Adding a Winch

[adventure_is_necessary]

Just spitballing some ideas for future upgrades for my rig. I do not have a winch, but I do have recovery points and tow straps. I was looking at my options as I have a unique from bumper setup that will only accommodate a traditional winch via 2in receiver mount if I add in the option of a 2in hitch on the front. I want to maintain this look but also be able to get out of most situations. To add the above option, we're looking at around $300 to add the 2in hitch to the front, plus the winch and mount. I have also considered either a come-along winch or a hi-lift extreme to use as a winch for alternatives. Had anyone used a come-along winch or a hi-lift as a winch? Opinions on the tree options? I have yet to see a need for a winch with what I have done so far, but I have a feeling that the time will come where I might need it in addition to my current recovery setup.

 

[TerryD]

A good come along rated high enough to extract a vehicle is gonna be about $350. I've used one quite a bit. It's not fun... I just bought a Warn 10-s Zeon winch for my Xterra. They sell packages with the receiver carrier and winch with the extended cables and are eligible for a rebate till Dec 30.

I've not used a high lift for a winch but I've used one enough to know it wouldn't be my first choice. You've only got about 30" of pull and if you don't have chain to pull with, most of that will just be taking up slack/stretch in your straps each pull.

FWIW, I have been considering ordering my rear bumper with the winch mounting to eventually add a rear 8k winch just in case.

One last thing. If you are out alone (bad idea but it happens) and get hung, you've got to hook the come along or hilift up, hold everything hooked up long enough to take up the slack, go take the vehicle out of gear and start cranking. You'll pull the length you can, put the vehicle in park and hope it sits, re-rig your lines, and repeat till free vs put the winch in neutral, hook up the cable, winch in gear, push the button and more or less drive out.

 

[soonersfan]

Using a high lift as a winch won’t get you far and will create a lot of frustration. I don’t know what kind of rig you have or bumper but is selling the bumper and buying one with a winch mount an option?

I would think if you are off-roading in areas where you might need a winch, having it mounted to a receiver mount could be a problem. It could mess up you’re approach angle and if you’re in the mud, it could be buried.

I’ve never thought about a come along as a winch. I suppose it could be done but it’s going to take up space you probably have other plans for and it would be pretty exhausting to get a vehicle unstuck this way.

I’ve only needed my winch probably a half dozen times but I was sure glad I had it when I needed it. If you offroad alone, I think it is a must. If you do moderate trails with friends, it’s probably not that important.

 

[vegasjeepguy]

I’ve only needed my winch probably a half dozen times but I was sure glad I had it when I needed it. If you offroad alone, I think it is a must. If you do moderate trails with friends, it’s probably not that important.

Agree 100%. I have actually never used my winch for self-recovery. The half a dozen times were mostly to recover people in automobiles who slid off the road in snow. The last time was to save a friend of a friend who took his Hyundai Genesis off-road to find a shooting spot and got buried up to his axles in the sand.

As with a lot of off-road gear, you get it because you might need it. And when you do need it might save you a great deal of inconvenience, money or even save your life. It also allows you to render assistance to some other unlucky bastard who wasn’t as well prepared.

 

[adventure_is_necessary]

I don't like the look of aftermarket bumpers. Can't afford one anyways. The receiver addition to my current setup isnt terribly expensive. Add a winch and receiver carrier and it's still cheaper than a winch bumper. It'll sit the same height as it would in a winch bumper and shouldn't really mess with approach angle. My lift is minimal and my rig won't be hitting any major trails. Just wanna be prepared for what could happen.

 

[soonersfan]

I don't like the look of aftermarket bumpers. Can't afford one anyways. The receiver addition to my current setup isnt terribly expensive. Add a winch and receiver carrier and it's still cheaper than a winch bumper. It'll sit the same height as it would in a winch bumper and shouldn't really mess with approach angle. My lift is minimal and my rig won't be hitting any major trails. Just wanna be prepared for what could happen.

