Bed mounted winch

[FritzTKatt]

Tossing the idea of getting a winch, but how to mount it, to make it really useful? A 2" receiver in the bed, of course! A class 3 hitch (what I have in the rear), is rated to 5k, and I'm looking to go at least 9k of winch... not good enough.

I'm thinking pull the bed, install (3) 2 1/2x2 1/2 angles, with cleats welded on so this setup can be bolted in to the frame rails (which also makes a few nice new crossmembers). Drill appropriate holes to match the angle under the bed, and install a 1/4 or 3/8 plate inside the bed with a number of 1/2" gr8 bolts.

The plate would have a 2 1/2x1/4" square tube, set to the right height (to match the winch's receiver mount, for a straight pull), gusseted to hell and back. Also, the right height so that the whole she-bang slides right in and sits on the bed's plate, so the forces that be cannot pull it down.

Because the winch still uses a receiver mount, it can be thrown right into my bumper, or my hitch on the rear (for whatever reason). But also, because the bed's plate is bolted in, it can (relatively) easily be removed to carry large cargo.

Just toying with the idea for now, but I really do want to get a winch running. One major reason for the bed mount idea, is that I do understand a winch will sag the front end a hell of a lot, and likely kill gas mileage just the same. A bed mount would really just make the truck 150?lbs heavier... Right over the axle if possible. For when I don't plan to go offroad for a while, I can unbolt the whole thing and forget about it. Was also thinking of when it's all setup and ready to rock, weld the nuts onto the angle so it'll only take 1 person to install/remove without dropping nuts all over the place.

 

[Uncle JuJu]

Sounds like a lot of work.. And added weight.

You have to remember that the 5K rating has a safety factor! Most wire rope has a safety factor of 5-1 (working load - breaking point). I don't know of anyone who has had a problem with a hitch mounted winch. I would weld the hitch to the frame for good measure.

And you may also want to really think about how you plan to use the winch. That will give the most insight as to where to mount it.

 

[brinker88]

Why don't you just reinforce your exhisting class II hitch and have the winch removeable. That way, there's not much weight gain, you still have all your bed space, and you can store the winch in the garage/truck when not in use.

 

[FritzTKatt]

Well that's the thing. The only part holding the winch in the bed would be a 5/8" pin. Maybe I should look at the shear strengths on the pins... But anyway I'd want to put the winch itself on a bracket-dealio-thingamajig for a receiver. Then as above, slide it right into my bed receiver and call it a day. The whole setup less the winch might not weigh 50lbs. Keep the piece in the bed in place using bolts. So again, it can be removed at the drop of a ratchet.

I don't like the idea of a putting it in the rear hitch because of how low that sits to the ground, and just having a 5/8" pin holding it in, it could easily be thrown into my bumper. Namely this avoids the toll on my coil springs and gas mileage.

 

[Explorin94]

I have a winch in between the frame rails in the back on my 88. The winch itself sits an a cut down winch plate. You could mount it there and get a flip down license plate holder and cut a hole in the bumper behind the license plate. The problem with the "in the bed" mount is the fact that the cable will drag the back bottom of the bed and eventually wear through. As for the 5/8 pin....it is designed to pull a full size car, truck or whatever you decide that you want to pull. So shear on it is fine and nothing to worry about with pinning it for the winch. I did it for years with a 10,000 pond winch with no adverse problems.

 

[Uncle JuJu]

Exploring is correct.. Fullsize trucks pull in the upwards of 15K on that 5/8 pin! My superduty was rated for 10k and it was 3/4 ton.

And remember you will have 2 fat wires in the bed as well!

 

[FritzTKatt]

Hmm... I think I'll have to let this one go. Was hoping to build something cool hehe. Will just be looking into winches (and I'll USE the search button), just mount it. One question for that though, kind of want to put the XJ coils in for flex. RoughCountry springs literally do not flex in my truck, and have almost 10k miles on them. XJ's might sag a bit, but that's a different thread.

Might just do a rear bumper to match my front, but that's a different story and will just be something to post pics of.

 

[Dragthatsht]

That 5/8 pin isn't in sheer. Its in double sheer. As long as you're hitch is mounted properly it will be fine.

The real problem with receiver mount is that it sucks! I don't know a single person that likes there receiver mount. It seams like a good idea until you slam it into something on the trail, so you take it out and throw it in the back. Then it rolls onto your dogs foot, so you put it in the shop, never to be seen again. Until you get stuck and call your friend at 10 pm (me) to bring it to you up in the woods when all he gas running at the time is his mini truck!

Even worse then that, is the fact that when you get stuck, will you be able to carry the winch to the front/rear of your truck. Chances are you won't be struck in your driveway or the gas station parking lot.

Just mount it to the front or rear, up out of the way, but still easy to use. You will be fine. I always found some way to pull myself out.

On my build (to start next month) I'm mounting a tube from the front to the back of my truck and running the cable through it. It will come off the winch through a snatch block witch will hook to the bumper, then down the tube and out the other end and hook on that bumper as well. That way i can pull a two part out one end and a one part out the other. It will be a bit of work but i think it will be worth it.

 

[LIMA BEAN]

Although I can appreciate your enthusiasm, a winch in the bed of a truck is like taking a perfectly good wheel and morphing it into a block of concrete. Beef up your front springs and put your fabrication talents into a nice winch bumper.