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New Apex 12K Harbor Freight winch Install

Jeeperjamie

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Installed a Rugged Ridge Arcus front bumper with the Badlands 12000 lb. winch. Man that winch used every bit of space up plus some.

I did what kitfoxbill did on the power cable plus 1/4" spacers on the frame horns to space the winch plate away from the grill and then put some 1/2" washers between the bumper skin and the winch plate, at that point everything cleared. And yes it was a pain getting a bolt thru all of those componets. But it was worth it as I am very happy with the outcome.

bumper - winch.jpg
Looks great:like:
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Jeeperjamie

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Here's mine, forgot to post a picture of it with the bumper in this thread. Pretty easy install and I love how it looks. Rugged Ridge Spartan Full width bumper and Badlands 12000lb winch. I bedlined the Fairlead Black as well, also added some Led Cannons.

Jeep Gladiator New Apex 12K Harbor Freight winch Install 00000IMG_00000_BURST20200619193653437_COVER
Jeep Gladiator New Apex 12K Harbor Freight winch Install IMG_20200603_204148
 

eaglerugby04

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Installed a Rugged Ridge Arcus front bumper with the Badlands 12000 lb. winch. Man that winch used every bit of space up plus some.

I did what kitfoxbill did on the power cable plus 1/4" spacers on the frame horns to space the winch plate away from the grill and then put some 1/2" washers between the bumper skin and the winch plate, at that point everything cleared. And yes it was a pain getting a bolt thru all of those componets. But it was worth it as I am very happy with the outcome.

Jeep Gladiator New Apex 12K Harbor Freight winch Install IMG_20200603_204148
Looks good. Also getting those bolts through was an absolute nightmare compared to the rest of the install on the bumper.

Like hold 6 pieces in place while sticking 8 bolts in. I really wish they had thought that out better.
 

Rottie

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Installed a Rugged Ridge Arcus front bumper with the Badlands 12000 lb. winch. Man that winch used every bit of space up plus some.

I did what kitfoxbill did on the power cable plus 1/4" spacers on the frame horns to space the winch plate away from the grill and then put some 1/2" washers between the bumper skin and the winch plate, at that point everything cleared. And yes it was a pain getting a bolt thru all of those componets. But it was worth it as I am very happy with the outcome.

Jeep Gladiator New Apex 12K Harbor Freight winch Install IMG_20200603_204148
LOVE IT!...planning to go the same way ...I just got the apex ...fixing to order the arcus soon ...
was that really a pain to get it installed ? ...where you able to use the winch plate that comes with the apex?
 

Jeeperjamie

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LOVE IT!...planning to go the same way ...I just got the apex ...fixing to order the arcus soon ...
was that really a pain to get it installed ? ...where you able to use the winch plate that comes with the apex?
The Apex doesn't come with a winch plate. Harbor Freight sells one separatly for $49.99.
 

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eaglerugby04

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LOVE IT!...planning to go the same way ...I just got the apex ...fixing to order the arcus soon ...
was that really a pain to get it installed ? ...where you able to use the winch plate that comes with the apex?
Arcus comes with the winch plate as part of it. Honestly the "bumper" is two tow hooks, a winch plate, and a thin shell for the most part
 

JTPatriot

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LOVE IT!...planning to go the same way ...I just got the apex ...fixing to order the arcus soon ...
was that really a pain to get it installed ? ...where you able to use the winch plate that comes with the apex?
What eaglerugby04 said. Yes it was a pain getting all of the pieces together along with lifting the winch installed to the winch plate up and aligned with all the holes. It took two of us one on each side to get everything lined up. I would hate to try it by oneself.

One tip is to loosely install the bolts that go thru the winch plate into the inside of the frame rail so it will pivot on them while lifting it up and aligning all the pieces.
 

Jeeperjamie

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What eaglerugby04 said. Yes it was a pain getting all of the pieces together along with lifting the winch installed to the winch plate up and aligned with all the holes. It took two of us one on each side to get everything lined up. I would hate to try it by oneself.

One tip is to loosely install the bolts that go thru the winch plate into the inside of the frame rail so it will pivot on them while lifting it up and aligning all the pieces.
They look good but the pain of the install and I was wanting one that goes up closer to the fenders was one reason I went with the RR spartan. Still don't dislike ya'lls though
 

Rottie

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They look good but the pain of the install and I was wanting one that goes up closer to the fenders was one reason I went with the RR spartan. Still don't dislike ya'lls though
Thanks for everybody suggestions!
 

eaglerugby04

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They look good but the pain of the install and I was wanting one that goes up closer to the fenders was one reason I went with the RR spartan. Still don't dislike ya'lls though
My entire decision on mine came down to price, weight and keeping airlow factory or as close to factory as possible. Plan on towing some heavy loads from time to time, and since I already took a payload penalty with the rubicon wanted to minimize anything else as much as possible.

I honestly got lucky I liked the looks of mine, lol.

Have you done a test of the new cannons on yours?
 

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Jeeperjamie

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My entire decision on mine came down to price, weight and keeping airlow factory or as close to factory as possible. Plan on towing some heavy loads from time to time, and since I already took a payload penalty with the rubicon wanted to minimize anything else as much as possible.

I honestly got lucky I liked the looks of mine, lol.

Have you done a test of the new cannons on yours?
I have tested them some. I need to put a video together but they are definitely bright and throw the light out there. Pretty pleased with how they look.
 

remlemasi

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@Donkey Fluffer, sorry if you posted this already, but can you confirm if you had any install issues with the Badland Apex and the Rugged Ridge Spartacus winch plate? Did you have to trim the engagement handle and/or use the Poison Spyder spacers to get it to clear?
 

JCstud21

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Here's mine installed on a Smittybilt XRC Gen 2 Bumper. I really like the looks of it on the Jeep. Not a great picture, but a picture none the less. Very easy install, but very tight fitment.
Jeep Gladiator New Apex 12K Harbor Freight winch Install BadlandWinch
 

Donkey Fluffer

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@Donkey Fluffer, sorry if you posted this already, but can you confirm if you had any install issues with the Badland Apex and the Rugged Ridge Spartacus winch plate? Did you have to trim the engagement handle and/or use the Poison Spyder spacers to get it to clear?
It was tight but no clearance issues. Didn't even have a helper. I didn't cut the handle, nor use any Poison Spyder spacers, but as I recall I did make the slightest 1/16 trim of the stock metal bumper under the handle to make it rotate easier
 

remlemasi

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It was tight but no clearance issues. Didn't even have a helper. I didn't cut the handle, nor use any Poison Spyder spacers, but as I recall I did make the slightest 1/16 trim of the stock metal bumper under the handle to make it rotate easier
Awesome, thanks for the feedback! So I guess there is still a tiny bit of interference between the handle and the bumper and small shave to either one should do the trick. Out of curiosity, why did you decide to trim the bumper and not the handle?
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