A big and hefty vehicle like the Mitsubishi Triton is capable of going through rough terrain and challenging conditions easily. Like all 4x4s though, the Triton isn’t full proof when it comes to front body protection. That is why people equip their vehicles with what is known as a bullbar. A bullbar is usually a large piece of metal that extends over the front grille of your Triton.

Whilst your vehicle isn’t fully plated, with a Triton bullbar can provide the necessary protection from animal strikes, rocks, trees and other obstacles that can easily damage the vehicle. Because of their unique design, bullbars do not restrict the airflow to your engine, thus keeping things running as usual. Instead of your radiator or bonnet getting damaged, the bullbar is what stands in the way and takes one for the team. But what type of bullbar does your Triton need to keep it protected?

Types of Bullbars

Bumper

The simplest form of protection a bullbar can offer is the bumper bar. While it provides the least amount of front- end protection, it’s still considered an upgrade from your stock fender.

Single Hoop

A single hoop Mitsubishi Triton bull bar can provide you with the perfect balance between front-end protection and weight. This is due to the fact that these have one big tube going in front of the radiator attached to the bumper section.

Triple Hoop

Instead of one, triple hoop Mitsubishi Triton bull bars have three tubes attached to the bumper section. These bullbars offer the highest level of protection for any off-roader who often travels in animal strike prone areas. Triple hoop bullbars also weigh the most.

Nudge Bar

With a nudge bar you get a bullbar made to provide protection from light impacts which is usually used for aesthetic purposes. If you want something to show off on your Triton, this is easily the best choice you can make.

What Is The Difference Between a Bull Bar and a Nudge Bar?
The difference between a nudge and a bullbar is that unlike a real Mitsubishi Triton bull bar, nudge bars aren’t mounted on the chassis. This means that they don’t offer protection from animal strikes.

Baja

Designed for off-road competition, baja bars are made to provide additional reinforcement to your Triton’s chassis and can be used with high-power winches too. Baja bars are similar in design to bumper bars.

Competition Bar

If you want a bullbar that is easy to remove when it gets damaged, a competition bar is your best option. These bullbars are made to provide maximum ground clearance and a decent amount of protection for those of you who participate in off-road competitions regularly.

What to Consider

Material

The three materials bullbars are made of are: steel, aluminium and plastic. Steel bullbars, as you’d expect, are the strongest and provide the best protection, but they are also the heaviest. Plastic is the weakest material a bullbar can be made of and also the lightest. Plastic bullbars, unlike steel ones, are the easiest to push out when they get bent. Aluminium bullbars are a mix between plastic and steel bullbars. This is because aluminium bulbars are stronger than plastic ones (some would say they are similar in strength as steel ones) and they weigh far less than steel bullbars.

ADR

In order for every bullbar to comply with the Australian laws, it needs to adhere to the ADR (Australian Design Rules). These rules, among various other things, state that the number plate must not be obscured and that the bullbar needs to have rounded corners and edges with chamfered or rounded flanges. Bullbars must flow with the front shape of your Triton and a bullbar must not tilt more than 100 mm forward from its base.

Angling Approach

For off-road travelling, angling approach is an important factor as you don’t want to get a bullbar that sits low on the front bumper. This will limit your movement and it will offer poor protection. But in case you travel frequently in areas prone to animal strikes a bullbar that hangs low is recommended but also one that is going to sit close to the front of your Triton.

Installation

1. Once you’ve unpacked your bullbar and all the hardware is out of the box, start by locating the mounting holes found under the font-end of your Triton. If you Triton has pre-installed tow hooks you’ll need to remove them before installing the bullbar.

2. Once that’s out of the way, continue by attaching the lower mounting brackets to the holes and make sure to leave the bolts loose enough so that you can make adjustments as you go. If your Triton doesn’t have pre-made holes, you’ll need to drill some yourself.

3. When you’re done with the drilling and attaching the lower brackets, line up the mounting holes on the bull bar with the ones on the mounting brackets. Then bolt the bullbar to the brackets – make sure you line it up so that it’s positioned right. After that, tighten the bolts and nuts securely and you’re done. Lastly, ensure that your license plate is on the bull bar or grille guard i.e in a visible place.