WINCH AND MOUNTING PLATE

[TangoMac]

I have the factory steel front bumper and the aux switches on the dash. I checked Mopar pricing for mounting plates.. HOLY COW! Dealer wanted 10 hours labor to install and quote with winch was $4100, no thank you... I am old school so I want a Warn winch but like the idea of synthetic rope. I appreciate your feedback, ideas, and pictures. Thank you.

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[ALT2870]

They are probably quoting for the factory plate and winch (which is Warn but marked up). 10 hours of labor is over kill though and probably where the high price comes from.

There is a ton of companies making winch plates so plenty of options. Warn and Badlands (Harbor Freight) seem to be the most popular for winches. Agree that synthetic is probably the way to go unless you are constantly pulling over rocks. I would search the forum for winch plates and see what everyone is using or recommends (or doesn't).

I did my install over a few hours. I made a mistake or two but overall I'd plan for a half day. It isn't that bad as long as you have the tools. A second hand will speed it up even faster.

 

[nanook12]

I think I paid $1500 for a Warn Zeon 10S, last Spring. There was some special going on, might have been discounted some. Doesn’t take 10hrs to install though.

 

[Gvsukids]

I am old school so I want a Warn winch but like the idea of synthetic rope. I appreciate your feedback, ideas, and pictures. Thank you.

Rusty also makes a winch plate. I have the Warn Evo 12s winch. Doesn't take 10 hours to install.

 

[IamFrank]

Keep an eye on aftermarket sites like FB marketplace and OfferUp. Any JL or JT plate will fit, just make sure it has all the parts. I picked up a Warn Zeon 8S for $350 and a Warn plate for like $180 and installed myself. It is not difficult but does take some fiddling.

 

[IamFrank]

Rusty also makes a winch plate. I have the Warn Evo 12s winch. Doesn't take 10 hours to install.

Seriously. 10 hours is offensive. I did it in I’d say three or so with Harbor Freight tools and a smile.

 

[mdyucca]

On the Mopar steel bumper I went with a Smittybilt wench and the Warn winch plate. The install was straight forward. I was by myself and work slow so the install took me all day. I have not had the need to use the winch much but when I have the set up works well. However, if I had it to do over I would have went with a Warn winch. For the wiring you should do some research on the forum to see what others have done. Lots of info here on wiring up your winch.

 

[Shibbyjeep]

I just took advantage of 40% off on warns site. Grabbed a VR Evo 10-S and warn Mounting Plate for just under $900. I installed it myself in less than 3 hours in the driveway.

 

[GI Grandpa]

I have the factory steel front bumper and the aux switches on the dash. I checked Mopar pricing for mounting plates.. HOLY COW! Dealer wanted 10 hours labor to install and quote with winch was $4100, no thank you... I am old school so I want a Warn winch but like the idea of synthetic rope. I appreciate your feedback, ideas, and pictures. Thank you.

I only run Warn winches, but I also run steel cable as I use my winches on trail projects, dragging boulders and logs, etc. and synthetic doesn't stand up as well in that application. There are plenty of aftermarket winch plates, but I went with a Rock Hard mid-width aluminum front bumper and Warn Zeon10. The mount is down between the frame rails for better strength and blocks the grill less. Not sure where in Colorado you are, but the best place in Colorado to buy a Warn winch is Predator 4 Wheel Drive on N. Nevada in Colorado Springs.

 

[Reddog]

I have the factory steel front bumper and the aux switches on the dash. I checked Mopar pricing for mounting plates.. HOLY COW! Dealer wanted 10 hours labor to install and quote with winch was $4100, no thank you... I am old school so I want a Warn winch but like the idea of synthetic rope. I appreciate your feedback, ideas, and pictures. Thank you.

I bought a Warn winch plate and their 12K winch. Fit perfectly and the winch is almost hidden down below the grille which was important to me. Their winch plate is robust as well. Can't remember what it cost but worth it. Warn is more expensive than other winches but I have had a bunch of them over the years and they have never once let me down. I bought a Zeon with wire rope as well. Yeah, I know all about the dangers of wire rope but not a problem if you pay attention. But that is a discussion for another day. Good luck to you.

 

[b-roc]

I see that you are in Colorado. I am in the Denver area (if you are close by). I will be swapping out my M8s to a zeon 12s this weekend if you want to swing by to see what is involved. As others have said, this isn't too bad of a job at all.

 

[jthoran1]

I have the factory steel front bumper and the aux switches on the dash. I checked Mopar pricing for mounting plates.. HOLY COW! Dealer wanted 10 hours labor to install and quote with winch was $4100, no thank you... I am old school so I want a Warn winch but like the idea of synthetic rope. I appreciate your feedback, ideas, and pictures. Thank you.

I have a Sport S with the plastic bumper and chose to go with a Rock Hard winch plate. I already had a Smittybuilt 10,000 lb winch From my prior JK. I also tow behind my motor home and had to add a base plate. Installing the winch plate on a winch ready bumper should be easy…
It’s a one beer project……

 

[TangoMac]

			I see that you are in Colorado. I am in the Denver area (if you are close by). I will be swapping out my M8s to a zeon 12s this weekend if you want to swing by to see what is involved. As others have said, this isn't too bad of a job at all. Thank you! I won't be able but I greatly appreciate the offer!

 

[TangoMac]

I bought a Warn winch plate and their 12K winch. Fit perfectly and the winch is almost hidden down below the grille which was important to me. Their winch plate is robust as well. Can't remember what it cost but worth it. Warn is more expensive than other winches but I have had a bunch of them over the years and they have never once let me down. I bought a Zeon with wire rope as well. Yeah, I know all about the dangers of wire rope but not a problem if you pay attention. But that is a discussion for another day. Good luck to you.

Thanks!

 

[TangoMac]

I only run Warn winches, but I also run steel cable as I use my winches on trail projects, dragging boulders and logs, etc. and synthetic doesn't stand up as well in that application. There are plenty of aftermarket winch plates, but I went with a Rock Hard mid-width aluminum front bumper and Warn Zeon10. The mount is down between the frame rails for better strength and blocks the grill less. Not sure where in Colorado you are, but the best place in Colorado to buy a Warn winch is Predator 4 Wheel Drive on N. Nevada in Colorado Springs.

I called Predator 4 wheel drive in Colorado Springs, EXCELLENT CUSTOMER SERVICE AND PRICING! THANKS!

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