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RustyGreen · Apr 13, 2025

Never ignore the thought "maybe I should wheel through HF..."

On the "as is" table. Not bad, but not tempting enough.

But wait, there's more!

Also on said table is a 40% off sign!

$53.41 out the door, seems to work just fine.

RustyGreen · Apr 13, 2025

soundman98 said: ↑

some of that is solved with a side profile shot.
it's really just a 2" ball hitch with a add-on 2" receiver above it.

but i'll provide some backstory, because it's the weekend and i've got the time to entertain.

my trailer project is still pending, and is my big project for at least the rest of this year, possibly longer depending on what comes up. it's unfortunately reaching that '80% spot', where 80% progress has been made with 20% effort, and further progress is going to take 80% the effort for 20% of the result. which means that it's going to end up getting pushed to the side for other projects out of motivation and need. bad habits.

but to the hitch winch project-- i have a bad history of not being able to go much more than 2-4 years with vehicles. doesn't matter the vehicle, i just can't keep anything much longer, as there's usually something newer/shinier/different that catches my eye, or i just plain get sick of my current projects and want something new. this is the first time in my history that i actually want to keep what i've got beyond that time frame because nothing newer appeals to me in any respect-- it was why i got what i got when i did--my opinion is that new vehicles are lateral movements with no improvement in my personal usage. both vehicles i've got are entirely reliable enough to make a trip across the country at a moment's notice, which i've also never had before.

that said, my 2-4 year vehicle jitters are still getting to me. so i started looking for a work beater to keep the other vehicles nice. the first issue is that now that i'm comfortable with a few ultra-reliable vehicles that i don't want to get rid of, i want something unique and different from what i have that's also got ample parts availability. which are things that don't ever jive.

i ended up fixating on 1978-79 ford f150/250 trucks--main benefits being 4x4, carburated, and still ample parts. problem is that all of them in my $5k price range are generally 'yard art' pieces that haven't ran in years, and will need work. so any potentials all require a trailer, and a way to get them onto said trailer. my project trailer isn't big enough, and while i have a co-worker that's freely offered his larger trailer, i have a significant bad family history with violent trailer tire blowouts. he's got a nice trailer, and i'm looking at traveling at least 6-8 hours for most vehicles i'm looking at. so given that i want to stay amicable with my co-worker, a u-haul rental trailer is in my best interest. but uhauls don't have winches on their trailers.

enter this winch project.

it's a way to hold any trailer in place with the pass through ball hitch, and adds a winch to pull any project onto or off of any make/model of trailer(it's also a 4500 pound winch because if i need more, i'll run a snatch block, which will dual-effect of double my pulling power, but also halve the winch speed). i would never plan to tow any distance on any public road with this setup, it would be a yard-dog setup for loading/unloading only once the truck and trailer are into position, because the side-load extension forces of the adapter lengths and heights make me slightly uncomfortable for public roads. it's not a great solution, but a far faster/easier to implement solution than the behind-the-license-plate, or headache rack winch big projects that i really want to do in the long run. and the main benefit is that it does it in a universal 2" receiver that can be used with any vehicle with a trailer hitch.

and now you know "the rest of the story"!

personally, i use a sound machine specifically for this. it's more noise, but it helps cut down on my racing mind when i should be calming down and sleeping. also helps keep the dog calmer at night too, passing cars don't wake him as much, which doesn't wake me as much.

i used to have a lot of stigma's about noise machines, and generally avoided them as childish. but i'd rather have my sleep over any social impressions. and all of us have far too much going on most times, that trying to get even a full 6 hours of sleep can be difficult to blank out the mind for that long without something else to focus on, even if it's white noise.

lol, i've got basically the same list. my laundry is going now. i also really need to start the process to transition my 401k to my newest employer fund, but honestly the markets right now have me kicking that can to every 'next week' for a lot of reasons i won't get into here.

i realized this weekend that both my vehicles have hit 5k miles, which is my normal oil change interval. the trucks getting close on tires and brakes, and the car is a few hundred over 60k, which is the major service interval to deal with spark plugs, fluids, a squeaking idler pulley, and well-known for throwout bearing replacement(my cars an early 2nd model year, the first 3 years the throwout bearing was well known to fail within 30k-50k, so i'm already on borrowed time). really not looking forward to doing any of it, but also want even less to need to pay anyone for any of it. yay stubbornness!

i decided i'm doing 7500 mile oil changes this time.
Click to expand...

