If you want to reinforce your 4WD vehicle with a bull bar, there are a few factors you need to take into account. One of the most important ones is its weight. Bull bars can be heavy, increasing the maximum payload your vehicle can carry legally. Bull bar weight depends on different aspects, such as size, material, and design.
This article covers everything you should know about bull bar weight and why you should consider it when buying a bull bar.
How Much Does a Bull Bar Weigh?
There are many reasons why drivers install bull bars on their 4x4 vehicles. Bull bars protect your vehicle from animal strikes and allow you to attach various aftermarket accessories, such as winches, antennas, and driving lights. Some drivers equip their vehicles with bull bars to make them look more rugged and stylish.
When shopping for bull bars, vehicle owners need to think about the following:
- Type
- Size
- Materials
- Style
- Weight
Bull bar weight can depend on any of the factors on this list, especially the material of its components. There are different types of bull bars, and since they offer varying levels of protection, they also range in weight.
A bull bar can weigh anywhere from 5 to 100 kg, but a bull bar's average weight is between 20 and 35 kg.
Why Does Bull Bar Weight Matter?
If you’re in the market for bull bars, don’t just think about the aesthetics. Bull bar weight should be on your checklist as well. Heavy-duty bull bars can weigh up to 100 kg, which is a considerable amount of weight you would be adding to the front of your vehicle.
Bullbar weight can affect these five factors:
- Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM)
- Fuel consumption
- Towing capacity
- Ease of installation
- Impact absorption
If the bull bar is too heavy, the driver might be required to update the vehicle’s suspension system. In case of a collision, heavy bull bars can damage the 4WD. They also put more pressure on the vehicle, especially the axle capacity and the payload.
To choose the best bull bar, you must know your vehicle’s towing capacity. This refers to how much weight your vehicle is allowed to pull legally.
Your vehicle’s towing capacity depends on these key measurements:
- Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM)
- Kerb weight
- Payload
- Towball weight
- Tare mass
Materials That Affect Bull Bar Weight
One of the most significant factors that can determine a bull bar’s weight is the material.
Bull bars come in four materials:
- Steel
- Alloy
- Aluminium
- Plastic
If you’re wondering “How much does a steel bull bar weigh?” or bull bars made from other materials, check out this table:
|
Bull Bar Materials |
Average Weight |
|
Steel |
80 to 100 kg |
|
Alloy |
13 to 35 kg |
|
Aluminium |
10 to 22 kg |
|
Plastic |
5 to 7 kg |
If you’re conflicted between alloy and steel bull bars, your decision should depend on the level of protection you want for your vehicle. Steel bull bars are the heaviest on the market, but they’re also the most durable. If the steel bull bar weight isn’t a deal breaker, it would be an excellent investment.
Because they’re so heavy, steel bull bars put extra weight on your front axle and suspension system, which can increase your fuel economy.
Regarding aluminium and alloy bull bar weight, it’s much better for your 4x4 vehicle, but it doesn’t provide the same amount of front-end protection.
Plastic bull bars are the most lightweight type of bull bars, but they offer no protection. They’re just manufactured for aesthetic purposes.
Final Thoughts
Deciding on the best bull bar for your vehicle is more complicated than it seems. Drivers need to consider various factors, including the bull bar weight. While heavier bull bars offer more protection, the added weight takes its toll on the vehicle’s fuel consumption and axle capacity. To determine the ideal bull bar weight, you need to know how much extra weight your vehicle can handle.
