Winch Bumper vs Front mount hitch?

[ryan13]

I am going back and fourth on whether to get a new winch bumper or go with a front mounted hitch/winch basket setup.

I am curious as to what you guys think is the better option.

The main reason for considering a front mounted hitch would be to have the ability to use the winch on the front and rear of the jeep. I could also remove it completely when not wheeling/in use. My main concerns with the hitch is front clearance.

Let me know what you think. Thanks in advance!

 

[MoparManiac]

I'd consider converting your current bumper to a winch bumper, or selling it and buying one.

I wouldn't want a front hitch for the main reason you stated, but also I don't know that I'd necessarily trust the winch baskets on a strong side pull.

 

[xjintx]

Also need to give thought that a "Hitch" is usually only rated at 5000 lbs or so and is designed for a direct straight pull. A lot of time when you need a winch you are off camber and the line pull is anything but straight. I've wheeled quit a lot and have never actually wished I had a winch in the back.... but I don't wheel alone a lot.

 

[XJLI]

everyone thinks moving a winch from front to rear is cool, until they see the size of the wires needed to run that amount of current from the front to rear of your truck.

 

[Dundy]

I'd convert your bumper to a winch bumper. Cut most of the stock crossmember out, make a new one ~1-2" farther forward, and mount the winch behind it. Then just mount a fairlead to your bumper. My set-up is similar to that except I kept the braced the hell out of the stock front crossmember and mounted the winch behind it. There's 3/8" clearance between the winch and the harmonic balancer.

 

[XJLI]

its pretty easy to convert. if you're scared of fabbing something, go buy the winch plate from harbor freight. cut out the middle of your bumper and weld the plate in with some gussets.

 

[Empty_Pockets]

You really want to cart around a winch mount and winch in the trunk while wheeling? I know I wouldn't especially if I rolled it then there's 100 lbs of steel rolling around in there.

 

[ryan13]

Thanks for your input guys. I think the idea of a mobile winch is great, but the hesitations I had with it before, you have also pointed out as well.

Looks like I will be going with a winch bumper and will end up selling my current one.

Thanks again everyone.

 

[Tony_SS]

I had the same dilemma and for the reasons mentioned I decided to get a winch bumper.

 

[ehall]

My dad has a winch on a receiver plate for use on the property, handy for pulling trees and stuff, thats about it

 

[RynoMJ]

Looks like you have a similar bumper to mine. I mounted my winch behind the front cross member then just cut the hole for the cable.

 

[xjintx]

Nice job all around on that MJ Could you post a closeup of how you mounted it? Also I am not a welder by any means but my guy that does work for me, and welds as a profession, says we should not weld to the XJ frame..... something about the heat changes the characteristics of the metal and weakens it? I know people weld stiffners and such but... looking for input...

 

[ROBZ95Xj]

Nice job all around on that MJ Could you post a closeup of how you mounted it? Also I am not a welder by any means but my guy that does work for me, and welds as a profession, says we should not weld to the XJ frame..... something about the heat changes the characteristics of the metal and weakens it? I know people weld stiffners and such but... looking for input...

the whole uniody is welded together, theres no problem weldeing to it

 

[RynoMJ]

Nice job all around on that MJ Could you post a closeup of how you mounted it? Also I am not a welder by any means but my guy that does work for me, and welds as a profession, says we should not weld to the XJ frame..... something about the heat changes the characteristics of the metal and weakens it? I know people weld stiffners and such but... looking for input...

I knew I should have taken pics when I was fabbing the mount. But basically its a large piece of C-channel that fits between the front bumper mounting tabs. Then I just welded some angle pieces onto that and it mounts to the same bolts as the bumper and 4 bolts to the front cross member. Hardest part was drilling all the damn holes. I'll try to get some pics.

 

[xjintx]

Would love to see pics. What winch do you have... don't see controller are they in the cab maybe?

 

[MT Mike]

X's 2 on more pictures and info!

 

[markjrs3]

X3 here

 

[ryan13]

I knew I should have taken pics when I was fabbing the mount. But basically its a large piece of C-channel that fits between the front bumper mounting tabs. Then I just welded some angle pieces onto that and it mounts to the same bolts as the bumper and 4 bolts to the front cross member. Hardest part was drilling all the damn holes. I'll try to get some pics.

That is very, very clean! Great job on that. I'd love to see some pictures. I was looking at some hidden winch setups but didn't like most of the bumper styles. Your setup is spot on.

 

[RynoMJ]

Would love to see pics. What winch do you have... don't see controller are they in the cab maybe?

The controller is mounted up in the engine compartment. High dry and out of the way. I just keep the controller plugged in if I know there is potential to need to use the winch. Looking into the bad lands remote control which would make it even easier.

That is very, very clean! Great job on that. I'd love to see some pictures. I was looking at some hidden winch setups but didn't like most of the bumper styles. Your setup is spot on.

Thanks. I hated the look of some bumpers too. I knew this could be done so I figured I would give it a shot. It's a very tight fit back there but works great.

 

[xjintx]

I like the fact it helps keep UV rays off synthetic rope too. I imagine you have to remove bumper to get at winch? What winch do toy have mounted?