My Removable Winch Mount Getting Close!

[Douglasjwood]

Sorry, not making this for anyone other than myself! Too much liability. I know it's over built, but still. If anyone wants some specs I can tell you exactly what I used, but ymmv!

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[Steve_In_29]

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?

A single 2" receiver isn't strong enough for a bigger winch. Especially if side pulls are done.

A better setup would be a receiver on either end of the winch.

 

[Steve_In_29]

Pics. of my diy removable winch mount

If they are the only thing holding the winch plate to the mount those two bolts are not strong enough for a serious pull. Just need a tug should be fine but get really stuck and they will shear.

 

[Douglasjwood]

If they are the only thing holding the winch plate to the mount those two bolts are not strong enough for a serious pull. Just need a tug should be fine but get really stuck and they will shear.

What size and grade? A 1/2-inch SAE Grade 8 bolt has an approximate shear strength of 14,000psi. That's with threads. There are 2 installed, so double that. Cut that by 50% for safety.... Back to 14,000 psi.

 

[Steve_In_29]

What size and grade? A 1/2-inch SAE Grade 8 bolt has an approximate shear strength of 14,000psi. That's with threads. There are 2 installed, so double that. Cut that by 50% for safety.... Back to 14,000 psi.

Would you suspend the Bronco over your head supported by JUST those two bolts?

There's a reason Ford mounted the tow points with three bolts each

The winch bumper on my F350 (Warn 16.5K) is mounted with 8 large bolts.

Bolts are designed to clamp and don't do as well in sheer situations.

 

[joes bronco]

Those 2 bolts are 3/4" grade 8, not concerned about them braking or shearing off at all.

Hang my bronco with only those 2 bolts holding it?? Yep, no concerns at all but wouldn't try it, afraid those 4
small bolts which are not grade 8 holding the winch on the mounting plate might break but again I
doubt they would though. To me they are a safety point I want them to break first

 

[crewchief182]

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?

This is what I went with. Unfortunately it totally blocks the inter cooler, so I'm not going to install a high mount inter cooler, because the winch+mount=very heavy
https://www.maximus-3.com/category/ford-bronco

 

[BravoBronco]

This is what I went with. Unfortunately it totally blocks the inter cooler, so I'm not going to install a high mount inter cooler, because the winch+mount=very heavy
https://www.maximus-3.com/category/ford-bronco

That's the closest to what I'm looking for that I've seen! I don't really need a 2" receiver setup if something like this exists.

My questions/notes:
- Are the 2 'hooks' the only hardware mounted to the Bronco, with the winch mounted to the cradle?
- I see the "Added Weight" is 34 lbs, but is that total or how much just the cradle weighs. I'm concerned about the total weight of the winch and cradle, since I hope to not bust a gut hauling it out of the cargo area and attaching it.
- I wouldn't plan on driving on the road or to an off-road area with the setup mounted, but would a winch operation with engine running or even driving around the woods need a totally unobstructed intercooler?
- Maybe having a mod that would add cooling airflow through/past the mount would help avoid having to move the intercooler (something I wouldn't want to do, either).

Thanks for pointing this out -- maybe someone else is manufacturing a better mousetrap!

 

[crewchief182]

That's the closest to what I'm looking for that I've seen! I don't really need a 2" receiver setup if something like this exists.

My questions/notes:
- Are the 2 'hooks' the only hardware mounted to the Bronco, with the winch mounted to the cradle?
- I see the "Added Weight" is 34 lbs, but is that total or how much just the cradle weighs. I'm concerned about the total weight of the winch and cradle, since I hope to not bust a gut hauling it out of the cargo area and attaching it.
- I wouldn't plan on driving on the road or to an off-road area with the setup mounted, but would a winch operation with engine running or even driving around the woods need a totally unobstructed intercooler?
- Maybe having a mod that would add cooling airflow through/past the mount would help avoid having to move the intercooler (something I wouldn't want to do, either).

Thanks for pointing this out -- maybe someone else is manufacturing a better mousetrap!

I thought this would be the ideal setup for the Bronco, but I would wait for that better mouse trap.
* Total weight with with the Rough Country 9500 is just over 100 lbs. That's like lifting two 50 lb weight plates from the gym and trying to set on your bumper. Unless you're a strapping young lad unlike myself, this isn't something you casually throw in the back and attach when needed. It's a monster. You just may bust a gut or more.
* I noticed a distinct hot smell anytime the turbo kicked in on the highway headed to the trails and definitely when on the trails in 4 low when doing hills etc. I actually had to shut the vehicle off and let things cool down for a bit at one point.
*I agree that it would need a mod of some sort to direct air through the intercooler, but I've studied this and see no solution. I do plan on the high mount intercooler, as I've got too much wrapped up into this now and then I can leave the thing mounted for extended periods if I decide to.
My suggestion would be to wait for that better mouse trap. Hope this helps.

 

[joes bronco]

The weight of most of the factory or aftermarket winch setups is one of the major reasons for my DIY winch. All of these winch setups either require the factory module bumper which is no lightweight or an aftermarket bumper which in most cases is the same weight or heaver than the factory one.

The same with my choice of winch, 9500lbs. is enough to get me out of most situations and lighter than a 1200lb. winch which is an overkill for most situations. My setup comes off pretty easy considering my age, 78 which was another factor for me.

My idea for a removable winch was to keep it off and only put it on when I thought I might need it, less weight and better air flow to the intercooler and radiator. Hasn't worked that way as I spend a lot of time (retired) out in the woods so winch stays on.

 

[Douglasjwood]

I have considered welding up a mount very much similar to my original, only making it out of aluminum. Should cut the weight quite a bit. I considered the lighter 9500# class winch, but there wasn't a lot of weight savings. Figure if I can't lift it I likely shouldn't be doing half the stuff I do! But then I'm only 56 currently. I'm sure my opinion will change in the nearer than I want to admit future!

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