Lobo Off-Road Product Development Thread

[Raskew]

Both the HNT Hidden Winch Skid Plate and the HNT Front Bumper have been given their final tweaks and we should be done with our second round of prototyping soon. We'll share pics when we're done and mounting everything up, but here's a screenshot out of SolidWorks to show how they're looking as well as a non winch skid plate, and lights simulated within the HNT front bumper.

The HNT Hidden Winch Skid Plate has had a couple of small changes to optimize placement of the fairlead, some hardware changes and other minor tweaks. We've also incorporated an extra bend in the side-board of the skid to act as extra gusseting. We've been testing the mount here at the shop with some extreme-loaded side pulls, and we think we have one of the strongest winch mounting solutions available for the 6G Bronco.

On the HNT Front Bumper, we've incorporated several great ideas that we received from customers like you, such as tucking in the ends of the bumper a bit more, and matching the continuation of the fender's wheel opening better. We've also made some adjustments to better accommodate auxiliary light mounts, as well as some changes to the internal frame mounts. For a minimalist, high clearance bumper this thing has a ton of engineering and design work into it so far.

On a related note, we've added two more products to the "Wait Lists" on our website: a high clearance, HNT Winch Fairlead that will pair well with our Winch Skid, and a non-winch, light-weight Aluminum Front Skid:

If you're interested in either of those, please check them out on our website and get your name on the corresponding lists. So far all we have are some CAD renderings, but we'll be adding some prototyping photos soon.


That's it for now, thanks again for coming along on this ride with us!

will you have install video for the hidden winch plate for the 2.7l. Particularly showing the relocation of the inter cooler.

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[Lobo Off-Road]

If you use the winch skid plate on the factory modular bumper with a 2.7 engine, does the ACC have to be relocated? I’m asking because the consensus was that it needed to be relocated to be used with the Ford Performance winch plate, but I found out that was not true and the ACC still works perfectly. I’m going with this because it will solve the camera relocation issue, but it would be great if the ACC didn’t have to be moved. This will also allow me to turn the front parking sensors back on which is another bonus.

The only action that would need to take place, to install the winch skid with the modular bumper, is minor trimming to the plastic flap/ shroud for the intercooler. it does not interfere with the section that the ACC is located. Just the bottom of the shroud where it meets the bottom of the bumper.

 

[Lobo Off-Road]

will you have install video for the hidden winch plate for the 2.7l. Particularly showing the relocation of the inter cooler.

At the very least we will be providing detailed instructions with each kit.

 

[TrailRaider]

I'm local to you, relatively. If I ever get my Bronco, I'll be looking into reviews of your items. I like to support local business, and you are probably the most local to me at this time One of the first protection related items is to limit drill bit access to the fuel tank. I don't think the IE has seen to much fuel theft, but its better to spend the cost of a couple tanks worth of fuel beforehand rather than spend the cost of a fuel tank Second would be cat covers if they are exposed. Bumpers and such will come later, starting with a rear w/ bumper spare mount. I'm still months away at the soonest, without even a VIN, so plenty of time to see what ya come up with for various items and to see product reviews from the community.

 

[Lobo Off-Road]

Hey guys we are finished with R&D on both of our front skid plates, and since we haven't shown photos of the HNT Aluminum Front Skid Plate yet, we'll take a closer look at it in this post. Note that we have a non-binding waiting list for these on our website, if you want to claim a spot in the initial production run which will get underway very soon.

This skid follows our High-N-Tight design philosophy while also being light-weight, for those who value tough but clean, high clearance and light weight on the trail. This skid is made of 3/16" thick aluminum plate, and even with the steel skid/intercooler bracket it weighs in at just 14 lbs. 9 ounces (not including hardware).

We've taken every oppertunity available to tuck the skid up high for maximum ground clearance. Here's a comparison out of SolidWorks showing the HNT Skid versus the 3D scan of the stock skid that comes with the Mod bumper:

Now that's High N Tight!

This skid is compatible with the stock Modular steel bumper as well as our forthcoming HNT front bumpers. We have not tested it with the plastic bumper or the Capable bumper. Those whose Broncos came with the plastic bumper that comes with the tow loops integrated into the intercooler mounts can run this skid with our HNT bumper without having to cut off those tow loops since the skid comes with new intercooler/skid brackets.