Two of the last 3 I brought home were loaded with a come a long, the 3ed we chained to the sellers Durango and pulled it on.

I would have paid for a winch during the other two.

I remember when you could buy old trucks for $500 running & driving. I finally saved up the $500 and all the trucks are gone.

NoOne · Apr 13, 2025

soundman98 said: ↑

some of that is solved with a side profile shot.
it's really just a 2" ball hitch with a add-on 2" receiver above it.

but i'll provide some backstory, because it's the weekend and i've got the time to entertain.

my trailer project is still pending, and is my big project for at least the rest of this year, possibly longer depending on what comes up. it's unfortunately reaching that '80% spot', where 80% progress has been made with 20% effort, and further progress is going to take 80% the effort for 20% of the result. which means that it's going to end up getting pushed to the side for other projects out of motivation and need. bad habits.

but to the hitch winch project-- i have a bad history of not being able to go much more than 2-4 years with vehicles. doesn't matter the vehicle, i just can't keep anything much longer, as there's usually something newer/shinier/different that catches my eye, or i just plain get sick of my current projects and want something new. this is the first time in my history that i actually want to keep what i've got beyond that time frame because nothing newer appeals to me in any respect-- it was why i got what i got when i did--my opinion is that new vehicles are lateral movements with no improvement in my personal usage. both vehicles i've got are entirely reliable enough to make a trip across the country at a moment's notice, which i've also never had before.

that said, my 2-4 year vehicle jitters are still getting to me. so i started looking for a work beater to keep the other vehicles nice. the first issue is that now that i'm comfortable with a few ultra-reliable vehicles that i don't want to get rid of, i want something unique and different from what i have that's also got ample parts availability. which are things that don't ever jive.

i ended up fixating on 1978-79 ford f150/250 trucks--main benefits being 4x4, carburated, and still ample parts. problem is that all of them in my $5k price range are generally 'yard art' pieces that haven't ran in years, and will need work. so any potentials all require a trailer, and a way to get them onto said trailer. my project trailer isn't big enough, and while i have a co-worker that's freely offered his larger trailer, i have a significant bad family history with violent trailer tire blowouts. he's got a nice trailer, and i'm looking at traveling at least 6-8 hours for most vehicles i'm looking at. so given that i want to stay amicable with my co-worker, a u-haul rental trailer is in my best interest. but uhauls don't have winches on their trailers.

enter this winch project.

it's a way to hold any trailer in place with the pass through ball hitch, and adds a winch to pull any project onto or off of any make/model of trailer(it's also a 4500 pound winch because if i need more, i'll run a snatch block, which will dual-effect of double my pulling power, but also halve the winch speed). i would never plan to tow any distance on any public road with this setup, it would be a yard-dog setup for loading/unloading only once the truck and trailer are into position, because the side-load extension forces of the adapter lengths and heights make me slightly uncomfortable for public roads. it's not a great solution, but a far faster/easier to implement solution than the behind-the-license-plate, or headache rack winch big projects that i really want to do in the long run. and the main benefit is that it does it in a universal 2" receiver that can be used with any vehicle with a trailer hitch.

and now you know "the rest of the story"!

personally, i use a sound machine specifically for this. it's more noise, but it helps cut down on my racing mind when i should be calming down and sleeping. also helps keep the dog calmer at night too, passing cars don't wake him as much, which doesn't wake me as much.

i used to have a lot of stigma's about noise machines, and generally avoided them as childish. but i'd rather have my sleep over any social impressions. and all of us have far too much going on most times, that trying to get even a full 6 hours of sleep can be difficult to blank out the mind for that long without something else to focus on, even if it's white noise.

lol, i've got basically the same list. my laundry is going now. i also really need to start the process to transition my 401k to my newest employer fund, but honestly the markets right now have me kicking that can to every 'next week' for a lot of reasons i won't get into here.

i realized this weekend that both my vehicles have hit 5k miles, which is my normal oil change interval. the trucks getting close on tires and brakes, and the car is a few hundred over 60k, which is the major service interval to deal with spark plugs, fluids, a squeaking idler pulley, and well-known for throwout bearing replacement(my cars an early 2nd model year, the first 3 years the throwout bearing was well known to fail within 30k-50k, so i'm already on borrowed time). really not looking forward to doing any of it, but also want even less to need to pay anyone for any of it. yay stubbornness!

i decided i'm doing 7500 mile oil changes this time.
Click to expand...

