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Whether you’re a tradie, a DIY enthusiast, or you love being prepared for anything, a UTE toolbox is an essential upgrade. It stores your gear, maximises space, keeps everything organised, and ensures your tools are always within arm’s reach. A well-chosen and properly set-up toolbox can save you time, protect your equipment, and make your vehicle a mobile powerhouse of efficiency. 

Whether you’re dealing with heavy rain, snow, scorching sun, or dusty environments, weather-resistant UTE toolboxes online are built to endure it all. They’re crafted with high-quality materials, like aluminium and steel, which not only enhance their durability but also ensure they remain lightweight and easy to handle. This ensures that your tools and gear stay dry, secure, and ready for use whenever you need them. You don’t have to worry about your gear getting damaged while you’re on the move or working in unpredictable outdoor conditions. 

Different Types Available

Choosing the right model is key to staying organised and efficient. Different types cater to different needs, so here’s a quick breakdown of some popular options to help you decide: 

-Undertray: These are perfect for saving space. Placed under the tray, they keep your tools out of sight but still within reach. It’s a clever way to maximise storage without eating into your tray’s load capacity; 

-Side-mount: These are mounted along the sides of the tray, making them super handy for grabbing your power tools, hammers, or screwdrivers quickly from the vehicle’s side. Perfect for tradies or anyone who wants easy access on the go; 

-Gullwing: Featuring lids that open upwards like wings, these models give you a wide opening, which is ideal for storing and accessing bulkier tools without hassle; 

-Drawer and sliding toolboxes: If you like to keep everything neat, these are a game-changer. With their divided compartments, they’re perfect for storing smaller camping essentials like flashlights, first aid kits, multi-tools, and even cutlery. 

Benefits of a UTE Toolbox

So, what are the advantages of a UTE toolbox? These accessories don’t just make your tools look neat. They come with a whole range of benefits that make your life easier and safer: 

-Save time and boost efficiency: Ever spent ages digging around for that one tool? With an organised toolbox, you’ll know exactly where everything is. No more wasting time hunting, just grab what you need and get straight to work; 

-Protect your tools for the long haul: When you toss tools together, they’re bound to knock around and get damaged. A properly organised setup keeps everything secure and in good condition, helping your gear last longer and saving you money in the long run; 

-Look Professional and Prepared: Whether you’re on-site or meeting a client, a tidy assortment of tools sends the right message. It shows you’re serious about your work and ready for any task that comes your way; 

-Stay safe: Loose items rolling around can create unnecessary hazards, especially when you’re on the move. With sturdy UTE toolboxes online, you can keep everything in place, reducing the risk of accidents both on the road and at the job site. 

Organisation Tips

source: tcboxes.com.au

Organising your tools doesn’t have to be a daunting task. It’s all about taking it step by step and making the most of your available space. The first thing to do is take stock of what you’ve got. Lay out all your items and figure out which ones you use the most. This way, you can group them into categories like hand tools, power tools, or smaller items like fasteners and accessories. Knowing what you have is the key to deciding what kind of storage will work best for you. 

Not all UTE toolboxes are created equal, so it’s important to pick one that fits your vehicle and can handle your gear. If weight is a concern, aluminium is a great option because it’s both lightweight and corrosion-resistant. On the other hand, steel is tougher if you need something that can take a beating. Don’t forget to check for solid locks and hinges to keep your tools safe. 

Once you’ve got the right steel or aluminium toolbox, it’s time to make the inside just as functional as the outside. Dividers and inserts are lifesavers here, helping you create specific spots for everything. Foam inserts are especially useful for keeping delicate tools safe from scratches or damage while you’re on the go. To make things even easier, label your compartments. Slapping on some waterproof labels will save you hours of digging later on. 

Lastly, customisation is also a fantastic way to make your UTE toolbox work for you. Features like hooks, magnetic strips, or pegboards can transform how you store things, making every bit of space count. Don’t overlook vertical storage either. And if you’re tired of tools clanking around while you’re on the move, secure loose items with straps or Velcro to keep everything in place. 

