Winch plate recommendations for Badlands Apex 12,000 with stock 2024 Rubicon X bumper

[jdog70]

I've spent some time reading previous threads but haven't found an answer to what I'm looking for. Does anyone have a recommendation for a winch plate to install a Badlands Apex Winch without the need to relocate the winch wiring harness or re-drilling holes in the winch plate? It seems like folks have had to modify the plates, add spacers and/or relocate the wiring harness to the side in order for this winch to fit and not interfere with the grill. Does anything like this exist or should I just expect to make some modifications during the install? Thanks

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[cranbiz]

I have 2 of the Apex winches. The one on my JK has been on 2 bumpers. Neither one needed spacers or holes redrilled but on my current Tyger bumper, I needed to enlarge the opening on the top of the bumper as it was made for a smaller winch.

On my Gladiator, it's mounted in a knock off Mopar steel bumper. No holes needed to be redrilled, no spacers needed. The only mod I had to do was trim the free spool handle because I also have the bull bar and the handle hit it. If I didn't have the bull bar, nothing needed to be done. I may reroute the cables to the side at some point for more space between the grill but I really don't have to.

 

[Glad Jeeper]

I am installing my badlands 12K into my OE steel bumper take off from a JTR this week. I choose the warn winch plate, more money but convinced I need to step up and pay the higher cost.

 

[DanW]

I've spent some time reading previous threads but haven't found an answer to what I'm looking for. Does anyone have a recommendation for a winch plate to install a Badlands Apex Winch without the need to relocate the winch wiring harness or re-drilling holes in the winch plate? It seems like folks have had to modify the plates, add spacers and/or relocate the wiring harness to the side in order for this winch to fit and not interfere with the grill. Does anything like this exist or should I just expect to make some modifications during the install? Thanks

What bumper?

 

[jdog70]

What bumper?

It’s the original steel bumper from the factory. Not an aftermarket bumper.

 

[DanW]

It’s the original steel bumper from the factory. Not an aftermarket bumper.

Nice. That's my favorite bumper, actually. I've got it on my JL Rubi with a Smitty winch. I can't remember the winch plate, but it is not as strong as the Warn. It's holding up, but it doesn't have as much beef. I dont' think it is quite as thick. 1/4" steel vs. 3/8 on the Warn, IIRC. It's light, which is what I was going for, but I'd have more confidence if it were heavier. I've done some tough pulls with it and it seems ok. But if I had it to do again, that plate would be a Warn.

 

[jmf243]

I went with the Bulldog winch mount on my ‘24 Mojave X. Clean install and clears the front grill well. Comes with everything you need. I did have to modify (cut the end off) the free spool lever due to the way it sits a little low with it.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08CCND179/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

[NULL POINTER]

Maximus-3, Grimm, Warn all have winch plates for the factory steel bumper that are robust and work with the APEX 12000 without drilling new holes in the plate. Make sure you get the right one for your Jeep.

Edit to add, Metalcloak also has one for the JT but I do not know if it works with the Badland APEX 12000 or if any modifications are required. Metalcloak is good stuff and they support their products.

 

[chaosjake]

I have the Rubicon steel bumper and Badland Apex 12k winch. I used the Bulldog winch plate and Rugged Ridge XHD spacers. The cable loom was a tight fit, but didn't need relocation. I hammered the corner of the bumper lip by the winch clutch lever to make sure it would clear.

 

[gammonspy]

I've spent some time reading previous threads but haven't found an answer to what I'm looking for. Does anyone have a recommendation for a winch plate to install a Badlands Apex Winch without the need to relocate the winch wiring harness or re-drilling holes in the winch plate? It seems like folks have had to modify the plates, add spacers and/or relocate the wiring harness to the side in order for this winch to fit and not interfere with the grill. Does anything like this exist or should I just expect to make some modifications during the install? Thanks

https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/forum/threads/badland-apex-12-000-lb-winch-installed.88123/

 

[cranbiz]

Matson at MetalCloak said they used the Apex winch for the design of the new winch plate as they couldn't get a Warn at the time.

 

[HAMP]

I've spent some time reading previous threads but haven't found an answer to what I'm looking for. Does anyone have a recommendation for a winch plate to install a Badlands Apex Winch without the need to relocate the winch wiring harness or re-drilling holes in the winch plate? It seems like folks have had to modify the plates, add spacers and/or relocate the wiring harness to the side in order for this winch to fit and not interfere with the grill. Does anything like this exist or should I just expect to make some modifications during the install? Thanks

I just installed mine a few days ago (Aux battery died and couldn't start my jeep after install) but I went with the Warn plate on a Mopar steel bumper with 0 issues other than shaving the winch handle to clear the top of the bumper.

 

[jdog70]

Thanks for the all the responses. I ended up ordering a Grimm mounting plate. I'll report back in case this helps someone else decide which plate to use.

 

[Hollandbriscoe]

Thanks for the all the responses. I ended up ordering a Grimm mounting plate. I'll report back in case this helps someone else decide which plate to use.

I've got the same thing on order, one thing to note I have seen people on youtube that the factory bolts may be to short with the plate so a trip to the hardware store may be in order.

 

[Hollandbriscoe]

I've got the same thing on order, one thing to note I have seen people on youtube that the factory bolts may be to short with the plate so a trip to the hardware store may be in order.

So I got my Grimm plate installed and no extra bolts were necessary, they have added the extra bolts that are needed. I did have to grind down the inside of the bumper mounts in order to get my winch to fit, I did install a Zeon 12-s so your mileage may vary. The big issue I found was getting the inside nuts back on and torqued. The two bottom inside bolts got tightened as tight as I could get them as there is no way to get a torque wrench to these. Grimm also recommends retorquing everything after your first time using the wench, I'm not sure how you can do that as only the back two winch bolts are accessible without removing the whole bumper.

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