Looking for Recommendations on Winch Options Cradle vs. Bumper Mount

[Roaming Robertsons]

I'm having a front bumper made and need to decide on a hard mount in the bumper versus a hitch and cradke mount winch. The cradle mount would be good so I could use it in front or back depending on the situation. But that means I have to store it, mount it during a tough situation, run cables, etc. A mounted winch is more convenient, unless you need it in the rear of course.

I know there are ways to use pulleys and what not to use a mounted winch to pull you backward but most of our trips are in the desert so there are no trees. I'm sure it can still be done but I don't plan on using it on a regular basis, it will just be for recovery purposes and we don't get real technical anymore. I actually never hope to use it but we do single vehicle camp often so it seems wise to have it available as an option.

Please share your experiences, opinions, and any information that could help me in the decision.

 

[Karma]

HI,
My winch is bumper mounted. I do understand the issue you are considering. I did too. I have a Warn 8274 winch and that sucker is heavy! I decided the weight of moving it around in a cradle from front to back was not within my capability. Also, I think it is potentially dangerous to my old body.

If it means anything, I have never run into a situation where I needed to winch out backwards, thank God! Yes, I think the need could arise but it's a low probability situation.

Sparky

 

[docb14]

I went with the Cradle/hitch mount. I have a 2004 ext cab half ton z71 with a warn transformer on the front and integrated front hitch option. My winch is a warn 9000i. I did not want the front hitch under the bumper because it would hang down to low in the front and the winch would sit low when mounted. Having the hitch integrated into the grill guard raises up the mount point. Overall it aids in approach angle. I went with this option due to the convenience. Yes the winch is heavy but i don't have far to carry it (front or back). I am not a serious hard core off roader but I hunt/fish, do yard work, have friends that get stuck, and wanted the security a winch provides. I keep the winch tucked in the ext cab so it is there when i need it. If i know i will need it, i put it on before i get into a situation that would not be easy to put it on. For example, before i leave the drive way and not when sunk in a whole or stuck in a rut. I love being able to pull from the front and the back. I have used it probably an equal number of times mounted on the front or back. I have backed up to a bush to pull it up and backed up to a ridge to pull up a stuck vehicle that slipped down. Also used a special hitch that allowed for a trailer hitch and the winch to be used at the same time on the back. Worked wonders to pull something onto an attached trailer. Also used on the front pulling me up or out of some where. Most of my pulls were straight. It is easy to see that the extent to which the winch sticks out when mounted could create excess leverage on the hitch. If you usually pull at sharp angles, a bumper mount may be best. If i am in that situation, i use a snatch block to redirect the force and not put to much of a side load on the hitch. Another reason i like the multi mount is the winch is out of sight when not in use, safe from those that might want to take it from me. It can also be transferred to another vehicle if needed. They say you should be mindful that most rear hitches are only rated for a tow weight of 5000lbs, but i have never heard of someone pulling their hitch off. Besides, some hitches say you can tow more with a weight distribution hitch attached. So i think the hitch rating is not too much an issue provided you are within reason (no 12,000 lb winch attached to a class 2-3 hitch). Long story short, the multi mount best fit my needs and uses. Also, running the power cables to the back was not hard.

 

[bfdiesel]

I have a cradle mounted winch. Mostly so that it can be pulled out and used on my trailer as well. I have a flat bed that a winch is really handy for loading things like dodges with broken tcase's. I also carry a deep cycle battery which also allows me to use the winch at the anchor point for pulling to the side as well.

 

[ldivinag]

i specifically want a hitch mounted from the beginning.

1. why bother driving around with an extra 100 pounds or so where it can get beat up with the weather.?

2. front or rear bonus. plus, i can mount it on another vehicle's rear hitch and use my homemade 25' power extension "cord" (of 1/0 gauge wire) if needed. plus, if i cant be within the stuck vehicle, i can remove the 350 amp connectors off my battery in a few minutes and put them on the other vehicle...

 

[Eric S.]

Permanently attached. Never know when you are going to need it and when you do it's usually not in a place you want to be trying to pack a heavy winch around.

 

[chasespeed]

BUMPER MOUNT. Having heavy vehicles, no other choice really... sideload a cradle enough.... and... things bend. Remember, most of the 5k ratings, are STRAIGHT on... not at the side...

I also try to make sure the winch mounts between the frame rails, or, worse case, right on top...

Chase

 

[bfdiesel]

I have no fear about side loading my cradle the frame rails on my truck are the weak link not the cradle or bumper.

 

[Chief_919]

If side loading is a concern, what I do is take the winch off, hook a shackle in the back and run a short strap to my truck. I have a 20ft extension, so I can run the winch away from the truck. Ends up rigged much like a come-a-long or hi-Lift used for recovery.

That actually often ends up working better for me anyway. Having the ability to use it dismounted gives me a lot more freedom to choose anchors.

 

[chasespeed]

I have no fear about side loading my cradle the frame rails on my truck are the weak link not the cradle or bumper.

Right, I wasnt necessarily refering to the cradle itself. More in reference to the loads put on the frame, and mounting points, more leverage with it being further out, AND, only having one attachment point to take the load.


Chase

 

[11b4v]

be mindfull, the cradle / hitch can break; albeit a rare instance.

Ive got one in the backyard where the stem broke/snapped in half. funny thing is that it broke behind the locking pin hole that you would suspect be the primary breaking point.