Safety Tips

When it comes to keeping your UTE toolbox safe and secure, it’s all about balance and careful planning. First, pay attention to how you distribute the weight of your tools inside the box. An uneven load can reduce your vehicle’s stability, making it harder to handle. Don’t forget to double-check that the toolbox is properly mounted to your tray. A loose box can cause unnecessary wear and tear on your gear. 

It’s also important to avoid overloading the toolbox. While it might be tempting to cram in everything you own, stick to the manufacturer’s weight limits to maintain the box’s durability and keep your tools safe. Lastly, staying organized is also a safety measure. When tools are in their designated spots, there’s less chance of them becoming hazards during sudden stops or sharp turns.

Tool boxes are as much a part of owning a ute as lift kits and 4×4 tyres. But with so many different sizes, styles, and even box materials on the market, it can be hard to distinguish between what you need and what you like.

A lot depends on balancing your storage space requirements with the amount of tray space that you actually have. A tradie who needs to transport a mobile workshop with tools and construction materials is likely to have more practical storage demands than a weekend camper who needs space for a fridge, canned goods, and a dirtbike. You can buy tool boxes for every purpose, and you only need to follow a few simple steps to make your selection process a little easier.

Time to Fine-Tune Your Transportation With Tool Boxes

source: g7australia.com.au

From full-sized, fully equipped tradesman-style boxes that would be a treat for any tradie or sparkie, to compact under-tray boxes that make convenient tray side storage for come-alongs and tie-downs, today’s selection of lightweight tool boxes for trucks is nothing short of impressive. They combine practical designs and features with lightweight and durability in ways that wouldn’t have been considered only a few years ago, making them the perfect solution for:

  • Versatile storage anytime you’re on the road;
  • Uncompromised security for your personal gear; and,
  • Unparalleled organization, regardless of the cargo you’re hauling.

No matter if you’re a craftsman or an outdoorsman, tool boxes give you the ability to fine-tune your transportation needs, and to optimize your cargo space like never before. Depending on the types of cargo you routinely carry, they can even save you money on lost or damaged material.

Premium Tool Box Designs For the Most Versatile Storage

Selecting the right ute boxes starts with assessing the scale and type of goods and materials that you need to transport, and then picking boxes that match those needs. In the same manner that oversized tools and bulky recreational gear require larger ute tray tool boxes, moderate-sized consumables like plumbing fixtures or even tinned goods are more handily stored in smaller, more easily accessible boxes.

Modern ute storage boxes give you more than just one-size-fits-all rigidity and are based on a core of premium designs that include:

  • Rectangular tool boxes. With full-length top lid openings that can stretch up to 1800mm and moderate heights between 300mm–500mm, these ute truck tool boxes are suitable for trays or tonneau beds, and can be mounted either length- or width-wise.
  • Square-edge tool boxes. With lengths up to 1900mm and a standard height of 1200mm, these ute tray boxes offer more-than-average vertical space for oversized cargo, and can be mounted either on a tray or a trailer.
  • Cross deck gull-wing boxes. These side-opening tray tool boxes are also known as part tray canopies, and are designed to be mounted crossways on ute trays so that they can be conveniently opened from either side of your vehicle.
  • One-tonner tool boxes. These full-sized boxes can reach widths up to 2100mm, and come with both full, and half lid configurations that can be safely opened without the risk of their contents falling out.
  • Under-tray tool boxes. Under-tray ute boxes offer compact, conveniently positioned storage capacity in the underutilized spaces fore and aft of the rear wheels, but without interfering with tyre travel or suspension clearance.

Once you’ve determined how much truck tool storage space you need, the next area you need to consider is the security of your tool boxes. If you’re potentially storing tens of thousands of dollars of tools and equipment on your vehicle, you need to be sure that the truck tool box combination you’ve chosen is rugged enough, and durable enough to protect your gear. Fortunately, today’s heavy-duty ute tool boxes are designed to check all the boxes for both environmental, and physical security.

