has choped a section out with a gas axe on the righthand for better access to the winch clutch. Sprayed that with rust converter and sealed it and all good now.

[trout1105]

Most of the external mods that are fitted require some sort maintenance from time to time to repair/arrest corrosion issues and it really isn't that big a deal.
Sometimes it is simply a matter of giving the affected area a bit of a rub down with an oily rag But if you ignore it for too long some rust treatment and a bit of paint is usually all that is needed.
A can of Inox is a great addition to any tool kit [thumbsupbig]

[one_iota]

Most of the external mods that are fitted require some sort maintenance from time to time to repair/arrest corrosion issues and it really isn't that big a deal.
Sometimes it is simply a matter of giving the affected area a bit of a rub down with an oily rag But if you ignore it for too long some rust treatment and a bit of paint is usually all that is needed.
A can of Inox is a great addition to any tool kit [thumbsupbig]

True enough: rear spare wheel carrier...rust. Land Rover tow bar...Rust.

All removed and re fitted after the rust was treated.

[RecMec]

When kitting-out Greenbottle, ('14 Defender 110) I wanted the front end to be as light as practical. He replaced an '04 Disco 2, the difference in steering characteristics were worlds apart, Greenbottle is slow and heavy compared to the Black Knight. So I went for low weight, minimalist. Bought a Terra Firma winch bar which accommodates the Warne, pair of antenna's and spots. Suits him quite well.

[OLR-067]

TJM...hit a black angus that was in middle of road one night last year on way home from work, was doing 90k...killed the cow but didnt hurt landy or me...drove it home....8.5k damage but.

[Jojo]

I am using this one:
Douglass Motors (http://douglassmotors.co.uk/Winch-Bumpers-and-Winches/outback-winch-bumper-defender-front).
And this is how it looks on my truck:
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2017/10/499.jpg

Extremely sturdy, well built and of excellent quality. Available for vehicles with/without A/C and can be had with slots for foglights/DRL as well. All for less than half the price tag of an (at least equally well built) ARB-bar over here.
Do you want me to ship over one for Christmas?[smilebigeye]
Cheers, mate!

[one_iota]

I am using this one:
Douglass Motors (http://douglassmotors.co.uk/Winch-Bumpers-and-Winches/outback-winch-bumper-defender-front).
And this is how it looks on my truck:
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2017/10/499.jpg

Extremely sturdy, well built and of excellent quality. Available for vehicles with/without A/C and can be had with slots for foglights/DRL as well. All for less than half the price tag of an (at least equally well built) ARB-bar over here.
Do you want me to ship over one for Christmas?[smilebigeye]
Cheers, mate!

Wie gehts Jojo?
But is it roo-proof [wink11]

[Witchdoctor]

My winch bar. Built in the shed.
But that would be expected.

Cheers
Dave

[Jojo]

Wie gehts Jojo?
But is it roo-proof [wink11]

Danke, gut geht's![biggrin][smilebigeye] No worries, it's even moose-proof!
Disclaimer: haven't tried personally yet...[wink11]

[debruiser]

My winch bar.
But that would be expected.

Cheers
Dave

Very Nice truck Dave!

I've got a Terrifirma A bar for the D90. Trying to keep it light, I haven't found the money to put a winch in yet (bough the car and the bar in 2013 but shhh).

Roo Proof? Not sure, however it did right off a camry a few years back.... so I'm going to go ahead and say yea it'll get me home.

Compared to your D90 Dave mine is looking a bit saggy :(

131138131139

Slightly different note, but I have a a rijidig dual rear bar. Has to be the best bit of kit I've put on the car so far! This thing is bulletproof! Wife backed into a paperbark tree with the jerry carrier and it's not even an issue!!

[Witchdoctor]

Tuff looking 90 debruiser, big rubber

[4wheeler]

I had the "new style" deluxe ARB bar on my previous 2007 Defender and the "older style" bar on my current 2013 Defender. I noticed today that the powder coating on the hoops and top central tube of the bar has all of a sudden cracked and bubbled. This damage was not apparent three weeks ago when I last washed it. Under the powder coat the metal is corroded and the bar will need to be stripped and repainted. Every 4x4 I have had has had ARB on it and never had an issue with rust or powder coat deterioration. The Defender is kept under cover but the powder coat is being damaged from the rust causing the coat to bubble and split. Something has obviously gone wrong during manufacture for a 4 year old bar to suddenly look like it is 20 years old. The biggest surprise is how fast the coating has deteriorated.

[mfhall]

Most of the external mods that are fitted require some sort maintenance from time to time to repair/arrest corrosion issues and it really isn't that big a deal.
Sometimes it is simply a matter of giving the affected area a bit of a rub down with an oily rag But if you ignore it for too long some rust treatment and a bit of paint is usually all that is needed.
A can of Inox is a great addition to any tool kit [thumbsupbig]

[belated response] Yes - but why should we have to take measures to protect the aftermarket product when the car itself is well protected? I'm tempted to remove the bar and get it hot dip galvanised - but this might be a logistical nightmare ...

[djam1]

Whats the best Defender Bull Bar? the one that isn't stuffed every time I hit an Emu!

[noyakfat]

I love my Rijidij bull bar, but I am now kind of wishing I had gone for a winch bar option. I haven't been in a position to need winching yet, but some of my desired destinations would probably be more wisely tackled with winch available.

Cheers,
Nige

[Dervish]

[belated response] Yes - but why should we have to take measures to protect the aftermarket product when the car itself is well protected? I'm tempted to remove the bar and get it hot dip galvanised - but this might be a logistical nightmare ...

Well worth it.

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