Bumper integrated winch mount - product dev questions

Considering that the OP can show that the other mount was a rip-off of his own design, I would say boycott that other company and get the word out. That kind of shady business is not wanted by me, and I wouldn't support them, even if the bumper made by this OP was $100 more. Sucks that there are still people in the world who do this.

 

I have an 8k lb mile marker winch off my Jeep I was just about to sale as I couldn't figure a way to mount it in. The stock bumper of my 2014 tacoma. I am so glad I found this thread. I'm in for one when they get built. Now off to break someone's heart telling them I am no longer selling my winch.

 

yeah, i dont take kindly to people that want to be low lying bastards about things. OP defiantly earned a place in my siggy

 

Agreed. Some people just suck.

 

Guys I appreciate the support. Don't be too hard on them, probably just trying to make a living. I'd just prefer that they didn't do it with my time and effort but life will go on.

We are moving ahead with the 05-11 prototype then I'll start on the 12+ after that. So any of you 12+ guys in the DFW area stay in touch. I intend to do the 12+ prototype before Christmas. Hope to have the 05-11 built and available well before then.

I really appreciate everyone's feedback and support.

 

Good on you Brad!

I agree with everything you said, and commend you for sticking to your guns to see this through. It's hard to innovate w/o people imitating your ideas, I've been there before and it's tough. TW has a great reputation, a bunch of good guys/gals that support one another, and help each-other out in almost any situation (truck related or not).

Keep doing what you do, and I guarantee you will be successful.

 

Ok.. to keep things rolling. I'll be looking for a 12+ volunteer for about mid December. Not sure on the exact date yet. Maybe the 11-12/13th.. maybe.

Volunteer receives the very first production mount for free and probably a joint install using it for documentation and pics.

4Runners are next!

 

I agree with making it out of aluminum if you can. These aren't designed to hit rocks anyway, and aluminum will be just as strong for winching, at a much better weight advantage. Not to mention leaving it with a brushed finish would be very sweet!

 

Just keep in in mind that aluminum is exponentially more expensive no two ways about it. I agree with your statement and If we can offer both I'll certainly consider it.

Bottom line is I WILL work up pricing for an aluminum version one we have a prototype.

Also, I've PM'd the mods about a vendor forum since I think we are past the pie in the sky stage now. Once I have that in place then we will start discussing group buys for the first batch. You guys have been a big help and I'll make sure I pay that back.

 

How would a low profile winch mount look with an avid light bar? Or am I just talking stupid?

 

Funny you asked.

We have a brand new line of lights, Sirius LED's that are very high quality MilSpec (MIL810-STD)for about half the price of Ridgid, etc. I just got my first 2" lights in but I think you can do a few 6" lights without interfering with winch controls. Mounts will have hidden light tabs accordingly so the lights will mount in the gap between the mount and the cover but flush with both so they aren't sticking out.

Soon as I get the chance I'll be doing some test fitting this weekend and then see about testing them with my Exetech light tester to see if they actually make the 2200 lumens as they are supposed to.

 

I sure like where these thought are heading... I've got a '13 that needs one..I'll b watching from KY!!

 

hmmm I have a defiant short tube light bar on my truck. I wonder if your mounting system would work without any interferences...

 

Spoke with tcBob this morning. Gave me a green light to post a group buy when ready and if all goes well will make me a vendor here. As I told him you guys had all been very helpful in your feedback and support and as such I'd like to make this my 'Tacoma home'.

Additionally most forums don't want you posting for sale stuff/group buys unless you are a vendor so I didn't want to upset anyone. Gotta play by the rules ya know...

As a side note I have plenty of FJ history on these forums and others just as an fyi.
http://www.fjcforums.com/forums/u-s-off-road/
http://forum.ncfjcruisers.com/f79-us-offroad-official-forum-sponsor
http://fjnortheasters.org/index.php/board,53.0.html

I'm also a multi year Premier Sponsor with the Lone Star Toyota Jamboree: http://www.lonestartoyotajamboree.com/sponsors.php

And will be a first year sponsor at the National FJ Summit and Thrills on the Hills in New Mexico in addition to several smaller regional events I do here in Texas.

You can read a bit more at www.usoffroad.us

Something I rarely talk about and probably should but I've sold a few hundred of these mounts literally all over the world and have never had a return or even a complaint or fitment issue of any kind. Not one. I need to sit down and do some serious updating but here's a map of where I've shipped about half of these: http://usoffroad.us/store/map

So, should have a prototype for the 05-11 models by end of next week. A provisional finished product within a week or so after that then if all goes well the first batch in a week or so after that. Once I have a prototype I'll open a group buy which will help me know how many to produce in the first batch. Obviously until we have a prototype I can't say for sure but you can bet it will be cheaper than the 'other' mount mentioned above and even more so for the group buy.

I'll be offering up some combo deals on our Viper winches (which always ship FREE via UPS Ground) and our new Sirius LED lights.

Stay tuned...

 

Awesome and congrats. If I was closer you could most certainly use my 2014 as a guinea pig. Another thought, some fabricators here sell a DIY kit with the pre cut pieces to be welded by the buyer. Would you be offering that's as an option? And do you see aluminum as an option.

 

Yes, I'm going to price out an aluminum option as well.

As far as a kit goes, not sure I want to go that route. These are built in a jig to establish accurate X,Y points, not saying it would be impossible as you could use your truck as the 'jig' but then there's quality control issues and some liability as well. Food for thought though.

 

Yeah makes since. I can see a liability thing with that

 

So I can see how replacing the lower section of 05-11 will look good because of the smooth/roundness of the area. But the 12+ is a bit different. Were you going to do the same with that? because this is what I have always thought looked bad ass only with a black fairlead, and instead of cutting a big hole for the fairlead to fit through I would have cut a smaller hole for the rope to fit through, and then sandwich the lower valance between the mount and the fairlead I think it would look clean. Just my 2 cents.

 

My goal on the 12+ is to replicate the bottom valance but with steel/aluminum. We shall see just how hard that is to replicate but that's my goal.

 

These are awesome. These look like they would still allow for a light bar. Actually maybe not since the area the light bar would mount is now where the winch would mount. I do like the idea of leaving the front valance. But, the fj mount where it's cut out and the mount is exposed is pretty awesome too. I could weld some tabs to mount lights to. So many options.

I think you said the fj mount is only like 50lbs? Was that about right? I may be thinking of something else.