Recess Winch vs Top Mount

[MAG00]

Looking at front bumpers and was curios what other's thoughts were on a recessed winch design bumper versus one that has the winch "top" mounted. For example, I kind of like the lines and look of the Motobilt Hammer front bumper. However, I kind of like the winch being recessed like on the Motobilt Crusher series. I like recessed, but I like the lines of the Hammer better.

So, what do y'all think about recessed versus not on the winch mount?

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[JAsh1967]

When I was shopping bumpers with an eye towards putting a winch on, the impression I got is that a potential issue with a "top mount" winch is that it will block some airflow into the radiator, affecting cooling.

As we tow a camper, keeping things cool was important so I opted to get the bumper I liked that had a recessed winch mount (Metalcloak mid-width) and I've been happy with it. Engine temps stay right in the middle, even with the camper hitched up, the winch is largely out of the line of fire for road debris that might get kicked up, and, honestly, it looks "cleaner" to me.

 

[yoda13]

As soon as I put a winch on this bumper, I can share my experiences. My last gladiator had a recessed mount. This will be mounted on the top of the bumper.

 

[kevman65]

You live in a hot area, the less you block the airflow through the grill the better.

 

[Lost1wing]

There was someone on this forum who was going to be charged extra for warranty work due to the winch blocking the grille. I believe he was having cam issues. The dealer also was going to charge for removing the oversized tires as well. This may have been a dealer issue, but it is something to think about. Especially if you don't do your own work.

 

[danend]

There was someone on this forum who was going to be charged extra for warranty work due to the winch blocking the grille. I believe he was having cam issues. The dealer also was going to charge for removing the oversized tires as well. This may have been a dealer issue, but it is something to think about. Especially if you don't do your own work.

I totally understand the extra charge for the winch. I’ve had to do work on mine a couple times that has required me to remove it. It is easily 30 minutes of extra work on either side and I knew what I’m doing since I installed it.

 

[GI Grandpa]

Looking at front bumpers and was curios what other's thoughts were on a recessed winch design bumper versus one that has the winch "top" mounted. For example, I kind of like the lines and look of the Motobilt Hammer front bumper. However, I kind of like the winch being recessed like on the Motobilt Crusher series. I like recessed, but I like the lines of the Hammer better.

So, what do y'all think about recessed versus not on the winch mount?

I prefer a recessed winch for better air flow, strength of having the winch between the frame rails and if you're going to run synthetic winch line, better protection for UV rays. This is my Rock Hard mid-width aluminum bumper with a Warn Zeon10 winch

 

[WILDHOBO]

I prefer a recessed winch for better air flow, strength of having the winch between the frame rails and if you're going to run synthetic winch line, better protection for UV rays. This is my Rock Hard mid-width aluminum bumper with a Warn Zeon10 winch

Agreed. I think the leverage is better for pulling with it lower and between the frame rails, as you said.

 

[AOGAudiman]

I have the OEM steel bumper with a Zeon 12S installed. I have a diesel that I tow my camper/trailer with. I hate the blocked airflow and I hate how much that bumper sticks out the front. I feel like there's an 8" gap between the grill and the back of the bumper. LOL. I am looking at finding a front bumper that suck up tight and also adding a 2" receiver so I can make my winch removable, as I honestly don't wheel much/get stuck and I use my winch more for dragging shit from remote areas (ie. logging on my cabin property ). And yes I understand a removable winch will decrease my haul capacities.

 

[WILDHOBO]

I have the OEM steel bumper with a Zeon 12S installed. I have a diesel that I tow my camper/trailer with. I hate the blocked airflow and I hate how much that bumper sticks out the front. I feel like there's an 8" gap between the grill and the back of the bumper. LOL. I am looking at finding a front bumper that suck up tight and also adding a 2" receiver so I can make my winch removable, as I honestly don't wheel much/get stuck and I use my winch more for dragging shit from remote areas (ie. logging on my cabin property ). And yes I understand a removable winch will decrease my haul capacities.

