Winch

[Vinnybin]

I've been gator hunting through in florida lately and the VX did great through the creeks and sandy swamp muck but was thinking I could really use some reassurance. The problem is that I'm way out in the middle of no where and I'm sure even a 4x4 tow truck couldn't get out to me if I ever got stuck so my process of driving was very slow and thought out. Before executing an obstacle I'd stop, get out and walk around before going forth which made this kind of hunting very slow and inefficient. I'd like a winch on the front to keep me moving. How would I mount a winch on this SUV with the cladding? I've never mounted one before.

[Triathlete]

Do a search. There are several threads where others have mounted winches. You will need to fab a mount behind the cladding and cut the cladding.

[Mile High VX]

Here's a freebie to get you started...

http://www.vehicross.info/forums/sho...=winch+install

[Vinnybin]

Thanks mile, I wasn't finding anything in search. Seems like allot of work to get this idea going and I don't have a welder(though I'd love an excuse to get one). I'm not huge into off roading but would using a manual winch, the ones that have a long bar for the crank, be the poor mans substitute for a winch? I'm not sure if that's a common practice for off roaders but I'd be just fine spending the thirty bucks and tossin that in the back if I knew it would work should I need it.

[eternal21]

In this setup, the OEM bumper reinforcement is removed for something bit more beefy. IIRC, it weights 67lbs w/the winch attached. Nothing has to be moved for it to fit, although you have to cut a hole in the cladding where the license plate would mount.

Before:


After:

[Makocross]

I put a 2" receiver hitch extending from the right frame rail along with a 200 amp plug. I use the receiver for moving trailers around the yard and only put the winch on when I need it. I also have a plug on the rear so I can use the winch there also. I put a wireless remote control on the winch that I have used about fifty feet away. I had to move a truck so I hooked the winch to the VX and then hooked the cable to the truck, with me in the truck to steer, I used the remote to pull the truck into my garage.
If you don't mount the winch permanently you don't have to carry the weight around all of the time and the winch is less exposed to the elements. Plus you can use it on any vehicle with a receiver hitch and some long battery cables.
Mike