Undercover Winch Mount Install

You know I thought that initially as well, but like I said in one of my posts above, I think when you factor in someone else's time to figure out all the tolerances, laser cut the components and weld them all up in a nice consistent manner, combined with the fact that any other typical winch bumper for our trucks range from $700.00 and up typically, this is really not a bad deal. I think the mount has plenty of "meat" behind it and is by far plenty beefy for our application! In all I am very pleased with the mount, and the install. Its great, I walk by my truck and smile, because unless you are paying attention you don't even know its there! (the give away is the winch rope peeking out from under the license plate. )

 

Made a few updates today... Put the Circuit Breaker (CB) Assy in a small box just to cover the exposed contacts up and just clean up the look under the hood.

Pictures attached

 

Had to do some minor bumper trimming in order for the Winch disengage to swing around. Once the grill is back on you don't notice unless you look real close at an angle.

Pics attached.

 

Had to use the mill and do some minor clearancing on the winch disengage handle.

 

Looks great! Wish these were availible for first gens

 

Thanks!

I suspect it could be done, but I think in order for them to do it, they may need a doner vehicle for the R&D part and possibly a list of others on the TW list who may be interested to see if there is enough jutfication to get it going.

 

Very nice! I like the stealth look. Also like the spring-loaded idea with the license plate bracket. Another great thing I like about it is that you could probably add a bull bar to it for added protection and cosmetic appearance. Also, thanks for the great pics! IMO, it is easier to look at how it is assembled with pictures, than to read about it.

 

Only thing i have ever seen bull bars do is multiply damage, probably 90% of the trucks that come into my shop that have them have added damage from the driver hitting something and the bull bar gets smashed into the front bumper.


On another note, OP, great write up, i have already started saving to do this mod. Cant wait.

 

I might be one of the few that think $400 is a bargain for this. By the time you do all of the engineering, buy the steel, cut/bend/weld - and hope it fits (if not, do all of this over again), I'm not sure you can do it yourself much cheaper.

 

Jason, thanks for that info! I have been going back and forth between the bull bar option and a brushguard option. Not sure which one to get. However, with what you said, I am leaning towards the brushguard option. Thanks!

 

Love these.

But love steel bumpers better

 

Well as I indicated in the first post my plan was to use a "swing up" method for the License Plate. As I originally posted I thought I would get like a 1970's style spring loaded license plate bracket.. Well I wasn't having much luck with that plan so I decided to take a more conventional route, and use hinges.

At first, I was going to attach it and use a method like a wingnut to hold it down, then it dawned on me.. "Friction Hinges!!". I remembered a buddy of mine used them to hold a panel on his jeep. So a quick search in McMaster Carr... Wala! 3 days later and I have it mounted.

So I needed a way to stiffen and shim the hinge mount point so used some aluminum strapping. The only issue I have is that I can't weld aluminum. (Or better way of putting it is, my welder doesn't weld aluminum well). I would have loved to be able to tack the strapping together so it was one piece, but I settled with it the way it was... (for now..) ;-)

The Hinges I used were: McMaster Carr Part

[FONT=&quot]2[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]1791A44[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]Adjustable-Friction Hinge, 200 lb Cap, 1-11/16" H Leaf, 1-7/16" Width, Black[/FONT]

It turned out pretty good. The hinges worked really nice and at a glance you wouldn't really notice. Flip it up and it stays!

I think this UCWMS is complete!

 

Anyone have any idea if an avid light bar would work with one of these?

 

OP, just a heads up.... you may already know this, in which case, disregard, but if you don't, make sure to properly spool your new synthetic line before you use it for an actualy recovery. google/youtube how to spool synthetic line, and you will get a bunch of good information.

 

Good to Know, I will look into this. Initially I spooled it basically holding it tight and ensured that there no gaps between the winds so hopefully that will do it. I will verify..

Thanks again!

[EDIT:] Found an article that describes exactly what I did with mine so I am probably good:
[FONT=&quot]
"...Since nearly every electric winch has an internal drum brake the drums can generate heat and damage synthetic rope. Master-Pull includes a heat protector sleeve that slides over the rope to keep the first layer of rope from being damaged by excessive drum heat.

Spool the rope on neatly and using hand tension, unlike cable it is not required to spool synthetics on under tension since they will not kink. Make sure the rope goes all the way across the drum and back to get the most rope per layer. [/FONT]

[FONT=&quot]By spooling on neat you will be able to fit the maximum amount of rope per layer and the winch will be able to work more effeciently if it doesn’t have to pull extra layers.[/FONT]

[FONT=&quot]Following these simple steps will keep your synthetic winch line performing at its best for years to come... [/FONT][FONT=&quot](Spooling Synthetic Winch Line | Pro Pickup n.d.)[/FONT][FONT=&quot]"[/FONT]

[FONT=&quot]Reference:[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]Spooling Synthetic Winch Line | Pro Pickup
N.d. http://www.propickupmag.com/spooling-synthetic-winch-line/, accessed August 3, 2012.[/FONT]

 

what it boils down to is that instead of spooling it neatly, like wire rope, spool it in a criss cross patern (while under load of course). this keeps the tentioned portion of the line from working it's way down towards the drum through the loser wraps.

 

I would imagine it would work just fine, looking at his pics of the mounting location, the avid should still mount with no problems. And the winch should work without the avid getting in the way. If there ever comes a point where i can afford the mount and the winch i plan on purchasing both, and with no concern as i already have a avid light bar on my truck.

 

Thanks for posting this! The pictures were awesome! I really want one but I can't justify spending that much money. :/

 

sub'd

 

Glad you like it... I think pictures are worth a 1000 words.. ;-)