WINCH AND MOUNTING PLATE

[TangoMac]

Thanks for all your replies. Question, the aux switches in the cab, do you incorporate these into the electrical for the winch?

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[Gvsukids]

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……

What is the winch plate attached to?
Also looks like you're blocking a lot of airflow

 

[Gvsukids]

Thanks for all your replies. Question, the aux switches in the cab, do you incorporate these into the electrical for the winch?

Not really.
https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/forum/threads/where-are-you-powering-the-winch.29534/

 

[BSchanze]

I recommend looking at Maximus 3.

They make their own winch plate and have a entire kit you can customize to what you want. Choice between Warn Evo or Zeon and Superwinch. It's a very solid kit.

https://www.maximus-3.com/product-page/jl-jt-evo-10s-winch-kit-w-hook-anchor

 

[jthoran1]

What is the winch plate attached to?
Also looks like you're blocking a lot of airflow

It attaches directly to the frame using pre drilled holes. They make one for a plastic bumper and a separate one for a steel bumper. No change in temperature since I put it on about 4500 miles ago. I’ve had the same setup on my last 2 jeeps without any issues.
You can look up your specific winch plate application at: https:/www.rockhard4x4.com and open their installation instructions to see your application.

 

[Andy29847]

I'm partial to Rockhard Bumpers because I toe my Jeeps and Rockhard also sells tow brackets. They are pricy, buy they have a lot of choices (models plus the choice of aluminum or steel). I use the Patriot full width steel bumper on both my JT and my JL (same bumper). The bumper comes with a winch plate and the bottom of the bumper extends to replace the factory skid plate. Regarding winches, I have a Harbor Freight Badlands Apex 12,000 on the JT, a Warn VR EVO 10S on the JL. I bought both on sale and the cost was nearly the same. I bought the Warn for the JL because it has a smaller footprint. Both winches have had light use and preformed as expected.

(1) Rockhard full width bumper install | Jeep Gladiator (JT) News, Forum, Community - JeepGladiatorForum.com

 

[GladLad]

It attaches directly to the frame using pre drilled holes. They make one for a plastic bumper and a separate one for a steel bumper. No change in temperature since I put it on about 4500 miles ago. I’ve had the same setup on my last 2 jeeps without any issues.
You can look up your specific winch plate application at: https:/www.rockhard4x4.com and open their installation instructions to see your application.

Do you know how much the kit weighs? It's not listed on their product page.

 

[WestwallNF104A]

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.

It took me and a friend about 10 hours to install the AEV EX bumper and Warn winch. The bumper was the hard part.

 

[jthoran1]

It took me and a friend about 10 hours to install the AEV EX bumper and Warn winch. The bumper was the hard part.

I’d estimate my winch plate with the hoop comes in at 55 to 60 lbs.

 

[WestwallNF104A]

I’d estimate my winch plate with the hoop comes in at 55 to 60 lbs.

The AEV is a bit more. I don't remember the exact amount though.

 

[jthoran1]

The AEV is a bit more. I don't remember the exact amount though.

This is my 3rd Rock Hard winch plate on three different Jeeps…all 3 have been very solid and dependable. The installation is easy without any cutting. Again, this is on a 2023 gladiator with a factory plastic bumper.

 

[WestwallNF104A]

This is my 3rd Rock Hard winch plate on three different Jeeps…all 3 have been very solid and dependable. The installation is easy without any cutting. Again, this is on a 2023 gladiator with a factory plastic bumper.

Yeah, there was no cutting with the AEV either, it's just a complex assembly where you have to put on, take off, a couple of times to get everything cinched down.

Strength for weight on it is awesome. It's probably half the weight of a similarly built solid steel bumper due to using thinner wall, but incorporating strengthening bends.

 

[Zachanadandy]

Yeah, there was no cutting with the AEV either, it's just a complex assembly where you have to put on, take off, a couple of times to get everything cinched down.

Strength for weight on it is awesome. It's probably half the weight of a similarly built solid steel bumper due to using thinner wall, but incorporating strengthening bends.

Not sure where you came up with your weight comparison. The AEV bumper weighs 118lbs. My redrock 4x4 bumper weighs 80lbs. The AEV bumper costs $2200, my lighter bumper with no plastic cost $350. I'll put it up against the AEV for strength any day, and personally I think it looks better.

 

[nethellum777]

I did mine supper cheap. $50 warn winch plate from Facebook marketplace. $300 openroad 13,000lbs winch. I also bought some extra wire to relocate the control box.

Hopefully, the winch works when I need it to. Works well so fare though.

 

[jthoran1]

Yeah, there was no cutting with the AEV either, it's just a complex assembly where you have to put on, take off, a couple of times to get everything cinched down.

Strength for weight on it is awesome. It's probably half the weight of a similarly built solid steel bumper due to using thinner wall, but incorporating strengthening bends.

So is the AEV an aftermarket bumper, or just a winch plate you put on over your stock bumper?

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