Winch Mount Thoughts - No Lockers

[RArceneaux]

So, thinking that with a '25 Big Bend, no lockers, plastic bumper, plastic gravel shield, my best options for an inexpensive (to start at least) approach to increasing capabilities would be a RoughCountry hidden winch mount with a 12k, synthetic line winch. Would mount under the plastic bumper (no need to replace) and includes a steel engine skid plate. Would still need more armor underneath if I plan on doing anything really technical and likely a lift (2" enough? Don't want to change other suspension parts if I can avoid it). But for a start, the RC mount/winch and 285/70's when it gets to be that time.

Any thoughts on this approach? Should I focus on lockers instead of a winch setup? Just trying to prioritize my limited funds for the best bang for the buck.

Thanks!

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[Tdub0527]

I don't know you or your situation so please know my advice is coming from a good place but a different approach.

Skip the winch and the lockers (for now). Find a friend, make a friend that also has a 4x4 vehicle, or join a club and start offroading. Not sure how much experience you have but getting on the trails you are most likely to drive on will give you a better understanding for what piece of equipment will suit you best.

For example, I took my 22 BB to an offroad class here in MN (Read about it here: Off Road Class) and there were two other Broncos in the group both Sasquatch and one with a winch. Meanwhile I just had my BB with only upgraded tires to BFG 33". I was capable of doing everything they did with smaller tires and no lockers (and no winch). I did skip one obstacle because I didn't have underside protection but otherwise I matched them 1-1. No one used a winch that weekend and everyone was encouraged to keep their lockers off to practice skilled driving before needing the extra tools.

Now would have I done all those obstacles on my own if I was wheeling by myself? Nope, not a chance, but there is power in numbers when you are wheeling with others.

If you are making purchases because you like building up your rig by all means go ahead and I totally get it. If you are searching for your most practical next upgrade I'd encourage you to put your current vehicle to the test (with others) before you decide what you need. Sometimes buying what you don't need is a lot more fun than waiting to buy something. I do that ALL the time. Best of luck in your search!

 

[RArceneaux]

Thanks for the response. There is an opportunity to go on some trails with a group here in Louisiana (Kitsatchie National Forest with the LOAT group). The post stated 4x4 required, so I think I meet that requirement. Responded that I would love to attend to assess both my and my vehicles capabilities with assistance available if needed. Not too rocky and I believe limited opportunities to damage the undercarriage. Also an opportunity to meet others I can ride with in the future.

I am a true novice and don't want to let my ignorance and inexperience get me into trouble. Won't be making any mods between now and then but, planning for the future (after I gain experience and knowledge) when I may want to go it alone. Thinking it would be nice to be able to save by butt myself (if alone) at some point. Which and mount is like $850 as opposed to several thousand for lockers. Just thinking that the expense/reward ratio is higher going with a winch (at some point) as opposed to other options. Skids beyond the front/engine is a want but not necessarily need addition.

I really appreciate the common sense response as opposed to judgment. It really means a lot!

Merry Christmas! I hope its a really good pone for you and yours!

 

[Tdub0527]

Sounds like you are approaching it the right way getting out with a group. As a noob to off roading it can be nerve wracking attending something like a group ride without any previous experience or frankly knowing anyone. I will tell you I have been blown away with how friendly the off road community is. People legit want to help, teach, and grow the activity. Putting myself out there was a big leap for me because I am a perfectionist and tent to do things only if I do things right or perfect.

Off roading is one failure after another. Didn't make it past the obstacle? Try again! Got stuck? People rally around you to get you unstuck. Broke something? Odds are someone has also broke the same thing at another time. You are going to get a lot out of the experience going with a club/group...glad you are doing so!

Not sure if you have the factory 32" Duelers but my upgrade suggestion would be new tires. I never realized there was a "slightly used" tire market but there is and it's thriving. Check out FB Marketplace or Craigslist for take off wheels and odds are you can find a decent upgrade for a very good price. Don't just look at Bronco tires, lots of Jeeps Rubicons take off their 33" KO2s.

Sorry to bombard you with advice but your situation sounds so much like mine 3-4 years ago. Have fun on your ride, you'll enjoy it thoroughly!

 

[RArceneaux]

Thanks! I resemble your remarks!

Went out with my better half, alone, and while we had a nice ride, think (in hindsight) I might have missed quite a bit by being too cautious! But better safe than sorry!

I haven't met any of this group in person, but dealing with them in chats has made me a believer in what they are selling; friendship, mentoring, and good times.

I am the same on tires rather than a lift. Everything I read says lifts are great but generally serve to raise the body to fit larger tires which in turn increases clearance. I have the Grabber 265/70 (31.6") and am looking at 285/70 (32.7) which should give me an additional 1" or so. Lifts just concern me as I don't want to remove crash bars or weaken the suspension too much.

Being helpful is NEVER bombarding! Thanks again!

