Scrub Bars vs Side Steps vs Rails: What Do You Need?

It is only once you have towed your new 4WD into the garage that the fantasies commence. Lift kits, big wheels, and bull bars enter your mind. No doubt you are already envisioning yourself buying the front protection bullbars in order to avoid the inevitable collision with one of the many kangaroos found along the roadside after dusk in the NT. 

Now comes the question of protecting the rest of the vehicle. With the front bumper sorted, the next consideration would be the sides of your vehicle. There are numerous conversations held on campsites and forum threads dedicated to the discussion of scrub bars vs side steps. 

Your choice here could make the difference between your rig getting home in good condition or having it become prohibitively expensive due to extensive body damage caused by Australia’s harsh terrain. 

In the southeastern parts of Queensland, the thick bush may leave you wondering whether you have managed to clear the track at all. On the other hand, the rock steps of the Victorian high country could scratch or even bend the side panels of your 4WD vehicle.

Understanding the Role of Front Protection Bullbars

As we discuss the aspects of the vehicle’s sides, it must be remembered that there are other considerations to protect ourselves before considering the options at our disposal. 

First and foremost, most good front protection bullbars come with outer hoops, which serve as anchoring points for additional armoured attachments. The bullbar itself serves as an important component in securing the installation of scrub bars, without which no armour is possible. 

These components become extremely valuable due to the fact that they give the vehicle a direct protective line of defence from the very tip of the bonnet all the way back to the rear of the front wheel arches. 

Those who opt to go with bumper replacement style bars without outer hoops will see a vastly different protection strategy being implemented. However, for those venturing out into thick scrub or bushland, having such a complete system will ensure optimal performance.

Breaking Down the Basics of Side Steps

Side steps are likely the most commonly seen accessory on 4WDs in Australia. Usually, all cars are equipped from the factory with some type of step, usually constructed out of lightweight aluminium or even plastic. Of course, this helps when you need to help your kids or grandmother enter the cab but does not provide any actual side protection. 

On the contrary, in many cases, such factory-side steps become a liability, especially in an off-road environment. That is because they are often attached to the body of the car rather than its frame. Consequently, in case you slam against the log or rock, the step folds up against the door and crumples it in. 

Talking about steel side steps as an aftermarket addition, it would be reasonable to say that this represents great progress in terms of durability. These steps can endure some impact yet allow you to get non-slippery footing when airing down your tires. Nevertheless, having one of those steps leaves your car vulnerable on the front sides, which is why the question of scrub bars vs side steps exists.

The Case for Scrub Bars and Integrated Rails

When you spend a day winching out of deep bush land, the front of the car is certainly not the only area that gets damaged. Scrub bars, otherwise known as side rails, come as the obvious extension of your side steps. Scrub bars extend vertically from your bull bar’s outer hoop to where your side step starts. 

They provide a bridge over your front wheel well. The main idea behind side rails vs scrub bars, which in fact are one and the same in Australia, is keeping away trees and branches from the vertical panels of your car. 

Once the rear towbar of your car starts sliding off into a tree while driving on a narrow trail, it will be guided away by the scrub bar instead of the tree dinging the side guard. It is critical in modern cars that feature thin sheet metal and delicate paint jobs. By purchasing such an option, you practically create a roll cage for your vehicle’s exterior.

Rock Sliders vs Scrub Bars for the Hardcore Explorer

For those who are more interested in the rocky terrain of a dry creek bed than the soft tracks found at the beach, the debate turns towards rock sliders vs scrub bars. Despite appearances, there are fundamental differences in the way these two accessories function. 

A rock slider is specifically constructed to withstand the load of the vehicle. If you end up “high-centring” your 4WD on a rock, a well-constructed slider will withstand the strain of the load without warping, allowing you to ease off and slide down the rock. 

Unlike scrub bars, most rock sliders do not feature an upper rail attachment point, since they rely solely on the sill of the car. However, there are now some excellent rock sliders available in Australia that combine the best of both worlds. 

In addition to being robust enough to serve as a rock slider, these sliders also incorporate attachment points for the installation of a scrub bar. It is important to consider whether you are going to be dropping your vehicle on rocks or scraping it on trees when trying to choose between rock sliders and scrub bars.

Navigating Different Side Protection Options

Selecting the proper configuration takes into account not only weight but also the purpose of your 4WD. Any piece of steel that is bolted onto your 4WD becomes part of the Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM), and in modern touring, weight is the great enemy. 

There are numerous side protection options available on the market, from lightweight tubular steel all the way to beefier square-section sliders. When designing a vehicle strictly for sweetness, sliders become the choice of choice. 

If you are planning a touring trip that will cover thousands of kilometers of corrugated dirt tracks and perhaps the odd beach drive, then you may wish to consider a more lightweight configuration. The trick is finding a compromise between having adequate side protection and turnkend play on the hardest tracks around the country, thick and sturdy 4 mm wall thicking your vehicle into a heavy beast incapable of climbing a sand dune.

