So, what is your preference for front bumper winch mounting: Inside or Outside?

I like the look of winches mounted low in the bumper but how hard is it to access them for maintenance?

When fording, does the extra height of a bumper-top mounted help keep the winch innards dry?

Just researching selection criteria for new bumpers.

 

i got an outtie

 

I don't have either right now but I'll be picking up an "innie". Something bothers me about the winches on top and blocking airflow to the radiator. I'm sure there isnt an issue otherwise so many wouldn't run it that way but I don't like it.

 

Inside and as low as you can get it!

 

Because of the Desert out on the west coast innie and as low as you can get it! all the air the rad can get

 

This is why I ordered an "innie". Maintain airflow to the engine and coolers. Also, I felt it may be better protected as well as a bit more aerodynamic.

 

I don't have a winch YET but I just ordered an Evo 1/4#er so it'll be an innie once I order a winch

 

I went with the "innie" as well, for the same reasons of keeping airflow to the radiator & transmission cooler. I also figure it'd be a little more difficult for someone to steal if it's sucked down into the bumper.

 

I don't believe a high mounted winch blocks enough air into the engine to be any problem. I often cross streams in the Sierras and prefer a high mount to keep it out of the water. Because the bumper mounts to the frame and the winch mounts to the bumper, I don't think there is much difference in the strength of the winch location.

 

Innie, tucked away nicely in a Smittybilt Stinger bumper. I like the look of it tucked away in the bumper, looks "cleaner" for lack of a better term. But with that said, sometime I do wish it was a little higher for fording reasons.