It seems like getting one of these and a winch is a popular route - but that's still $5-600

Are there any other options?

I have very little winch experience but a winch is one of those things I doubt you want to "cheap" out on. You need something dependable that can get your ass out of a jam right quick and I'm gonna take a shot in the dark that a winch is something that you "get what you pay for".

I could totally be wrong on that though.

I used an Engo on my last truck. It pulled my truck without issue dozens of times. Never once had any concerns with it. I did get the one with synthetic line so it was much lighter.

Depending on what I do bumper wise, I will do an Engo again.

engo 9000 synthetic

Some people seem to really like this one. It's from Harbor Freight, so who knows if it is any good, but it's cheap and seems to have ok reviews. I don't know if I would rely on it if I was going out by myself without really testing it first.

That's the absolute cheapest, bargain-basement route you can go and have a winch ($279 for a front receiver + cheap winch + receiver mount) which will still run you probably $700-$800 by the time it's done (and that's assuming you get a $300 Smittybilt winch.)

The thing is, if you have that receiver mount attached to the front of your vehicle, it will compromise your approach angle as well as hanging that winch out there where it can get damaged. OTOH, if you keep the winch in the truck until you need it, then you need to have a place to store it.

For only a few hundred more you can get a dedicated winch bumper and permanently mount that winch. That's the route I would go.

I have always really liked the idea of having a hidden reciever up front and I think eventually I will go this route. My t4r is a daily driver right now doesnt see nearly as much off-roading as I would like. This will change but even so I can not justify spending 1K plus on a winch bumper unless I am hitting trails often. Do not get me wrong I love the looks of them and the functionality of having a winch, strong recovery points and better approach angle but for me it would be mostly comsetic at this time. On the other hand if I did this hidden reciever I would have a better recovery point and be able to put a winch on it if I really needed it. I also like the idea of being able to put the winch on the back if ever needed. I'm sold!

i'm in the same boat as zonianbrat - the pros of a bumper don't quite outweigh the cost and extra weight for me. I do want a winch though.

Tough decisions man

Plus leaving your winch out in the elements at all times is not good for them (like in a bumper) I don't offroad enough to justify a dedicated winch bumper although wouldn't mind one for sure. The weight is a serious negative as well. Receiver would be perfect (for my situation).

you can get just a winch mount, instead of a complete bumper.
or build a mount.

they are designed for that, and will be just fine.


to the OP, ive been running a rugged ridge 8500 winch for a few years now. it works great. my only complaint is, it doesnt really free spool. it does, but its very hard to pull out. easier to just run it out.
and, its fairly quick for a $300 winch. i would buy another.

I asked a similar question on another forum and a few people recommended Runva. They are available on eBay. Apparently they aren't as fast as others but are quite reliable.

This looks like a lot of winch for $490 shipped.
Runva 11000lb 12V Recovery Winch Synthetic Top Gear Full Package | eBay

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