Rear Winch on a JT

[Capngeo]

Looking for ideas to install a rear winch. Figure it either needs to go in the spare tire space (who really needs those anyhow) or, in the bed. Now bear with me on the bed idea; if there were a "hitch" that was patterned along the lines of a fifth wheel, where the winch was able to connect (pin/bolt/slot) on to, the rear winch would be easily accessible, removable to restore use of the bed AND would be a fairly clever conversation piece. I have looked and looked for someone building something along these lines without any success.

I have concerns about download on the tail gate in some close-in pulls, and of course there'd be some limit on the side to side angles. Perhaps a fairlead that slides into the 2x2 hitch that extends past the tail gate in the down position? I know about receiver hitch mounted winch plates, but really don't like the look and the winch seems pretty vulnerable.

My only hesitation on the "thru bumper" spare tire idea is access to the winch controls and lack of visibility of the spool too watch for off-center piles of line. Another fault at least for we Florida-types who often use our Jeeps as boats... the winch would be under water a LOT.

So, shoot me your ideas. I have a pretty complete shop to fabricate the idea, and it your idea is stellar, I might build TWO!

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[Capngeo]

Too watch? damnitalltohell, proof read twice and don't catch it til after the post!

 

[Bandit’s Lair]

I’d say your best bet if you don’t want a hitch receiver option is down where the spare tire goes. Mount the winch closer to the track bar (if you have one) and have the fairlead behind the license plate. Theres nothing saying the winch line has to be spooled all the way in tight to the winch. Having it closer to the track bar would avoid some issues with departure angles. One of the 9k Zein’s or something where the top can be mounted separate from the winch would probably work for a slimmer profile. As long as you can make arms from a winch plate to mount to the frame rails without going lower than the rear diff you should be ok.

 

[Capngeo]

I’d say your best bet if you don’t want a hitch receiver option is down where the spare tire goes. Mount the winch closer to the track bar (if you have one) and have the fairlead behind the license plate. Theres nothing saying the winch line has to be spooled all the way in tight to the winch. Having it closer to the track bar would avoid some issues with departure angles. One of the 9k Zein’s or something where the top can be mounted separate from the winch would probably work for a slimmer profile. As long as you can make arms from a winch plate to mount to the frame rails without going lower than the rear diff you should be ok.

RE Bold: I've seen underfed winches mounted upside down to solve that problem also... THANKS!

 

[Wmkresse]

There’s a guy on YouTube with a pretty awesome rear winch set up. Check out his videos here. I think if you scroll through his videos there is one that discusses the rear winch specifically.

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