Best winch plate for DIY installer

[Mr Miami]

I just purchased my Gladiator Rubicon two weeks ago and bought the HF Apex 12000 winch (I have the factory steel bumper). Based on what I have read here, the Grimm winch plate seems to be one of the easiest to use with no additional cutting or drilling. They are close to the price of the Warn plate but that one apparently requires trimming the shift mechanism (whatever it is called) in order to free spool the line. The Grimm plates have been out of stock for a while but apparently will be shipping the first week of March. I am just looking for a winch plate that is as close to plug-and-play as possible. Any thoughts on the Grimm or others???

Sponsored

 

[Minty JL]

Or order the winch plate from Jeep that's designed for the bump. Should alleviate guess work and modifications

 

[Glad Jeeper]

I am installing our new to me factory steel JTR bumper on my JTM this weekend, we purchased the warn winch plate for the HF 12000 winch as well, I will let you know how it goes….

 

[Reddog]

I installed a Warn winch with Warn winch plate. No problems whatsoever. No cutting or drilling required.

 

[Alaska-HWY JK]

Same.

I installed a Warn winch with Warn winch plate. No problems whatsoever. No cutting or drilling required.

 

[Jaxmax]

I’m not sure if trimming the clutch handle is a HF Winch thing cause it is huge or the winch plate, the plates all should have about the same bolt patterns and winch line has to come out about center of the hole in bumper. Also done guys have reported trimming for the Mopar override bar…..Jack

 

[NULL POINTER]

Depends how low the Apex 12K winch sits on the mount plate. I hear people with the Grimm and Apex 12K do not have to trim the freespool clutch handle. I have the Warn 101255 winch plate with the Apex 12K and I had to shave off about 1/4 inch near the bottom end of the handle. Also, some have reported that they have to drill out the two rear holes on the sway bar disconnect skid plate that attaches to the steel bumper. I did not have that issue. The Warn winch plate pushes the bumper forward about a quarter inch so it might be hit or miss, depending on how the holes line up on the bottom skid plate that attaches to the front bumper with 5 bolts and 2 in the rear. SIDEBAR: do not exceed 40 foot pounds on those skid plate bolts or the bolt heads may snap off.

By the way, thanks for finally posting pics of your new gladiator. Welcome to the club.

Sponsored