Everything You Need to Know about Rear Bars

Utes and 4WDs are the vehicle of choice for many Aussies. They are outselling all other car categories by some margin. And this kind of popularity is owed to ruggedness, reliability, and real-world versatility. You can use the same vehicle for work or take the kids to school on weekdays, and pack the car for an off-roading weekend in the bush. Few vehicles come close to that level of practicality.  

The rugged side of things means utes and 4WDs can be equipped just the way you need and like. Dual cabs have come a long way from their rough beginnings, and now have the same comfort and safety kit as higher-trim passenger cars. They can also be fitted with much-needed vehicle protection. A fully-fledged triple hoop fits the cars nicely to brush away rocks, branches, and road debris and clear of engine and drivetrain parts. What most keen off-roaders forget is how rear bars fit into the picture. In the place of stock rear bumpers, rear bars protect panels at the back, let you safely carry different equipment, and most also double as tow bars. In addition, a rated rear bar with fitted recovery and tow points lets you retrieve your or your mate’s car when bogged down. 

What are Rear Bars? 

Rear bars are similar to your front bull bars, made of the same thick and durable metals, but wrap around the back of your vehicle. They replace plastic bumpers and offer the needed protection these cars need in different settings. They also serve as the basis for mounting accessories like jerry cans and spare wheels when off-road.  

The Benefits of 4WD Rear Bars 

Rear bars work best in tough conditions, or where utes and 4WDs call home. Reasons to install a rear bar include:  

Better Ground Clearance 

Stock rear bumpers eat into your car’s high ground clearance. They’ll easily shatter clipping rocks or branches when off-road, or on impact with other vehicles or wildlife. With the bumper removed, and a bespoke rear bar in its place, your car has significantly better departure angles, so you’re not limited to where you go without running the risk of damage. This is the same reason why bull bars are installed up front.  

Rear Protection  

Heavy gauge steel bars can take a beating. At the back of the car, rear 4WD bars protect panels, the exhaust piping, rear axles, and the undercarriage. Vehicles can easily negotiate undulations, ruts and uneven terrain while remaining unscathed. 

Better Load Distribution When Towing 

If you want worry-free towing, then a rear bar helps evenly distribute the weight of heavy towed vehicles like caravans and boats. This is where many tow bars seem to struggle.  

Adding Accessories 

A 4WD rear bar is a perfect place to fit those needed extras when venturing far from home. Spare wheels can be moved from the back door, or under the carriage (when fitting a long-range fuel tank) and placed on swinging tyre carriers bolted onto the bar. The same goes for mounts and holders for jerry cans, high-lift jacks, ladders, tables, and other accessories that need to be accessed quickly and easily.  

What to Look for in Rear Bars? 

Rear bars fitted to the back of the ute or 4WD need to be made from durable materials, fit the chassis of the vehicle in designated spots, extend to the sides to protect quarter panels (above the wheel arches), and have allotted areas for accessories. 

Materials 

Heavy duty steel is precisely constructed to accommodate factory vehicle fittings and body shape for the specific make and model of your 4WD or ute. Additional coatings help against corrosion and staining.  

ADR Approved 

All bars must be ADR approved (or ADR compliant) before hitting shelves, ensuring maximum safety in all situations. Local testing means makers of vehicle protection gear have Australian conditions in mind and Australian customers. In addition, rear bars with fitted tow ball and/or towing harness are rated for maximum towing capacity. The same applies to tow balls.  

Integrated Recovery Tow Points 

Having rated tow points at the back of the vehicle is not only a handy option to have but may be a necessity when recovering your vehicle from a rut. The same recovery points can also be used to recover other vehicles with rated straps or shackles. Many aftermarket rear bars have at least two compatible tow points, as well as points to accommodate a high-lift jack. Some also have integrated recovery hitches.  

Rear Bar Accessories 

Bars fitted to the rear are all about functionality and providing some extra realty when off-road. Besides protecting the car, or providing for a solid towing base, the added space can fit up to two spare wheels sitting on swing carriers (with fitted locks for off-roading safety), designated stepping areas in a checkered non-slip finish, holders for things like jerry cans or shovels, and integrated lights. Bars are also supplied with all the necessary mounting kits should you decide to fit them yourself.