Ford Performance/Warn Winch mount vs RC high mount

[galenweaver]

I bought the Ford performance/Warn winch package, which seem strong but I am not a fan of where it positions the winch, I prefer the rough country high mount winch mount since it puts the winch a little higher and closer to the grill,

I was thinking of buying the Rough Country mount and some frame stiffeners but am concerned with the fit and finish AND overall strength of the Rough Country mount. Anyone have experience with these units, I just want the winch to stick out the least amount as possible.

Anyone have experience or opinions on the Rough Country mount with some actual use while winching? does it seem strong enough?

Thanks

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[Bronco1010]

My buddy has the RC mount with a Badlands 12k winch. No issues pulling his truck out of all the fun things he gets himself into. Mount seems pretty stout.

Why don't you like where the factory mount puts the winch? Its only slightly lower.

 

[Q1svt]

I bought the Ford performance/Warn winch package, which seem strong but I am not a fan of where it positions the winch, I prefer the rough country high mount winch mount since it puts the winch a little higher and closer to the grill,

I too purchased the FP M1821B kit... and have been looking at a number of different options.

Know nothing about RC, but you can alter the FP kit.

To move it back you can re-drill the winch plate mounting holes... three each side edited: added pictures. re-drill only gets a little movement... need new brackets to get more.

To move it back and up** you need to fab/have fabbed new 90* brackets w/ new holes and hight...

I purchased FP kit because Ford engineered it and crash tested it...
**changes need to be thought through.

edited: added pics

 

[galenweaver]

It's a little lower but also sticks out more. I used the bronco for daily driving and wheeling so just for a less protruding bumper in daily use.

 

[galenweaver]

I too purchased the FP M1821B kit... and have been looking at a number of different options.

Know nothing about RC, but you can alter the FP kit.

To move it back you can re-drill the winch plate mounting holes... three each side

To move it back and up** you need to fab/have fabbed new 90* brackets w/ new holes and hight...

I purchased FP kit because Ford engineered it and crash tested it...
**changes need to be thought through.

Thanks for that pic its helpful, I like the FP set up and how all the reinforcement works, its very appealing.

 

[Smocaine]

I'll say you'll definitely notice the Ford winch out front - especially if you're not lifted or levelled, then the sag brings the nose down and causes those loops to hang even more. I have a nice scuff on one from running it over a rock. After a lift it's much less of an issue, but the loops still hurt your approach angle a bit vs no winch at all.

The direct stick-out can also be an issue in more extreme situations, or normal ones - I may or may not have bonked a wall with my winch hook because I forgot about that... Oops!

That being said, I love the Ford winch kit. I've used it a couple times and it's rock solid, and the OEM look is hard to beat. No other kit I've seen really scratches that itch for me.

 

[galenweaver]

I don't do much extreme or difficult stuff anymore, it's just that I go with just the wife and dog so no other vehicle for help getting unstuck. It more for peace of mind then getting a ton of heavy duty use.

 

[PayHeedKU]

Did you end up going with the Rough Country mount? I'm considering using the 25% discount and my Chase cash back offer to get the FP winch package but would like to use the Rough Country high mount for the ACC functionality and the sensor mounts.

If you did end up going that way how did everything go? Any fitment issues with using the Warn with that mount? Thanks

 

[contented]

Here’s my RC high mount with warn 12k vr evo winch. The only issue I had was the winch wouldn’t fit (too big) w/o cutting and bending the portion of the winch tray (where the parking sensors go). Also had to extend sensor wires as they were too short. I believe mine is an early RC model, so hopefully they’ve fixed those issues. I did add frame end reinforcements later.

As others have said, anything the sticks out in front or below the stock bumper will be problematic depending on the type it wheeling you do. I can’t tell you the number of times it has hit obstacles in Moab. One has to learn to modify approaching certain obstacles. But for piece of mind, you’ll be fine with either.

Never used mine in three years. Been pulled off of things twice in three years. Always by our friends in their JK. They make certain it’s recorded for posterity.

 

[TLO]

I have the RC mount on my Heritage. I'll probably eventually get the tie-in stiffeners for the frame, but I doubt it's 100% necessary. If you're breaking the mount or frame, you're doing something wrong.
The RC mount definitely looks better and gets you better approach over the Ford setup.
Welds look solid, fit and finish, no issues.
Here's a cid of the install.

 

[PayHeedKU]

Thanks for the replies.

TLO I actually first saw the mount on your video . I definitely like the placement on the RC mount better than the Ford - both in terms of approach angle and in terms of the ACC and sensor functionality, so if I do something I'll definitely go that route just not sure which winch I would pair it with.

With the discounts I can basically get the Ford mount / winch package for the same price as just the Warn winch so I'm considering that route. I knew the Badlands had fitment issues with the sensor housings and was hoping the Warn winches wouldn't have the same issues but sounds like from contented they do so that's disappointing.

I'd probably want to get the frame reinforcements - wondering if I could use the ones from the Ford winch kit with the RC mount? Anyone know of any reason why I couldn't? If I can for $800 I'd get the Warn winch and the Ford frame reinforcements.

Again thanks for the info.

 

[galenweaver]

I did go with the RC hi winch mount and frame stiffeners, Had to drill a couple f holes for the frame stiffeners but it was simple, everything went on very easy, without any issues. I took videos of the install, I can send them if you'd like. I do not have sensors or cameras up front so did not use those parts. Using the FP winch kit made the winch install very simple, all the wiring is very easy to install.
I am very happy with the end result

 

[TLO]

Thanks for the replies.

TLO I actually first saw the mount on your video . I definitely like the placement on the RC mount better than the Ford - both in terms of approach angle and in terms of the ACC and sensor functionality, so if I do something I'll definitely go that route just not sure which winch I would pair it with.

With the discounts I can basically get the Ford mount / winch package for the same price as just the Warn winch so I'm considering that route. I knew the Badlands had fitment issues with the sensor housings and was hoping the Warn winches wouldn't have the same issues but sounds like from contented they do so that's disappointing.

I'd probably want to get the frame reinforcements - wondering if I could use the ones from the Ford winch kit with the RC mount? Anyone know of any reason why I couldn't? If I can for $800 I'd get the Warn winch and the Ford frame reinforcements.

Again thanks for the info.

Cool... Pretty sure the Ford stiffeners will work without issue.

 

[PayHeedKU]

I did go with the RC hi winch mount and frame stiffeners, Had to drill a couple f holes for the frame stiffeners but it was simple, everything went on very easy, without any issues. I took videos of the install, I can send them if you'd like. I do not have sensors or cameras up front so did not use those parts. Using the FP winch kit made the winch install very simple, all the wiring is very easy to install.
I am very happy with the end result

The videos would be great. The more resources the better. Appreciate it.

 

[galenweaver]

Sorry for the delay, its not the best video but here is the install of the LOD frame re-enforcements

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