Hidden Winch Mount vs US Off Road

Looking at these two different options for mounting a winch.
I'm not super keen on the recovery points on the US Off Road version because they are not colinier with the the frame tie ins. They appear to be offset and not tied in with anything.
I'm trying to find better pics of the HWS recovery point options to see how they are tied in.

Is anyone else making a similar design that I am missing? Looks like there was at on point but no longer around.

 

It seems that members who have either of those mounts are quite happy with them. I like the look and extra center protection of the US offroad mount along with the recovery points. The HWM is for those seeking a pure stock look but I don't see any recovery points. Personally, neither one will provide much front end protection vs full bumper. A full bumper which would protect the front end,including winch, during a front end involved accident.

US offroad vs. Hidden Winch:

 

I agree completely on the front end protection VS a full bumper. I am looking to get my winch mounted up but just can't swing the full bumper $$$$ any time soon.

The only thing I am not keen on with the US OR is the location of the recovery points.

The HWM version does have recovery points as an option. They have a few pics of them on a 12-15 2nd gen.

I am also looking at the Slimline from SSO and C4's version.

 

Slimline and C4 gives you the added protection with the bull bar. Don't like the downward angle of the slimline winch opening which may increase resistance with the winch rope. But when you start adding bulk like these 2 designs, the pricing/weight goes up and you are near the territory of a full bumper. IMO, wait and save the funds if you really want a full bumper or if you prefer a more clean stock look, stick with HWM or US offroad.

 

They aren't co-linear, no. BUT I can personally attest that they will snatch a 5,000 pound race truck out of frame deep sand and not even flinch.

I went and checked all the connection points and to see if there was any shift afterwards, and nothing moved even a little.

 

The weak point of these winch mount/bumpers is not the bumpers. The weak point is the Tacoma frame. Suggest getting a reinforcement to the frame end cap (picture below). It reinforces the bumper to frame connection.

 

I'm gonna have to revist those. The bumper did fine as is, but extra beef is never bad.

 

this is what i would like for a front bumper

 

The Brute Force Fab reinforcements are beefier. They don't list them on their website. You have to use the super secret handshake to get them.

 

That's some feedback I was looking for. Thanks!

Where can I find more info on these and perhaps a super secret handshake? Lol. Will those work with most aftermarket bumpers?

 

I was joking about the super secret handshake. I bought my US Offroad winch mount used, here on TW. The BFF reinforcements were part of the deal. I would imagine that they would fit all bumpers, but that's just a guess. Get ahold of BFF and tell them you want to buy them.

https://www.bruteforcefab.com/

 

can I ask what a fair price is for a used US offroad winch mount? looking at on right now but dont know whats a fair price. seems to be in decent condition. no dings or dents so he says and needs a repaint.

 

If you can get one to your doorstep for $300, that's a good deal. $350 would be an OK deal.

 

That's what I would say as well. $300-350

 

Picked one up! thanks for the input guys!

 

To the OP, Im very impressed with first impressions with the US offroad winch mount. Thing is heavy and the fab work looks great(Thickness of steel, welds). Cant wait to get it all mounted up!

 

US Offroad.... I’m really pleased with mine

 

Take your time cutting your plastic bumper. Here's a few tips. Before you remove your bumper, tape the bottom ~2" of the headlights and fenders with painters tape, to avoid scratches when you pop the bumper out of the clips on the ends. When you're cutting the bottom grill slot bars, just cut them all out. I tried to save as much of the bars as possible, and I cut, fit, cut fit, cut, fit... til I finally just cut them all out. Make sure you leave the 1/2" or so of the lower part of the bumper where it goes in behind the sides of the winch mount. The plastic goes behind the winch mount and there's pieces of angle iron welded on the back side that hold the plastic in place.

 

Major insight, I like it! Thanks Muddinfun. Im very curious as to what winch you are running with the mount?

 

I have a Warn x8000i winch that I test fit in there. I took the winch out before I buttoned everything up. I am 110% sure my alignment cams are rusted up, so I figured the weight of the winch mount and winch would throw the alignment too far out of whack and it would be impossible to bring back. I'm sure the weight of the winch mount changed the alignment a slight amount, but it's not adversely wearing the tires. I have collected parts to do a suspension lift with new OEM alignment cams and a bunch of other parts. I just need to get going and rip the whole front suspension apart.