12k Winch Comparison: Pull Strength, Pull Speed, Power Amp Draw

[nolimits]

Wiring aside, what considerations are needed for putting a winch on the rear? How much trouble would it be to remove when not in use? (E.g., remove for the winter, reinstall in the spring.)

I’ve not done a hitch mount but heard mixed opinions on them.

If you got fab skills or beer to pay a buddy with fab skills, I would prefer something like this. Also including the front bumper video for fun.

I can’t remember her username but there is a girl on here that has an APG rear winch setup that isn’t as custom but somewhat similar to this one.

Sponsored

 

[SierraBronco]

Use a cradle that goes into your 2" hitch mount. Use Anderson connectors for power. You can either make an extension cord or run permanent cables. I'd go for an extension cord you can drape along the side of your Bronco. Use hooks to hang it.

This was always my preferred winching setup for fullsize pickups. Just a hitch mounted winch that you could put front or rear when needed. But there's just not a whole lot of room in the Bronco compared to a pickup with an 8' bed, and I really didn't want to have one bouncing around the cab. So hard mount it is.

 

[nolimits]

Great job
Now how bout us 10K winchers

I will try to find some time to compile something.

 

[SierraBronco]

I’ve not done a hitch mount but heard mixed opinions on them.

If you got fab skills or beer to pay a buddy with fab skills, I would prefer something like this. Also including the front bumper video for fun.

I can’t remember her username but there is a girl on here that has an APG rear winch setup that isn’t as custom but somewhat similar to this one.

I absolutely love that front bumper. I want to say someone quoted it as being ten grand or something crazy. So maybe I don't love it that much.

Is the girl you're referencing Mrs. Sierra Bronco? Because she does have a similar setup with an APG mount.

 

[CalvinT]

This was always my preferred winching setup for fullsize pickups. Just a hitch mounted winch that you could put front or rear when needed. But there's just not a whole lot of room in the Bronco compared to a pickup with an 8' bed, and I really didn't want to have one bouncing around the cab. So hard mount it is.

There's also the problem with the spare tire. You'd have to remove it to get clearance for a hitch mounted winch.

 

[nolimits]

I absolutely love that front bumper. I want to say someone quoted it as being ten grand or something crazy. So maybe I don't love it that much.

Is the girl you're referencing Mrs. Sierra Bronco? Because she does have a similar setup with an APG mount.

Well MF’er….maybe. <\ Samuel L Jackson voice>

In my head I had separated y’alls build from the other one but maybe I got it mixed up. I don’t recall the other one being as extensive but maybe you did the rear bumper before the rest. It looks similar but assuming there was 2 then they would be the same bumper. Unfortunately my list of cool chicks that drive bad ass Broncos is pretty slim, lol.

When I talked to Stellar back in January this was a ballpark quote they gave me. I’m Midwest so the distance thing to CA was a deal breaker for me. Tried finding someone local but they were all scared, lol.

 

[SierraBronco]

Well MF’er….maybe. <\ Samuel L Jackson voice>

In my head I had separated y’alls build from the other one but maybe I got it mixed up. I don’t recall the other one being as extensive but maybe you did the rear bumper before the rest. It looks similar but assuming there was 2 then they would be the same bumper. Unfortunately my list of cool chicks that drive bad ass Broncos is pretty slim, lol.

When I talked to Stellar back in January this was a ballpark quote they gave me. I’m Midwest so the distance thing to CA was a deal breaker for me. Tried finding someone local but they were all scared, lol.

Hoo! So that number must’ve been for both bumpers and winches front/rear.

I’m sure there are other lasses out there that have rear winches. It’s funny-when we first started accessorizing the bronco she was terrified of simply pulling a panel. Now if there’s an accessory that requires the use if a cutting wheel she has dibs.

 

[swooshdave]

The one thing I know about my winch is that it's never had to be used yet and so far it's been 100% effective at that.

 

[Docindahouze]

What’s the consensus on running roller vs hawse fairlead? And is it safe to run a roller with a synthetic cable or is steel cable only to be used with roller? Thanks.

