Our D-Max gets a Hayman Reese X-Bar tow bar

WE all know the Isuzu D-MAX is a proven tow rig, the 3.0L motor found in our 2020 D-MAX pulls like a train. So, it was a bit of a no-brainer that we would be fitting a tow bar to the 4X4 Australia D-MAX. Being that this was a new-model vehicle, choices were somewhat limited, but we lucked out and managed to land one of the first in the country (for this model) of what would have to be the most 4x4 friendly tow bar on the market. The X-Bar from Hayman Reese, which was installed by our mates at Truracks in Penrith, NSW.

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And why do I say that? Hayman Reese has been building tow bars for more than 65 years, so they have the runs on the board. And I’ll be blunt, take a look at the thing! Not only is it a beefy looking unit, it has built-in recovery points. Combined with the Ironman 4x4 recovery points and winch on the front of our D-MAX, it means we’re covered when it comes to recovery duties. I also like the design of this tow bar; it just looks the part. This is definitely helped along by the centre quick-release cover, which is a neat solution and protects the trailer-plug wiring.

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There are actually three recovery points built in to the X-Bar, two side ones and a centre point. Each side recovery point is rated to 4000kg, and the centre recovery point is rated to a whopping 8000kg. Best of all, they feature a rolled edge, so these recovery points are soft-shackle compatible. I also like that the bar has been designed for four-wheel drivers, as such departure angle clearance was a major consideration during the design process. It doesn’t stick out like a sore thumb, basically.

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