“Stealth” hidden smittybilt H2O 12k winch install on Maximus-3 winch plate

[CarbonSteel]

Very clean!
Where did you source the cables, or did you make all that from different parts?
I almost started buying terminal crimpers and what not, but found a short cable and just bought it. Custom would’ve fit better though

I bought them from ebay from gaugewireandcable (https://www.ebay.com/itm/132076737409). They are very well built and the wire is great quality. I used #2 AWG and replaced the battery to disconnect switch cable as well as the disconnect switch to winch cable.

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[MarkyMark]

I want to say a huge thanks to @Mx5red for the detailed write up and inspiration. I just (almost) completed my stealth install.

Went with a Grimm winch plate- which I love! Also went with the Smittybilt x20 10k winch. Everything fit perfectly except….

I ended up just zip tying the control box to the side of the frame with heavy duty zip ties. Did the whole hose clamp thing but then was fighting with it and the bumper mounting bolts so said “screw it” (after cutting myself good). Zip ties worked great.

still to do: Have an Agency 6 fairlead, flip up license, and winch shackle arriving. (Super excited about this as it looks great and is significantly cheaper than factor 55).

also still want to put a power cut Off in like you did. Question: I can’t find a power cut off that’s rated for the amp draw. Any ideas??? Also, does anyone have one the recommend that is electronic that I could hook up to one of my six switches?

 

[Mx5red]

I want to say a huge thanks to @Mx5red for the detailed write up and inspiration. I just (almost) completed my stealth install.

Went with a Grimm winch plate- which I love! Also went with the Smittybilt x20 10k winch. Everything fit perfectly except….

I ended up just zip tying the control box to the side of the frame with heavy duty zip ties. Did the whole hose clamp thing but then was fighting with it and the bumper mounting bolts so said “screw it” (after cutting myself good). Zip ties worked great.

still to do: Have an Agency 6 fairlead, flip up license, and winch shackle arriving. (Super excited about this as it looks great and is significantly cheaper than factor 55).

also still want to put a power cut Off in like you did. Question: I can’t find a power cut off that’s rated for the amp draw. Any ideas??? Also, does anyone have one the recommend that is electronic that I could hook up to one of my six switches?

I think the one I and others have used is up to the draw.. manual switch is easy to wire.
Blue Sea Systems - Battery Switch ON/Off AFD https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B000MMH1SK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_XMEQ8QS0HWDVHRJRKJRY

a lot of people have used the Warn power interrupt kit which uses the aux or other switch to throw a relay.
https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/forum/threads/where-are-you-powering-the-winch.29534/

 

[MarkyMark]

Thanks! Just going to use a wing nut for now on the power…. Will wire something in later. Appreciate the help.

 

[MarkyMark]

Ok! Install all done. Used the Agency 6 fairlead, license plate, and winch shackle. Love them! Really well made and much less expensive the Factor 55. Great customer service from Nate!

 

[Gadgettr1]

Ok! Install all done. Used the Agency 6 fairlead, license plate, and winch shackle. Love them! Really well made and much less expensive the Factor 55. Great customer service from Nate!

Looks great!

 

[Mx5red]

Ok! Install all done. Used the Agency 6 fairlead, license plate, and winch shackle. Love them! Really well made and much less expensive the Factor 55. Great customer service from Nate!

Noice!!
Your shackle, fairlead, plate combo looks slick.
My smittybilt license plate holder is shorter, so it folds against the stock Smittybilt hook, which I hate. It doesn’t cinch flat like yours or a Factor 55.
So the hook droops down and the plate touches it and makes noise

 

[MarkyMark]

Noice!!
Your shackle, fairlead, plate combo looks slick.
My smittybilt license plate holder is shorter, so it folds against the stock Smittybilt hook, which I hate. It doesn’t cinch flat like yours or a Factor 55.
So the hook droops down and the plate touches it and makes noise

Thanks! And Yah, had the same issue while I still had the Smittybilt hook on. Actuall winched it down onto the bottom of the bumper with a rag inbetween to keep it from scratching the bumper until I got my agency 6. Then cut it off….. Dono why they don’t put a pin on their hook! Ruined a perfectly good hook. Oh well. Love the new Agency 6 bling….

 

[Chile1]

perhaps it's strange but i actually prefer the look of the winch protruding from the bumper.

 

[MarkyMark]

perhaps it's strange but i actually prefer the look of the winch protruding from the bumper.

I hear you. . . . BUT, I live in the city and don't want the darn thing stolen. . . plus, I want to mount a light bar down there on the bumper and the solenoid would be in the way. . . .

 

[Jeeps2Little]

@Mx5red Just found this thread, nice clean install! Is it possible to get a photo, top down, that shows the free spool lever after you clocked it around. That is the one thing I can't see in any of your, or other's, photos. Thanks for the documentation on it all.

 

[Mx5red]

@Mx5red Just found this thread, nice clean install! Is it possible to get a photo, top down, that shows the free spool lever after you clocked it around. That is the one thing I can't see in any of your, or other's, photos. Thanks for the documentation on it all.

 

[Mx5red]

perhaps it's strange but i actually prefer the look of the winch protruding from the bumper.

Just kidding - like markymark said I just didn’t want to draw attention to it.

 

[Jeeps2Little]

Such service! Thank you very much.

 

[MarkyMark]

Hey, Has anyone put a light bar on the bumper with the hidden winch? I’m concerned about whether I can get my hand down to run the winch if I have a light bar in the way. :-(. Advice?

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