Bull bars have been used as a tough-looking accessory for trucks and SUVs and as a mechanism for preventing damage to your vehicle. If you want this add-on and wonder what it will cost, we can help you. We have extensively researched this topic and have all the answers below.
A new bull bar will cost anywhere from $1,000 to $2,500, including the installation fee. The price will depend on your vehicle and the type of bull bar you choose.
Now that you know the average price of bull bar installation in the United States, we'll look at the pros and cons of bull bars. You might also wonder if bull bars are still legal throughout the United States and why they are illegal in some countries. For the answers to these questions and more, keep reading!
Pros And Cons Of Having A Bull Bar
As with any add-on to your vehicle, bull bars have their fair share of pros and cons. These should be carefully considered to make the best decision for your needs.
Below, we discuss the pros and cons of installing a bull bar. This should help make your decision-making a bit easier.
The Pros Of A Bull Bar
People often have bull bars for a desired aesthetic effect. They give a truck or an SUV a "tougher" outward appearance, appealing to a particular demographic.
But they are also quite practical, depending on how you use them.
These accessories will push items out of their way, limiting the amount of damage done to your vehicle in case of collision.
They typically go on vehicles driven off-road, with an increased risk of hitting wildlife, branches, or other objects that threaten your truck or SUV.
Bull bars also serve as a place to attach other accessories.
Lighting, winches, and other items you might need when off-roading can be installed on them to make your off-the-grid traveling easier and safer.
The Cons Of A Bull Bar
Bull bars will not crumble as a bumper will. This makes them more dangerous to any pedestrian that might get struck by your vehicle.
They also will not evenly distribute the impact of a collision across the front of the vehicle, resulting in the risk that the airbags won't properly deploy on impact.
Bull bars won't save your vehicle from damage when driven at high speeds.
While it will bounce a deer or other large animal off of it when driving slowly, don't expect it to save your frame when colliding with one on the interstate.
This false sense of confidence can reduce readiness, which is dangerous.
These items are also heavy. Many of them are constructed out of steel, which will add considerable weight to your vehicle. This extra weight can affect your overall fuel economy.
Are Bull Bars Legal In The United States?
Currently, bull bars are legal in all U.S. states. There is some talk among legislatures to ban or restrict these accessories, as they cite the problems they are capable of.
Newswheel reports two cases where bull bars installed on police vehicles resulted in fatal crashes.
In one instance, a pedestrian was hit and killed. In another, a minivan got hit by a police vehicle equipped with one. These bull bars throw ten times the force of a regular bumper, making them much more deadly whenever they strike an object.
Though still legal in all states, some states restrict the types of lighting you can install on bull bars. And some will also have stricter regulations about license placement on or around a bull bar.
Why Are Bull Bars Illegal In Some Countries?
As we mentioned earlier in this post, some states are considering banning or restricting the use of bull bars in the United States.
Some lawmakers wish to follow other countries that ban them altogether.
In Great Britain, bull bars are against the law unless they meet specific requirements.
In 2007, the European Union passed legislation that banned "rigid" bull bars. This means that any push bar installed on any passenger vehicle must have a certain amount of giving to them upon impact.
The reason for this is out of safety concerns for pedestrians. As we mentioned earlier, bull bars built too firm will not give at all an impact, making collisions with pedestrians much more dangerous.
Legislators passed the rigid bull bar ban in these nations to protect walkers.
Do Bull Bars Protect A Vehicle?
If you install them correctly, bull bars will give your vehicle a certain level of protection.
Any lighter-weight object it might come into contact with will be deflected off the bull bar and flung away from your vehicle.
This comes in handy if you are taking your truck or SUV off the road and into the wild, where you might encounter unexpected run-ins with wildlife.
These bull bars will also keep heavier branches, shrubbery, and other items you might encounter while off-roading.
Often, police trucks and SUVs are equipped with these accessories to keep them safer from low-speed collisions when on patrol and also as a way to help move other vehicles out of the way.
As we mentioned, bull bars won't do much when driving at high speeds.
A heavy animal like a deer coming into contact with your truck at 70 miles per hour will still do your vehicle significant damage, bull bar or not.
Bull bars interfere with the airbags in high-speed impacts, as they can sometimes impact the sensors.
How Much Does A Bull Bar Cost If I Install It Myself?
If you feel confident in your ability to install your bull bar, you will save up to $2,000 or more. Though a bit labor-intensive and requires the correct tools and equipment, you can install one yourself.
The price of a bull bar will depend on the model and the material. Like with most vehicle accessories, bull bars have quite a price range.
But they tend to start at as little as $300. Some models will be as high as $1,000 or more.
Be aware that you get what you pay for. Many lower-cost, budget bull bars are not made with the same durable materials as the more expensive ones.
You should always pay attention to consumer reviews before making a decision.
Final Words
Buying a bull bar and installing it can cost as much as $2,500. Though you can save a lot of money by doing the installation yourself, we recommend hiring a professional.
While bull bars will protect your vehicle from collision damage at lower speeds, they pose more of a danger to pedestrians who might be struck by one, giving the reason for some countries to ban them altogether. Drive safe!
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