Vehicle protection

It is the set of guards, bars, plates and steps fitted to a 4WD to shield areas that take hits from rocks, stumps, ruts and everyday knocks. This page covers three areas: the rear, the sides and the underbody. What suits you depends on your vehicle, where you drive and what you carry or tow.

Rear protection includes rear bars and step towbars. Side protection includes side rails and side steps. Underbody protection includes steel and polymer plates that guard components such as the sump, transmission and transfer case. Front protection, such as bull bars, is a separate topic with its own page.

The underbody (steering, sump, transmission and transfer case), the sills and lower body along the sides, and the rear corners and tailgate area are the usual areas owners look at. ARB states that its under vehicle protection is designed to shield these vulnerable underbody components from rocks, stumps and ruts.

Sources: ARB, under vehicle protection.

Not necessarily. Many owners fit one or two categories and add others later. A vehicle that mostly tours on formed roads has different needs from one that crosses rocky creek beds. Tell us how you drive and we will talk through which areas are worth protecting first.

For touring, think about how often you will meet rocks, ruts or tight tracks, and about weight and access, such as whether you use side steps to reach the cabin or roof. For more demanding terrain, underbody and sill protection tends to matter sooner. The right answer depends on the vehicle and the terrain, so we match the products to your actual use.

A rear bar protects the back of the vehicle and gives a strong, vehicle-specific mounting point for other gear. ARB states that its Summit MKII rear step tow bar offers rear protection, a top tread plate, jack points and a 3.5T class 4 tow hitch, with optional 8T recovery points. Features differ by bar and vehicle.

Sources: ARB Summit MKII rear step tow bar product page.

No, rear bars are made for specific vehicles, so fitment depends on make, model, year and variant. Tell us what you drive, whether you tow, and what is already fitted. We will confirm which rear bars and step towbars are offered for your vehicle before you commit.

It can, depending on the bar and the vehicle. ARB states that its Summit MKII rear step tow bar is compatible with original-equipment rear parking sensors and number plate lights, and that it provides for an ARB trailer camera kit. For any other bar, we check sensors, cameras, lights and spare wheel access for your vehicle and confirm they work after fitting.

Sources: ARB Summit MKII rear step tow bar product page.

Some rear bars include a towbar receiver or hitch, and some do not. The rating depends on the specific bar and vehicle, so check the rating that applies to your setup and never exceed your vehicle's own towing limits. Tell us what you tow and we will match the bar to it.

Side steps give a platform for getting in and out and guard against stone chips and minor impacts. ARB describes its Deluxe side steps and rails as protecting the vehicle's sills and lower bodywork, with an aluminium tread plate for footing. Rock sliders are heavier-duty sill protection designed mainly for rocky terrain. Which products are offered depends on your vehicle, so ask us what is available for yours.

Sources: ARB Deluxe side steps and rails; ARB side steps with aluminium finish.

Yes, many owners fit them for everyday use because the step makes getting in and out easier and helps protect the lower body from stone chips. Think about how often you carry children or older passengers, and whether you will also use them off-road.

They can, depending on the design and how they are mounted. ARB does not state ground clearance on its pages for these products, so we talk through how the product sits on your vehicle and how you use it before you buy.

It depends on the product. ARB states that its Deluxe side steps and rails connect to an ARB Deluxe or Commercial bull bar on the vehicle it lists, while its aluminium-finish side steps are marked as suiting no bull bar. This is why we check your current bar before choosing side protection.

Sources: ARB Deluxe side steps and rails; ARB side steps with aluminium finish.

Underbody protection is a set of plates or panels that shield components under the vehicle. ARB lists the steering, sump, transmission and transfer case as vulnerable underbody components its design shields. A bash plate is the plate under the front of the vehicle. The exact coverage depends on the kit for your vehicle.

Sources: ARB under vehicle protection product page.

If your touring includes rocky tracks, creek crossings or washouts, underbody protection is worth considering, because factory underbody parts vary in what they cover. If you stay on formed roads, it may be lower priority. Tell us where you go and we will help you decide.

ARB describes its under vehicle protection as laser-cut, press-formed steel with a powder coat finish, and its under vehicle armour as impact-resistant cross-linked polymer. What is offered depends on your model. We will talk through the options for your vehicle and how you drive it.

Sources: ARB, under vehicle protection.

It adds a layer under the vehicle, so the fit matters. ARB states that its steel kit has recessed mounting bolts that are easy to remove for servicing, and that its polymer armour is easy to install and remove for servicing. We check access to service points when we fit it.

Sources: ARB, under vehicle protection; ARB under vehicle protection product page.

Start with the exact make, model, year and variant, because ARB designs its protection for specific vehicles. Then tell us what else is fitted, such as a bull bar, towbar, sensors or cameras. We will confirm fitment for the product you are considering before you buy.

ARB recommends professional installation of its under vehicle protection to ensure correct fit. In general, we suggest professional fitting for protection that mounts to the chassis or affects towing, sensors or wiring. We fit in our own Warwick workshop.

Sources: ARB, under vehicle protection.

Generally they are acceptable if the vehicle still meets the standards that apply to it, but details vary by state and by product. NSW says accessories must not have protrusions, sharp edges or parts that obstruct the driver's view. Queensland groups modifications as minor, basic, complex or specific, and its page lists towbars and roof racks as minor examples. Check with the relevant transport authority or an approved person for your vehicle. This is general information, not legal advice, and rules vary between states and territories.

Sources: Queensland Transport and Main Roads, vehicle modifications; NSW Government, fitting vehicle accessories.

Under the Australian Consumer Law, modifying a vehicle does not automatically void the manufacturer's warranty, and industry guidance recommends telling your insurer about modifications. Check with your insurer, and ask us for an itemised invoice. This is general information, not legal advice, and rules vary between states and territories.

Sources: Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association, vehicle modifications.

Check mounting bolts and brackets for looseness after rough tracks, look for bent or cracked components after an impact, and keep the vehicle washed, especially after mud or salt, so corrosion does not take hold. Follow any instructions that come with the product, and ask us if something looks damaged.