So I'm at the point where I'm looking at acquiring a winch. I know I need one but my problem lies in how to mount it. I'd like to have it on a hitch receiver plate and make my own bumper w a receiver built into it, that way I can easily winch myself forward or back by moving the winch. OR.....I can just buy an already made bumper that accepts a winch, have the winch permanently mounted in the front, and be done with it. I'd like to get some input from the more experienced rider as to whether or not the ability to move the winch forward and aft holds a big advantage on the trail. The biggest plus side I can see is that if I were to make my own front bumper with built in receiver, I can cut the frame horns and make my bumper almost flush with the front of the front tires, giving me an almost 90* approach angle. You guys have been good to me so far, let's hear what y'all have to say about this. Thanks!

 

I only have known one guy who used a receiver-mounted winch. And it was so heavy that when it came time to winch we'd use someone else's vehicle rather than fuss with mounting it. Of course, "someone else's vehicle" may not be available in a given situation. But don't kid yourself: You are unlikely to use it if there is another option.

 

I would have to agree with Mark.

While I don't know anyone with a hitch mount, having a winch, I know how heavy that thing really is. Even if you get synthetic line, by time you add the hitch mount you are easily talking around 100 lbs. (or more). I also find, that I use my winch more for recovering others, than actually using it for myself. I have found a come-a-long very helpful when stuck if I need to go backwards. Obviously it doesn't work if you are really buried in the mud, but there is always a situation you can't get out of on your own. Also, 94 - 100 feet of cable or synthetic line that comes with your average winch is much much longer than you actually think it is, you really can reach out and grab on to things. They also make winch line extensions and other accessories that make it much less of an issue.

Happy jeeping!

 

Haven't used one on the Jeep, but ran a front frame mounted receiver on my lifted dodge for a few months. Never used the winch off the rear, and the front reciever tube tended to dig in a too often. More trouble than it was worth.

These jeeps have better approach angles than a full size truck, so maybe it would be ok, especially if you are building it into the bumper up higher than mine was. Just make sure to do some measuring to see how far up/out the receiver itself will be sitting.

 

Curt makes a front receiver hitch for the JK. I bought mine from etrailer

Having a portable winch seems like a good idea at first but once you consider the space of storing it in your Jeep, possibilty of theft, the fact that you have very limited "side pulling" capabilities, pinched fingers from mounting it, etc, it quickly makes more sense to mount your winch on the front and carry a high lift for pulling from the rear.

 

The Curt, Hidden Hitch, and Draw-Tite front JK receivers mount above the crash bar.

 

Just remember that when you come to need it you maybe up to you tub in mud/water already. Now you need to lumber about with heavy equipment up to your knees/hips in crap and hook this sucker up. With a good recovery kit, snatch block and a few straps, you can accomplish the most things!



With water already coming through the doors I wouldn't have wanted to exit the vehicle in this situation.

 

Good deal. I knew you guys would have some good advice for me. Now the second checkmark comes in. I want to keep the factory fogs......don't really c anything aesthetically pleasing out there other than Rough Country's bumper with the additional stinger and D-ring mounts. Is this a viable option to just buy and install or should I design my own beast. I have access to a CNC waterjet and plasma cutting table and I'm a certified welder. Just a matter of supporting the industry or going DIY on this this thing. Went with a ACE rear bumper and tire carrier so kinda leaning to just buying one and bolting it on.

 

Does not seeing anything include Shrockworks? Their front mid-width accepts stock fog lights (and has tabs for two additional lights). They build to order, though some customization is possible. But that means long delivery times--think weeks or even months.

 

I agree with the cons that were posted.

A snatch block can reverse the pull direction, so a front mounted winch would pull backwards.