Receiver mounted winches - an idea.

[-JD-]

I've been considering this for a while. I really want to go with a receiver-mounted winch, but I do understand and am concerned with the side-pull issues.

Anyway, here is my idea.

What if the winch carrier and bumper(s) had (3) 2" mounts spaced maybe 8" apart. This should drastically improve the side-pull capability by distributing the loading.

Obviously, the bumper would have to be customized, but the winch carrier could be fabbed quite simply. I envision the outer two positions having 2"ID receiver tubes mounted on both the bumper and carrier so the 2" bars can be removed to allow the carrier to mount on a standard single receiver.

As a side benefit, the multi-receiver-socket bumper could be used with appropriately set-up cargo carriers and the like with much more stable results.

Any thoughts from you more experienced folks?

 

[BIGdaddy]

great idea. I don't see any reason for that not completely negating the
side pull issue. Its essentially what a permanantly mounted setup is, being
tied into frame horns with 1/4 plate, etc.

The weak point/fuse at that point would probably be the securing pins, but
those are known to be very robust...

-B

 

[Metcalf]

The only hard part is getting the two receivers square enough that you can easily slide the winch in and out.

One thing to think about with multi-mounts is the weight. It might be doable in the driveway, but in the muck, ice, on a hill, or other interesting situation it might be really hard to move that winch around.

I had a problem with this more than once on a friends truck. The winch rode in the rear 90% of the time, but when it came time to move it to the front it was always in a bad spot. Once I remember having to lift the winch up to face level to get it into the front bumper. It kinda sucked.

 

[BIGdaddy]

by the way, welcome, Mr. (im assuming) first-poster.

 

[762X39]

If I understand it right you want to use 3 - 2" receivers for the winch mount.This is probably way overkill but I know of a couple of people that have used a dual 2" receivers to mount a portable winch to.Build 3 - 2" receivers into your bumpers by all means (and make sure the brackets that attach to the frame are up to the task) and you shouldn't have any worries about side pulls and what ever.A portable winch is a compromise by definition and I wouldn't get too hung up about it.A snatch block or 3 is probably a better solution than a severe side pull under every circumstance so smart rigging may be a better way to go.

 

[-JD-]

great idea. I don't see any reason for that not completely negating the
side pull issue. Its essentially what a permanantly mounted setup is, being
tied into frame horns with 1/4 plate, etc.

The weak point/fuse at that point would probably be the securing pins, but
those are known to be very robust...
-B

Since the pins are used to handle 10K# trailers, i think they'll be GTG for winch loads on even an over-stuffed LJ Rubicon.

by the way, welcome, Mr. (im assuming) first-poster.

Thank you. I was invited over here from the Rubicon Owners Forum by Beowulf. I'm a newbie to both Jeeps and (soon) expedition travel. (We'll ignore that stuff I did in the rental Trailblazers ) I'm trying to work out as much as I can by thinking and research before I wrench.

The only hard part is getting the two receivers square enough that you can easily slide the winch in and out.

Since the two outside bars will be unwelded & floating a bit in the winch carrier receiver sockets, it should be easier. But point taken, I'll have to be very careful to have the bumper fab guys (or me if I'm retrofitting) get the alignment just right.

One thing to think about with multi-mounts is the weight. It might be doable in the driveway, but in the muck, ice, on a hill, or other interesting situation it might be really hard to move that winch around.

I had a problem with this more than once on a friends truck. The winch rode in the rear 90% of the time, but when it came time to move it to the front it was always in a bad spot. Once I remember having to lift the winch up to face level to get it into the front bumper. It kinda sucked.

Yes it is definitely a compromise! I can't see putting the wear and tear on the winch by exposing it all the time to the elements in the Northeast for the handful of days I might use it any given year. Keeping it off the front bumper 99.99% of the time also isn't bad for handling and vehicle wear and tear either. I also like the option to mount it in the rear, or even use it on a trailer or other vehicle.

I'm leaning towards the Superwinch EPi9.0S (http://www.superwinch.com/EPi9_0S_9_000_lbs.html) with the Synthetic line to keep the weight down. It is 69# + the carrier. But I may have access to a pre-owned but unused complete Warn setup with cables, carrier and basic recovery kit,

If I understand it right you want to use 3 - 2" receivers for the winch mount.This is probably way overkill but I know of a couple of people that have used a dual 2" receivers to mount a portable winch to.Build 3 - 2" receivers into your bumpers by all means (and make sure the brackets that attach to the frame are up to the task) and you shouldn't have any worries about side pulls and what ever.A portable winch is a compromise by definition and I wouldn't get too hung up about it.A snatch block or 3 is probably a better solution than a severe side pull under every circumstance so smart rigging may be a better way to go.

