Winch Options

[marathonracer4]

I finally have some cash to start putting into my 03 taco stepside xcab. I use the truck as my dd but also to get to some quite out of the way fshing spots here in maine were getting too stuck could equal some major trouble. I have been weighing out two options.

1) a warn 6000 portable- with a snatch block and line extention I think Id be all set. my only problem with this is the front reciever mount. How low does it hang? any pictures out there? I dont want it cutting ground clearance. Id be ok taking off the lower tupperware if need be.

2)the other more expensive option is a badlands bumper (or have one fabbed like it) with an 8000 in it. My concern with this is I'd have to upgrade suspension too. $$$$

3)Fabbed up bumper with a reciever in it takes care of some problems especialy if I could just throw in a small spacer on the front coils to make upf for just the weight of the bumper (if even needed)

What do you guys think?

 

[CYi5]

You can actually put a crossmember right behind the tupperware and have a 2" receiver protrude through it. I've also seen one truck who fit the whole winch behind his stock bumper and all that came through was the hook. Unfortunately i'm not at my home computer at the moment, so I can't share...but I do know it's possible!

 

[toyota_jon]

If it were me, i'd save up some cash get a real bumper and either have a 2" receiver built on if you want to be able to move your winch around or just hard mount it. I think a real bumper is better, when you're out wheeling it'll protect in case something happens. whether it's a trail obstacle or if you should accidentally hit a deer or something. I don't have an IFS truck so i can't comment on suspension sag someone else will have to chime in on that.

 

[marathonracer4]

thanks for the info I guess I still have some thinking to do!

 

[madizell]

Having seen and been involved in the use of "portable" (detachable) winches using receiver stations as a mount point, I would advise against it. The hitch will be subjected to strong side loads for which it was not designed (bending and breakage are quite possible and the lever moment can not be controlled enough to mitigate the problem unless you use two side by side 2" receivers, which creates its own problems trying to get parts to line up), the detachable mount has to be major stout to take the side strain, which makes it heavy (20 or 30 pounds is not unreasonable), getting it mounted and dismounted is a really big PITA, you still have to hook up the wires once it is mounted where you want it which can be challenging if your rig is floating away downstream, and if you are unfortunate enough to be stuck in muck or water, getting it mounted at all can be next to impossible depending on angles and depth of gunk you are stuck in, or proximity to really big rocks.

I would vote for a permanent and solid mount, new bumper or otherwise. Something about hoisting and mounting 100+ pounds of winch dangling 10 feet of wire while slipping and stumbling around in the dark is just not appealing anymore. I find that it is one of those ideas that sounds good on paper, but does not play out well in real life.

 

[lowenbrau]

I don't find that reciever mounts are all that practical. By the time you realize you need yours, the front of your rig is too mired to install it. If you install it ahead of time you rob too much approach angle.

I too recommend a good stout bumper and install your winch in it.

 

[toyota_jon]

I would vote for a permanent and solid mount, new bumper or otherwise. Something about hoisting and mounting 100+ pounds of winch dangling 10 feet of wire while slipping and stumbling around in the dark is just not appealing anymore. I find that it is one of those ideas that sounds good on paper, but does not play out well in real life.

I would agree with this as well. I seam to hear this quite often.

 

[alaskantinbender]

I would vote for a permanent and solid mount, new bumper or otherwise. Something about hoisting and mounting 100+ pounds of winch dangling 10 feet of wire while slipping and stumbling around in the dark is just not appealing anymore. I find that it is one of those ideas that sounds good on paper, but does not play out well in real life.

I agree. If you are ready for a winch upgrade, anti up and do it right.
You will be much happier in the long run, and safer as well.


Regards,

Jim