RRW hidden winch mount… How do you mount it?

Gossamer 1981 · Oct 3, 2022

I bought the Relations Race Wheels (RRW) hidden winch mount. The description said no modification required. So, how do I mount it with the transmission oil cooler right there? The truck in their picture doesn’t have the oil cooler.

YF_Ryan · Oct 3, 2022

Found this from a different bumper install instructions. Was curious, since never heard of a transmission cooler like that. It's actually for the Power Steering.

YF_Ryan · Oct 3, 2022

So yeah, either you need to make some spacers, or maybe hitup the manufacturer and see if they forgot them??

VicNic3 · Oct 3, 2022

Mount looks like the one I mounted today. You need the 2 pieces of metal to move the cooler back an inch or so. My mount came from Torque Engineering

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/hidden-winch-install.780040/

https://www.usoffroad.us/store/winch-mount-accessories/2016-tacoma-power-steering-relocation-kit/

metalmule · Oct 3, 2022

post by another member on the issues with the RRW mount.

ld.valhalla said: ↑

Here is the link to their site, and I'll also copy and paste the content of their website:

www.***********************/products/hidden-winch-mount-tacoma

The power steering cooling lines run in front of the radiator. I had seen other installation videos where other manufacturers provide a bracket to relocate them further back so that the mount can be installed over bolt threads where the crash bumper sits (crash bumper needs to be removed). During my first attempt, after spending several hours removing the bumper (it was my first time so there was a learning curve for me), i couldn't figure out how their winch mount was suppose to mount flush on those threads. I later found out about the relocation brackets. So emailed customer support, and said they would make brackets for me. It's a little suspicious that they have to make brackets. I would think they'd probably forgot to include them, and should have them readily available? Especially because this this is a "high demand product." But whatever, it took another week to receive them.

I emailed again asking if there's any thing else I should need before attempting a second install, tips, anything else I should know. They assured I was good to go, and that it should be self explanatory. Today, I gave it a go. Got down to the bracket install portion, and of course, I was going to need additional hardware. Not sure if this was on me. I thought I would be reusing factory hardware to mount this thing, but anyways, no mention that I needed to purchase bolts to secure the power steering lines to their bracket. When to local hardware shop, purchased the hardware. Continued with the install. What they didnt take into account is that the mount should've been a different size on the driver's side. It should've been longer, and not the same size as the passenger side. The problem is that the bolt I just installed hits another line (I'm not sure what kind this is, but it has a light grey jacket over it, and there's two). I attached the picture to it. So, I called it quits at that point. I wasted 2 days on this. I'm not one to be dramatic at all, and I really did my best to see if there's another way around the issues, but I was done. Other manufacturers take everything into account, and tell you what specific modifications the buyer is responsible for. I was surprised when I read RRW's description cause it seemed too easy. I figured I support a local shop. Should've followed that gut feeling. Sorry for the long explanation.

Here is what their website says. The part that states "Utilizes all existing OEM hardware - no special hardware needed to install" is completely false.

Due to the high demand for this item, please allow 1-2 weeks for production (laser cutting, bending, powder coating, and packaging. Please be patient as we strive hard to maintain the best quality in each process.

Maintain a low profile and mount a 9-10k lb winch to your Tacoma frame for use during your next weekend offroad adventure. This mount houses the winch in the most ideal location which optimizes space and placement.

We designed this kit so that you will NOT need to trim your plastic bumper cover. All you need to do is cut out a small hole for the fairlead entry/exit.

Specifications

• Design: CAD Designed with reinforced gussets throughout. Utilizes all existing OEM hardware - no special hardware needed to install.
• Material: Thick 3/16 inch steel plate
• Welding: Professionally MIG welded
• Compatibility: Fits most winches up to 10,000 lbs (we recommend Warn or Smittybilt)
• Weight: 20 lbs
• Finish: Sand blasted and powder coated in a satin black finish
• Make: Designed and made in Southern California

BENEFITS
• Does not require any cutting of the actual bumper, only a hole in the lower valance• Lightweight design means your front end will not be weighed down the way it would be by a large metal bumper
• Super rigid design has virtually no flex
• Mounting a winch is a must have upgrade for any serious weekend off-roader• Ideal for those wanting to keep the stock bumper intact for the best factory look• Cost effective way to properly mount a winch to your truck frame
• Low profile, most stealth way to house a winch• Comes already powder coated and ready to install
• Mount a 9-10k winch behind your OEM bumper• We designed this mount to place the winch at the most optimal location for ultimate function, to save space and to fit most readily available winches

Click to expand...

Gossamer 1981 · Oct 3, 2022

The relocation brackets were the ticket. Thanks y’all! RRW did include them, but no directions or what they were for. Had it not been for this message board I’d never had figured it out.

Gossamer 1981 · Oct 3, 2022

VicNic3 said: ↑

Mount looks like the one I mounted today. You need the 2 pieces of metal to move the cooler back an inch or so. My mount came from Torque Engineering

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/hidden-winch-install.780040/

https://www.usoffroad.us/store/winch-mount-accessories/2016-tacoma-power-steering-relocation-kit/

Click to expand...

Thanks for showing me those. All the lights at home went on when I saw your post. The brackets and hardware were included.

backcountryj · Feb 20, 2024

VicNic3 said: ↑

Mount looks like the one I mounted today. You need the 2 pieces of metal to move the cooler back an inch or so. My mount came from Torque Engineering

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/hidden-winch-install.780040/

https://www.usoffroad.us/store/winch-mount-accessories/2016-tacoma-power-steering-relocation-kit/

Click to expand...

Super old post bump.
Did the power steering cooler relocation bracket you used come with your hidden winch mount as a kit from Torque? Or did you purchase that separately from US Offroad? The bracket only kit from US Offroad is out of stock currently.

VicNic3 · Feb 20, 2024

backcountryj said: ↑

Super old post bump.
Did the power steering cooler relocation bracket you used come with your hidden winch mount as a kit from Torque? Or did you purchase that separately from US Offroad? The bracket only kit from US Offroad is out of stock currently.
Click to expand...

Ordered them separately.

backcountryj · Feb 20, 2024

VicNic3 said: ↑

Ordered them separately.
Click to expand...

Thanks.

For others that may find themselves in need of a power steering cooler relocation kit, I sourced one from BAMF. As always, Jerry is the man.

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RRW hidden winch mount… How do you mount it?

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