Looking for ideas on a bull bar for a classic silver metallic 2011 HL SE. Thinking of a Westin Ultimate bull bar 2.5" or a Steelcraft bull bar 3".
Here is the question, 1. black or polished stainless steel? 2. 2.5" or 3" diameter?
Also does anyone have a highlander with one of these? If so could you post a photo of a side shot please.
Thanks in advance...Dave
I have a Wave Line Pearl (Light Blue) 2009 Highlander with a set of chrome stainless steel 3" Eagle bull bars. I would recommend the chrome bars...I would think that the painted black ones would scratch easier. I wouldn't go less than 3" diameter, as the others just look too small. One thing I like about my Eagle bars is the plate at the bottom does not have the company's logo cut into it.
One thing I don't like is the lack of rigidity of the steel plate at the bottom. It is not much thicker than sheet metal and is just as flimsy. Just driving through light snow tends to bend the plate. You can get the dents out of it with your hands, literally. I don't know if the other brands have a thicker steel plate or not, but I would thank that the reasoning behind it was due to the fact that with the bull bars supported at the bottom, if the plate were to support some of the weight of the vehicle, that it would push the upper part of the bull bars into the bumper quite easily. Also, if you are looking for this as a means of protection in an accident, it would likely cause more damage to your bumper in a low speed collision, mainly because it is supported at the bottom and can easily push in on top. This is primarily a cosmetic item.
As for pictures, I will make an attempt to post them, but it has been a while.
I could never understand why anyone would willingly spend real money to bolt something onto their vehicle that: a) has no functional purpose; b) adds unecessary weight; and c) as others have noted tends to cause more damage to your vehicle (and the other vehicle) in a collision.
Unless you routinely drive through brush, wilderness, etc. where such things might be necessary...
it always makes me laugh to see these suburban soccer moms driving around in land rovers with brush bars, taillight covers, etc.
Really maybe more cosmetic but I know the one I had on my jeep cherokee held up well after a fender bender, zero damage on my car and $1500 on the car I hit. Parallel parking in the city for me is the biggie, it should do the job.
Dman1, thanks much, pictures are great. Think I will go polished stainless and 3" diameter.
tagheuer, yes sometimes the city can be a jungle LOL. Yes extra weight but some functionality.
Does anyone have the Steelcraft bull bar they can chime in about.
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08 4WD HL Limited, Magnetic Flint/Ash Leather, Toyo OC HT's 255/55/19's, European Horns, Extended Step Plate On Rear, DeBadged All Around. No NAV/DVD, OEM Hitch with Color Matched Fascia.Höen Endurance Amber Fog Light Bulbs.
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I could never understand why anyone would willingly spend real money to bolt something onto their vehicle that: a) has no functional purpose; b) adds unecessary weight; and c) as others have noted tends to cause more damage to your vehicle (and the other vehicle) in a collision.
Unless you routinely drive through brush, wilderness, etc. where such things might be necessary...
it always makes me laugh to see these suburban soccer moms driving around in land rovers with brush bars, taillight covers, etc.
Its a jungle out there!
I completely agree with this.
I call them SUV retainers...
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2010 Toyota Highlander Limited w/Nav Black
2005 Pontiac Sunfire GT Black
2000 Pontiac Grand Prix GT Black
I could never understand why anyone would willingly spend real money to bolt something onto their vehicle that: a) has no functional purpose; b) adds unecessary weight; and c) as others have noted tends to cause more damage to your vehicle (and the other vehicle) in a collision.
Unless you routinely drive through brush, wilderness, etc. where such things might be necessary...
it always makes me laugh to see these suburban soccer moms driving around in land rovers with brush bars, taillight covers, etc.
Its a jungle out there!
I am some glad that my son doesn't play soccer...and the fact that I'm not a mom.
In all seriousness, I just like the look of it, much like some people prefer alloy wheels over steel wheels, or leather trim over cloth. It's just personal preference. And as far as it causing more damage in an accident, I can't say for sure, it is just what I would expect to happen based on the way it is anchored...I could be wrong on this and I hope I never find out.
__________________ 2009 Highlander Limited
2005 Corolla CE, Canadian Edition, Silver with grey interior, automatic transmission, CD changer, cruise control, rear bumper protector.
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