Maximus-3 removable winch mount saddle installed

I took the time today to install the @Maximus-3 winch mount saddle with the frame horn reinforcements. The directions that came with the setup are very easy to follow, the only issue I ran into was drilling out the outside holes for the frame horn reinforcements, which was a my drill issue. Now that I killed my drill I will be needing to replace it, but other than that it was a straight forward install. On the Raptor there is a slight difference for removing the trim around the tow points, the directions are for other trim where it is not all one piece, so you will have to pop all of those plastic push pins out ion order to remove it. Side note, if you use your front skid and grind down any of those pins, they are a pain to get off. I used a screwdriver from the backside once I removed the bumper.

Once the reinforcements are mounted and torqued, make sure to put the bumper back on loosely with all 6 bolts, it makes it easier to get them all lined up before torquing them down. Then don't for get to hang the plastic trim piece back in place before starting to mount the saddle plates. You don’t want to put any of the push pins back on yet, you’ll need to be able to bend and manipulate the trim piece to get your torque wrench on the bolts. Once you mount and torque the plates in place, just put the trim back on with the push pins. There are 2 that you will not be able to get back in due to the saddle plates, you’ll see the ones I mean in the pictures.

I meant to take pictures as I went along, but forgot to, the directions are pretty good though and I can answer any questions if someone else needs help.

Which winch are you going with?

What kind and size drill bit did you use? And is it only the outside hole that needs to be drilled? I’ve been putting off this install because of the drilling part.

filbie70 said:

Which winch are you going with?

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Openroad Panther 3S 13.5K, going to give it a try and see how it works.

Lee said:

What kind and size drill bit did you use? And is it only the outside hole that needs to be drilled? I’ve been putting off this install because of the drilling part.

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I used a 12.3mm drill bit (31/64 I think), it is a bit for drilling metal from Harbor Freight, just the two outside holes needed to be drilled. The inner frame horn reinforcement bracket bolt went right in. I did use smaller bits to start with, just the 2 sizes down so that it was easier to start each size. It really was an easy job other than my drill failing me.

Do you winch much/drag it over much?

So, this allows you to toss a winch on as needed?

I like it. No camera or acc box relocation. No worrying about your winch being stolen. Keep your front entry angle.

Damn! $800+. Yikes.

Valhalla said:

Do you winch much/drag it over much?

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In all my time wheeling, I have only had to winch myself 3 times, all out of thick mud. I have used it to winch others more during trips, I don’t do a lot of hardcore rock crawling, but I do go out exploring solo occasionally, so having a winch is needed as a safety measure.

redone17 said:

So, this allows you to toss a winch on as needed?

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Yes, they have a battery quick connect kit that allows for it to be attached and detached cleanly. I will add pictures of the winch and connect kit when I get the installed next week.

redone17 said:

Damn! $800+. Yikes.

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Yes it is pricey, I got. It on sale at Labor Day so it was a little cheaper. I considered all the relocating of things to add a winch to the front permanently and did not like the options for the price. Plus I really like the front end as it comes, so I didn’t want to ugly it up. For the money it is really well built, I am (so far) happy with the purchase.

Deadpool392 said:

Yes it is pricey, I got. It on sale at Labor Day so it was a little cheaper. I considered all the relocating of things to add a winch to the front permanently and did not like the options for the price. Plus I really like the front end as it comes, so I didn’t want to ugly it up. For the money it is really well built, I am (so far) happy with the purchase.

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I hear you. I was having trouble locating a modular bumper. So, I dove into a DV8 SPEC. Not sure I’m entirely in love with that decision. But, time will tell. I really like the modular bumper. If Maximus made those attachment points quick release too - that would seal the deal. But, probably not winch worthy that way.

When you buy the oem winch mount it comes with around 16 heavy duty steel frame reinforcements that are BEHIND the bumper out of sight to handle the loads of a winch, even the tow loops are replaced for stronger ones. How does the mounts that you installed work with winch loads without the Additional reinforcements?