Whenever you fit something to a 4wd vehicle, there will be a trade off. Understanding this compromise is essential to managing not only your off road capability but also for driving defensively.

Based on the above, the two options are either:

• Understand new limitations and drive within them
• Or take it off.

Below are a few examples which highlight what I mean.

Approach Angle Compromised by this Bull Bar

Good for Ploughing?

The winch was long gone. Therefore, the winch cradle no longer served its purpose.  Caused the vehicle to ground out when manoeuvring over uneven terrain. Needed the winch for recovery?!

The design of the sump guard (below) was ineffective. We took the 4wd into our Low Range section, and it quickly failed to make progress. Not what you want when driving a vehicle in a harsh environment.

And the Point?

There is no point in fitting something to look good when it doesn’t do any good.