product comparison - HIDDEN Winch Mounts

This thread will compare all the different Hidden Winch Mounts for 3rd Gens.
If you have any information or input that's currently missing (features/weight/etc), please comment! Also please feel free to provide commentary if you have one of these installed.

CBI Offroad
http://www.cbioffroadfab.com/products/3rd-gen-toyota-tacoma/t3-tacoma-winch-mount/
Features: no recovery points
Weight: ? lbs
Price: $375

Pelfreybuilt
www.pelfreybilt.com/product/16-tacoma-hidden-winch-mount/
Features: no recovery points
Weight: ? lbs
Price: $475

HWMS
www.hiddenwinchmounts.com/store/#!/2016-Toyota-Tacoma/p/73555417/category=21280122
Features: recovery points option (+ $190)
Weight: 40 lbs
Price: $490

SDHQ
http://store.sdhqoffroad.com/2016tacomahiddenwinchmount.aspx
Features: features recovery points
Weight: 50 lbs
Price: $530

U.S. Off Road
www.usoffroad.us/store/bumpers/toyota-tacoma-2016-2017-winch-mount/
Features: semi-hidden; doesn't require cutting bumper, features recovery points
Weight: ? lbs
Price: $499

 

The HWMS weighs 40# as said on their website.

 

The US Offroad one.... it seems like it would be hard on your winch line.

 

Agreed

 

Are there rear bumper solutions?

 

Thanks -- I updated the original post!
Still waiting on @CBI Offroad Fab and @Pelfreybilt to chime in with their product weights.

 

Does the recent Warn semi-hidden count? Winch is hidden, but there's a bit more obvious going on out front.

 

Smittybilt 2811 Textured Black...

$128 Smittybilt Winch Cradle - 2811

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004K23IP8?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

2 Gauge 32 ft. Hi-Amp Universal Quick-Connect Wiring Kit for Trailer Mounted Winch

$113 2 Gauge 32 ft. Hi-Amp Universal Quick-Connect Wiring Kit for Trailer Mounted Winch

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0722J4ZQR/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_kbbUCbCWG978J

 

SSO is a great option, probably 120lbs with a Smittybuilt X20C.

 

Good thread.

I have never been able to decide if a permanent front mounted winch or a receiver mount is ideal for that rare case I need to self recover from behind as well. Since I try not to be off road on too technical a trail alone it further complicates the winch option.

 

Anyone know if you can run a lower bumper light bar (even if brackets were modified) with a SDHQ or CBI hidden winch mount?

 

Doubt it. I don't think the bracket mounting points are the issue. A winch occupies the same space as the light bar would. I have the lower bumper lightbar and it takes up all the space down there along with the transmission cooler.

Probably best thing to do is move the lightbar up and behind the grill.

 

Which mount is pictured here ?

TIA Steve

 

SDHQ

 

What's the consensus on the Bulldog hidden winch mount?

https://www.bulldogwinch.com/index....t_id=368/category_id=110/mode=prod/prd368.htm

 

I know this thread started a couple years ago, but still popped up when I was exploring winch mounts. If you are shopping for one, I recommend not using RRW (Relations Race Wheel). They offer an incomplete product, not stated on their website. Customer support is not the greatest. Look at more reputable manufacturers.

 

What's incomplete about it?

 

Here is the link to their site, and I'll also copy and paste the content of their website:

www.***********************/products/hidden-winch-mount-tacoma

The power steering cooling lines run in front of the radiator. I had seen other installation videos where other manufacturers provide a bracket to relocate them further back so that the mount can be installed over bolt threads where the crash bumper sits (crash bumper needs to be removed). During my first attempt, after spending several hours removing the bumper (it was my first time so there was a learning curve for me), i couldn't figure out how their winch mount was suppose to mount flush on those threads. I later found out about the relocation brackets. So emailed customer support, and said they would make brackets for me. It's a little suspicious that they have to make brackets. I would think they'd probably forgot to include them, and should have them readily available? Especially because this this is a "high demand product." But whatever, it took another week to receive them.

I emailed again asking if there's any thing else I should need before attempting a second install, tips, anything else I should know. They assured I was good to go, and that it should be self explanatory. Today, I gave it a go. Got down to the bracket install portion, and of course, I was going to need additional hardware. Not sure if this was on me. I thought I would be reusing factory hardware to mount this thing, but anyways, no mention that I needed to purchase bolts to secure the power steering lines to their bracket. When to local hardware shop, purchased the hardware. Continued with the install. What they didnt take into account is that the mount should've been a different size on the driver's side. It should've been longer, and not the same size as the passenger side. The problem is that the bolt I just installed hits another line (I'm not sure what kind this is, but it has a light grey jacket over it, and there's two). I attached the picture to it. So, I called it quits at that point. I wasted 2 days on this. I'm not one to be dramatic at all, and I really did my best to see if there's another way around the issues, but I was done. Other manufacturers take everything into account, and tell you what specific modifications the buyer is responsible for. I was surprised when I read RRW's description cause it seemed too easy. I figured I support a local shop. Should've followed that gut feeling. Sorry for the long explanation.

Here is what their website says. The part that states "Utilizes all existing OEM hardware - no special hardware needed to install" is completely false.

Due to the high demand for this item, please allow 1-2 weeks for production (laser cutting, bending, powder coating, and packaging. Please be patient as we strive hard to maintain the best quality in each process.

Maintain a low profile and mount a 9-10k lb winch to your Tacoma frame for use during your next weekend offroad adventure. This mount houses the winch in the most ideal location which optimizes space and placement.

We designed this kit so that you will NOT need to trim your plastic bumper cover. All you need to do is cut out a small hole for the fairlead entry/exit.

Specifications

• Design: CAD Designed with reinforced gussets throughout. Utilizes all existing OEM hardware - no special hardware needed to install.
• Material: Thick 3/16 inch steel plate
• Welding: Professionally MIG welded
• Compatibility: Fits most winches up to 10,000 lbs (we recommend Warn or Smittybilt)
• Weight: 20 lbs
• Finish: Sand blasted and powder coated in a satin black finish
• Make: Designed and made in Southern California

BENEFITS
• Does not require any cutting of the actual bumper, only a hole in the lower valance• Lightweight design means your front end will not be weighed down the way it would be by a large metal bumper
• Super rigid design has virtually no flex
• Mounting a winch is a must have upgrade for any serious weekend off-roader• Ideal for those wanting to keep the stock bumper intact for the best factory look• Cost effective way to properly mount a winch to your truck frame
• Low profile, most stealth way to house a winch• Comes already powder coated and ready to install
• Mount a 9-10k winch behind your OEM bumper• We designed this mount to place the winch at the most optimal location for ultimate function, to save space and to fit most readily available winches

 

I've got the SDHQ. I've been super happy with it, no complaints at all. I bought me a Warn 8274 for my land cruiser so I picked up another Ultrahook a few weeks ago. Trying to decide if I like the orange or green better on the Taco...lol

 

Man that looks great! I have the Warn Evo 10-S. How was the mount install with the SDHQ? Did they send all the required hardware? All I wanted was exactly what you have, haha
I guess the plus side is that I can get that fender off a lot quicker than the first time around, haha