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Small Rear Winch in Bumper? Worth it?

5.8K views 19 replies 15 participants last post by  justin  
#1 ·
I'm starting to look at building up my base rear bumper (tire/jerry can attachment) that I got from Bronco Air and am running into a few questions on how to proceed... I'm going to tie my Class III Hitch into the bumper, and that gives me a nice piece of 2x2 to mount a winch plate to at just about the right height... The problem is that is doesn't give me all that much space behind the bumper. From looking at the low profile range of winches, it looks like I should be able to fit a 4000-5000lb winch, with the only modification being a remote linkage for the engagement lever.

So heres the question: If I can only fit a small 4-5000lb-ish winch inside the rear bumper, is it worth it? I'm not going to chop up the bumper because its a BA bumper, and I paid good money for it to look nice. My thoughts are: that it would still be a nice attatchment place; it would still pull smaller vehicles on it's own; I could use it for pulling things up on my flat-bed trailer; or I could just use it sort of a place to keep the wire to brace the truck from the rear if I'm using the front winch (going to get a 10-12k for up front). Also, I can get a smaller winch pretty cheap ($150-$350).

Thoughts?


Don

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#2 ·
You could do alot more with that little winch then you think especially when
you add snatch block(s).

Ive seen that size pull out stuck fullsize trucks even with a single line pull.
 
#9 ·
I understand what your saying... But, at least redbeast, didn't read the whole post... It's a probably 4-5k winch or nothing. I know it won't pull much, but for the price, I figured it was better than nothing. I'll have to see exactly how much room I have, then start shopping around for specific winches that will fit... Maybe I can find one that is really low profile.

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#10 ·
I read what you posted, I was just saving you a headache. IMO anything less than 8k and your throwing money away, just a fact. I understand about funds being limited!! If you cant aford a big enough winch then keep saving or buy a chain lever hoist winch. The lever hoist winches can be had used for 200 buxs or less on ebay in the 6 ton range. They are big, bulky, and heavy but they will work when nothing else will. A bonus is they are portable!! I have a few and have used them countless times over the years. Even pulled out a tractor burried to the pan once with my 6 ton.

You might also try one of the Harbor Freight winches. Others here have bought them and IIRC they are cheap but slow. I couldnt aford a new 8274 warn so I bought a used one off ebay and rebuilt it. Its like new and I probley have under 6 in it now. I just hate to see anyone waste money, only trying to help. Good Luck.
 
#11 ·
Just chiming in. I thought Chris at Broncoair said theirs was going to be capable of using up to a 9000K winch out back. Did they change the size? Plus a rear winch on the back is the way to go especially if your out alone & get stuck nose first against a rock or tree or something! :thumbup -Kevin-
 
#12 ·
I have a 8,000lb Champion mounted to a plate that hooks into my stinger. I can move it from front to back and then use battery quick connect/disconnects as needed. Has come in handy several time.

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