I recently installed a Smitty 10k winch with synthetic rope and a Factor 55 Pro Link. Just wondering if anyone on here has ever thought about theft protection for either. It would be really easy to free spool out, as there is no way to lock the clutch, and just cut the Pro Link off. It is probably relatively easy to steal the whole winch as well. This is the first winch, and Jeep for that matter, that I've ever owned. I was looking at it last night and the thought of it being gone when I cam out of a grocery store crossed my mind. I searched the interwebs, and surprisingly, there is not a lot out there concerning winch security. Any thoughts?

 

Have never put one thought in to someone stealing my winch, shackles, thimble or whatnot. Sometimes you just have to throw caution to the wind and hope for the best......or don't leave those items on full time which seems like a hassle. Outside of tack welding the bolts, or welding some cover over the bolts, not sure there's much you can do. Same with the Factor 55.....not a whole lot you can do outside of just don't leave it on. Most people interested in that are part of the same community, and are more likely to help you out than steal your stuff. That said, there's always gonna be bad people out there.

 

Factor 55 makes a special nut to help prevent theft of the winch. I refrain from putting fancy jewelery out on the front of the jeep to catch anyone's eye.

 

Yep, here it is and what I use on mine.

 

That bolt looks like it would work real well, but I can guarantee I would lose the key to it in a few weeks and I'd have to grind/cut/drill it off. Maybe I'll just tack weld one of the bolts. I hate having to think about things like that, but hey, it's the world we live in...

 

Some bumpers make it impossible to remove the winch without pulling the bumper. Case in point- Genright's front (not the fusion series). Other manufacturers may be the same but I don't have experience with all bumpers.

 

I look at it this way, if someone undoes my 85lb winch, pulls it off, and walks away with it, they can have it. They deserve it if they're that dedicated.

 

This is very true, I have a genright aluminum front. Getting that winch plate in there is pretty fun.

There is still access to the bolts but it would be tough to break em loose.

But I believe if someone wants it they'll get it. Just like locks, I've got half doors. It won't stop anyone from going into my jeep if they really want to.

 

this ^^^^

 

That's the one I'm currently using......