Bull Bars Guide: Protect Your Isuzu D-max in the Event of a Sudden Stop or Accident
Isuzu’s rich automotive history spans more than a century. It was the first company to produce cars and trucks in Japan. Dozens of collaborations with other car giants, some even in Formula 1 (partnership with Lotus), has seen Isuzu produce a range of vehicles over the years. Nevertheless, the company has focused its attention on producing utes and light trucks, and for which we Aussies are thankful. Their diesel engines have been used in countless vehicles, and today are the benchmark for workhorse reliability, balancing available power and fuel consumption.
Though engine options might be scant due to the popularity of the 3-litre turbo diesel, the current brand bestseller, the D-Max and Australia’s COTY for 2021 can be equipped with a host of accessories. Tech and safety differ in trim levels, but most buyers also look to front and side protection. Equipping your D-Max to avoid engine and bodywork damage makes sense, no matter if you’re using it as a work vehicle, for daily driving or off-roading. A factory-installed Isuzu D Max bull bar can cost a nice lump of cash, and you can save heaps if you go aftermarket.
Why Bull Bars?
No matter where you drive your ute, or how, a bull bar will protect the radiator and engine in direct collisions with other vehicles. A well-appointed Isuzu D Max bull bar shields that beast of an engine but also keeps front and side bodywork unscathed. The thick tubing covers a large area and brushes off any debris on or off-road. You’ll protect the headlights, and the safety tech in newer models, like front cameras. The included skid plates protect the underbody so there’s no unwanted damage to steering and suspension no matter the road conditions.
Aftermarket bull bars for your Isuzu D-Max go one step further. Besides ample protection, they also offer versatility. There are multiple points for attaching a range of accessories like fog lights, LED strips or CB antennas. Most also come with an integrated winch cradle, so installing and using a winch is simple and easy. In addition, to make light work of any unexpected off-roading surprises, a pair of rated recovery points will get you out of any trouble.
Materials and Designs
There are two types of bull bars for the D-max based on the design. Simpler, slightly narrower and cheaper single hoops cover the area around the radiator. They’re adequate for driving around town and will be enough to avoid damage in light collisions. Most buyers, however, choose triple hoops with tubing around the headlights. These also have more real estate for integrated side indicators and parking lights, and most aftermarket Isuzu D-Max bull bars have these included.
In terms of materials, there are a few choices that determine overall strength and price. The majority of buyers go for stainless steel, as it offers the best rigidity in direct collisions with other vehicles. The high tensile strength of steel does come at a weight cost, and these are the heaviest bull bars you can get. They look good though, especially the powder-coated variants that also prevent damage from corrosion. If you want something lighter, but also with decent strength go for aluminium. The weight savings are considerable, so you won’t feel it at the steering wheel. Lighter bars also mean less tyre and brake wear. Aluminium bars do have a slightly more stylish feel, but you’ll need to put in more work in keeping them that way. If you don’t do any off-roading, but still need basic front-end protection, get bull bars made from reinforced plastics. The benefit besides the lower weight is that they flex on contact, and regain their shape soon afterwards. Driving in streets or areas with high pedestrian frequency is where plastic bull bars are best. Plastic mesh designs are particularly good in stopping smaller rocks and garbage, so light off-roading is also a possibility.
All aftermarket bull bars, across different brands and for different cars, need to comply with ADR regulations. This means designs that minimise injuries to pedestrians, and that standard safety gear like airbag sensors aren’t affected in any way with a bull bar installed.
Installing Bull Bars
You can get an Isuzu D-max bull bar installed by qualified pros, or do the work yourself. Either way, installation takes some time as there is some work. Stock bumpers are removed, then there’s the rewiring of lights and the checks with sensors and cameras. The bars themselves are fitted with supplied mounting brackets that bolt directly onto the chassis rails. Rarely you’ll see bull bars that need more work, like additional drilling. Kits come with all the necessary parts and included instructions if you choose to install them yourself.
Final Thoughts
Aftermarket bull bars for Isuzu and other utes are sensible options that offer high quality without the high price tag. They’re built to a standard, comply with current regulations, and have a snug fit with straightforward installation. There’s a choice of materials, designs and colours that make your ute both rugged and stylish. Shop for bull bars online or visit your nearest 4WD shop.