Trust Premium Materials to Build the Toughest Tool Boxes

While size and style are the two main ute tool box characteristics that you’ll be on the lookout for, box construction is an equally important aspect of your selection process. Whether it’s on the job site or the campsite, you need confidence that the contents of your pickup truck storage boxes are as safely guarded from the climate and theft as possible, and that peace of mind falls directly to materials and construction.

Lightweight, aluminium storage boxes made from 2.00mm – 2.5mm flat, or checker plate stock are the perfect material to build your tray configuration around. With a choice of matte, polished, or powder-coated finishes, and superior corrosion resistance and rugged durability, aluminium tool boxes for utes are backed by a solid roster of build specs that include:

  • Robust, full seam, TIG-welded paneling;
  • High strength-to-weight, RHS reinforced roof and wall sections; and,
  • Reinforced internal structural support and corner bracing.

Between their combined strength and reliability, aluminium ute boxes give you all the tough coverage you need to protect your gear whenever you’re on the move. Solidly reinforced ute tray storage box lids help round out your security requirement, and you want to be sure that your box lids have all been equipped with the following features:

  • Dust and water-resistant rubber lid seals;
  • Full-length 304 stainless steel piano hinges;
  • Long life, gas strut lid supports;
  • Whale-tail type T-handle locks; and,
  • Multi-point, keyed security locks.

Unlike heavy gauge steel, stainless steel, or even polymer tray boxes, aluminum tool boxes for utes and trucks can also be easily modified and combined with other accessories to meet even your most exacting cargo needs.

Tool Box Accessories That Maximize Your Storage Flexibility

source: midwesttruckacc.com

Accessories are the final step toward getting the most from your aluminium ute box configuration. Not only do they give you the most flexibility for keeping your pickup tool boxes efficiently arranged, but they also add another layer of capability to your activities whenever you’re on the road.

Without compromising weight or security, some of the most popular and practical ute storage box accessories you can add to your ute’s configuration will include:

  • Two-, three-, and four-drawer organization units for tools, parts, and assemblies;
  • Shelves, shelving units, and basket trays for optimized adjustable organization;
  • Mudguards to help protect your undertray boxes;
  • Ladder racks for maximizing overhead carry capacity; and,
  • Jerry can, and poly water holders for convenient liquid transport.

Your aluminium storage box configuration can even be outfitted with remote-operated, wireless magnetic sensor alarms. These accessories can be configured to function either as multiple alarms from a single remote or paired to allow multiple remotes to activate a single alarm, offering you the advantage of a pickup tool box security solution that’s fully customizable according to your needs.

The Final Word

At the end of the day, as a ute owner, you want to be able to get the most versatile use from your vehicle’s available cargo space as possible. Tool boxes are designed to help you do it, but you have to choose the correct ones for your type of usage to get the full benefit of what they have to offer.

With today’s high-quality range of heavy-duty tool boxes for trucks, assembling a perfectly functional tray configuration is now easier than it’s ever been. Regardless of whether you use your truck for personal or professional transport, the right tool boxes will give you the edge for all your transport chores.

Revamping your car’s interior can breathe new life into your daily commute and long road trips alike. Whether you’re aiming for a more luxurious feel or want a fresh, clean look, a few strategic changes can make a difference. Here’s a step-by-step guide to upgrading your car’s interior, starting with the essential custom seat covers.

Step 1: Get Custom Seat Covers

source: motor1.com

One of the most impactful upgrades you can make to your car’s interior is investing in custom seat covers. Not only do they provide an instant facelift, but they also protect your seats from wear and tear, spills, and stains. Unlike generic seat covers, custom seat covers are tailored to fit the specific make and model of your car, ensuring a snug and seamless fit.

