If I was to get the Rugged Ridge XHD non winch mount, could i modify it later to accept a winch? I dont know how long it will be before I can get a winch, and im really dont want to drive it around with the cut out for the winch. Seems like that would be a good place to hold mud and water. any ideas/pics????

 

I have the winch XHD bumper w/o a winch and it looks fine. It has holes in teh winch plate so it would not hold water but mud is a different story. Even with mud in there it would not be that bad becasiue if you have mud in there you probably have it eveywhere else also. I would just get the winch XHD with the assumption that you will be getting a winch in the future. IMHO why spend the money and have to hack up the bumper later.

 

I'd get the one with the spot for the winch. It isn't sealed like a cup and mud will still get in there once you install a winch. You could use the storage space for a recovery strap on the trails till you get your winch..

 

Is this what you wanted for pics?

 

If you think you'll want a winch later, I would get the winch-ready bumper. Based on picture I have seen, it doesn't look bad without a winch in it.

If it bothered you, you could always make yourself a cover for the winch space and use the bolts on either side of the space to mount the cover.

 

yeah, thats what i wanted! thanks for posting. i think you guys are right...i should prolly just get the winch ready one and make a cover till i can put a winch in the hole.

 

Buy a hi-lift jack and throw it in the back and use the space in the bumper for a logging chain and tow strap. It will get you out of most mess' and you can save a little longer for the winch of your dreams. My $.02.

 

I ran this bumper without a winch for awhile. I don't think it looked all that bad and it will not hold water trust me. If you are considering getting a winch down the road I would just get the winch bumper now

 

heres my stubby before the winch

 

heres my stubby with no winch