What’s the Purpose of a Sports Bar on a Truck?

If you ever look into getting a truck for yourself and want to invest in some vehicle modifications, you’ll often see sports bars as a potential option. While there are many great modifications for vehicles, a sports bar can be one of the best to add to your vehicle. By using a sports bar in conjunction with your other mods, you can create a truck that you’re proud of.

What’s a Sports Bar?

A sports bar isn’t a place to have fun with your friends, despite having the same name. A sports bar is a vehicle modification, typically for trucks or larger vehicles, that runs along the top or bed of the vehicle. These bars come in many different styles. For example, most bars stretch across the width of the vehicle, connecting the two sides, but some just run vertically to connect the back and the front of the vehicle.

The Purpose of Sports Bars

Before you go out and purchase a sports bar, you should take the time to understand the main reasons why it can be useful for your vehicle. Everyone values different things in their vehicle; your modification choices should reflect your values and bring your car closer to that final image you have for it. Here’s a look at the main purposes the sports bar fulfills and why so many want them on their own vehicle.

Rollover Protection

The original purpose of a sports bar is to help with rolling when a vehicle overturns in a sports game. They were very useful and life-saving for many people as they drove in dangerous conditions. To this day, sports bars can help offer a bit of that protection if your vehicle was to flip while driving. However, modern sports bars aren’t meant for that much stress anymore and offer little rollover protection unless you choose a version specifically built for it.

Help While Turning

A common issue with vehicles, especially large ones, is that turning isn’t as easy as it seems. When a vehicle turns, it doesn’t just turn as a single unit. Instead, the vehicle will stretch and lean, with each part moving a bit independently from the other. Sports bars can help with this issue by forcibly binding different parts of your vehicle together. This makes turning a lot easier, as the rear of the vehicle moves more simultaneously with the cabin and front. Keep in mind that not every sports bar serves this specific function, so it’s important to seek sports bars that aid in this area.

Additional Lights

One thing that almost all sports bars have in common is that they make a great place to store and mount additional lighting for your vehicle. While it’ll never replace headlights and taillights, most people will use their sports bar to put up additional lighting to see their vehicle better and illuminate the surrounding area as well. This is now the most common use of sports bars, and almost every sports bar has a straightforward way for you to install whatever lighting you want.

Aesthetic Looks

Another popular reason why people add sports bars to their vehicles is that they look good. A well-crafted, quality sports bar is a great addition to many vehicles and helps you stand out from the other people who have the same make and model as you. You can be sure you’ll find some sports bars that’ll match your vehicle and help you achieve your preferred look.

Factors That Make a Good Sports Bar

Just because something is a sports bar doesn’t mean it’s the right product for you. There are many manufacturers and styles that won’t improve your vehicle in the way you want. That’s why it’s best if you know how to determine which bar is good enough for you to consider. These are the many ways people tell if a truck sports bar is worth investing in.

Light Mount

One of the main purposes for sports bars is holding lights, so much so that they typically come with a light mount. If you’re looking to get a sports bar and you find one that doesn’t have a way to attach lights, it may be time to find a different model. Even if you aren’t planning on using lights, having the option there so that you can add them on later will save you a lot of trouble.

Good Durability

While not every sports bar can withstand a flip, you still want a bar that can handle some wear and tear from your regular driving and use of the bar. While some plastic bars can work, you generally want to keep your eyes out for the tougher metal varieties that provide added durability. Materials like heavy-duty carbon steel or other steel are a great place to start when looking for sports bars.

Easy To Install

Another thing you should look for is easy installation on your bars, as you should be able to do it yourself if you so choose. Sports bars aren’t complex modifications, and their installation shouldn’t be complex either. If the bar seems too complicated and as if it might require a professional’s assistance, consider if its other features make that additional expense worthwhile.

Compatibility With Other Modifications

Before you purchase your sports bar, you should ensure that it works with the other modifications you want for your vehicle. While many modifications utilize the same space, making them incompatible with each other, sports bars are out of the way and can combine with most other modifications. For example, you can pair your sports bar with a tonneau cover, which will better protect your truck bed.

Matches Your Vehicle

The last thing you should consider when choosing a sports bar is whether it’ll fit your vehicle. A good sports bar isn’t adjustable, as it lowers the durability. Instead, you need to find the bars that’ll fit your specific pickup. Additionally, you can’t forget that the looks of your vehicle matter, so purchasing a bar that doesn’t match your vehicle will create visual problems. Look for a bar that matches your vehicle’s make and model while still creating the look you’re going for.

There is a lot you need to know and consider before purchasing a sports bar for your vehicle. By using this guide, you should be able to find the perfect bar for your vehicles, whether you’re seeking added rollover protection or an aesthetic improvement. Once you get this mod and pair it with a few others, you’ll have a vehicle you can be proud of.