Gen 2 plate bumper/winch considerations

I'm planning to get a plate bumper and winch. For the winch I'm pretty set on an M8000 with synthetic. Insain Fab is local and does great work, I'll be using them for a plate bumper.

What else do I need to consider? Why do some guys relocate the solenoid under the hood? How useful are in-cab controls? Anything else?

 

What else to consider?

Weight. The winch and the bumper are heavy. Your front end will sag a bit. How much? Depends on the exact weight. TO find out, total the weights of both, then find one or two people that closely match the weight and have them sit on the font. You may want to consider a suspension upgrade as well.

Why do some guys relocate the solenoid under the hood?

Convenience and space. That box is fairly large, and there are times when you need to pop the cover off. Having it under the hood make it easier to get to.

How useful are in-cab controls?

Totoally useless (just my opinion). Try holding a button on your dash, any button, while someone guides you over an obstical. Then you can judge for yourself.

Anything else?

Consider a second battery. Running the winch from a second battery will prolong the life of your main battery. Also, safety equipment. Items like a safety blanket or a "winch line dampener" will reduce/prevent snap-back should the line break under load.

Hope this helps.

 

I love my in cab controls, it made it where I didn't have to use the remote 90% of the time because I could unspool slightly before I exited the vehicle and then freespool once I got out of the vehicle. No need to run a cable over the hood and through the window while dealing with mud also.

 

Hit the nail square on the head.

 

If you don't relocate the solenoid box, consider a main power switch so you don't have an un-fused 4 AWG wire out in the bumper. Oh, and get the Warn wireless remote for that winch. Not absolutely necessary, but really nice to have.

 

Thanks! I have 2 AWG running out from the battery for audio fused at around 60 amps. Could I split that line from the battery and run a 60 amp fuse through the firewall for audio, and a (what, 300 amp fuse?) for the winch to the bumper? Does someone make splitters like that?

 

300 amp isn't going to be enough. You should consult the specs of your winch. The switch I have is rated at 350A continuous, 600A intermittent (5 minutes). Really no need for a splitter. Just run one lead from the battery to the big fuse, then connect two cables to the single lug on either side of the big fuse. Effectively making a Y. Yes, your 60A audio fuse will share the winch connection, so shut it off when winching.