This skid will be getting a black powder coat finish like our other skids and bumpers. We know some of you aren't too keen on displaying the manufacturer's logo and that's cool. It will barely show up on these, as they're on the sides. But for those who like to accent things, a small piece of vinyl wrap material on the intercooler/skid bracket in your accent color of choice will make a nice contrast.

For those waiting on an update for the HNT Hidden Winch Skid, it's done too. Both skids are releasing to production next week, and we should have product finished and ready to ship soon. I won't guess at a date yet but by sometime next week I should be able to give you a fairly accurate ETA as well as pricing. Here's a look at both skids in their final form, minus powder coat.

Thanks everyone for your continued interest! And again, if you would like to be on the no-obligation wait list for these, there's a button to get on it on the Product Page on our website.

 

[Lobo Off-Road]

I'm local to you, relatively. If I ever get my Bronco, I'll be looking into reviews of your items. I like to support local business, and you are probably the most local to me at this time One of the first protection related items is to limit drill bit access to the fuel tank. I don't think the IE has seen to much fuel theft, but its better to spend the cost of a couple tanks worth of fuel beforehand rather than spend the cost of a fuel tank Second would be cat covers if they are exposed. Bumpers and such will come later, starting with a rear w/ bumper spare mount. I'm still months away at the soonest, without even a VIN, so plenty of time to see what ya come up with for various items and to see product reviews from the community.

Thanks TrailRaider!

 

[ievolve]

I def want the winch skid but have the plastic bumper. Should I wait until your bumper is ready and order them together? Hoping the bumper is nearing prime time too?

 

[mortgagebruce]

Hey guys we are finished with R&D on both of our front skid plates, and since we haven't shown photos of the HNT Aluminum Front Skid Plate yet, we'll take a closer look at it in this post. Note that we have a non-binding waiting list for these on our website, if you want to claim a spot in the initial production run which will get underway very soon.

This skid follows our High-N-Tight design philosophy while also being light-weight, for those who value tough but clean, high clearance and light weight on the trail. This skid is made of 3/16" thick aluminum plate, and even with the steel skid/intercooler bracket it weighs in at just 14 lbs. 9 ounces (not including hardware).

We've taken every oppertunity available to tuck the skid up high for maximum ground clearance. Here's a comparison out of SolidWorks showing the HNT Skid versus the 3D scan of the stock skid that comes with the Mod bumper:

Now that's High N Tight!

This skid is compatible with the stock Modular steel bumper as well as our forthcoming HNT front bumpers. We have not tested it with the plastic bumper or the Capable bumper. Those whose Broncos came with the plastic bumper that comes with the tow loops integrated into the intercooler mounts can run this skid with our HNT bumper without having to cut off those tow loops since the skid comes with new intercooler/skid brackets.

This skid will be getting a black powder coat finish like our other skids and bumpers. We know some of you aren't too keen on displaying the manufacturer's logo and that's cool. It will barely show up on these, as they're on the sides. But for those who like to accent things, a small piece of vinyl wrap material on the intercooler/skid bracket in your accent color of choice will make a nice contrast.

For those waiting on an update for the HNT Hidden Winch Skid, it's done too. Both skids are releasing to production next week, and we should have product finished and ready to ship soon. I won't guess at a date yet but by sometime next week I should be able to give you a fairly accurate ETA as well as pricing. Here's a look at both skids in their final form, minus powder coat.

Thanks everyone for your continued interest! And again, if you would like to be on the no-obligation wait list for these, there's a button to get on it on the Product Page on our website.

I'm really excited about this as it solves all the issues related to ACC and/or camera problems with other options. Looking forward to ordering!

 

[21BroncoFlyer]

Hey guys we are finished with R&D on both of our front skid plates, and since we haven't shown photos of the HNT Aluminum Front Skid Plate yet, we'll take a closer look at it in this post. Note that we have a non-binding waiting list for these on our website, if you want to claim a spot in the initial production run which will get underway very soon.

This skid follows our High-N-Tight design philosophy while also being light-weight, for those who value tough but clean, high clearance and light weight on the trail. This skid is made of 3/16" thick aluminum plate, and even with the steel skid/intercooler bracket it weighs in at just 14 lbs. 9 ounces (not including hardware).