Another option is a side mount, and I'll consider that too. Either on the side rails or maybe even bumper ends. Hmmmm ...




Thanks for the feedback! It is helpful to reality check this stuff.

 

[Wes Craiglow]

"...an over-stuffed LJ Rubicon..."

"... (We'll ignore that stuff I did in the rental Trailblazers ) ..."

"... research before I wrench..."

"... fab..."

Sounds like an ExPo kinda guy.

Welcome, JD. Kee us posted on the build!

(And get some pics of your Rubi up over in the Jeep section! Sheez, what'rya waitin' on?!? )

 

[7wt]

The way I see it is the side load isn't so much a limitation of the bumper and where the receiver plug is but the leverage and strength of the plug it's self. You are putting a whole lot of stress on a 3" square tube that is rather long and unsupported. My guess (just a guess) is that no matter where you put the plug in winch as in left or right side of the bumper, if you put drastic side loads on it you will bend then plug, not the receiver.

 

[-JD-]

Sounds like an ExPo kinda guy.

Welcome, JD. Kee us posted on the build!

(And get some pics of your Rubi up over in the Jeep section! Sheez, what'rya waitin' on?!? )

Holidays, back injury, and mostly yuck weather have not exactly been solicitous of photography ... Besides, right now it is just a pretty stock rubi unlimited that the previous owner jacked up too far.

What it will be is still evolving in my mind ... I'll definitely post the build my build plan soon, once I have a few things worked out.

Thanks for the welcome.

 

[-JD-]

The way I see it is the side load isn't so much a limitation of the bumper and where the receiver plug is but the leverage and strength of the plug it's self. You are putting a whole lot of stress on a 3" square tube that is rather long and unsupported. My guess (just a guess) is that no matter where you put the plug in winch as in left or right side of the bumper, if you put drastic side loads on it you will bend then plug, not the receiver.

Using the 3 bars to couple the winch mount to the receiver will hopefully better-distribute any vertical/horizontal offset loads; addressing just what you point out.

Mounting on the bumper ends would be used for extreme side pulls, so that the load would be in-line with (in this case) a standard single 2" bar.

BTW, are you a philly local? I couldn't help but notice your avatar.

Cheers,

Dave

 

[7wt]

Using the 3 bars to couple the winch mount to the receiver will hopefully better-distribute any vertical/horizontal offset loads; addressing just what you point out.

Mounting on the bumper ends would be used for extreme side pulls, so that the load would be in-line with (in this case) a standard single 2" bar.

BTW, are you a philly local? I couldn't help but notice your avatar.

Cheers,

Dave

I see what you are saying. As for being a Philly local, not even close I was born and reared in the great state of Texas. I am just a long time fan. Stuart, RC's mom and a bunch of others carried through my awkward high school years in the early 90's. You a fan?

 

[-JD-]

I see what you are saying. As for being a Philly local, not even close I was born and reared in the great state of Texas. I am just a long time fan. Stuart, RC's mom and a bunch of others carried through my awkward high school years in the early 90's. You a fan?

Nah, not a fan, but in the Philly area for >80% of my life. Hard to miss the Milkmen when I was in college in Philly in the late 80's/early 90's, though.

 

[7wt]

Nah, not a fan, but in the Philly area for >80% of my life. Hard to miss the Milkmen when I was in college in Philly in the late 80's/early 90's, though.

I can imagine. I have seen them live in Dallas way back. Fun band live, that's for sure.

 

[R_Lefebvre]

I had an idea similar to this. An added benefit of having the 3 reciever tubes in the bumper is that you could just buy a pair of shackle mounting brackets (the type that slide into a reciever tube) and now you have two recovery points in your bumper too.

As far as alignment is concerned, there's lots of slop in the reciever tubes. Any fabricator worth his salt could get them lined up properly.

 

[skysix]

I've seen dual 1" receivers mounted directly to the frame front and rear on a Ford Ranger used in this manner - I'd guess with a full size vehicle dual 2" would be all you'd need. Having the mounts directly on the frame should enhance strength and resistance to damage from side loading as well as ease of construction.

He built the winch mount first, added the 1" hitch parts with 3/8" plate welded to the top of the female sections, then welded attached to the frame. Same at front. Slides in/out easily at both ends and still has the center 2" mount at either end for towing or 2nd spare (front) carrier...