Hidden Winch Options for 2.3L - Lobo vs RC vs ???

[KreeHBronco]

I am planning on installing some version of a hidden winch on my on-order 2026 Bronco Badlands with the 2.3L and manual transmission and capable bumper. It has the Lux package so it has the 360degree camera and ACC. I really want to keep all the sensors in place if possible. Also, where I live (Bay Area of CA), there is quite a bit of theft so I really want to keep a winch out-of-sight as much as possible. I am even considering adding a license plate holder that hides the winch fairlead. I have already purchased a Warn Zeon Platinum 10K on sale. It is fully controlled via a wireless remote, including the free-spooing feature so having access to it is not needed. I am hoping to now have to reloate the solenoid/control but I may have to. Not surprisingly, most solutions out there are for the 2.7L not the 2.3L. My question for those Bronco 2.3L owners who have gone with a hidden winch solution, what brand did you go with ... Rough Country, Lobo or some other brand and if so, are you happy with it or would you not recommend it. Any advice is appreciated.

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[Squatch]

I have the Rough Country and it suits me just fine. There is a really cool one by Hammerbuilt, but it needs a high mount intercooler and a specific type of winch.

Mine fits with no relocation, aftermarket CVF thicc intercooler, and CVF charge pipes.

(2.3, 7MT)

 

[KreeHBronco]

I have the Rough Country and it suits me just fine. There is a really cool one by Hammerbuilt, but it needs a high mount intercooler and a specific type of winch.

Mine fits with no relocation, aftermarket CVF thicc intercooler, and CVF charge pipes.

(2.3, 7MT)

Thank you for the info!! For the RC, did you have to relocate your solenoid/control?

 

[Squatch]

Thank you for the info!! For the RC, did you have to relocate your solenoid/control?

No, it's in the normal position. I have a Smittybilt X20 Gen3 12k in there and pretty sure your Warn will be okay but look up the specs if you want to be sure.

 

[KreeHBronco]

No, it's in the normal position. I have a Smittybilt X20 Gen3 12k in there and pretty sure your Warn will be okay but look up the specs if you want to be sure.

That is good news!! Did you install yourself or have someone else install?

 

[Squatch]

That is good news!! Did you install yourself or have someone else install?

I did it all myself. Lifting the winch into position with the plate and bolting it in is a bit wonky for one person, though.

 

[dgorsett]

I am planning on installing some version of a hidden winch on my on-order 2026 Bronco Badlands with the 2.3L and manual transmission and capable bumper. It has the Lux package so it has the 360degree camera and ACC. I really want to keep all the sensors in place if possible. Also, where I live (Bay Area of CA), there is quite a bit of theft so I really want to keep a winch out-of-sight as much as possible. I am even considering adding a license plate holder that hides the winch fairlead. I have already purchased a Warn Zeon Platinum 10K on sale. It is fully controlled via a wireless remote, including the free-spooing feature so having access to it is not needed. I am hoping to now have to reloate the solenoid/control but I may have to. Not surprisingly, most solutions out there are for the 2.7L not the 2.3L. My question for those Bronco 2.3L owners who have gone with a hidden winch solution, what brand did you go with ... Rough Country, Lobo or some other brand and if so, are you happy with it or would you not recommend it. Any advice is appreciated.

I have the RC. Very happy with it. Easy install once I mentally accepted cutting off the frame extensions which was easy too. I was pleased with the engineering and construction. I used a Rugged Ridge 9000, no relocation. Built a tool to operate the clutch. Full disclosure: I've never used it, but good piece of mind.

 

[TruckCamper]

Rough country is total junk. Can't reach the clutch. Poor design. Hangs low. Weak. Ours was ruined after 1 rocky trail.

Lobo is the strongest best design available. Not perfect but not junk

 

[KreeHBronco]

I did it all myself. Lifting the winch into position with the plate and bolting it in is a bit wonky for one person, though.

Looking at various options, I think the Vevor motorcycle lift may be the way to go. It provides an adjustable height platform on wheels and can easily lift the weight of the winch and any associated hidden winch metal supports/brackets. Yes it's about $70 on Amazon, but I am hoping to get it on sale for Black Friday!!

 

[Hummell]

Man, just bite the bullet and go Hammerbuilt. It's an awesome set up.

 

[toughtoaster]

I have RC and made a video on YouTube of the process to install. It’s taken some hits like a champ because I’m a noob off-roader, but it works. Trade offs is that you can’t really access the winch clutch unless you have long arms.

 

[PolyTect]

I'm in a similar boat. Looking for options to keep lux features as well. I've looked at Lobo and the RC and not really sold in either. There is a compromise everywhere. Maximus 3 has a removable option that has me interested. If you only plan to use the winch when going in trails, you won't have to have it on your daily drive.

 

[dgorsett]

Looking at various options, I think the Vevor motorcycle lift may be the way to go. It provides an adjustable height platform on wheels and can easily lift the weight of the winch and any associated hidden winch metal supports/brackets. Yes it's about $70 on Amazon, but I am hoping to get it on sale for Black Friday!!

I just used my little floor jack

 

[TruckCamper]

Don't trust anyone's reviews with a pristine undercarriage = poser street princess

What's the point. Save the money and save the weight

 

[Direvarg]

I have the lobo and I really like the quality, and I would totally go with them again if I did it over.
BUT: their business side of things sucks. Order arrived and half my stuff was missing. I had to spam their phone, email, facebook and Instagram for almost 3 weeks before I could get any sort of response. I bought the combo with the mishimoto intercooler and solenoid relocate and they never sent either of those. Told me to order the intercooler from manufacturer because they never sent it, said they would issue a refund but never did after 2 months of asking. The few times I did manage to get into contact, they said the solenoid relocate would be shipped the following week. They told me this 4 times over 2 months. Finally I had to get a refund from my credit card company for the stuff they didn’t send.
TLDR lobo makes really nice stuff but they have no idea how to run a business

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