Why Choose Custom Seat Covers?

Custom seat covers are designed to match the contours of your car’s seats perfectly, which means they won’t bunch up or slide around. The bespoke fit of a custom seat cover not only looks more professional but also enhances comfort. Additionally, custom seat covers often come in various materials, colours, and patterns, allowing you to personalise your car’s interior to your taste.

How to Choose the Right Custom Seat Cover

  • Material: Consider your lifestyle and needs when choosing the material. Leather or faux leather offers a luxurious look and is easy to clean, making it ideal for those who frequently transport kids or pets. Fabric covers, such as neoprene or velour, provide comfort and a wide range of colours and patterns.
  • Fit: Ensure the seat covers are designed for your car’s specific make, model, and year. This information is crucial for achieving that perfect fit
  • Design: Choose a design that complements your car’s interior. Neutral colours like black, grey, or beige are versatile and timeless, while bold colours and patterns can make a unique statement.

Step 2: Upgrade the Steering Wheel

Your steering wheel is one of the most commonly touched parts of your car, so upgrading it can significantly enhance your driving experience. A quality steering wheel cover can improve grip, comfort, and style. When it comes to choosing the right option, here’s what to consider. 

  • Material: Leather covers offer a classic look and feel, while suede or synthetic options can provide a sporty grip.
  • Fit: Measure your steering wheel to ensure the cover fits snugly. A well-fitted cover will prevent slipping and enhance safety.
  • Style: Pick a style that complements your seat covers and overall interior design. Matching or coordinating colours can create a cohesive look.

Step 3: Add Stylish Floor Mats

source: carandbike.com

Floor mats are another practical and aesthetic upgrade. They protect your car’s flooring from dirt, moisture, and wear, and can also add a touch of style to your interior. Here’s what to consider when choosing floor mats: 

  • Material: Rubber mats are durable and easy to clean, ideal for all-weather use. Carpet mats offer a more luxurious feel and can be customised in various colours and designs.
  • Fit: As with seat covers, opt for mats that are tailored to your car’s make and model for the best fit and coverage.
  • Design: Choose a colour and style that match or complement your seat covers and overall interior theme. Custom logo mats can also add a personal touch.

Step 4: Update Your Car’s Lighting

Interior lighting can dramatically change the ambience of your car. Upgrading to LED lights or adding ambient lighting can create a modern and stylish environment. Here are some types of interior lighting upgrades you can consider: 

Types of Interior Lighting Upgrades

  • LED Bulbs: Replace your existing interior bulbs with LED bulbs for brighter, more energy-efficient lighting.
  • Ambient Lighting Kits: These kits can be installed under the dashboard, seats, or along the doors to create a soft glow in various colours. Many kits are customisable, allowing you to change the colour to suit your mood or preference.
  • Reading Lights: Consider adding focused reading lights for passengers, which can be especially useful during night-time travel.

Step 5: Replace or Upgrade Your Car Audio System

Upgrading your car’s audio system can significantly enhance your driving experience, making your commutes and road trips more enjoyable with better sound quality.

Choosing the Right Audio System

  • Head Unit: Consider a head unit with modern features such as Bluetooth connectivity, touchscreen controls, and support for Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.
  • Speakers: High-quality speakers can dramatically improve sound clarity and bass. Look for speakers that match your musical preferences and offer good reviews.
  • Subwoofers: Adding a subwoofer can enhance bass response, making music more immersive.

Step 6: Personalise with Accessories

Finally, add personal touches with accessories that reflect your personality and style. From custom gear shift knobs to personalised license plate frames, the options are endless.

  • Custom Gear Shift Knob: Upgrade your gear shift knob with a custom design that fits comfortably in your hand and matches your interior style.
  • Personalised Licence Plate Frames: These can add a touch of individuality to your car’s exterior.
  • Dashboard Decorations: Small, tasteful decorations like figurines or plants can add a bit of fun and personality to your dashboard.

