Minimal Winch Help

[killaz05]

I got mine from BuckleupOffroad which is the same as the Mabett one. I like the looks of it. I second the opinion on the Badlands winch. I have the APex 12,000 and it works awesome.

Some of these kits like the one from Buckleup don't have frame reinforcements which I highly suggest. I added the ones from LOD but I see other companies offer them as well. You don't want to be winching yourself or someone else only to end up bending your frame horns. A lot of pressure can be put on the frame horns when winching. I already put it to the test at an awkward angle and no bending to be found

Most of the winch mounts will require you to remove the front bumper and grill but it really is easy to do.

My shopping list to you would be:
Winch
Winch mount
Frame reinforcement brackets (optional but highly recommended)

that is everything you need to have a fully functional setup

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[Brian_B]

You’re making this more difficult than it needs to be.. guess I need to be more clear. I’ll rephrase my original sentence to state “aside from the obvious mounting solution (of which there are plenty), everything else you need for the winch is contained within the box of a new winch”

Hmm. I'll stop with this one after this post. I don't think I am making it more difficult - the OP already said something about not wanting to drop the bumper... and I think they need to realize exactly what they are getting into before dumping a bunch of money on something

Yes - you need to consider electrical, I don't care if it comes in the box or not, you are still running a lot of wire, some of it fairly beefy gauge, and you need to run a control interface somewhere, even if you just stick it to the side of the air filter cleaner or something.

And you will need to drop the bumper, and maybe move some factory sensors, and maybe relocate a relay box, and maybe find some frame reinforcement horns, and maybe install a aux switch panel, and quite a few other things to get a winch in and make it functional and look good.

It's a fairly involved job to do it, and even more so to do it right. You need to turn a wrench, and you need to run some wire. Sure, it's not on the same level as a 4-link suspension or changing out the steering rack, but I wouldn't seek to oversimplify it either.

I mean, you could just use some sheet metal screws and duct tape and stick one on there and make it look like you had a winch.. but the first time you go to do it and it rips right off, or the electrical smokes and catches your engine bay on fire, did we really do anyone any favors there?

There are ~a lot~ of options here. You mention a decent one. But you'll find there are a lot of opinions here.

 

[killaz05]

As long as you take your time and zip tie the wiring (keeps the wiring clean looking and safe from getting pinched). Everything else is just bolt on stuff. It seems daunting but it really is not that bad at all. The wiring for the winch is very straightforward.

 

[Mad Max]

When I was a broke college kid I couldn't afford a winch so I went with a come-along and a length of cable. It got me out of a mud hole and a stream bed when I needed it.

 

[V1Rotate]

As long as you take your time and zip tie the wiring (keeps the wiring clean looking and safe from getting pinched). Everything else is just bolt on stuff. It seems daunting but it really is not that bad at all. The wiring for the winch is very straightforward.

The most challenging part of the whole experience in most applications is simply being able to get it up and in place and hold it while inserting/starting the mounting bolts. Most share mounting bolts/locations with the bumper so a second set of hands is really handy + a tall floor jack

 

[Oitadow]

Thanks you guys for all the responses I really appreciate it. After checking your comments and doing a little research I realize that it really isn't all that difficult after all. I am thinking about the rough country high mount with the rough country 12,000 winch package from rough country for a total cost about $650 delivered. What do you guys think about that setup? Thanks again, George

 

[timhood]

When I look on YouTube I see these guys tearing their bumpers apart and I feel very discouraged.

I'm not sure of the type of terrain you are in where you are worried about getting stuck, but if the idea of a winch seems daunting, you may consider recovery (traction) boards. Most recovery experts would recommend starting with other options such as this before winching, because there's always a risk, and sometimes a simpler solution is all you need. Keep in mind that if there's no other vehicle with you, to use a winch you will need something to connect the winch to. In some areas I go, trees, if any, aren't strong enough for winching.

It doesn't sound like you are doing any extreme rock crawling where you would need to be pulled over or out of an obstacle, so mud, snow, or deep sand are likely the only scenarios you might encounter where you could get stuck. If you aren't encountering those conditions (being alone, in mud/snow/sand, and have suitable recovery points available, such as strong trees or an anchor in your kit), you probably don't need a winch. If you do get a winch, make sure to add a tree saver to your kit.

 

[B Miller]

Thanks you guys for all the responses I really appreciate it. After checking your comments and doing a little research I realize that it really isn't all that difficult after all. I am thinking about the rough country high mount with the rough country 12,000 winch package from rough country for a total cost about $650 delivered. What do you guys think about that setup? Thanks again, George

That's what I run and the install is done with basic hand tools. Here's video I did awhile ago with install tips. It's the first video I ever made....so sorry about the quality. Hope it helps!

 

[V1Rotate]

Thanks you guys for all the responses I really appreciate it. After checking your comments and doing a little research I realize that it really isn't all that difficult after all. I am thinking about the rough country high mount with the rough country 12,000 winch package from rough country for a total cost about $650 delivered. What do you guys think about that setup? Thanks again, George

You’re really not going to find a more cost-effective solution than that. Personally I snagged the harbor freight Badlands winch with a 20% coupon and saved some coin (might keep an eye out for that!) but I’m sure the RC winch will work just as well. A ton of people use the Badlands winch (myself included) with no issues.. and there are people that have had big issues with any winch brand out there no matter the cost (ehem, Warn). In the end I settled for a great balance between proven reliability and cost-effectiveness and have used the heck out of it. I’d spend some time combing through reviews and just make a decision that you think you can live with.. I don’t think you can really go wrong.

As for installation difficulty - what you’re learning is correct. If you’re comfortable with simple power/ground wiring and installing bolt-on items you can do this winch install. A new winch will come with instructions so just make sure to read those thoroughly and take your time and have fun!

 

[V1Rotate]

That's what I run and the install is done with basic hand tools. Here's video I did awhile ago with install tips. Hope it helps!

I was quite literally in the process of looking for your video as I remember you liking that setup! Haha good timing

 

[El Diablo]

Thanks you guys for all the responses I really appreciate it. After checking your comments and doing a little research I realize that it really isn't all that difficult after all. I am thinking about the rough country high mount with the rough country 12,000 winch package from rough country for a total cost about $650 delivered. What do you guys think about that setup? Thanks again, George

Can't go wrong with that set-up but do add the LoD frame tie-in reinforcements for $80. It is absolutely needed.

 

[V1Rotate]

Can't go wrong with that set-up but do add the LoD frame tie-in reinforcements for $80. It is absolutely needed.

https://www.addictivedesertdesigns.com/products/bronco-frame-horn-gusset-reinforcement-kit

Another good option for frame reinforcement. I used the LoD ones myself but had to modify them to fit. These don’t have the ears mine had and that I cut off

 

[BeachDrive]

When I look on YouTube I see these guys tearing their bumpers apart and I feel very discouraged.

any reason why you could not just use a comealong instead of installing a winch? (with a tow strap, if you need extra length?) easy enough to throw in the back of the bronco when you are offroading, and will get you out of most basic situations.

 

[Johnkn]

You could always run a portable winch in the rear (tow) receiver.

 

[V1Rotate]

any reason why you could not just use a comealong instead of installing a winch? (with a tow strap, if you need extra length?) easy enough to throw in the back of the bronco when you are offroading, and will get you out of most basic situations.

You can… but a comealong has some disadvantages to an actual winch for sure. Also you’re standing right down the barrel of the action when you’re having to manually lever a comealong vs a remote winch setup.

Also been involved in lots of 50-75 yard winch jobs over the years and would have taken all day without one

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