We've taken every oppertunity available to tuck the skid up high for maximum ground clearance. Here's a comparison out of SolidWorks showing the HNT Skid versus the 3D scan of the stock skid that comes with the Mod bumper:

Now that's High N Tight!

This skid is compatible with the stock Modular steel bumper as well as our forthcoming HNT front bumpers. We have not tested it with the plastic bumper or the Capable bumper. Those whose Broncos came with the plastic bumper that comes with the tow loops integrated into the intercooler mounts can run this skid with our HNT bumper without having to cut off those tow loops since the skid comes with new intercooler/skid brackets.

This skid will be getting a black powder coat finish like our other skids and bumpers. We know some of you aren't too keen on displaying the manufacturer's logo and that's cool. It will barely show up on these, as they're on the sides. But for those who like to accent things, a small piece of vinyl wrap material on the intercooler/skid bracket in your accent color of choice will make a nice contrast.

For those waiting on an update for the HNT Hidden Winch Skid, it's done too. Both skids are releasing to production next week, and we should have product finished and ready to ship soon. I won't guess at a date yet but by sometime next week I should be able to give you a fairly accurate ETA as well as pricing. Here's a look at both skids in their final form, minus powder coat.

Thanks everyone for your continued interest! And again, if you would like to be on the no-obligation wait list for these, there's a button to get on it on the Product Page on our website.

Are there different wait lists for the skid plate and hidden winch skid or one and the same?

 

[Lobo Off-Road]

I def want the winch skid but have the plastic bumper. Should I wait until your bumper is ready and order them together? Hoping the bumper is nearing prime time too?

The winch skid plate and bumper are both being put into production next week, now that we have finalized/ verified the prototypes this week. They both should be released at the same time.

 

[Lobo Off-Road]

Are there different wait lists for the skid plate and hidden winch skid or one and the same?

Each part has its own waitlist. We are working out the final costs of all the products we are working on, so I do not have prices yet. With that being said, I'm not collecting any money until products are ready to ship. The waitlists are non binding and will put you on a email list to receive updates on each product. When everything is finalized, a email will be sent out to people that are on the list, to provide a opportunity to lock in/ finalize the order prior to making it live on the website.

 

[swooshdave]

Can you tell us yet or show the instructions so we know what's actually involved with installing on a 2.7 with camera and ACC?

Also do you have the winch space dimensions or will you provide a list of tested winches in your product? Or is it Warn or go home?

 

[xusarmy]

I would hope that you look at a couple different manufacturers for the Winch:

SuperWinch
Warn

 

[Gtrekker]

Hey, the HNT tics all the boxes for me and addressed any concerns of the ACC, Intercooler, an aux lighting...

Any thoughts on a HNT rear bumper with a tire carrier?

Anyway, Lets Get-Rrr Done.... Ready to order!!!

Thanks

 

[Lobo Off-Road]

Can you tell us yet or show the instructions so we know what's actually involved with installing on a 2.7 with camera and ACC?

We don't have the instructions done yet but when we do, they will be available to download and look at prior to purchase, if those details are important to you. I can tell you that our solutions for both relocating the ACC and installing our winch skid with the 2.7 are similar to that of other mfg's since everyone faces the same packaging constraints on these Broncos.

Also do you have the winch space dimensions or will you provide a list of tested winches in your product? Or is it Warn or go home?

I would hope that you look at a couple different manufacturers for the Winch:

SuperWinch
Warn

We are designing it around the Warn ZEON 10S winch, which is a BIG winch, with an envelope that most other winches on the market will fit inside. But we have not test-fit it specifically with any other brand of winch. And to be honest, the number one design consideration of this product has been to keep it as "High-N-Tight" as possible. We did briefly consider designing it around the Warn EVO series winch instead, for that reason. But in the end we felt it was worth it to make the slight adjustments necessary to accomodate the ZEON.

I will say that we contacted Superwinch to see if we could get their CAD files to make sure we can accomodate their winch too. They ignored us LOL. That said, if someone with a Superwinch is close to Hemet, CA, bring it by and we'll take a scan of it.

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