By following these easy steps, you can transform your car’s interior into a space that is not only more comfortable and stylish but also a true reflection of your personality. Whether you’re making a few minor tweaks or going for a full makeover, these upgrades will help you enjoy every moment spent behind the wheel. Happy driving!

Cars produce an immense amount of heat. Temperatures in the combustion chamber can reach well over 2000 degrees Celsius. And adjacent parts like turbines and exhaust manifolds deal with 700+ degrees when you’re working the gas pedal. This is efficiently managed by an extensive cooling system before the engine self-ignites. What is more worrying is the low level of heat protection in auxiliary engine components, electronic parts and wiring and the exhaust tubing. 
Exhaust pipes and parts can easily see 300 degrees, with catalytic converters close to 650. This produces radiant heat in the underbody and nearby parts, with temperatures potentially soaring in the cabin.

The excessive heat can warp, rupture or damage the exhaust piping, wreak havoc on sensors, and burn wire insulation. To deal with a domino effect of issues, exhaust pipe insulations contains the heat of exhaust gases before they can do considerable damage. There are varying products in this respect, but all have the same purpose – to contain heat within the exhaust and prevent it from spreading to other car parts. 

Why the Need For Exhaust Heat Shields?

exhaust-shield
source: heatsheetshielding.com

Heat shield products like exhaust wrap, aluminium sheeting and adhesive tapes can all be used to reduce the effect of too much heat in the exhaust piping. Excessive heat can damage or even melt metal, crack paintwork, confuse sensors and easily cause cracks and fraying in wiring, leading to electrical issues. For instance, oxygen sensors lining the exhaust are exceptionally sensitive to abrupt changes in temperatures, and anything over 300 degrees will lead to accelerated wear and tear and the ECU getting inaccurate readings. What follows are off fuelling and timing, meaning higher fuel use, lower performance and potential damage to the engine internals. 
Elevated heat levels can additionally radiate to other others to the same effect. This is more common in modified or rebuilt cars putting out more power than rated stock numbers. Besides protecting your vehicle, heat shields can also:

  • Increase power and torque – used on piping and parts like converters, heat shields help with exhaust scavenging and velocity, sending gases out faster. This has two benefits. It shields sensitive parts and sections with thinner walls and helps the engine breathe by enabling the next combustion cycle. Gases going out faster result in a power and torque increase, with lower heat stress reducing the risk of internal engine damage. 
  • Lower fuel consumption – higher combustion efficiency leads to lower fuel use. Wraps, sheets and tapes lower temperatures in the exhaust, and indirectly help air intakes and combustion chambers draw cooler, oxygen-rich air. Engines can produce the same or more power with less fuel. 
  • Reduce excessive exhaust noise – when correctly applied, heat shields reduce vibrations and resulting noise. They prevent droning exhausts from ruining driving pleasure or causing discomfort. Combine heat shields with bespoke sound-deadening products for a whisper-quiet cabin, lower temperatures and elevated protection from liquids and chemicals,

Exhaust Heat Shield Products 

exhaust-heat-shield
source: heatsheetshielding.com

Wrap, sheets and tapes are the three form factors that exhaust pipe insulation comes in.  Wraps are the traditional choice. They are easy to install, contain heat at the source, and with different finishes can add more style, such as exposed piping in motorcycles. 
There are several exhaust wraps to choose from, each with varying levels of heat protection. The cheapest is fibreglass wrap, with operating temperatures of up to 500 degrees, suitable for unmodified engines. The wrap benefits from the integrated coating to seal the piping and prevent leaks. 


Next up is a wrap produced from basalt rock fibres, able to deal with temperatures exceeding 700 degrees. This is also non-toxic, recyclable and available in subdued colours to hide stained or discoloured piping. For the best performance, look to titanium exhaust wrap. This can be applied to manifolds and headers where temperatures are the highest. The product can effectively contain heat nearing 1250 degrees, is pliable (so doesn’t require wetting like fibreglass variants) and is simple to install. Regardless of which type you choose, ensure you get enough wrapping to cover the intended portion of the exhaust. Spool lengths come in at 10 or 20 metres, and enough to entirely all piping from the headers to tips in most exhausts. 

