2012+ Winch Mount Bumper Development

Hella excited can't wait for production to be done...

 

I've found other hidden winch mounts on line. None of them are built like this. Or look as nice as this. I'm personally on the fence between this mount and a bumper. Can't beat this set up to keep a stock looking truck. Might have to entice me more...

 

Question for you Brad...
What is the vertical spacing between your new winch bumper insert and the bumper. I'm looking to add 2 4" LED bars on either end and want to make sure they'll fit before I order them. Thanks

 

Nope..maybe.

2 reasons.

1. The vertical opening is 3-3.250".. always some variance with plastic.

2. The depth of almost all lights will run in to the winch.

We design these to accommodate our Sirius 2" lights which have a 3" housing and fit fine. I'm going to sit down with CAD tomorrow and try come up with a bracket location that will facilitate up to a 6" light but will probably be limited to 4". Obviously some winches are longer/wider than others but I'll use an average dimension there.

Keep in mind that winches are seldom symmetrical, the motor end is usually longer than the clutch end.

I don't have any 4" lights but the Sirius 6" lights are 3.280" tall and might fit, however it could rub, but their depth is 3.324" front to back which will put it well within the winch. Same for the 2"...they must clear the winch. So the bottom line is that they can't intersect with the winch or the will hit it... must be clear of each end of the winch.

Now, having said that, these specs are for our Sirius lights and others like Rigid will be pretty much the same but you might find some to fit.

See the attached dimensions.

Most winches like the Viper Max or the Engo 10000 are 21-22" long/wide (however you care to view it) and right now our winch tub for the 12+ Taco is 33.5" wide so in theory a couple of 4" lights will work and some 6" might. Also, there is 1-1.5" of lateral adjustment on most light brackets so you have some wiggle there too.

I'll find the sweet spot and set the tabs at the most advantageous spot but it won't work for everything over 4".

I've attached the preliminary CAD drawing (which is going to change) but you can see the fundamental layout of the winch tub and endwalls. The light tabs and shackle mounts are coming inward around 2".

 

I'm in, pending final price and delivery.

 

Sub'd

 

any CAD update Brad?

 

I made about a half dozen adjustments and they are being incorporated today. Will be in the shop later to sit down with CAD and go over final details.

Moved shackle mounts in, tightened up the hole diameter a bit from .910 to .880", moved light tabs in about 1.18" that will give a 5" light housing (most 4" lights) just that much room.... no way to make 6" lights work as either you were going to hit most winches and/or the curvature of the bumper cover as it tapers out and down, but at least it opened up the use of 2" and 4" lights now.

Tightened up mounting holes, added the 4" drain/access holes underneath...clearanced a few other items.. mostly small stuff.

I think we'll have a green light later today to go make a 'production prototype' for test fitting in a week or two.

 

awesome! thanks for the update!

 

A little sneak peak update after adding center 4" holes, moving light tabs and shackle mounts and making a few other tweaks.

Going over all of the dimensions again tonight so hopefully I can give a green light tomorrow.

The main problem I have right now is that there is only 1" of material below the two center 4" holes and you can't really brace it. Without those holes you don't have a fighting chance to mount the winch after the bumper is mounted.

So, in my opinion it either all 4 holes, the 2 cutout/holes for the recovery point.. or cut off the recovery point and have no holes. Keep in mind that part of the bumper is .125" so one good shot below one of the center 4" holes and there will be dent. If you cut them like the cutouts then it starts looking a bit like the Punisher.



Now's the time for some input/feedback.

 

Is it not possible / extremely difficult to mount the winch prior to mounting it to the frame?

 

I vote for structural strength first. If that means I need to have the winch ready to install when I install the bumper, so be it. I'd rather have it braced as you see fit than worry about adding a winch without dropping the unit.

I had already assumed you'd have to drop the bumper to add a winch anyways. Looking great!!!

 

I would rather cut the Oem hook off and have more strength in the bumper

 

Man, I didn't even think of that. I'm still voting to cut the stock hook off, but I think you're right its important to be able to service the winch without dropping the entire bumper.

 

Remember the nuts are in the winch frame so it's bolts that need to go vertical but then you would have some 3/4" ish holes kind of randomly in the front plate... unless I did away with the center 4" and we cut a bunch of 1" holes...kinda cheese grater style....drainage, air and access holes to use a socket with an extension to insert the bolts.

No real easy way to do this. Getting so many gussets as is... 2 end plates then 5 gussets.. so really 7 already. Hmmm... this may require a whiskey and go marinate a bit on it.

I'm listening though.. keep it coming.

 

This is quick and dirty but kind of what I have in mind.

 

This.

Personal preference is to not remove original OEM recovery loop however, as Id imagine most people wanting this kind of bumper are trying to avoid changes to the OEM design.

 

Thought about that but if you ever catch a bolt head or even a stove bolt on something it's all over. Plus you can't gusset behind it so it would still be pretty weak... then you would also need some recessed threaded fittings

 

sub'd

much interest

still confused...

 

Speaking for myself, I want to cut the OEM off. I like this bumper because it keeps a very factory LOOK and I don't have to cut sheet metal/body panels. I don't mind losing the OEM loop by replacing it with something better.