The Functional Differences of Side Rails vs Scrub Bars

Confusion usually arises within the 4WD world when trying to distinguish between scrub bars and side rails. In many shops down under, both terms are often used interchangeably, as they both refer to the bars that protect the front quarter panels and also help link the steel vs. alloy bullbar with the steps. 

There are some individuals who refer to the entire length of protection, including the step, as side rails. The important factor here should be the way they connect to each other. The best rail should have a clamping system that will connect them to the bullbar hoops and allow some flexibility. 

Since the frame and body parts of 4WD vehicles move freely against one another, stiff connections may sometimes cause vibrations. This is something which must be considered when making comparisons between scrub bars and side rails.

Why the Choice of Scrub Bars vs Side Steps Matters for Insurance

When it comes down to it, the choice between scrub bars and side steps could end up influencing your car insurance claims and the life span of your car. In Australia, should you damage your panels during an off-road adventure, most car insurance companies will consider the modifications on your vehicle. 

Side protection installation by professionals means you may have gotten away with just a scratch if a tree stump punctured your door. Otherwise, it would have been written off as totaled. 

By securing the front guards, you are protecting yourself against damaging the mounting structures of your headlamps and engine bay parts. Impacting the front guard with the absence of scrub bars might cause the front clip to move, creating gaps in your panels and causing rust in the future.

Evaluating the Cost of Side Protection

There is no denying the fact that quality side bars represent a wise investment. When considering the cost of scrub bars vs side steps, one must take into account the price of materials, powder coating, and the labour involved in installation. 

Low-cost and imported sidebars frequently utilise thin steel and poor powder coating that will immediately rust if damaged by a stone. In contrast, side protection bars made in Australia are usually produced with better quality materials and standards. 

For instance, the steel used in side bars sold locally can endure salt-laden coastal conditions and the red dust of Australia. The expense of repairing and repainting one door alone due to damage represents a significant amount of money. As such, the price tag on a complete set of railings and steps is relatively affordable.

Installation and ADR Compliance

However, before going ahead to bolt anything onto your vehicle, it pays to think of the legal implications involved. The Australian Design Rules (ADR) are quite strict when it comes to the safety of your car, especially in terms of airbag deployment. 

In any case, you should know that all top-quality front protection bullbars, nudge bars, bumpers and side bars have been manufactured in such a way that their installation will not compromise the functionality of the crash sensors in your vehicle. 

If you choose to fixate on side protection options without taking into consideration their ability to work well with the crash sensors in your vehicle, you may end up with a vehicle that is officially unsafe on the roads.

Making the Final Call for Your 4WD

Now, what exactly is it that you need? If your 4WD does not venture off the tar seal often, save yourself some money with a pair of tough side steps. They will give you something to step on as a family and offer ample protection from rocks kicked up by your front tyres. 

But if you have any plans of venturing out onto the famous trails in this country, the debate over scrub bars vs side steps usually ends up being more along the lines of “Why not have both?” Putting in that little extra rail between your bull bar and your side steps is the best insurance you can get against the capriciousness of the wilderness.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do scrub bars connect to the bullbar?

The typical design of scrub bars includes a robust bolt-on clamp system, which is wrapped around the outer tube of the bullbar. This design makes sure that there is a tight fit, allowing a bit of flex to prevent the bars from vibrating and rattling against the bodywork.

Will side rails affect my fuel economy?

However, since any addition of weight and aerodynamic change is going to slightly affect the consumption of fuel, the effect of the installation of side rails on fuel economy is going to be marginal. As side rails are rather sleek and located next to the body of the car, their effect on fuel consumption is less dramatic than that of roof racks or extra-large tires.

Can I install scrub bars if I don’t have a bullbar?

In most cases, the answer is negative. Scrub bars work in tandem with bullbars and help reinforce their front protection zone. As side rails lack front mounting, they will have to attach to the frame on the sides of the vehicle only, thus remaining unstable and vulnerable to vibrations and damage from obstacles on the road. For that reason, rock sliders would be your optimal choice for side protection.

Do scrub bars help in a side-impact collision?

Though scrub bars and side rails are basically used to help the vehicle get through the rough terrain such as rocks and tree trunks, they can offer some additional protection since there will be another layer of steel covering the body of the vehicle from any external damage. However, these rails are not meant to replace all the security measures of the car itself.

Secure Your Rig for the Outback

Are you ready to equip your next 4WD adventure? At Sharp 4×4 Australia, we recognise the level of courage and commitment required to traverse the wild Australian landscape. When you are hundreds of kilometres away from civilization, do not risk your vehicle by leaving its safety to fate. 

Whether you need the tough durability provided by rock sliders or complete protection offered by scrub bars, our specialists can help you make the right choice for your side protection based on your particular requirements. Discover the best in ADR-compliant bar work and outfit your 4WD with the armor it deserves. Get in touch now to discuss your 4WD build!

A well-protected 4WD will ensure your experiences in the outback are all about the scenery and good old campfire yarns. Selecting the right scrub bars vs side steps combination is one step closer to achieving this. Make sure you get what you pay for.