Would love to know more about what you did to the box and inside…

KRAMERICA · Apr 13, 2025

RustyGreen said: ↑

Never ignore the thought "maybe I should wheel through HF..."

On the "as is" table. Not bad, but not tempting enough.

But wait, there's more!

Also on said table is a 40% off sign!

$53.41 out the door, seems to work just fine.
Click to expand...

I've also been wanting a bandsaw. I saw this one in the current HF flyer listed for $89 with coupon. I've watched some reviews about it, and it did ok and at $55 I think I'd bite too. But for now I'm going to keep looking on CL and FBM for a good used DeWalt or Milwaukee.

Tacoma Mike · Apr 13, 2025

Adding a little more experience.
Practicing for the special reconditioning coming in a few weeks.
Restoring the engraving as close as possible.
First round complete.
Now to increase the depth.

soundman98 · Apr 13, 2025

RustyGreen said: ↑

Two of the last 3 I brought home were loaded with a come a long, the 3ed we chained to the sellers Durango and pulled it on.

I would have paid for a winch during the other two.

I remember when you could buy old trucks for $500 running & driving. I finally saved up the $500 and all the trucks are gone.
Click to expand...

yeah, it's still a major adjustment for me as well that vehicles that aren't even running or even slightly roadworthy are worth $2500. just about anything that runs is worth at least $1500-2000 anymore.

but it is for a lot of us. my brothers been looking to trade in his well-worn jeep commander for a very specific trim 2014-2016 dodge truck with 4-doors and a front bench seat(they offered it, but it was mostly a contractor-spec truck). and a maximum budget of $8k. full size trucks are a crazy wild market these days. the only one's that fit the bill so far have had salvage titles and major frame issues, or otherwise are at least $15k for 200k mile rusty/rotted versions.

NoOne said: ↑

Would love to know more about what you did to the box and inside…
Click to expand...

only picture i didn't take was of the bottom.

there's at least 4 variants i've seen so far of the same winch on Amazon, i went with the cheapest variant back when i bought last time, but they all fluctuate based on who's more interested in clearing inventory. just watch pricing,and spool sizing. these all include the same components, as well as 1/4 x 50" of synthetic line. there are cheaper versions that have 33' of line, but if there's a chance you'll ever need to double the line length via a snatch block, the 50' line is an important consideration for a maximum 25' pull distance.

$136 XPV AUTO 12V 4500 lb Winch Electric Winch for Towing ATV/UTV Off Road with Wireless Remote Control Mounting Bracket and Wired Handle,Waterproof IP67(Synthetic Rope)

https://www.amazon.com/XPV-Electric-Wireless-Waterproof-Synthetic/dp/B08XB2FKT8

$160 ZESUPER 4500 lb Winch Waterproof IP67 Electric Winch with Wireless Remote Synthetic Winch Rope Hawse Fairlead Handheld Remote ATV UTV Winches 12V Portable Power Winch

https://www.amazon.com/ZESUPER-Waterproof-Electric-Synthetic-Fairlead/dp/B08XBFFKRZ

$142 X-BULL 4500 lbs Winch 12V Electric Winch Kits with Fairlead, ATV/UTV Winch with Waterproof Synthetic Rope Winch with Wireless Remotes and Mounting Bracket

https://www.amazon.com/X-BULL-Synthetic-Electric-Mounting-Wireless/dp/B0722L2HZW?th=1

pretty straightforward project though. the original intent when i started it was to use the ammo can specifically to seal the winch up to keep everything out if it needed to stay attached to a vehicle for any length of time. then as i was cutting the fairlead hole out, i realized that a sealed winch box is a horrible idea--the rope needs to exit somehow!

the base is just time consuming, but not difficult. it was just a matter of taking the included mounting base that came with the winch, and cutting out a matching area in the bottom of the ammo can. from there, it was a thousand tack welds to connect the ammo can to the mounting plate. the ammo can appears to be off-center, but the mounting plate and winch are centered on the hitch mount. from there, the mounting plate is just welded to the cheapest 2" hitch piece i could locate. the $14 2"-to-1-1/4" adapter at harbor freight was that piece and this is the adapter i'm using to stack the winch above the trailer connection the 2" integral ball was a consideration for a mounting surface, but i decided there was far too much risk that the ball might interfere with the trailer hitch in my configuration otherwise, the internal electronics are also really straight forward. the included contactor got one included screw through the side at the top, and i re-used all the included power cables with it(could've cut them way down, but i left my crimper at work this weekend, highly recommend the

