Winch cradle

[The Jester Race]

I'm going to build a winch cradle for my new toy, a Smittybilt XRC8. Anyways I'm looking for some cradle ideas. What material? How thick of material? My dad says 3/16th inch minimum for material thickness. I was thinking maybe some 6061 T6 aluminum.

What do you think? Thoughts, Ideas, Advice?


-Jester

 

[Combs Customs]

I got the XRC10 and i used 1/4". I wouldn't go less than 1/4", its holding a lot of weight over a wide span of flat steel. I don't recommend aluminum, not an area to save weight.

 

[Destroyer000]

yea i would go with 1/4 for the place an use steel.. thats what mine is made out of for the same winch

 

[Shran]

My plan is to use 1/4" C channel welded inside the frame rails. I wouldn't go any thinner steel than that and definitely not aluminum. You could also do a receiver mount winch and put a receiver hitch on the front of the truck.

 

[The Jester Race]

You could also do a receiver mount winch and put a receiver hitch on the front of the truck.

....that is a cradle mounted winch.

Maybe I should post a picture.

Winch Cradle:

So it sounds like the aluminum is a no go.

-Jester

 

[Shran]

Ha, my bad. Too many names for stuff.

 

[Chris.S.]

Yeah I'd stay away from Alum and go with at least 1/4 or even 5/16 plate.

 

[The Jester Race]

Ha, my bad. Too many names for stuff.

No, its my fault, I should of specified. I didn't realize that people called winch plates cradles too.

But its all good.
Cheers and beers

-Jester