Well having it is better than not having it. One other thing to think about if you don’t plan on leaving it on there all the time, is how you will wire it to your battery. Routing the wires can be a hassle depending on how you do it.

 

[vegasjeepguy]

If you do go the receiver mount option keep in mind that’s a lot of weight to be hauling around inside your vehicle when not in use. Also make sure it’s secure so it’s not bouncing around in the vehicle on the the trail.

 

[k9sar]

Have you looked into a hidden winch mount? You retain your original bumper.
Here's an example: https://www.ebay.com/i/222405789904?chn=ps

 

[soonersfan]

Have you looked into a hidden winch mount? You retain your original bumper.
Here's an example: https://www.ebay.com/i/222405789904?chn=ps

That is pretty slick. If you went synthetic, the fairlead would be even more low profile too.

 

[Anchor Mtn]

Just spitballing some ideas for future upgrades for my rig. I do not have a winch, but I do have recovery points and tow straps. I was looking at my options as I have a unique from bumper setup that will only accommodate a traditional winch via 2in receiver mount if I add in the option of a 2in hitch on the front. I want to maintain this look but also be able to get out of most situations. To add the above option, we're looking at around $300 to add the 2in hitch to the front, plus the winch and mount. I have also considered either a come-along winch or a hi-lift extreme to use as a winch for alternatives. Had anyone used a come-along winch or a hi-lift as a winch? Opinions on the tree options? I have yet to see a need for a winch with what I have done so far, but I have a feeling that the time will come where I might need it in addition to my current recovery setup.

A receiver mounted hitch is a good option for a lot of people:
1. It gives you the option to use the winch on the front or rear of the vehicle.
2. It can be left at home on a daily driver.... every pound you can save going down the road saves wear and tear.(and fuel)
3. It isnt a target for theft when its safe in your garage.

It does require you to be proactive with your recovery. If you think you might need it, you have to stop and put it on. Very often you wont be able to put it on after you are stuck. Also, you have to remember to take it with you!!
As much as we all would love to bail out on our 9-5 and travel the world full time, its just not in the cards for many of us. If your overland rig splits its time between trails and the daily commute, should it really be fully prepped for 10 days in the back country all the time? As much as you dream of winching your bosses car out of its front row spot, you probably shouldn't(until you are ready for the full time Overland Life).

 

[Hafaday]

If going this route.. Make what ever pulls as straight as possible to prevent possible twist in the hitch. Another thought is, You might be limited by how much the hitch can handle (tow capacity wise).

 

[Dusty]

Desperate times for desperate measures I've used two boombers and a long chain several times. It's a pain but it'll get the job done. I'm sure the high lift jack would be just as annoying. I've never seen a winch as cheap as $300 maybe you found a heck of a deal. I'd probably research that winch consider where your getting yourself into. Good luck


Rum Runner

 

[Trey5150]

I have a smitty bilt wench in an after market bumper. I highly recommend a wench over hi lift or come along. Being able to use the wench in the front or back is a great option especially if you are out alone and have limited anchor points! I would make sure to secure the wench while not in use. That thing flying around on the trails or in a vehicle accident would be bad!

 

[Mike W]

I have a smitty bilt wench in an after market bumper. I highly recommend a wench over hi lift or come along. Being able to use the wench in the front or back is a great option especially if you are out alone and have limited anchor points! I would make sure to secure the wench while not in use. That thing flying around on the trails or in a vehicle accident would be bad!

I find a wench handy also, but my wife just hates it when I call her "wench"... So I got a winch on the front and she is much happier.

I kid, I kid. I actually haven't used my winch much yet, but just put it on. Hopefully it saves my ass at some point.

 

[Trey5150]

I find a wench handy also, but my wife just hates it when I call her "wench"... So I got a winch on the front and she is much happier.

I kid, I kid. I actually haven't used my winch much yet, but just put it on. Hopefully it saves my ass at some point.

I just make the old lady pull on the front. Lol. I am not the sharpest tool in the shed!