Winch Plate for HF Badlands Apex 12k

[GrubbyBaja]

Stumbled on a 1-day only sale of 35% off HF Badlands winches yesterday. Picked up the Apex 12k Synthetic for $390 +tax on my way to taking my wife out to lunch for Mother's Day. Now I need a winch plate. Spent last night going down rabbit holes on this forum and am considering either the Rock Hard or Bulldog. It appears the Bulldog may require spacers to elevate the winch to prevent handle interference with the bumper. I saw no inference issues when reading posts that used the Rock Hard plate. Any additional advice or anecdotes before I place the order? 2020 JTR with OEM steel bumper.

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[joethewrangler13]

Just installed mine yesterday on a Grimm plate based largely on the lengthy thread in this forum. It worked great.

 

[md2k]

I did the LOD but it doesnt have a fairlead built in. If i wanted to spend a hair more, Grimm is the way i would have went. Grimm IIRC is all one piece bent, no welds.

 

[GrubbyBaja]

Thanks joethewrangler13 & md2k. I initially had Grimm on my list as well but removed it based on $$. I'll add it back to the list and head back down some of those forum rabbit holes. BTW, I'm not a hard core off-roader. My primary use will be for moving cut trees on my property and the occasional insurance for my stupid moments.

 

[MississippiGal]

Also check out the RockJock JL JT Winch Plate Kit for Factory Steel Bumper. We installed it our 2025 Rubicon X with no issues.

 

[GI Grandpa]

Stumbled on a 1-day only sale of 35% off HF Badlands winches yesterday. Picked up the Apex 12k Synthetic for $390 +tax on my way to taking my wife out to lunch for Mother's Day. Now I need a winch plate. Spent last night going down rabbit holes on this forum and am considering either the Rock Hard or Bulldog. It appears the Bulldog may require spacers to elevate the winch to prevent handle interference with the bumper. I saw no inference issues when reading posts that used the Rock Hard plate. Any additional advice or anecdotes before I place the order? 2020 JTR with OEM steel bumper.

I like Rock Hard 4x4, 100% US made and Veteran owned. Or you could see if this guy isn't using his anymore

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