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Minimal Winch Help

GI_Jo_Nathan

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Yeah I very briefly thought about a hitch mounted winch early on, but those things weigh 80-100lbs, and take up most of the cargo space of a 2 door.
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Yeah I very briefly thought about a hitch mounted winch early on, but those things weigh 80-100lbs, and take up most of the cargo space of a 2 door.

This is true, OP was asking for minimal so, to me, that would be minimal, it does have it's drawbacks. There are drawbacks to mounting the winch in front and above the bumper, i.e. RC and Ford, as well.

Best place for a winch is right where the intercooler is. That is another discussion though, beyond what the OP is asking.
 
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Oitadow

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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!
Great video thanks - I actually watched it before coming here. Did you use the frame reinforcements?
 
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Yeah I very briefly thought about a hitch mounted winch early on, but those things weigh 80-100lbs, and take up most of the cargo space of a 2 door.
I was surprised to hear about these, but doesn't this limit your option to 'retreat' rather than pressing on?
 

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IAG I-Line Modular Front Bumper Winch Mount w/a Warn Zeon 10s Winch.


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GI_Jo_Nathan

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Best place for a winch is right where the intercooler is. That is another discussion though, beyond what the OP is asking.
You're not wrong. I'm working on a plan for that currently.
 

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I was surprised to hear about these, but doesn't this limit your option to 'retreat' rather than pressing on?
Yes it does if you only have a rear hitch. But for me the winch is generally a get me out of trouble tool, and normally the safest path is back the way I came.
 

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When I look on YouTube I see these guys tearing their bumpers apart and I feel very discouraged.
George, have you much mechanical skill?

The harder you wheel, the more important it is to develop those skills, otherwise off-roading becomes very expensive quickly. Tearing into the bumper is a fairly easy and straightforward thing to do.
 

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This was going to be my next question. I will research the frame braces. I do not want to cut or drill, especially the frame.
Ya, you probably need to get over that fear. There are plenty of good reasons to either drill into or cut things off the frame...

Once you have started down the dark side, it will forever dominate your destiny and consume you... Just ask @userdude.

Ford Bronco Minimal Winch Help IMG-05c6bbd49ed9171086c562b03d235171-V (1)


I had to cut stuff off my frame to fit the winch on the Gray Bronco.
 

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This has been EXTREMELY helpful. Thank you all and I will report my progress here once the winch arrives and I get start. I didn't ignore the safety information.
Don't know if it has been mentioned yet but I would suggest a disconnect switch for the main power at the battery. You don't really want power to the winch running from the battery through the grill and bumper all the time. My Badlands Apex came with one in the box but there are plenty of choices on Amazon to suit your needs.

Amazon.com: 500A High Current 12V-36V Battery Cut Off Switch with Lock-Out Plate, Replace 20247, Waterproof Master Battery Disconnect Switch Fixed Handle Isolator for Car, Truck, RV, Yacht, Boat : Automotive

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George, have you much mechanical skill?

The harder you wheel, the more important it is to develop those skills, otherwise off-roading becomes very expensive quickly. Tearing into the bumper is a fairly easy and straightforward thing to do.
Thanks MP - I've done some work like this, so I'm confident that I can install the winch, mount and gussets. But I have gotten wise enough to accept my limitations. Also I will never be a hard core off-roaders like many of you guys so I don't anticipate much more modifications if any at all. I basically just want the added security that a winch provides because I know it can definitely help me when I am out alone on the trails here in pennsylvania.
 
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Don't know if it has been mentioned yet but I would suggest a disconnect switch for the main power at the battery. You don't really want power to the winch running from the battery through the grill and bumper all the time. My Badlands Apex came with one in the box but there are plenty of choices on Amazon to suit your needs.

Amazon.com: 500A High Current 12V-36V Battery Cut Off Switch with Lock-Out Plate, Replace 20247, Waterproof Master Battery Disconnect Switch Fixed Handle Isolator for Car, Truck, RV, Yacht, Boat : Automotive

DSCN3540.JPG
More excellent advice, thanks 👍
 
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Oitadow

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Don't know if it has been mentioned yet but I would suggest a disconnect switch for the main power at the battery. You don't really want power to the winch running from the battery through the grill and bumper all the time. My Badlands Apex came with one in the box but there are plenty of choices on Amazon to suit your needs.

Amazon.com: 500A High Current 12V-36V Battery Cut Off Switch with Lock-Out Plate, Replace 20247, Waterproof Master Battery Disconnect Switch Fixed Handle Isolator for Car, Truck, RV, Yacht, Boat : Automotive

DSCN3540.JPG
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