Winch questions - installed by dealer? Aftermarket winch better option?

[Deleted member 13702]

Scrubbed the forums and didn't see an answer. Sorry if this is a repeat question and also if it's a dumb question.

Is it correct that the winch is a dealer installed option? If so, after seeing the way it blocks the front camera, what are everyone's thoughts on waiting till they fix that issue and having it installed after purchase, or would an aftermarket set up be better and potentially cheaper?

OriginalIy this was a must have option for me. Not to mention I really like the way it looked on the build and price tool and the overland rig concept. I plan on using my Bronco in some fairly gnarly areas and see it as something I would use, just not sure it's worth it in it's current form. Thoughts???

Sponsored

 

[rtaylor]

Scrubbed the forums and didn't see an answer. Sorry if this is a repeat question and also if it's a dumb question.

Is it correct that the winch is a dealer installed option? If so, after seeing the way it blocks the front camera, what are everyone's thoughts on waiting till they fix that issue and having it installed after purchase, or would an aftermarket set up be better and potentially cheaper?

I think you have to pay extra to have the dealer install it. It is only eligible for the warranty if dealer-installed. It is overpriced, but you can include in loan (if that is important to you).

The description in B&P is odd. Claims steel cable, but improper fairlead appears in photos.

I plan to add a winch later myself, perhaps with the Ford mount, when available. I like the Ford mount - it doesn't block intercooler or compromise approach angle. I don't care about the camera, but assume that somebody will offer a solution of some sort.

 

[BlueBronco]

Aftermarket will offer better and cheaper solutions. $2500 is ridiculous even if it includes a Warn winch. Once I get my hands on my Bronco I will design & fab a mount that won't interfere with the camera and probably be less than half that cost. And as another poster pointed out, it has the wrong fairlead for a steel cable.

 

[Toffs]

Keep in mind, the winch that is included in the package is an excellent product. Additionally, the solenoid (control module sitting on top of the winch that mostly blocks camera) is designed to be removed and relocated elsewhere (engine compartment would work). Warn sells a control module relocation kit. It is worth a look to go on Warn’s site and watch the installation video.

 

[Brock27]

All these months on this forum and I still can't tell the difference... are those 35"s?

 

[bmclain]

I'm in the same boat. Really wanted the winch and love the look. But I'm not willing to compromise the camera view. So Ford will be losing that money from me. I'll wait for someone to resolve this aftermarket. Dual tops - same. Sound deadening for hardtop - same. Figures it saves me close to 5k.

 

[JesseS]

The Quadratec Q-Performance Stealth winch is a very good synthetic line low profile winch that I will be looking at installing, 1/4 the price plus mount. With wireless or wired remote, a removable clutch lever (helps prevent line theft) and a spool light it is a good winch at a good price, beats paying out the nose for the Ford solution.

 

[Bullitt]

I think you have to pay extra to have the dealer install it. It is only eligible for the warranty if dealer-installed. It is overpriced, but you can include in loan (if that is important to you).

The description in B&P is odd. Claims steel cable, but improper fairlead appears in photos.

I plan to add a winch later myself, perhaps with the Ford mount, when available. I like the Ford mount - it doesn't block intercooler or compromise approach angle. I don't care about the camera, but assume that somebody will offer a solution of some sort.

No, you don't have to pay extra to have the dealer install it. Ford reimburses the dealership for the labor.

 

[mneblett]

A winch, specifically the Warn Zeon 10S (synthetic rope), is a must have for me. That said, the Ford mounting solution is, um, unacceptable. I'm waiting for an aftermarket, lower-positioned option.

 

[2Jeeps&PatriotX1]

A winch, specifically the Warn Zeon 10S (synthetic rope), is a must have for me. That said, the Ford mounting solution is, um, unacceptable. I'm waiting for an aftermarket, lower-positioned option.

Would a lower positioned option block the intercooler?

 

[mneblett]

Would a lower positioned option block the intercooler?

I can't remember seeing where it is at, but I suspect its is front of the radiator and AC condenser, not low (at or below the bumper).

 

[wilbersk]

I think you have to pay extra to have the dealer install it. It is only eligible for the warranty if dealer-installed. It is overpriced, but you can include in loan (if that is important to you).

The description in B&P is odd. Claims steel cable, but improper fairlead appears in photos.

I plan to add a winch later myself, perhaps with the Ford mount, when available. I like the Ford mount - it doesn't block intercooler or compromise approach angle. I don't care about the camera, but assume that somebody will offer a solution of some sort.

Where did you see that the factory warn winch doesn’t compromise the approach angle?

 

[Jeffwomack]

Is there a switch to control the winch?

 

[rtsherry73]

Scrubbed the forums and didn't see an answer. Sorry if this is a repeat question and also if it's a dumb question.

Is it correct that the winch is a dealer installed option? If so, after seeing the way it blocks the front camera, what are everyone's thoughts on waiting till they fix that issue and having it installed after purchase, or would an aftermarket set up be better and potentially cheaper?

OriginalIy this was a must have option for me. Not to mention I really like the way it looked on the build and price tool and the overland rig concept. I plan on using my Bronco in some fairly gnarly areas and see it as something I would use, just not sure it's worth it in it's current form. Thoughts???

Look what happened to TFL (YouTube) on their 2nd (!!!) Defender when the (Hack job...) Dealer tried to install the winch. Dealer Tech (Owner's drug addict son...?) chopped into the wiring harness....and VEHICLE A TOTAL WRECK. TFL on Defender #3 now....Better be careful who installs your winch.

Sponsored