 

[Brian_B]

The only thing better than a winch is having a buddy with a winch.

Lockers are much more convenient - but adding them to a Bronco is also much more expensive. A winch will work in a much wider range of scenarios, but you gotta get out and drag the cable and have something to tie to (like a buddy)

 

[Brian_B]

Also, if you have the opportunity - go to an Off Roadeo

 

[RArceneaux]

Feeling the same! I DO have experience with “the only thing better than owning a boat is having a buddy with a boat”!

Also thinking the same on a winch being more versatile than lockers as well. Great point on always having an assistant for that reason!

 

[RArceneaux]

Also, if you have the opportunity - go to an Off Roadeo

I am planning on that as well. My son-in-law just took a job as Director of Golf at a course in Asheville, North Carolina. Waiting on their Houston, TX home to sell at which point I will help my daughter and grandsons move. As this is about 2.5 hours from Maryville, TN, will take that opportunity to attend. And do some Blue Ridge Parkway to boot!

 

[crzyhawk]

I am planning on that as well. My son-in-law just took a job as Director of Golf at a course in Asheville, North Carolina. Waiting on their Houston, TX home to sell at which point I will help my daughter and grandsons move. As this is about 2.5 hours from Maryville, TN, will take that opportunity to attend. And do some Blue Ridge Parkway to boot!

Make sure you schedule as soon as you get the info available. When I went to TN the dates I originally wanted were already full and I had to slide my own schedule a bit to the right.

 

[jtgensler]

You can also get a hitch mount winch plate - assuming you have a receiver (if not, that's a quick, cheap addition) & just put a winch on the back when needed.
It's not the most elegant solution, but it's the most cost effective way to ensure you can self recover.

You could be into that for less than $500 & a trip to Harbor Freight.

I agree with others, that lockers are far more convenient than a winch, but adding them after the fact is also a lot more expensive & one of the primary reasons to consider a Sasquatch package (along with gearing).

 

[RArceneaux]

You can also get a hitch mount winch plate - assuming you have a receiver (if not, that's a quick, cheap addition) & just put a winch on the back when needed.
It's not the most elegant solution, but it's the most cost effective way to ensure you can self recover.

You could be into that for less than $500 & a trip to Harbor Freight.

I agree with others, that lockers are far more convenient than a winch, but adding them after the fact is also a lot more expensive & one of the primary reasons to consider a Sasquatch package (along with gearing).

Agreed! Great thought on a hitch mount. Given that in south Louisiana bash plates are not a major necessity this would be a reasonable alternative to the hidden mount with a steel plate.

Also agree on the Sasquatch package. Got the Bronco because work sometimes takes me to places that require some clearance (but not really 4WD) and the cool factor is a bonus.

Didn't really understand the infatuation the thought of off roading that would take hold! Didn't consider that I would be wanting so much!!!

 

[dgorsett]

So, thinking that with a '25 Big Bend, no lockers, plastic bumper, plastic gravel shield, my best options for an inexpensive (to start at least) approach to increasing capabilities would be a RoughCountry hidden winch mount with a 12k, synthetic line winch. Would mount under the plastic bumper (no need to replace) and includes a steel engine skid plate. Would still need more armor underneath if I plan on doing anything really technical and likely a lift (2" enough? Don't want to change other suspension parts if I can avoid it). But for a start, the RC mount/winch and 285/70's when it gets to be that time.

Any thoughts on this approach? Should I focus on lockers instead of a winch setup? Just trying to prioritize my limited funds for the best bang for the buck.

Thanks!

I have a BB (with rear locker). I added a RC Hidden winch mount and Rugged Ridge 9K winch which I feel is just right, does not come with engine skid but does have "steel bash plate". An engine skid is also a good addition. I have 1.5 to 1.7" of lift and think 1.5 to 2" is perfect, with or without (with is better) bigger tires. It gets sprung hardware up out of harms way without wacking out geometry, ride or handling.

As stated I have the RC and a locker. I have used the locker many times, never the winch (yet), and frankly in any case where I used the locker the winch would have been a PITA. So, if you can figure out a way to do it affordably, do the locker. I wheel mostly by myself, so there is seldom anyone around to yank me

 

[crenca]

I like your thinking here. Re-gearing and adding a locker to the Bronco is a technical and expensive project. A mild lift, a bit larger tires, the winch, and maybe the OEM steal skid package (priced right - about $700 last I looked) would be probably all you would want to do short of a 'major' rebuild or trading in for a Sasquatched Bronco.

Oh, and go to Off-Rodeo (or similar school) as it will build upon what you learn with local clubs and on your own.

 

[OBXBRONCO]

Found my take off modular bumper on FB for 400. You can buy the Ford/warn preformance winch pkg online for a 1050 now. That's what I did. Cheap insurance and it gave me a way to mount my @X-Rack front receiver hitch.

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