Winch mounting options, 2009 E350

[djm68]

Hello,

My wife and I are planning a trip in the near future -- we'll be heading into the Cascades (Oregon) for a several days of camping. I'd like to mount a winch on our van, but my research suggests we'll need an aftermarket bumper upon which to mount the winch.

The aluminess bumpers are nice, but quite pricey and, despite their aluminum construction, are still rather heavy at 87 lbs. Ujoint bumpers are less expensive, much lighter at only 37 lbs, but only fit up to 2007 van, while my E350 is a 2009.

I do have the factory tow hitch in the rear, and I suppose I could use a trailer hitch winch mount, but that seems sub optimal to mount the winch in the rear.

Any other solution I should consider?

Thanks,
DJM

 

[CrabbyMcNab]

Have you talked with Chris at Ujoint? He might have some information

 

[djm68]

Have you talked with Chris at Ujoint? He might have some information

Hey Crab,

Figured Chris would chime in when he had a moment -- will ping him if I he does not add his thoughts to the thread.

Thanks,
DJM

 

[ujoint]

I don't have anything, but would love to do a hidden winch kit for the 08 up E series using the stock front bumper. I'll put it on my list!

There's plenty of room in there, so someone should be able to fabricate something from scratch.

 

[njtacoma]

These guys offer a "hidden" winch mount but it isn't very hidden. http://www.overlandspecialties.com/bumpers/?sort=featured&page=3

There is an additional picture of it mounted here : http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/91786-Hidden-Winch-Mount-Econoline-and-E-350

I also have this picture:

 

[djm68]

Great info, thanks. Price is a bit high on those, more than 1/3 the cost of Ujoints bumper!

Cheers,
DJM

 

[djm68]

I don't have anything, but would love to do a hidden winch kit for the 08 up E series using the stock front bumper. I'll put it on my list!

There's plenty of room in there, so someone should be able to fabricate something from scratch.

Hey Chris,

Will your bumper fit 2008+ E series?

Thanks,
DJM

 

[zmock8]

Quadvan has a hidden bumper winch mount. He is only one that makes them I believe.

 

[ujoint]

Hey Chris,

Will your bumper fit 2008+ E series?

Thanks,
DJM

Nope...

 

[Bbasso]

http://www.etrailer.com/fmr-2002_Ford_Van.htm
A little late to the party, how about this for a simple solution?