My Removable Winch Mount Getting Close!

[Douglasjwood]

Building my own removable winch mount for the Bronco. Two 7/8" hitch pins and an Anderson connector. I had all the materials so I figured why buy! Yes it will move a little, but it's not meant to stay on 24/7. All that's left to do is put some support under on the angle. I'll likely build reinforcement brackets as well so I strengthen the frame ends. I'll post updates as I finish it up. Still have to add a strip of metal so it will sit on the recovery points while you put the hitch pins in, cut all the corners and finally add paint. Thought about handles, but it would just be additional weight. It's pretty comfortable holding the winch by the sides. Not sure on final weight yet, but guessing it will come in about 85# with the winch.

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[Brian_B]

I love DIY projects. This is looking good.

 

[B22-2023]

Building my own removable winch mount for the Bronco. Two 7/8" hitch pins and an Anderson connector. I had all the materials so I figured why buy! Yes it will move a little, but it's not meant to stay on 24/7. All that's left to do is put some support under on the angle. I'll likely build reinforcement brackets as well so I strengthen the frame ends. I'll post updates as I finish it up. Still have to add a strip of metal so it will sit on the recovery points while you put the hitch pins in, cut all the corners and finally add paint. Thought about handles, but it would just be additional weight. It's pretty comfortable holding the winch by the sides. Not sure on final weight yet, but guessing it will come in about 85# with the winch.

Looks great, one question - is it just those 2 pins locking it on to the truck or are there other mounting points?

 

[Douglasjwood]

Only the two pins. The heavy plate I used for the pin points goes back against the recovery points. There is a little up and down play, but zero side to side. As long as I am not pulling vertical, it won't be an issue. Most of the pulling should be within a 270° cone, so again, should be fine.

I was looking for the following when making this:
1) Removable
2) Easy (for me!)
3) Quick

I need it to be removable because I don't want to deal with the salt we get on the Wisconsin roads in Winter. It comes in currently at 110#, so it isn't light. I will have it under 100# finished since I have a lot of trimming to do yet. 100# is more than doable for me, at least for now! Additionally I plan to switch out the rear recovery points with points like the front so I will be able to use it on the back as well. That will entail adding a battery and running a charge wire back there.

I did me first pull with it at full extension to test it and roll the rope tight. Worked very well. Full pull warmer the motor a bit, but not over an estimated 120°. Could hold my hand on it indefinitely without burn. Not bad considering I paid $253 for the winch and about $12 for the pins. That's all I have into this prototype so far. Again, I am far from finished, but was excited to share. Probably more excited to see how the cheap chinesium winch worked! So far so good. For the number of times I need a winch, it should be good!

 

[CitrusBronco]

What’s does the underside of that mount plate look like? Any chance for a pic.

 

[KABQ]

Nice job! I would totally sacrifice a little weight for handles that make it easier to handle, though. But that's just me

 

[Douglasjwood]

What’s does the underside of that mount plate look like? Any chance for a pic.

Currently it looks like this picture. I wanted to mount the winch before I put diagonal braces. Not 100% sure I need them, Also have to weld the bottom seam yet. I used 3/8" heavy angle, so heavy and stout.

 

[Douglasjwood]

Nice job! I would totally sacrifice a little weight for handles that make it easier to handle, though. But that's just me

I likely will put handles on.

 

[BravoBronco]

Good job! I’m still in the hunt for a front 2” receiver winch mount, since I’ve already got the cradle and winch from my previous rig.

Anyone found a commercially-produced one made for the modular bumper setup?

 

[CitrusBronco]

Currently it looks like this picture. I wanted to mount the winch before I put diagonal braces. Not 100% sure I need them, Also have to weld the bottom seam yet. I used 3/8" heavy angle, so heavy and stout.

I would add a few angle braces under it. The attachment welds from the flat plate to the frame mount seems like a weak point.
I’m no engineer nor a professional welder so maybe it’s good to go. Just don’t want to see anyone get hurt.

 

[Douglasjwood]

Yep, that's what I have planned. I'm sure it would be plenty strong without. However, since I got a cheap winch, I don't want to see it flex there and crack the housing. I wanted to get the winch bolted up first and know how close I could be with the reinforcement.

 

[Douglasjwood]

Good job! I’m still in the hunt for a front 2” receiver winch mount, since I’ve already got the cradle and winch from my previous rig.

Anyone found a commercially-produced one made for the modular bumper setup?

I have not seen a front receiver hitch setup yet for the Bronco.

 

[Douglasjwood]

Well all complete except sand blast and paint! I braced the bottom. I put alignment tabs above the pins to set the mount up and easily put the pins in by myself. Works like a charm. Maybe post a video of installation as soon as I can get the wife out to record it! I suspect the install will take less than 3 minutes including getting it out of the back.

 

[Brian_B]

Damn that looks slick - nice work!

 

[Douglasjwood]

Damn that looks slick - nice work!

Thanks! Just put it on the scale to see how much I trimmed off. Weighted in at 99 pounds 5 ounces. Did not add handles, as it seemed not necessary. I can grab the winch by the ends, position it hold it in by leaning and then putting each pin in. Before I put the tabs above the pins I was able to do it, but it was a struggle. 1/10 the work now.

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