To me, the issue with a receiver mounted “front” winch is the dramatic decrease in safety with lateral pulls. I get that lateral pulls aren’t ideal, but they’re sometimes necessary. With that mounting setup, you decrease the power of your winch to the strength of your receiver. A front receiver won’t be anywhere close to handling 12k pulls. If you use a snatch block and increase the power, it could even more easily fail. I think it’s a safety issue.

Keep in mind; I have a rear winch that I have on a receiver mount, so I don’t disagree with it entirely, but it’s only a 5,500lb synthetic winch that weighs less than 40lbs including the mount. My front winch will always be permanently mounted.

I would very much like a front receiver that didn’t interfere with my winch bumper though. I’d use it for small accessories like bike racks though, when pulling a trailer.

 

[AOGAudiman]

To me, the issue with a receiver mounted “front” winch is the dramatic decrease in safety with lateral pulls. I get that lateral pulls aren’t ideal, but they’re sometimes necessary. With that mounting setup, you decrease the power of your winch to the strength of your receiver. A front receiver won’t be anywhere close to handling 12k pulls. If you use a snatch block and increase the power, it could even more easily fail. I think it’s a safety issue.

Keep in mind; I have a rear winch that I have on a receiver mount, so I don’t disagree with it entirely, but it’s only a 5,500lb synthetic winch that weighs less than 40lbs including the mount. My front winch will always be permanently mounted.

I would very much like a front receiver that didn’t interfere with my winch bumper though. I’d use it for small accessories like bike racks though, when pulling a trailer.

Totally agree and you make very valid points. I just....I don't really wheel that hard. LOL. The previous owner of my Jeep (was/is a member on here) installed the winch and really set this thing up nice. But he was apparently an elk hunter and wheeled this thing for how he had is set up. I personally don't think I would ever pay to have a winch installed, per my usage. I just run around logging roads and do some fun wheeling with the kids.
Love this Jeep though.

 

[WILDHOBO]

Totally agree and you make very valid points. I just....I don't really wheel that hard. LOL. The previous owner of my Jeep (was/is a member on here) installed the winch and really set this thing up nice. But he was apparently an elk hunter and wheeled this thing for how he had is set up. I personally don't think I would ever pay to have a winch installed, per my usage. I just run around logging roads and do some fun wheeling with the kids.
Love this Jeep though.

It sounds like it’s not necessary for your uses then. I totally agree that installing unnecessary accessories is a waste of cash.

 

[DanW]

It boiled down to these points, for me:

Pros for top mount:
-Keeps it higher, less chance of submersion.
-Blocks some bugs/rocks from hitting radiator
-Looks cool.

Cons for top mount:
-Interrupts air flow to radiator.
-Exposed to the sun.

Pros for recessed:
-More air flow to radiator.
-More protected from the sun (UV not good for synthetic rope)
-Cleaner look.

Cons for recessed:
-Lower, so more likely exposure to H2O.
-Tighter fitment.

I went recessed for the air flow to the radiator and the protection from UV, which it is exposed to every day, vs. water, to which it might never be exposed.

If I were encountering deep water...ore even using the winch fairly often, I would have probably gone with a top mount. But I don't, and I am more likely to tow a heavy trailer in hot weather, so the clear airflow made more sense.

Just my 2 cents. Individual needs, as well as preferences, are what matters in the end.

I have owned, both, btw. My YJ had a top mount for awhile.

 

[MeiMei]

The “winch ready” metal factory bumpers really aren’t. You have to spend 2-3 hundred dollars on additional hardware, but they have a clean look and don’t block the trail cam. That is the route I am going.

 

[omgoddard]

I've got mine recessed in a Motobilt Crusher bumper and like it.

CavFab just actually came out with their version of a recessed bumper like Motobilt's that you might like the lines of better.

https://cavfab.com/products/predator-series-front-bumper-jl-jlu-jt-for-baja-design-squadron-lights

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