Winch mount for 2017 TRD Off Road 4x4

Hello my fellow Tacoma brothers and sisters. I have a bit of a predicament. I am trying to find a winch mount for my 2017 TRD that does not require the removal of my skid plate and tow hooks for the install of a winch mount. I have been told by Westin and others that have winch mounts that once the winch mount is installed, I would not be able to reinstall my skid plate or reuse the tow hooks. I do not really want to lose my skid plate. Do you think it is possible that a factory skid plate can be modified to fit around the grille guard mounting points? Anyone with experience with this issue? Do you know of a winch mount for my TRD that will enable me to continue to use my skid plate and tow hooks? Any assistance is appreciated and thank you in advance.

 

What mount are you looking at? I don't have one so I can't speak from experience, but I was looking at PelfreyBilt's mount and installation instructions and didn't see anything about removing the skid plate or tow hooks. I saw this install pic:
and I see the tie-down loop (not tow hook, but seeing as there's a cutout for the tie-down, I'm sure you could ask for a cut-out for the hook) and skid plate (I don't know which skid plate that is, admittedly). Hope this helps.

 

Hadn't heard that the various mounts eliminated the skid plate. They usually have their own shackle mounts I believe, which would make the OEM tow hook moot

Check out this thread: https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/sso-slimline-vs-c4-lo-pro-vs-stingray-lo-pro.467436/

Also there's a bunch of other discussion easily found by searching for the word "winch" in this forum...

 

Thanks guys for your replies. I am looking at the westin winch mount #46-23885. But they say that the skid plate and tow hooks need to be removed and cannot be reused. I do not want to cut, drill, or weld. Again, any thoughts or web sites on a winch mount that meets my desires if any such animal exists for my 2017 TRD. Thanks again.

 

@tubbsisland

http://store.sdhqoffroad.com/2016tacomahiddenwinchmount.aspx

 

Doesn't exist, you will have to do some cutting on every application so might as well get the most function for it. You will also need to drill out the support on the front crossmember to fit a winch that doesn't have a removable solenoid

I went with the SSO Slimline bumper and no regrets.

 

Thanks again everyone for your replies. I am thinking of getting a Warn VR10 Gen II winch. Any thoughts on this winch? Also, if I install a hidden winch behind the bumper instead of a front mounted winch in front of the bumper, and this is my inexperience coming out, how do I manipulate the clutch if the winch is behind the bumper as in a hidden winch? I am almost ready to pull the trigger on the weston
#46-23885 winch mount. But I will lose the factory skid plate. Any thoughts on replacing the factory skid plate with any other option to protect the oil filter and other unprotected parts? Again,I have a 2017 Tacoma TRD off road 4x4. Thanks in advance. You are all so kind.

 

I'm not familiar with that winch. Warn makes a quality product and everyone has their own opinion on winch types and styles. As far as operating the clutch you will just need to pop the hood and turn it.

The stock skid plates are meh to begin with. I ripped mine all out and replaced with @Mobtown Offroad. They have both steel and aluminum.

 

I have the SDHQ winch mount which has 2 integrated tow hooks. I also have a mobtown skid plate. Running the Warn M8000. Clutch and remote control hookup is accessed by popping the hood and reaching down. Everything fit together nicely but cutting the hole for the winch fairlead was tedious.

 

Another option with limited cutting is a front recovery bar and a winch tray that you only mount when needed. it will also let you use the winch on the front or back as needed.
@Mobtown Offroad makes one that seems like a good option. http://mobtownoffroad.com/product/3rd-gen-tacoma-front-recovery-bar/

I wanted better recovery points so I went with the @SouthernStyleOffRoad Slimline bumper and love how it looks. You can see it here: https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...-3rd-gen-today.399305/page-2678#post-14925889

 

Did you look at the install instructions? That mount puts the winch completely in front of the bumper! It's totally exposed!