shvern wrote:Tossing up between the ARB DELUXE, TJM T13 and also looking at the MCC Falcon. My biggest concern is how the bar fits and the headlights and physical size. I dont want some large sand plough hanging off the front.
I just installed a TJM outback onto my 2012 Hilux.
I was tossing up between the ARB and the TJM. Whilst the ARB looks great I went with the TJM for a few reasons:
- the shopping experience was better with TJM. The guy was super helpful, gave me heaps of information, was good to talk to, gave me a quote, etc. ARB guy was gruff, couldn’t be bothered to talk to me, couldn’t be bothered to give me a quote as ‘the prices were changing soon anyway’. Comes down to the local shop I suppose.
- TJM outback bar is all inclusive - includes the winch compatibility, includes wiring looms, includes lights. ARB was $200 more for the base model, plus another $300 or so by the time you added all the above extras. Plus TJM had 25% off before Christmas so saved a chunk of money there.
I also saved a bit of money by installing it myself. Instructions say 1.5hrs. Guy in the shop said it takes them about 3-4. Took me about 7 all up. That included soldering the fog lights rather than using the new full harness (already had them). But that wasn’t rushing and it was an enjoyable experience.
Re: colour matching go for it if you want, but I think the straight black bar off sets the car nicely. Too much of the one colour can be a bit full on. Plus with a black colour any scratches you can easily touch up.
The bar fits really well. I just followed the instructions, cut the bumper, no issues at all as far as installation was concerned. Just get a friend to help you lift it up.
Only negative (and this would be with all bullbars with loops) was that I cop a bit of headlight reflection at night off the back of the bar (probably cause I’m tall), but I’ve stuck a small piece of black tape there to dull it and that worked fine. I might eventually spray that small patch with a bit of matt black if the tape starts peeling off. So far so good.
Finished:
With trimmed bumper: