Winch mounting on top vs inside bumper

[Caveman044]

Inside got my vote too!

I like that bumper! Which one is it?

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[blnewt]

I like that bumper! Which one is it?

Quadratec QRC stubby
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[tk1700]

Where about in NM are you, I've got family in ABQ and love it out there. I'd move in a second if I could lock down a good job there

I'm in the East Mountains, about 30 minutes east of Abq just off I40. Give me a shout next time you're out this way.

 

[tk1700]

which winch is that?

Its Warn VR Evo 10S.

 

[Blanco Willys]

Inside Top?

 

[JustDave]

I've had both over the years & I have no real issues. My current is more inside and it had fitment issues on my Fishbone bumper. The Warn VR winch didn't fit well inside & I had to do a lot of cutting & grinding on the bumper to get it down in. Overall, I think I like the top mounts the best. Looks more rugged.

 

[rkwfxd]

I have the LOD with inside mount. I like the cleaner look and lower weight placement. It does stick out farther but I’ve never hit the bumper itself, the skid plate below it is pretty beat up though.
The big negative that I see now that itvis installed is nearly zero access to my winch line should it get bound up on the drum.
This may never be an issue but in the future I can see myself removing everything and using my angle grinder with a cut off wheel to create some clearance.

 

[545moose]

I'm in the East Mountains, about 30 minutes east of Abq just off I40. Give me a shout next time you're out this way.

Yeah man, will do absolutely! Can't wait to get back out there.

 

[Caveman044]

I'm surprised at the responses, I figured it would be pretty evenly split.

 

[Gadgettr1]

Warn Zeon 10s, Maximus-3 (mounting plate, filler plates, JL front toe loops, license plate bracket and bumper hoop), Warn cover (tight fit, should have put it in when the winch was installed). The yellow is a flexible cutting board I cut to fill the winch opening when not in use to keep salt and ice melt chemicals among other things from getting in and sitting on my synthetic rope.

 

[rubiRI77]

I am in the minority apparently haha! I prefer outside (or top) mount.

I have no idea about other engines, but I have had no issues with air flow type issues. I have the 2.0. I also did top mount in my last two Jeeps (1999 TJ with 4.0, and a 2007 JK with the 3.8) and never had any issues with those either. However..... I also live in the northeast where we only get a few really hot days a year. I would think that your geographic location should be a deciding factor as well.

I prefer the ease of getting to the winch quickly and easily, no worries about the winch actually fitting, and being able to spool it cleanly, etc. I cover it when not in use, so I'm not worried about the rope being exposed to the elements, etc.

The tucked in the bumper does generally look better though I suppose. Although the top mount looks more utility?? All personal preference.

 

[rubiRI77]

Warn Zeon 10s, Maximus-3 (mounting plate, filler plates, JL front toe loops, license plate bracket and bumper hoop), Warn cover (tight fit, should have put it in when the winch was installed). The yellow is a flexible cutting board I cut to fill the winch opening when not in use to keep salt and ice melt chemicals among other things from getting in and sitting on my synthetic rope.

Very cool idea with the cutting board material. I may just steal that idea thank you very much!

 

[Zandcwhite]

Outside.

The airflow issue is a non-issue and it's much easier to keep clean, service, remove.

I disagree that it's easier to remove when mounted on top, the bolts thread in from the bottom. Depending on the bumper, some that mount the winch between the rails allow for removal without pulling the bumper. The mounting bolts are easier to access than a top mounted winch. Of course I've never had to remove it for service, so that isn't really an issue anyway. With the factory bumper, I would have to pull the bumper to get the winch out but I'd rather use the wasted space behind the bumper, keep the weight as low as possible, and it looks cleaner anyway.

 

[AcesandEights]

I disagree that it's easier to remove when mounted on top, the bolts thread in from the bottom. Depending on the bumper, some that mount the winch between the rails allow for removal without pulling the bumper. The mounting bolts are easier to access than a top mounted winch. Of course I've never had to remove it for service, so that isn't really an issue anyway. With the factory bumper, I would have to pull the bumper to get the winch out but I'd rather use the wasted space behind the bumper, keep the weight as low as possible, and it looks cleaner anyway.

I guess the "depending on the bumper" is the important part, because you're saying inside is easier then saying you have to pull the stock bumper, which mounts the bumper inside, which is harder.

 

[Zandcwhite]

I guess the "depending on the bumper" is the important part, because you're saying inside is easier then saying you have to pull the stock bumper, which mounts the bumper inside, which is harder.

I attempted to make that clear, most aftermarket bumpers that mount the winch low between the frame rails don’t require pulling the bumper. Even with having to pull the bumper I prefer the lower mounting for the other benefits and don’t plan on pulling the winch back off ever. Not that our rigs are aerodynamic, but every little bit helps there too (maybe minuscule but if it saves me 1 gallon over the life of the Jeep that’s like a free $20)

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