Sheets 

While exhaust wrap is applied in overlapping layers, exhaust heat shield sheets are designed to be added to heat sources and prevent radiant heat from reaching other vehicle areas. The 3mm aluminium sheet has high conductivity and low emissivity rates. Sheets need to be pre-formed and cut, then applied at a recommended distance of 10mm from the source. Typical uses are around catalytic converters and mufflers. Installation is relatively simple. Sheets come in different sizes (300 by 500mm, and 500 by 700mm), can be cut with simple tin snips, and have included mounting hardware. 

Adhesive Tapes 

Pressure-sensitive adhesive tape foils, or peel-and-stick shields are another alternative to containing heat in the exhaust system. They perform better at shielding adjacent parts to the piping from radiant heat, with efficiency reaching 250 degrees. Foils have a fibreglass core, and an aluminium outer, are easy to shape and simple to apply. The material moulds to the contours of the vehicle part, and the strong adhesive stays on once applied. A benefit over thicker sheeting is less risk of rattling and noise. Foils and tapes can also replace sheets in low-heat environments. especially around headers, and other heat sources in the vehicle – including airboxes, firewalls, floor pans and the transmission. This heat solution is offered in varying thicknesses, with thicker 0.25mm variants preferred for their puncture resistance. 

Outfitting your car with exterior accessories like spoilers and rear bumpers can make it look cooler, while others, such as rear bumpers and headlights and taillights make it safer. The range of exterior car accessories is limitless, and which ones you decide to equip your car with will depend on what you’re aiming to improve. That being said, here are the most popular aftermarket exterior accessories and what their purpose is.

Spoilers

A spoiler is typically found on the rear end of a car and serves as an aerodynamic aid by increasing wind resistance. While they do look cool, make sure your vehicle actually needs a spoiler before installing one. If not, the added weight might make it harder for your car to stop. Also, spoilers should be made of lightweight and durable materials like plastic or fibreglass to avoid excessive weight. 
There are many different types of spoilers, including:

  • Wing spoilers 
  • Low profile spoilers
  • Lip spoilers 
  • Blade style spoilers 
  • Dropped spoilers
rear spoiler
source: mps-engineering.de

Rear Bumpers

Rear bumpers are found on the back end of cars and trucks to protect them from collisions. While they do look cool when installed on custom vehicles, make sure you’re getting a quality rear bumper that’s durable enough to withstand impacts without damaging your vehicle’s body or paint job.

Headlights and Taillights

Outfitting your car with aftermarket headlights and taillights is a great way to customize the look of your vehicle, but it’s important that you get parts from reputable manufacturers like N-fab. Replacement headlights and taillights from N-fab are made with durable materials that can withstand harsh road conditions without compromising the safety of you or your passengers. 

headlights
source: rac.co.uk

Grille Inserts

A grille insert is typically used for aesthetic purposes, but it can also improve airflow. If you’re installing a grille insert on your vehicle, make sure that it’s made of lightweight materials like aluminium or plastic so that it won’t impede the flow of air through your car’s radiator and block out too much sunlight. 

There are a few different types of aftermarket grille inserts, such as mesh grilles and louver inserts. 
Mesh grilles are made with mesh or metal blades that can be adjusted to block out sunlight, or removed altogether for improved airflow when driving in hotter climates. They’re also used as a means of protecting the radiator from debris.
Louver inserts are typically found on trucks and SUVs, but they can also be installed on sedans and sports cars. These types of grille inserts have slats that can be adjusted to allow more or less airflow as needed.

grille inserts
source: fortec4x4.com

Shark Fin Kits and Wings

A wing is a type of aerodynamic accessory that’s installed on the rear end of cars and trucks, usually on the trunk lid or hatchback. It’s designed to improve airflow around your vehicle, so when installing one, make sure it’s made from lightweight materials like carbon fibre or aluminium so that it doesn’t add too much weight to your car. 