$40 YUZES Hydraulic Crimping Tool 10 Tons, 12 AWG to 2/0 Battery Cable Crimper Tool with 9 Dies, Easy to Operate Hydraulic Wire Crimping Tool Kit for Wire Rope, Battery Cable Ends Ring Terminals

amazon hydraulic cable crimper if you're in the market!). i cut the corded handlebar control down, and wired it into the same terminals it came off, so i can run the winch right at the box if needed.

the hole in the first above pic for the freespool knob out the side looks oversized, but it's really only about 1/8" oversized. it needed to be bigger and oval slightly to fit the winch into the hole(sort of like putting your foot in a shoe, but without moving/flexing the shoe). i did make a mistake in the final resting height by 1/4", but it worked out to my advantage to keep the over-sized part to the bottom. i had planned to later come back and silicone the opening with some black caulk to make it look more complete, but given the fairlead opening, am just leaving it for debris to exit easier.

otherwise, with the 50-cal ammo box, there's more than enough space for the hard-mounted winch and contactor, as well as enough space for coiling up the power wires, and the wireless remote control. eventually i want to add an anderson connector through the side of the box for a lot cleaner setup that doesn't require opening the housing, instead of using the clamp jumper cables, but it's a nitpicky step.

ACEkraut · Apr 13, 2025

six5crèéd[OP] said: ↑

Yawl some bad influencers.

9/16” to 1”, fine and coarse thread and also a 1/4” pipe tap and die. And yes, lifetime warranty.

Click to expand...

Yes!!!’

RustyGreen · Apr 14, 2025

Monday morning manly men

RustyGreen · Apr 14, 2025

soundman98 said: ↑

yeah, it's still a major adjustment for me as well that vehicles that aren't even running or even slightly roadworthy are worth $2500. just about anything that runs is worth at least $1500-2000 anymore.

but it is for a lot of us. my brothers been looking to trade in his well-worn jeep commander for a very specific trim 2014-2016 dodge truck with 4-doors and a front bench seat(they offered it, but it was mostly a contractor-spec truck). and a maximum budget of $8k. full size trucks are a crazy wild market these days. the only one's that fit the bill so far have had salvage titles and major frame issues, or otherwise are at least $15k for 200k mile rusty/rotted versions.

only picture i didn't take was of the bottom.

there's at least 4 variants i've seen so far of the same winch on Amazon, i went with the cheapest variant back when i bought last time, but they all fluctuate based on who's more interested in clearing inventory. just watch pricing,and spool sizing. these all include the same components, as well as 1/4 x 50" of synthetic line. there are cheaper versions that have 33' of line, but if there's a chance you'll ever need to double the line length via a snatch block, the 50' line is an important consideration for a maximum 25' pull distance.

$136 XPV AUTO 12V 4500 lb Winch Electric Winch for Towing ATV/UTV Off Road with Wireless Remote Control Mounting Bracket and Wired Handle,Waterproof IP67(Synthetic Rope)

https://www.amazon.com/XPV-Electric-Wireless-Waterproof-Synthetic/dp/B08XB2FKT8

$160 ZESUPER 4500 lb Winch Waterproof IP67 Electric Winch with Wireless Remote Synthetic Winch Rope Hawse Fairlead Handheld Remote ATV UTV Winches 12V Portable Power Winch

https://www.amazon.com/ZESUPER-Waterproof-Electric-Synthetic-Fairlead/dp/B08XBFFKRZ

$142 X-BULL 4500 lbs Winch 12V Electric Winch Kits with Fairlead, ATV/UTV Winch with Waterproof Synthetic Rope Winch with Wireless Remotes and Mounting Bracket

https://www.amazon.com/X-BULL-Synthetic-Electric-Mounting-Wireless/dp/B0722L2HZW?th=1

pretty straightforward project though. the original intent when i started it was to use the ammo can specifically to seal the winch up to keep everything out if it needed to stay attached to a vehicle for any length of time. then as i was cutting the fairlead hole out, i realized that a sealed winch box is a horrible idea--the rope needs to exit somehow!

