New Smittybilt X20 Gen 3

[David P.]

I picked up a Gen2 x20 about two months ago and haven’t installed it yet, but I saw an updated model has been released, with a lot of improvements.

Curious - does anyone have any install or usage experience on this new Gen3 model?

If so, can you share your experiences?

It seems the X20 Gen 2 has been a popular and reliable option for a few years now with a lot of JL installs.

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[JasonInDLH]

Just installing a X20 Gen3 12k on now. Looks like a great winch! Can’t wait to use it (or…I guess I can wait ?). Never used a winch before though, so can’t say to how well it performs. I really like the fact I can have a wireless remote (with a flashlight) if I want or just keep it plugged in. I REALLY like the synthetic line.

 

[David P.]

Just installing a X20 Gen3 12k on now. Looks like a great winch! Can’t wait to use it (or…I guess I can wait ?). Never used a winch before though, so can’t say to how well it performs. I really like the fact I can have a wireless remote (with a flashlight) if I want or just keep it plugged in. I REALLY like the synthetic line.

What bumper and winch plate are you using? Cant wait to hear how it goes!

 

[JasonInDLH]

What bumper and winch plate are you using? Cant wait to hear how it goes!

I went with the Rugged Ridge HD Stubby (comes with included winch plate) with the additional X striker bar. Super tight fit, but it fits nonetheless!

 

[OB182]

I just installed the X20 Gen 3 today on my JLUR with the stock steel bumper. I went with the bulldog winch plate. Was a simple install and it looks great all tucked away in the bumper. It's not as tight in the OEM steel bumper like many forums have stated it would be.

Only question I have for anyone who's install this on a JL is where did you connect the blue accessory wire so the light comes on with your daytime running lights. This winch is so new and there isn't much info online yet about installs on JL's.

 

[Surfarch]

I just installed the X20 Gen 3 today on my JLUR with the stock steel bumper. I went with the bulldog winch plate. Was a simple install and it looks great all tucked away in the bumper. It's not as tight in the OEM steel bumper like many forums have stated it would be.

Only question I have for anyone who's install this on a JL is where did you connect the blue accessory wire so the light comes on with your daytime running lights. This winch is so new and there isn't much info online yet about installs on JL's.

Anyone figure out what fuse to tap into for the blue wire?

 

[ReconJim]

I just installed the X20 Gen 3 today on my JLUR with the stock steel bumper. I went with the bulldog winch plate. Was a simple install and it looks great all tucked away in the bumper. It's not as tight in the OEM steel bumper like many forums have stated it would be.

Only question I have for anyone who's install this on a JL is where did you connect the blue accessory wire so the light comes on with your daytime running lights. This winch is so new and there isn't much info online yet about installs on JL's.

I have the winch sitting in the shop as it was delivered today. The bulldog plate will be here in a couple days. My question is how much of the winch is about the factory steel bumper with your install? I have the Recon and I’m concerned if the Mopar hoop gets to stay because of clearance. Thanks.

 

[Surfarch]

I have the winch sitting in the shop as it was delivered today. The bulldog plate will be here in a couple days. My question is how much of the winch is about the factory steel bumper with your install? I have the Recon and I’m concerned if the Mopar hoop gets to stay because of clearance. Thanks.

I have a Next Venture alum. front bumper and the winch fits perfect, tight.

We also have a 2021 2dr Rubicon with steel bumper but with the Badlands winch. It was tight too and we had to trim a bit off the handle to clear the bull bar.

 

[NextDan]

I have a Next Venture alum. front bumper and the winch fits perfect, tight.

We also have a 2021 2dr Rubicon with steel bumper but with the Badlands winch. It was tight too and we had to trim a bit off the handle to clear the bull bar.

Looks like the Smittybilt fits in the front pretty well from side to side; was it just pretty snug from grill to fairlead? Any modification required?

 

[Surfarch]

Looks like the Smittybilt fits in the front pretty well from side to side; was it just pretty snug from grill to fairlead? Any modification required?

No mods to the NV bumper.

 

[Shibadog]

My gen 2 has worked very well. No issues.

 

[TheDogPack]

I just installed the X20 Gen 3 today on my JLUR with the stock steel bumper. I went with the bulldog winch plate. Was a simple install and it looks great all tucked away in the bumper. It's not as tight in the OEM steel bumper like many forums have stated it would be.

Only question I have for anyone who's install this on a JL is where did you connect the blue accessory wire so the light comes on with your daytime running lights. This winch is so new and there isn't much info online yet about installs on JL's.

Check this video out - . He show where to tap into.

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