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Winch Mount and bumper

92K views 270 replies 57 participants last post by  Letterman52 
#1 ·
I have been working with Rocky Road performance on the possibility of mounting a winch on my WK2. They have had my car for a few days, and are designing some options that they are looking for my (and your!!) opinions on.

Originally I was thinking something real basic (just the fairlead sticking through the bumper), but after chatting with them, they want to build something more along the lines of this:


They have designed a mount, and are ready to build a prototype, but have some questions before they go all in. The thought is that they can do either type – just the winch mount, or the winch mount with the front cover (pushbar, d-rings, etc). The design would be relatively “advanced” to install – take the bumper off, cut the bumper, cut the frame cross-member, drill some holes, bolt the winch mount to the frame, etc….. The winch mount would replace the cross member (and likely be stronger than the factory one).

So – I told them I would gather some info on the interest in doing this.

1. Are you looking for a winch mount for your WK2?
2. Are you willing to cut your front bumper to install behind it?
3. Are you willing to cut the frame cross-member?
4. Do you want the winch mount on it’s own? Or with the bumper?

So – all in all lots of questions – the more info and the more discussion the better for them to decide if they want to produce and bring this to market!
 

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#169 ·
All done! - the warn M8000 does fit.
Where did you end up mounting the control box? And is your WK2 a 2012?

I found that on mine (a 2012) the diagonal support bars aren't in the same configuration as the pictures in the instructions and thus the mounting bracket for the solenoid box doesn't fit (it would normally bolt on using the diagonal support bolts). Additionally, the Warn box has the wires coming out of the bottom (the Smitty has them coming out a side I believe) so if I wanted access to the control port through the grill the wires would be pointed back at the radiator with little to no clearance. In the end I had to put mine below the bumper on the underside of the winch mount running all the wires through one of the holes in the bumper.

 

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#165 ·
Thanks for all of the updates and additional info. Glad to know the Warn M8000 fits. I wonder if a larger Warn would also fit?

Also, what about a "wireless" winch control? Warn makes one, but Smittybilt doesn't. However, I've seen "universal" wireless winch controls. I need to see if they will work with the Smittybilt.

As an option for the clutch access, I can elect to "not" use the clutch to free spool out. I'd just have to power the cable out. Just another option to think about.
 
#166 ·
rpoverland - your tow hooks don't look "stock". Did you do something special to install them?

My problem is, I "had" the stock tow hooks. But I installed a Roadmaster All Terrain II towbar kit, since I tow my WK2 with a motor home. The towbar connections replaced the factory tow hooks. Now I'm looking at how to also have tow hooks.
 
#167 ·
I compared the sizes of various winches. It looks like all of the below (I only compared these) would fit the RRO winch mount kit. All of these also have the control module that can be mounted where needed. Measurements are L x D x H

Smittybilt XRC10000 - 21.15" x 6.3" x 8.6"
Smittybilt XRC10000Comp - 21.15" x 6.3" x 8.6"
Warn M8000 - 21.04" x 6.3" x 7.6"
Warn VR10000 - 20.8" x 6.3" x 6.97"

I'm leaning toward the Warn VR10000s winch. Synthetic rope, an American company, I can use the Warn wireless control ($145) and a good brand. I can find it for $735, no tax and free shipping.
 
#170 ·
I have the smittybuilt. Can any of the guys who installed share how and where they connected to vehicle electric?

I would like to avoid any canbus issues.
 
#174 ·
To those who have the adaptive cruise control: it is possible to use the kit as it currently exists with a few minor modifications (drill some extra holes). I would wait until my recomendations are sent in and the kit is modified to include the necessary holes and the required hardware for it to work without the need for several trips to Home Depot. If you have questions regarding the install feel free to PM me. I will submit my full write up as soon as I get time to send it to Rocky-Road first.
 
#177 ·
For those of you have mounted these is it possible to reach the winch release by just popping the hood and reaching down between the grill? I'm almost sure I could get my hand down there. If not, I could cut a away some of the plastic between the grill and the front support.
 
#178 ·
I don't see any way, even with the plastic removed, of getting to the winch from under the hood. Maybe I am missing something but between the narrow confines, and the general stretch of the arm, it doesn't seem like it would work..... as a few of us have mentioned/tried - having a remote and powering the cable out seems to be the most logical solution.
 
#179 ·
Recently installed the RRO roof rack with all the add-ons, KC off-road lights, and the RRO super rock sliders. Now the RRO winch mount is on order. Also ordered a Warn VR10000 winch and wireless winch control. Based on the measurements, this winch should fit.

For the GC, I wanted a 10000 pound winch and have always had Warn winches. Besides, it's made in America (although not all parts are on the VR winches). I'm sure the Smittybilt is a fine winch.

I got the Warn VR10000 winch for $443 and the wireless winch control for $111. But I have to wait 3 - 6 weeks for delivery from Amazon. They BETTER not cancel the order!

Maybe within the next few months - the RRO 2.5" lift.
 
#182 ·
OK - More news in.....

Rocky Road is working on a number of new options, variations and features for the brush guard portion - with or without the upper bar, with or without light tabs, light mounts, and different light mounting options. They are also considering a "2.0" wider version of the brush guard. They will have some different examples to show off after next week so you can further customize your ride!
 
#184 ·
Your timing on this message was perfect!

I recently ordered the RRO winch mount and brush bar. I called RRO after reading your message and it was ready to ship in 2 days. After a little discussion, they confirmed new options will be announced soon. So I canceled the brush bar (for now). I would have been a little upset if I received the bar, then they announced new options.

Thanks jcarone (and RRO)!
 
#185 ·
I installed the winch mount, almost done, need to drill 6 holes and titghen all. Looking at the smittybuilt winch there is a connection to both the remote supplied and another control box, possibly an in cab hard wired controls.
Did anyone hard wired controls in the cab and if so what parts did you use?
 
#186 ·
Finished installing the winch mount and Smittybuilt winch. All in all the product looks and feels sound. I finished the instalation by putting on a laredo grill I had so there is no need to cut to many holes in the grill backpiece

.
 
#192 · (Edited)
I had looked at some of those clip-on style plate holders, but I threw that idea out, as I don't believe the rollers are completely exposed with the behind-the-bumper mounting method. It looks like those holders clip onto the rollers on either side.

I had found those mounts the other day, but deleted my post when I realized they would most likely not fit.

Am I mistaken?

EDIT: I'm exiting this discussion, as I am out of my depth in an area of interest that is not mine. Sorry for any confusion....
 
#193 ·
I had looked at some of those clip-on style plate holders, but I threw that idea out, as I don't believe the rollers are completely exposed with the behind-the-bumper mounting method. It looks like those holders clip onto the rollers on either side.

I had found those mounts the other day, but deleted my post when I realized they would most likely not fit.

Am I mistaken?
While I have a hawse fairlead on mine, I believe a roller fairlead would be completely exposed - it mounts on the outside of the plastic bumper facade.
 
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