the base is just time consuming, but not difficult. it was just a matter of taking the included mounting base that came with the winch, and cutting out a matching area in the bottom of the ammo can. from there, it was a thousand tack welds to connect the ammo can to the mounting plate. the ammo can appears to be off-center, but the mounting plate and winch are centered on the hitch mount. from there, the mounting plate is just welded to the cheapest 2" hitch piece i could locate. the $14 2"-to-1-1/4" adapter at harbor freight was that piece and this is the adapter i'm using to stack the winch above the trailer connection the 2" integral ball was a consideration for a mounting surface, but i decided there was far too much risk that the ball might interfere with the trailer hitch in my configuration otherwise, the internal electronics are also really straight forward. the included contactor got one included screw through the side at the top, and i re-used all the included power cables with it(could've cut them way down, but i left my crimper at work this weekend, highly recommend the

$40 YUZES Hydraulic Crimping Tool 10 Tons, 12 AWG to 2/0 Battery Cable Crimper Tool with 9 Dies, Easy to Operate Hydraulic Wire Crimping Tool Kit for Wire Rope, Battery Cable Ends Ring Terminals

amazon hydraulic cable crimper if you're in the market!). i cut the corded handlebar control down, and wired it into the same terminals it came off, so i can run the winch right at the box if needed.

the hole in the first above pic for the freespool knob out the side looks oversized, but it's really only about 1/8" oversized. it needed to be bigger and oval slightly to fit the winch into the hole(sort of like putting your foot in a shoe, but without moving/flexing the shoe). i did make a mistake in the final resting height by 1/4", but it worked out to my advantage to keep the over-sized part to the bottom. i had planned to later come back and silicone the opening with some black caulk to make it look more complete, but given the fairlead opening, am just leaving it for debris to exit easier.

otherwise, with the 50-cal ammo box, there's more than enough space for the hard-mounted winch and contactor, as well as enough space for coiling up the power wires, and the wireless remote control. eventually i want to add an anderson connector through the side of the box for a lot cleaner setup that doesn't require opening the housing, instead of using the clamp jumper cables, but it's a nitpicky step.
Click to expand...

Nice job!

Excellent point on the 50' vs 33' line. My trailer is 24' long, add in the ramps and 33' wouldn't give you much to work with.

six5crèéd · Apr 14, 2025

Good Monday morning friends! Hope you all had a wonderful weekend and have a fantastic Monday

POOLGUY · Apr 14, 2025

Good morning show crew, hope everyone has a great and blessed Monday.

six5crèéd · Apr 14, 2025

Remember that heap of metal I posted Friday at the recycler place?

There was one you can't see that made this one look small with all the vehicles, etc. Yesterday it caught fire. I need to call and see if they will be open today, was gonna take the ole lathe. It won't go to where the fire was, it goes to the front pile.

Story here.....

https://myfox8.com/news/north-carol...-during-fire-at-kernersville-recycling-plant/

six5crèéd · Apr 14, 2025

@StayinStock happy birthday yesterday, sorry I missed it

RustyGreen · Apr 14, 2025

Happy birthday @StayinStock

...a day late

six5crèéd · Apr 14, 2025

RustyGreen said: ↑

Happy birthday @StayinStock

...a day late
Click to expand...

OR.............364 days early for next year

six5crèéd · Apr 14, 2025

Just called the recycle place and they are not open to the public at this time.

Delta09 · Apr 14, 2025

six5crèéd[OP] said: ↑

Remember that heap of metal I posted Friday at the recycler place?

There was one you can't see that made this one look small with all the vehicles, etc. Yesterday it caught fire. I need to call and see if they will be open today, was gonna take the ole lathe. It won't go to where the fire was, it goes to the front pile.

Story here.....

https://myfox8.com/news/north-carol...-during-fire-at-kernersville-recycling-plant/
Click to expand...

Hmmm, first the pallet company and now this. Everything around you is burning...

RustyGreen · Apr 14, 2025

six5crèéd[OP] said: ↑

OR.............364 days early for next year
Click to expand...

That is the way to get things done!

RustyGreen · Apr 14, 2025

Delta09 said: ↑

Hmmm, first the pallet company and now this. Everything around you is burning...

Click to expand...

Now that sparks some thought.

Delta09 · Apr 14, 2025

RustyGreen said: ↑

Now that sparks some thought.
Click to expand...

Uh oh...

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