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.

 

[Capngeo]

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.

Yes! I’ve seen most of Matt’s videos. He claims no issues with water intrusion on the winch. But of what I’ve seen it is still pretty exposed to the trail. I’ve whacked my spare tire, so I’d probably KO a winch. Additionally there’s access to the free spool and such. The winch with electronic free spool that Matt uses is way out of my budget.
I suspect I could make a skid plate to protect the winch, but that would double-down the access issues.

 

[Chance575]

You lose your spare tire


https://roadarmor.com/products/stea...LcvcLoGDFD97q4pDzxvRF7gishGjcFWsI3H0UfhOQnRVa

 

[kroo]

I'd probably go with hitch mount and just carry it in the bed until needed.

 

[Flash 2004]

I'd probably go with hitch mount and just carry it in the bed until needed.

Me too, but I just know that when I needed it for self recovery that hitch would be what I was hung up on or would be under 2' of mud.

 

[S JEEPN]

You lose your spare tire


https://roadarmor.com/products/stea...LcvcLoGDFD97q4pDzxvRF7gishGjcFWsI3H0UfhOQnRVa

I have never seen that bumper with the winch mount built in looks good exactly what you hear people describing. The only issues are similar to any hidden setup you can not see the line as it spools and how do you access to the free spool lever. I like bumpers that have a provision to use the stock from Jeep recovery hooks although i would not have any fear of problems using this design probably about as strong as any. if i was looking for a rear mount that did not rely on the hitch it would be hard to not consider it as a good start and from there making a few modifications. With a Warn M series and relocating the control box up out of the way it would probably work great as long as you did not have the rear buried.

 

[gatorboy]

Me too, but I just know that when I needed it for self recovery that hitch would be what I was hung up on or would be under 2' of mud.

Yeah. So just winch sideways twice from the front winch and you’ll be headed in the the direction you’ll want to go. Haha

 

[Janster]

A buddy of ours from years and years ago on his F450 Duellie Double cab..... had a hydraulic winch setup. He had ONE winch that he'd move to the front or the back using the 2" receiver and hydraulic quick disconnects. It was pretty slick setup...... I'm sure, it wasn't cheap!!

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