Winch mounting ... front? rear?

[Zorro]

I'm in a bit of a dilemma here.

I need to re-do my winch mount, as it's just not sturdy enough. It sits up front.

To improve weight distribution, I was thinking of putting the 100lbs of winch in the back.

But winching from the back? The only downside I see is if I had to climb a greasy slope or something. For all other situations, a rear facing winch doesn't seem bad.

Could I have the best of both worlds, mount it out back (where the spare usually sits) and find a path for the winch line to the front (along the frame or something). Has anyone done this?

 

[Mutant Pony]

Front and rear Reese hitch mounts and the winch mounted to a plate with a hitch insert. This is not my idea, It has been done many times. You can buy a jumper cable connector set to plug the winch in to power.

 

[Zorro]

No hitch foolishness.

First it kills departure and approach angles (unless they are integrated with a custom bumper)

Second, I am not carrying all 100lbs of winch around.

It gets mounted and stays where it is.

 

[Todd]

Front for the win!!!

 

[Branger2B]

I am not carrying all 100lbs of winch around.

you are DEFINATLY not dedicicated to this sport then (and its not 100lbs) more like 60lbs u wuss


on a serious note, The reciever setup as described above is the BEST option. I run this setup and i am very happy with it.

1) can be mounted on the front or rear of your truck. and i even carry 12ft (2 6' peices) so i can throw it on a buddies truck when hes stuck. comes in very handy,

2) it can INCREASE approach and departure angles, you can store it in the CAB/BED of your truck instead of sticking out 8'' off the front/ rear all the time Robbing ur angles.

3)Theft prevention... "out of sight out of mind"

oh and get the synthetic line and save urself 15lbs..

 

[blackbronc]

I saw a truck years ago that had snatch blacks welded to the bumpers and arranged so he could run the cable under and winch himself backwards. Had to be a drag to get the hook under the truck when you're axle deep but better than having to rig the whole mess. He usually kept the hook in the back since it was easier to pull it to the front if needed there. Just a comment not a suggestion.

 

[rickcdewitt]

i'll stick with reciever mounts.the winch takes away an inch of lift almost when its up front

 

[mhughes165]

yep, reciever mounts is where its at, then just slide it in, hook up a pin, plug her up, and commence winching

 

[Zorro]

you are DEFINATLY not dedicicated to this sport then (and its not 100lbs) more like 60lbs u wuss

http://www.milemarker.com/SE9500.html
92lbs+plate. It's a man's winch.
Plus the dedicated athlete avoids unnecessary effort.

mmmmh, seeing so many people suggest going with the hitch setup, I'll have to give it some thougt ...

 

[Dishtowel]

No hitch foolishness.

First it kills departure and approach angles (unless they are integrated with a custom bumper)

Second, I am not carrying all 100lbs of winch around.

It gets mounted and stays where it is.

My first try at a receiver bumper resulted in un-acceptable approach angle. I just modded the existing bumper and now I'm VERY happy with it. My winch and basket weigh 140lbs.
The rear has terrible departure angle if the winch is on. But the winch is never on the rear. But I am that much more fearless when out wheeling because I know I CAN have a winch on the back. I wouldn't give it up.

First try = F - -

Second try, = A +

Also, there is this. I plan on building a new rear bumper this summer some time, OR if I dont get enough time for that, Im' just going to move the lisence plate onto the rear door and move that reviver up, ontop or the draw bar.

 

[rickcdewitt]

how do you get to the hitch pin dish towel?i thought it was solid mounted but i read your post again.
i thought my winch stuck out,good thing you changed it after the first time

 

[Dishtowel]

Like this, the first receiver is lower right in the picture, second receiver is mostly center.

One day it will get painted, lol

 

[hihoslvr]

so just curoius: how do you store the winch when not in use? ratchet strapped to the bed, or maybe a tool/bed box? jus' wunnerin'...

 

[samsonitesamsonite]

I know a couple of guys that basically put another hitch IN the bed of the truck to store it when not in use.

 

[Dishtowel]

I have a locking pin. And there is NO room to get a tool into cut my pin. If you really wanted my winch you could torch the pin, but other than that. Good luck.

Bottom line, my winch lives up front. He only ever see back door action when absolutely necessary.