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"Hidden winch" options

8.1K views 21 replies 12 participants last post by  D90CA  
#1 ·
I came across this product from Nakatanenga and I like the idea of being able to run a simple front bumper w/ a low-profile hawse fairlead winch down below. Are there any other similar options, as $2,000 seems quite a bit overkill for an integrated skid plate & winch tray. I know it may be a PITA to reach the free spool knob but I don't plan on having to winch that often....

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Ideally, I'd do a set-up like this (simple bumper, grill guard and winch down below):
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#13 ·
Well, this is just me, but I trust winches about as far as I can throw one. With the possibility of a bird's nest in mind, I would not have a winch buried behind a honkin bumper where I would have to literally remove the bumper to clear a jam. Neither would I have such a potato plow mounted under the front bumper where it would be vulnerable to trail damage.
 
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#17 ·
I like that form factor a lot. I’m trying to en
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gineer this bumper to accommodate a winch and would like to use a through the bumper winch as well.

yes, I plan to fabricate a winch tray and design that tray so that it bolts onto/into the chassis rails and add 1/4 inch steel plates to reinforce the sides of the winch tray and to spread the load across the part of the bumper that sits between the chassis rails.
The winch you’re showing should fit nicely in that space.
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