Installed US OffRoad Winch Mount and Engo 12K

US OffRoad has a really good deal on their winch mount and Engo 12k winch combo. Actually, they've got a good deal in a package with lights, too.

The install is fairly straight-forward, although I found getting a lot of the plastic clips off to be difficult. Especially the small trim pieces under the headlights.

One thing to note with the Engi 12k is that the solenoid box won't fit as designed on top of the winch. You could mount the box remotely, but I chose to rotate it 90 degrees, and all the way to one side. It barely fits, and required some extra trimming of the bumper, to clear the remote's plug in. (Hidden behind the plate anyway)

I think I'll find a flip up bracket for the plate, even though the winch came with the wireless remote.

The wireless remote didn't come with installation instructions, but it's fairly easy to figure out. I took the time to splice the wireless unit and the remote wires, so I could use either.

I do have one warning...the wireless remote has some lag in both activating and decativating. So, when you press the button to move the winch it takes a second to start, and when you let go it takes a second to stop! (Be careful) The wireless remote itself is also very cheaply made, the on-off switch in particular seems like it could fall apart at any minute.

 

I like those winch mounts, sceptical about any "unknown " winch. They always seem to crap out at just the wrong moment.

 

Check out the bumper brace plates from relentless. Adds a little more strength to the winch mount for pulling.
http://www.relentlessfabrication.co.../05-tacoma-front-bumper-mounting-brace-plates

 

I did a little research, didn't find any horror stories and Engo fared pretty well in a comparison test from one of the off-road magazines.

I forgot to mention above, I also used Relentless Fab's reinforcement plates when installing the winch mount.

 

You must have been typing this at the same time I was replying. I absolutely added the plates!

 

Interesting about winch. Tell how it performs, and how it lasts. Hopefully times have changed for the smaller winch brands. Electronics have come a long way in the last decade.

 

My budget just can't handle spending that much on a winch, especially when it probably won't see all that much use. I don't wheel a lot, but occasionally take trips where it will be good to have. I'll make sure ops-check it, and repack the grease periodically/as needed.

When it comes down to it, pretty much everything is made in China. Even Warn, who assembles most products in the states, sources from overseas. The Engo and the Warn VR have the same 1yr/lifetime mechanical warranties. The Warn sure does look a lot nicer! Engo has a cheesy carbon fiber look on it; I'm glad it's hidden.

I'll make sure to post if it ever fails me.

 

All good points. Like you say, everyone outsources parts for profit.

 

Hello OP:

Please post a picture or 2 of the solenoid box mounted in/on the truck. Did you build a mount plate?

 

Looks good, I'm jealous. Hope it serves ya well

 

2yr old thread and OP hasn't logged in since Jan 2017.