When you’re setting up a modern dual-cab for touring or towing, a solid towbar isn’t optional. The Hayman Reese X-Bar is as serious as they come. 

Fitted to our BYD Shark project car, it immediately shows it’s designed for 4WDs and off-road conditions. High clearance, integrated recovery points, and a solid bash section underneath make it more than a towing solution – it’s a proper off-road upgrade.

The X-Bar is built from thick-gauge steel with custom-forged 700-grade steel recovery points and tow ball mount. Side arms are thicker than typical bars for extra rigidity, and high-tensile AS Grade 10.9 fasteners ensure strength and durability. The premium Metalshield eCoat plus powder coat finish provides long-term corrosion protection.

It has been designed and tested to meet Australian Design Rules (ADR) and AS/NZS 4177 in a NATA-accredited lab, covering static overload, durability and recovery loads. That testing underlines just how tough this bar really is.

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Recovery points and off-road features

The X-Bar usually includes three rated recovery points – a high-rated centre point (~8000 kg) and two side points (~4000kg each, vehicle-dependent). This setup allows safe snatch or winching connections, far safer than relying on a hitch.

The bar sits higher than most OEM or aftermarket towbars, improving departure angles by around five degrees and reducing snagging on rough terrain. An integrated bash plate protects the rear diff, exhaust and underbody from trail obstacles.

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Real-world use

On the BYD Shark, the X-Bar handled towing camper trailers and heavy recoveries with ease, including pulling a mate’s LandCruiser out of a dune bowl in the Simpson Desert. The recovery points are well-positioned for symmetrical pulls, making recoveries safer and more predictable.

Other practical touches include twin protected trailer socket mounts (accommodating 7-pin, 12-pin, and/or Anderson plugs) and a SmartClick vehicle-specific wiring harness supplied as standard. Many models also feature a SmartPin anti-rattle hitch pin, cutting down hitch noise on the road.

Installation is a bit fiddly due to the extra bracing and recovery brackets – expect more time on the tools than with a standard towbar. The price is higher than basic options, but you’re effectively getting three pieces of kit in one – towbar, bash protection and robust recovery points – making it worthwhile for serious off-roaders.

Verdict

The Hayman Reese X-Bar isn’t a cosmetic upgrade. It’s functional, strong and ready for real-world adventures. Whether towing across the country, performing recoveries, or just having the confidence that your recovery points won’t fail, this bar delivers.

Key details

  • Rated recovery points: Centre ~8000kg, sides ~4000kg (vehicle-dependent)
  • Tow rating: Up to 3500 kg (braked) – vehicle dependent
  • Bash protection: Integrated underbody plate for rear diff, exhaust, and underbody
  • Construction: Thick-gauge steel, custom-forged 700-grade steel recovery points and tow ball mount
  • Side arms: Increased thickness for rigidity
  • Fasteners: High-tensile AS Grade 10.9
  • Finish: Metalshield eCoat + powder coat
  • Wiring and electrical: Twin protected trailer socket mounts, SmartClick wiring harness, SmartPin anti-rattle hitch pin
  • RRP: ~$1300 – $1500 (depending on model)
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