Bull bars and airbags

I like the look of bull bars, but hesitate to buy them because I've heard they can affect the airbags on any vehicle. Does anybody know the scoop on this? Having had a truck totaled in a head-on, I'm a firm believer in airbags, and wouldn't want to jeopordize their proper function. If their OK, however, I'm buying!

I like the look of bull bars, but hesitate to buy them because I've heard they can affect the airbags on any vehicle. Does anybody know the scoop on this? Having had a truck totaled in a head-on, I'm a firm believer in airbags, and wouldn't want to jeopordize their proper function. If their OK, however, I'm buying!


GREAT question!!! I was about to order one and never thought of that:confused:

You know Guys, I remember reading a thread a while ago that mentioned how un-sturdy the honda Bull Bars were. Now I'm wondering if it's intentional for just this very reason. Just a thought.

I'm wondering if it's intentional for just this very reason. Just a thought.
And a good one, jsant01. My Westin Bull Bar offers minimal protection from being backed into, let alone a frontal crash. In fact, I won't push anything with it. The brush guard, although narrow, is fairly functional. That's why I went with the Westin over the oem. The bar turns out to be more "show" than "go" for sure. (not that I don't like the look) Perhaps your right and that's why.

This thread has changed my mind about the bull bar. If i bought one i would want to be able to use it if i needed to.

A really really really stout bull bar would act like an extension to the truck frame. I think the G sensors for the airbags might be ever so slightly more sensitive in this case because the 2.5 MPH bumper isn't involved.

The typical bull bar is at least 50% cosmetic and strong enough only to nudge an animal out of the way. I think in a head on collision the bull bar would instantly be crushed and absorb almost no energy. Airbags should deploy normally.

But what do I know?

A really really really stout bull bar would act like an extension to the truck frame. I think the G sensors for the airbags might be ever so slightly more sensitive in this case because the 2.5 MPH bumper isn't involved.

The typical bull bar is at least 50% cosmetic and strong enough only to nudge an animal out of the way. I think in a head on collision the bull bar would instantly be crushed and absorb almost no energy. Airbags should deploy normally.

But what do I know?

In one way hopefully that will work......in another i would hope the Bull Bar would help the front end some in a crash or animal impact. (just like an extension of the frame)

A really really really stout bull bar would act like an extension to the truck frame. I think the G sensors for the airbags might be ever so slightly more sensitive in this case because the 2.5 MPH bumper isn't involved.

The typical bull bar is at least 50% cosmetic and strong enough only to nudge an animal out of the way. I think in a head on collision the bull bar would instantly be crushed and absorb almost no energy. Airbags should deploy normally.

But what do I know?


Sounds like you know more than I do. :) When you say the G sensors might be slighlty more sensitive, do mean with or without the bull bar?

The bull bar will not at all effect your airbag sensors. They only deploy if the actually G load ( or how fast your truck actually stops ) is great enough to do so.. unless you hit a 2000lb Bull, its not going to go off. If you do hit a 2000lb bull, it damn well SHOULD go off.

They only deploy if the actually G load ( or how fast your truck actually stops ) is great enough to do so.


So if I attached a 300 ft. super, heavy duty chain to the rear frame, and then gunned it, the airbags would go off when I hit the end of the chain?

The bull bar will not at all effect your airbag sensors. They only deploy if the actually G load ( or how fast your truck actually stops ) is great enough to do so.. unless you hit a 2000lb Bull, its not going to go off. If you do hit a 2000lb bull, it damn well SHOULD go off.


Exactly.. It a g-meter/accelerometer. You could "technically" hit the sensor with a hammer with the car in park, and nothing would happen (if it works correctly).

The brackets that hold the bar in place will bend or break in an accident severe enoguh to require airbag deployment. These bars are not like pipe bumper replacements on big trucks, but rather for aesthetics or very light duty pushing (brush, etc). Try pulling up to a street sign and gently try to push it over. Chances are you'll dent the bull/brush bar before the sign starts to really bend.

Thanks everyone for your replies. Anyone interested, I found this link which explains how airbags deploy to be the clearest explanation: http://www.madsci.org/posts/archives/may98/894597804.Eg.r.html

After reading that, I still don't know which way I'll go. IF (and that's purposely capitalized) the bull bars were strong enough it could affect deployment. If on the other hand their as flimsy as others say then it should be OK, but then what would be the purpose other than cosmetic?

I just installed a Westin Bullbar on my Ridge. It looks great!! plus I am about 210lbs and can sit on it no problem. but I wouldnt stand or jump on it it will break. I can see that it whould protect my bummpers in a LIGHT crash. but as someone already mentiond in a slightly higher level crash the bar whould crush and I belive the airbags whould work just fine. to repeat I can tell from the weight of the bar that it will crush, but with the attached skid plate I enjoy the fact that debris like shreded truck tires will be pushed under the truck. and it makes a great platform for my HELLA 500 driving lights.

Be forwarned not an easy instalation.

I just installed a Westin Bullbar on my Ridge. It looks great!! plus I am about 210lbs and can sit on it no problem. but I wouldnt stand or jump on it it will break. I can see that it whould protect my bummpers in a LIGHT crash. but as someone already mentiond in a slightly higher level crash the bar whould crush and I belive the airbags whould work just fine. to repeat I can tell from the weight of the bar that it will crush, but with the attached skid plate I enjoy the fact that debris like shreded truck tires will be pushed under the truck. and it makes a great platform for my HELLA 500 driving lights.

Be forwarned not an easy instalation.


get some pics of the Hellas for me. I'm swapping out my Piaas soon, and looking at the Hella 3000 and 5000