mounting a winch
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Freshman User
Joined: Mar 2015
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From: California
mounting a winch
Hello all, I'm buying a 12,000 lb winch with an 8 ton ****** block and I don't know if this is a stupid question mainly because I've never dealt with one before but can I attach this to my stock bumper?
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 256
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No. Warn makes a Trans4mer mount that sits outside the bumper. They also make a hidden mount that spaces the bumper out a little and puts the winch behind it.
A popular option for occasional use is mounting a front hitch and using a hitch receiver winch mount, which has it's benefits and drawbacks. One advantage is that with some extra wiring you can stick it in the rear hitch as well to winch backwards.
The fourth option is an aftermarket winch bumper or a custom built mount.
A popular option for occasional use is mounting a front hitch and using a hitch receiver winch mount, which has it's benefits and drawbacks. One advantage is that with some extra wiring you can stick it in the rear hitch as well to winch backwards.
The fourth option is an aftermarket winch bumper or a custom built mount.
Junior User
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 95
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I'm going through this right now as well. I bought the winch without a way to mount it. In the past I have built bumpers and custom winch mounts for FJ80's and I'm planning on doing the same. I don't like the winch mounts that push the bumper out and I'm not keen about storing the winch in the car; god forbid you get in an accident that thing could kill everyone inside should it become airborne.
So far I've only built a cardboard template of the winch so I can mock up a mount. I plan on keeping the stock bumper location but the fog lights will have to go. Also the controls (relay) for the which will be mounted elsewhere.
So far I've only built a cardboard template of the winch so I can mock up a mount. I plan on keeping the stock bumper location but the fog lights will have to go. Also the controls (relay) for the which will be mounted elsewhere.
Cargo Master
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 2,923
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From: Sacramento Area
...but if you want a 'clean' look in the back and don't want a drawer, you may need to only use it when you need it and keep it in the garage for day-to-day stuff. No easy way to hide a winch in a carrier.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 159
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I used the Warn Transformer winch mount for my 12k winch and it will support the pull rating. It bolts on in front of your stock bumper. Was pretty easy.
I have the aforementioned front receiver hitch, Warn model, with portable winch for my '95' Ram 2500 12V. The main draw back to the receiver mount idea is that it will only go up to a 9500 lb. rating. to small for these rigs but okay for my Ram.
Hope this helps.
I have the aforementioned front receiver hitch, Warn model, with portable winch for my '95' Ram 2500 12V. The main draw back to the receiver mount idea is that it will only go up to a 9500 lb. rating. to small for these rigs but okay for my Ram.
Hope this helps.
Elder User
Joined: May 2003
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From: North Florida
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Posting Guru
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That's what the floor tie down rings are for...or you do what I'm working on and build a storage drawer system or similar. My drawer unit is bolted to the floor using the tie down points, then I'll be mounting tie down rails (that 2" wide or so track - not e-track, the stuff you see in jets to let them adjust seats) and tying it down to that.
...but if you want a 'clean' look in the back and don't want a drawer, you may need to only use it when you need it and keep it in the garage for day-to-day stuff. No easy way to hide a winch in a carrier.
...but if you want a 'clean' look in the back and don't want a drawer, you may need to only use it when you need it and keep it in the garage for day-to-day stuff. No easy way to hide a winch in a carrier.
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Posting Guru
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I am having a storage box built for my tiltbed trailer for my old cars. It will be in basket and get power via a cable ran from batteries to rear bumper on EX.
That way I can use it in the rear hitch if needed and don't need to deal w an Aux battery on board the trailer.
I am hesitant to run a front hitch as I am not willing to lose the foglights...
That way I can use it in the rear hitch if needed and don't need to deal w an Aux battery on board the trailer.
I am hesitant to run a front hitch as I am not willing to lose the foglights...
Lead Driver
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 5,250
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From: West Virginia
The hidden winch kit doesn't put the front bumper out that far. Honestly you can barely tell. If I wanted to keep the factory bumper, I'd definitely use the hidden winch setup. The bumper being spaced out helps clear larger tires anyway.
I don't like the way the transformer kit sticks out personally. I'm getting ready to install a fab fours winch bumper.
I don't like the way the transformer kit sticks out personally. I'm getting ready to install a fab fours winch bumper.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 6,180
Likes: 83
From: Georgia
The hidden winch kit doesn't put the front bumper out that far. Honestly you can barely tell. If I wanted to keep the factory bumper, I'd definitely use the hidden winch setup. The bumper being spaced out helps clear larger tires anyway.
I don't like the way the transformer kit sticks out personally. I'm getting ready to install a fab fours winch bumper.
I don't like the way the transformer kit sticks out personally. I'm getting ready to install a fab fours winch bumper.
Cargo Master
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 2,923
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From: Sacramento Area
No, the 4 bolts plus U bolts that go through the seat mounts. I put a 3/4 ply base, then bolted the frame of the drawer units to that base, and bolted the base to the floor of the truck using the 4 tie down points and 4 U bolts that go through the wood base, around the anchor for the seats, then up to the aluminum frame of the drawer unit...so it really has 8 points of attachment (4 on the perimeter, then 4 more internal to those).
Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2015
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No, the 4 bolts plus U bolts that go through the seat mounts. I put a 3/4 ply base, then bolted the frame of the drawer units to that base, and bolted the base to the floor of the truck using the 4 tie down points and 4 U bolts that go through the wood base, around the anchor for the seats, then up to the aluminum frame of the drawer unit...so it really has 8 points of attachment (4 on the perimeter, then 4 more internal to those).
I see, makes more sense knowing you have the third seat removed.