 

[swooshdave]

What’s the consensus on running roller vs hawse fairlead? And is it safe to run a roller with a synthetic cable or is steel cable only to be used with roller? Thanks.

My understanding is rollers are for cables. I would use it with synthetic because it may/will get caught on the rollers.

 

[nolimits]

What’s the consensus on running roller vs hawse fairlead? And is it safe to run a roller with a synthetic cable or is steel cable only to be used with roller? Thanks.

My understanding is rollers are for cables. I would use it with synthetic because it may/will get caught on the rollers.

I have heard of guys running rollers with synthetic but I’m not comfortable with it either. Seems like an opportunity to pinch synthetic rope exists. If you were to try, I would make sure it’s new or filed down really well. Small cuts and nicks naturally develop on rollers when used with steel cable and would thrash your synthetic line.

Also I like the smaller size and minor weight savings of a hawse fairlead. Plus most winch manufacturers ship hawse fairleads with their synthetic versions so the path of least resistance and cost is to use what is free (well included in the price of the winch).

If using steel rope you can use a steel hawse fairlead but should stay away from aluminum as it’s too soft of metal to handle steel cable.

Another option for the synthetic crowd is eliminating the hook altogether and running a hawse fairlead like this:

 

[SierraBronco]

I have heard of guys running rollers with synthetic but I’m not comfortable with it either. Seems like an opportunity to pinch synthetic rope exists. If you were to try, I would make sure it’s new or filed down really well. Small cuts and nicks naturally develop on rollers when used with steel cable and would thrash your synthetic line.

Also I like the smaller size and minor weight savings of a hawse fairlead. Plus most winch manufacturers ship hawse fairleads with their synthetic versions so the path of least resistance and cost is to use what is free (well included in the price of the winch).

If using steel rope you can use a steel hawse fairlead but should stay away from aluminum as it’s too soft of metal to handle steel cable.

Another option for the synthetic crowd is eliminating the hook altogether and running a hawse fairlead like this:

This is what I like. Cut the hook off, loop in a brummel lock splice, and hook it on to the fairlead. The rope is protected from rocks, you can use the loops to lock the rope in the event it bundles up and flips direction, and you have eliminated a hard projectile when using soft shackles. (I cringe at the thought of hard shackles/hooks between two ropes. No bueno)

We have them front and rear. (Have since cut off the red handle thingie. It was always tucked in but we actually used the winch that day and didn’t put it back. Not sure why I even left it on there )

 

[popo_patty]

I’ve not done a hitch mount but heard mixed opinions on them.

If you got fab skills or beer to pay a buddy with fab skills, I would prefer something like this. Also including the front bumper video for fun.

I can’t remember her username but there is a girl on here that has an APG rear winch setup that isn’t as custom but somewhat similar to this one.

The owner of that bronco was in my group! Seen it in person and it’s crazy clean. Unfortunately it’s never seen dirt

 

[nolimits]

This is what I like. Cut the hook off, loop in a brummel lock splice, and hook it on to the fairlead. The rope is protected from rocks, you can use the loops to lock the rope in the event it bundles up and flips direction, and you have eliminated a hard projectile when using soft shackles. (I cringe at the thought of hard shackles/hooks between two ropes. No bueno)

We have them front and rear. (Have since cut off the red handle thingie. It was always tucked in but we actually used the winch that day and didn’t put it back. Not sure why I even left it on there )

Any issues or concerns with UV exposure on the exposed portion of the rope?

I got my Factor 55 Flatlink E in with rope guard the other night. I was second guessing that decision and thinking I should have leaned this way instead.

That’s a pretty good chunk of metal that could fly at my head. Plus it’s a dark red metallic color instead of “Warn bright red”. I may not even see it coming, lol.

 

[SierraBronco]

Any issues or concerns with UV exposure on the exposed portion of the rope?

I got my Factor 55 Flatlink E in with rope guard the other night. I was second guessing that decision and thinking I should have leaned this way instead.

That’s a pretty good chunk of metal that could fly at my head. Plus it’s a dark red metallic color instead of “Warn bright red”. I may not even see it coming, lol.

Nah. Not worried at all. If it breaks it’s easy to retie. But that’s a good point.

Sponsored