DIY - remote engage/disengage Rough Country Hidden Winch lever

[Bellime]

FYI - after logging in Montana I found the Rough Country Hidden Winch performed like a champ. It pulled logs of a couple thousand pounds with no problem, but for lacking feature - access to the Engage/Disengage lever. Spooling it out via the motor is way too slow and could mean the difference in a successful rescue as time is everything in emergencies.

I have successfully developed several solutions that now provide a method of using the Engage/Disengage lever from the front of the bumper

this solution doesn’t require opening the engine hood or dismantle anything while it won’t be harmed when 4 wheeling. I have some other designs that I am working on as alternatives but they all end up with the same outcome. Now I just need a lever that fits the 1/4” hex fitting instead of the ratchet.

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[Dubsesd]

Interested for sure!

 

[ScLeCo]

How are you going to do that when you're buried in mud or up against rocks?

 

[Bellime]

How are you going to do that when you're buried in mud or up against rocks?

Well, if your buried that far, then a permanently attached lever is the only solution, so you can blindly reach down in the muck to flip it.

 

[Bellime]

Well, if your buried that far, then a permanently attached lever is the only solution, so you can blindly reach down in the muck to flip it.

There was another approach I scoped out, but it requires opening the hood and drilling a hole in the cross frame member behind the radiator

 

[Greasyfingers429]

As clean of an install as the hidden mount is, these drawbacks are what have kept me waiting to see what else comes out. Glad to see you sharing what you have come up with.
Even with the draft design I made for a front hitch receiver for my removable winch, I ran into access issues for the hitch pin if I buried it under the front skid plate.
One suggestion I have for you is to lock your lever from rattling out of the desired position. And provide a visual indicator when it’s in the locked/unlocked positions.

 

[Bellime]

As clean of an install as the hidden mount is, these drawbacks are what have kept me waiting to see what else comes out. Glad to see you sharing what you have come up with.
Even with the draft design I made for a front hitch receiver for my removable winch, I ran into access issues for the hitch pin if I buried it under the front skid plate.
One suggestion I have for you is to lock your lever from rattling out of the desired position. And provide a visual indicator when it’s in the locked/unlocked positions.

Still in testing before I make a front mount to hold the tip and then potentially a fixed lever.

 

[Bellime]

After final testing I have finalized the installation. All parts are off the shelf with modifications.
The final assembly is here

installed at the winch

with the bumper on

with the modified aluminum ratchet it stays tucked behind the bumper

 

[Canyon Coolers]

Are you publishing your notes on this beauty or selling it ? I have to tear into my hidden winch this Saturday and replace the controller.

 

[Bellime]

Are you publishing your notes on this beauty or selling it ? I have to tear into my hidden winch this Saturday and replace the controller.

RC didn’t seem interested in a solution.

 

[JMacBadlands]

After final testing I have finalized the installation. All parts are off the shelf with modifications.
The final assembly is here

installed at the winch

with the bumper on

with the modified aluminum ratchet it stays tucked behind the bumper

This seems to be the best option I have seen and I am copying this. I am just having trouble with the connection from the winch to the opening on the 90 degree adapter. What did you use or modify for get that fit?

 

[Bellime]

This seems to be the best option I have seen and I am copying this. I am just having trouble with the connection from the winch to the opening on the 90 degree adapter. What did you use or modify for get that fit?

A Dremel tool.

 

[JMacBadlands]

Easy enough. Thank you. I have been looking for bits that would work.

 

[Bellime]

Interesting you just now finding this. Mine is still functional, but the material is rusting. The idea and design works, the material sucks….. more research…..

 

[JMacBadlands]

I was thinking the same thing with the material the adapter is made of. I was going to look into if I could take off and put on just when I'm wheeling or spray it down with rustoleum before install.

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