Rear Aprons

These exterior car accessories are typically found on the back end of trucks and SUVs, to protect them from getting hit. Rear aprons are made with lightweight materials that can withstand impacts without damaging your vehicle’s body or paint job. They are usually made of plastic or fiberglass, and they are designed to protect the back of your car from bumps and scrapes.

rear aprons
source: tuningblog.eu

Rear Roof Bumpers 

Rear roof bumpers are typically found on pickup trucks and SUVs because they help prevent cargo from sliding off when you’re driving around corners. They’re also great for protecting your vehicle from damage in case it gets hit from behind. This can help prevent serious damage to your car, and it can also help keep you safe in the event of an accident.

Weathershields and Wind Visors 

These accessories are multi-functional. They help keep your car cool in the summer by blocking out sunlight and preventing wind from getting into your vehicle’s cabin. In addition, they can also help keep your car warm in the winter by insulating against the cold. This is especially important if you live in an area with very cold winters, as it can help prevent your car from freezing and becoming inoperable. 

wind visors
source: weathertech.com

Fender Vents and Scoops

Fender vents and scoops are used to improve airflow, but they also make your vehicle look cooler. If you’re looking for a way to customize the appearance of your car or truck, these types of exterior accessories can help with that. They come in a variety of colours and designs so that you’ll be able to find something that suits the style of your vehicle. 

fender vents
source: streetfaction.net

Headlight Covers

While headlight covers aren’t essential, they do make your vehicle look cooler. These types of exterior accessories are popular among car enthusiasts, and they’re also used by people who want to make their vehicle stand out from the crowd. They come in a variety of designs and colours so that you’ll be able to find something that suits your taste as well as the look of your vehicle. 

headlight covers
source: weathertech.com

Getting more out of your car isn’t as hard as it seems. All it takes is a few performance parts to increase horsepower and torque numbers. These will get you better acceleration times off the mark and higher top speeds. All engines have a bit more to give, and well-thought-out additions will get the blood pumping each time you put the pedal down.   

Introduced as a locally-designed car way back in 2011, the PX Ford Ranger has seen blistering sales reminiscent of Blue Oval favourites of the past. A few facelifts along the way have freshened up looks and added a little tech to what is an already capable vehicle on and off the tarmac. For anyone still hoarding their cash, there’s also the replacement next-gen 2023 Ranger just hitting showrooms.  

The ute’s popularity has also spawned a huge aftermarket. Buyers have the option of increasing space and carrying capacity by adding a suitable roof rack for the different cab designs, as well as increasing front-end protection with an aftermarket and ADR-approved bull bar for Ford Ranger. These are the necessary exterior accessories for a car that’s meant to be battered in all manner of driving conditions and be loaded to the brim with gear while doing so.  

Ford Ranger, Bull Bar
Source: ocamindustries.com.au

Why Consider Bull Bars? 

The main purpose of the bull bars is to protect the entire front end of the car, including the headlights, during collisions with other vehicles. And they do a fine job when off-road, brushing off any roos or bigger wildlife that can easily disable the vehicle. The same settings are littered with rocks, ruts, and branches that have the propensity to pierce engine parts and cause irreversible damage. Bull bars are built of sturdy metals, have been real-world tested to absorb high impact, and will still stay intact no matter what they come up against.  

This is the protective side of things, but a well-appointed bull bar also extends usability. Built-in winch cradles let you fit an aftermarket winch which you’ll use in cases where the ute is bogged down. The same goes for recovery points, to pull your Ranger out of a rut. Other useful additions include driving lights that can be mounted on the bull bar to increase visibility. To complete the off-roading credentials, bull bars offer better approach angles than your stock front bumper when tackling tough terrain.  

