Tubular steel rear bars? (for Prado 150)

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Tubular steel rear bars? (for Prado 150)

Post by Lorgar » 04 Jan 2022, 6:43 pm

Hi all,

I've got a 150 series Prado (first gen, not the facelift model) and am doing some research on rear bars for it.

The problem is they (pretty obviously) weigh a figurative tonne, and will take me over my GVM limit when loaded for a trip.

All I really want the rear bar for is protection if/when dropping the rear down in a rut, scraping on departure angles etc. Don't need spare wheel carries, jerry can holders, or any of that.

I've seen a few pictures of these kinds of things from blokes in the states with Lexus GX's, which in my understanding is exactly the same vehicle.

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This seems like it would be ample for me, and probably 50kg+ less than the stonking great square bars that the usual names sell here.

After much searching, I can't find anything remotely similar here though.

Does anyone know of such a thing being offered here in Aus?

I was surprised to not be able to find anything at all that was similar. Has me wondering now if these are not legal under our road rules or something?
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Re: Tubular steel rear bars? (for Prado 150)

Post by GQshayne » 04 Jan 2022, 7:21 pm

Custom is the go for you mate. Plenty of good workshops will knock something up for you no worries. Rasslar & Millweld will be a good place to start for a Vicco. ;)

https://www.raslarr.com.au/

https://www.millweld.com/
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Re: Tubular steel rear bars? (for Prado 150)

Post by scoot » 04 Jan 2022, 8:29 pm

Technically speaking all bar work must be designef/manafactured/tested to meet the ADR rules applicable to the vehicle its fitted to. Hate to be a killjoy but often custom pieces aren't actually legal. Doesn't stop a lot of people but bear in mind it could be an excuse for things like insurance payouts being denied.
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Re: Tubular steel rear bars? (for Prado 150)

Post by Lorgar » 07 Jan 2022, 6:12 pm

Raslarr looks like it could be the go looking at their front bars. Keeping them minimal. Thanks Shayne, I'll give them a buzz.

I hear you, Scoot. I'm pretty conscious of keeping it all legal (and coverable by insurance :lol: )
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Re: Tubular steel rear bars? (for Prado 150)

Post by GQshayne » 07 Jan 2022, 7:41 pm

Lorgar wrote:Raslarr looks like it could be the go looking at their front bars. Keeping them minimal. Thanks Shayne, I'll give them a buzz.

I hear you, Scoot. I'm pretty conscious of keeping it all legal (and coverable by insurance :lol: )


Rear bars are common, and legal if built properly. My understanding of Raslarr is that he does custom stuff, not only exiting designs, so he can make you a one-off bar without a wheel carrier etc. Been in the game a fair while and has a good reputation.
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Re: Tubular steel rear bars? (for Prado 150)

Post by DaveZ » 07 Jan 2022, 8:59 pm

The stock tow bar will do pretty much want you want. I dragged the arse of mine everywhere you could imagine for 4 years and never had any rear bumper damage. The stock side steps were another story :wtf: :lol:

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Re: Tubular steel rear bars? (for Prado 150)

Post by animalpest » 08 Jan 2022, 12:08 pm

Yep, side steps got hammered even with a lift. Replaced with stronger ones.

But I have never done damage to the back of the vehicle.
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Re: Tubular steel rear bars? (for Prado 150)

Post by Die Judicii » 11 Jan 2022, 9:35 pm

How hard could it possibly be ?
Get a copy of the ADR's and get a "qualified" (if you aren't) tradesman to make one. :thumbsup:
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Re: Tubular steel rear bars? (for Prado 150)

Post by Lorgar » 14 Jan 2022, 10:48 am

DaveZ wrote:The stock tow bar will do pretty much want you want. I dragged the arse of mine everywhere you could imagine for 4 years and never had any rear bumper damage. The stock side steps were another story :wtf: :lol:


That's kind of what I've been getting away with so far.

I have a towbar fitted at the moment, however, it's obviously far less robust than the standard Toyota one.

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Much lower profile mounting than yours, and only protects if you drop down while level. Any roll/corner drop and it would offer no protection, which is bound to happen sooner or later.

Maybe I can get a factory towbar, and just get someone to weld on an extra footage of steel rectangular tubing on the left and right . :D
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Re: Tubular steel rear bars? (for Prado 150)

Post by DaveZ » 15 Jan 2022, 6:44 am

Lorgar wrote:That's kind of what I've been getting away with so far.

I have a towbar fitted at the moment, however, it's obviously far less robust than the standard Toyota one.


Yeah there is a big difference between that and what I had. I think mine was factory Toyota but can't remember 100%, I did get the ARB front bar fitted from new as well. I dropped the back end down into plenty of holes with that bar and heard some pretty solid whacks, but never scored any bumper damage.
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