2016+ Tacoma Hidden Winch Mount

no't feel bad dude, happy to help.

Yes, it's for a switchpro... Can't remember if you had one?

 

Thanks buddy. Yes, I am running the 9100.

 

Pool, PM me and we will get something sorted out.

 

PM sent. Thanks

 

Just picked my truck up from SDHQ. Hidden winch mount and winch are now both installed. It looks and functions great!

 

Looks great! Didn’t want to install it yourself and save some $$$ or do they offer free installation for purchasing their products? It does look good.

 

Honestly, my work schedule has been crazy and will that way for the next couple months, so it was hard to find any time. So I figured, who better to install it the the folks who created it? They have done some other work on the truck and they do a fantastic job with everything.

 

Nice dude, looks awesome! Their installs are always mega clean

 

Bump! I just got my SDHQ Mount, winch and zeon relocation kit. I was wondering if any of you were running a Shut-Off Switch and if so, which one and where you were mounting them? Was looking at something like this:
https://www.etrailer.com/Accessorie...FE3LG_-FM1DqUu4Ifnv5vV9A0RRDTM3xoCfNgQAvD_BwE

 

How did you know where to make the cut for the fairlead? Did you have a stencil or did you just guesstimate/trail and error?

 

I made this post a long while back when I did my install in another thread, but figured some may benefit from it here. FYI @itscementnotgray the SDHQ kit comes with a stencil to cut the bumper.

I got around to installing my WARN Zeon 10S Platinum via @SDHQ OFFROAD hidden winch mount. Overall it went really well and I am stoked on how it came out. A few pics from the install.

Solenoid post removal from main housing being prepped for SDHQ solenoid relocation kit:



Close up of the details from SDHQ. I have several items from them and everything is super well done and thought out. An example is the additional heat shrink here where the lines will rub on the winch body.



Front shot of the winch mounted up with solenoid relocation in place. The winch is a super high quality piece of kit and it can be seen inside and out. All the connections, fittings, hardware, instructions and even how everything was packaged was done very well. I suppose this is to be expected from WARN, however I also felt it was worth mentioning.



One big reason I went with the WARN Zeon 10S Platinum was the wireless winch controller and clutch. I have the winch power wired through a WARN Power Interrupt kit via my Switch Pro, meaning the winch has no power until I hit the Switch Pro Winch switch, which activates a solenoid, giving power to the winch. As such I never need to open the hood to turn power on, operate the clutch or hook up the winch controller.



Here are a few close up shots of the SDHQ recovery points and beautiful welds they do.





How the bracket sits in relation to the bumper with lower valence not yet installed. It is really nice that the winch drum/ line is pretty visible through the lower grill opening of the Tacoma. This really helps with ensuring the drum is properly spooled.



Final product:





Few updated shots:

 

Anyone know if this will work with a VR EVO 10S? And would it really be THAT hard to reach the clutch release?

 

Awesome write up!!! Thanks for all the feedback!

 

Really interested in getting this, but was planning to use this winch (https://ironman4x4america.com/monster-winch-9500lbs-12v-electric-synthetic-rope/) does anyone know if I'll need a control box relocation kit, or is there another way I could mount it?

 

Let us know when you get one designed for the 2nd gen

 

Some updated pics.

 

Loves me some SDHQ. My 4Runner wears their hidden winch mount and Warn VR8S... and now my Tacoma does, too! Base truck still looking appropriately base-level stealth.







I personally would not get the relocation bracket for a non Zeon winch, as you can jerry rig up something from parts you are ripping off the truck. These are the ears extending from the aluminum crash bar down to the fender liner; cut off and repurposed:



4cyl doesn't have a tranny cooler so there's no relocation of OEM components required, which is nice.

 

Quoting a few older posts, but here's some info:

I use (and have used previously with good results) a simple thumb nut. Replace the 8mm + battery bolt with a longer one and then use a thumb nut to attach the winch power as needed. This way there's no added expense of an isolator and you're guaranteed safe when the power cable isn't installed. Cost is like $5 for a stainless bolt and three thumb / wing nuts. Get three because you will lose one at some point due to fumble fingers.

It will, and it's not hard. You can get a finger in through the bottom slot of the grille, or you can reach an arm in from the top with the hood open. If you cut one slat out of the lower grille you have total access to the clutch.

 

Anyone use this mount with a VR Evo 10-S ?

 

Yes. It fits just fine.