Lastly, think of the rugged and ready looks a bull bar gives off. This is how utes should be shipped straight out of the factory.  

Ford Ranger, 4x4, Bull Bar, Wench
Source: ocamindustries.com.au

What to Look for? 

Designs 

How the bar looks, and to a large extent the protection it provides, boils down to the design. Old-school triple hoops do offer a lot in the way of safeguarding vital engine components and the headlights but may look outdated to some buyers. Simpler single-hoop designs are also smaller but leave the radiator exposed. Newer hoop-less variants sit further down and have appointed winch cradles and enough metal to shield all engine parts. They also provide a sturdy base for heavier bash plates or underbody armour.  

Materials  

If you’re after optimal strength, then go for bull bars made of high-grade steel. These should be on any Ranger that sees more of its fair share of outback duty. Steel bars won’t dent in animal strikes or rupture when hitting sharp rocks. Overall strength though depends on how separate parts are put together. Look for seamless welds and thicker metal components in parts tasked to take the hit.  

Any steel bull bar for Ford Ranger is simple to maintain, needing a quick hosing down to get rid of built-up dust. Additional coatings and paint will mean that it lasts longer, so no issues with rust or staining. The only downside is the weight. Steel bars are almost twice as heavy as comparable aluminium bull bars, so may require some adjustments to the front suspension.  

Newer aluminium alloy bars come close to the strength seen in steel, but not quite. They make up for this by being up to 40 per cent lighter and won’t impact steering and handling as much. In addition, aluminium has better corrosion resistance, doesn’t require additional treatment or coatings, and has a polished look. Prices are similar, or slightly more than what you’d pay for a fully-specced steel variant.  

Ford Ranger, Pickup Truck, Bull Bar
Source: wikimedia.org

Accessories 

Different designs let you fit a range of accessories. Driving lights, light bars and antennas are just some of the necessities that most drivers use, especially when off-road. For lights, look for the appropriate mounting holes, and for antennas, match tabs. Integrated fog lights with quality LEDs are a nice touch. Anyone needing both front and side protection will also want side brush bars and side steps. To fit these, ensure that the bull you choose for your Ford Ranger has outer tubes. Look for the same provisions if you’re getting skid or bash plates.  

Any Ranger bull bar with included recovery tow points is also worth considering. This also applies to bars that can accommodate the use of a high-lift jack.  

Compatibility and Installation 

ADR-approved bull bars mean that these fit the exact contours of the Ranger front, without protruding too far out in any direction. It also means that they won’t interfere with the activation of airbags in the case of collisions. Bars tailored specifically for the Ranger will be easy to get right, so installation is also straightforward. For the best fitment (and any adjustments to the suspension and/or steering) get this done at your local mechanic.

If you’re having trouble opening and closing the windows in your car, it might have to do with a broken window regulator. It’s a part that not many people are aware of, yet plays a crucial role in the comfort and convenience of using their vehicle. That being said, I’ll let you in on everything you need to know about window regulators, and how to find the ideal replacement car door window replacement parts, in case yours is faulty.

If you’re looking to improve the throttle response of your RG Colorado so you can have an easier time towing that heavy campervan, or just want an extra push when off-roading, there are a couple of different ways to do it. Many people think that the throttle response comes down to their vehicle’s engine or air intake, both of which aren’t true. Throttle response is the correlation between pressing the gas pedal and the engine’s response to the input. The less pressure you have to apply to the pedal to get your Colorado moving, the more you will improve your throttle response.

I think we can all agree that camping is a great activity for the entire family. But once you’re done exploring Mother Nature and get back home, you probably know how important it is to keep your caravan away from dirt, tree sap, bird droppings, rain and any other damages that can occur. But truth be told, not all of us are lucky to have a spacious garage or suitable extension for keeping our caravans protected, and this is the moment when covers for caravans come in.