The way I see it, if a winch is mounted on top of the bumper there may be an issue with blocking the air flow to the radiator. If the winch is mounted in a bumper that allows for lower mounting, there may be a issue with submerging the winch when crossing creeks.

I have a new winch but have not yet purchased a bumper. I am requesting the forum's vast wisdom concerning the pros and cons of a bumper that mounts the winch in a high position vs a lower one.

Thanks for the help.

 

Ive heard that above bumper is better for water. I've also hear that between the rails winch bumpers aren't as strong. Don't know if I buy into that or not. I do feel like between the rails offers more impact protection for winches. As for the air-flow issue for above the bumper, I feel it is a non-issue unless the winch is directly up against the radiator its self. In other words, air will flow around the winch and still get to the radiator.

Also worth considering is the fact that troubleshooting a winch in a between the rails bumper will be a bit more of a challenge because it is surrounded by bumper.

FWIW, I'm preparing to by as Poison Spyder Brawler Lite which happens to be above the bumper.

Good luck in your choice.

 

I have a fab four bumper. My Warn 9.5SI sits low between the frame rails. The last comment brings a good question about troubleshooting a winch problem but I prefer to have a steady pull forward with no downward pressure due to the winch setting up high. I have had no issues with getting it wet. If the water gets that high, you will probably have other issues with the fan hitting the water etc. My 2 cents worth.

 

I prefer in the bumper. Looks way better and doesn't obstruct airflow into the radiator. As for the water crossing concern mine is waterproof and your only talking a few inches difference anyway. I do agree that above the bumper is much easier to get to if there is a problem

 

Agreed. water from crossing a stream should be no worse than a car wash or heavy rain/snow.

 

We designed our bumpers to mount the winch down low between the frame rails. We did this for two reasons:

1. More airflow to the radiator
2. Engineering wise its also the stronger option, the lower mounting position keeps the forces created while winching in-line with the frame.

 

I know this is an old thread, but can anyone elaborate on this?

Does a winch block enough wind from the radiator to cause a difference?


I am torn between two bumpers - One is a top mount and one is a between the rails mount. Looks are very similar between the two, but I like the top mount slightly more and it weighs less. I plan on buying a waterproof winch, so I am not worried about water crossings.

 

Nothing to add... Anybody?

 

I have the PSC Brawler Lite on my 2dr JK with a Warn 9.5ti mounted. Through out Chicago city driving, highway driving, two winters and one summer, deep water holes (winch and bumper totally submerged) Winch still works and my engine has never over heated. The only time my 3.8L engine hits 215 degrees (F) is when it's sitting in heavy slow going traffic and the fan always kicks on and reduces the temps. This is exactly how it happened before I ever mounted my bumper and high mounted winch. Bottom line, I notice no difference in performance.

I chose my bumper/winch set up so that I can easily access the entire winch while on the trail or in my garage whenever I want to, without having to put my hand down in an enclosed structure. I felt this made it easy to work on/remove if I ever had to. But I've never had experience with an AEV type front bumper to comment if it is difficult to fully access the winch if I had to.

 

I have mine mounted in the bumper between the frame's two front beams. It's an ENGO winch and a LoD bumper. The winch is mounted on a very thick plate, not the bumper, and this keeps the line pull aligned with the frame. So, in terms of force vectors, this is the best location, as already highlighted by other members.

As for airflow, no issues since it sits out of the way. However, I have two Hella Rallies in front of the radiator and did not see any difference in temperature before and after. I have a coolant gauge so it's not a "feeling". I can actually measure it. So, I would not worry about this one.

As for access, it's a good point but the LoD bumper has plenty space for me to access the winch if needed.

One thing I consider important is the protection this mounting option provides. The winch and the line are well protected against impacts.