Front Hitch Receiver / winch carrier combo

[s20004runner]

after I got stuck in snow last winter, I have been wanting to invest in a winch, but I don't care for armor and permanently installing it in the truck. I noticed some has installed a front hitch receiver and carry a winch attached to a carrier that can be attached when it's needed. Another plus is that I can attach the winch to the rear when needed.

What are your thoughts on pros and cons of this setup?

 

[HiluxSurf SSR-G]

you can also fabricate a winch cradle such that the winch will be hidden behind the stock bumper and attached to the winch mount, unless you have a steel bumper already

 

[69project]

after I got stuck in snow last winter, I have been wanting to invest in a winch, but I don't care for armor and permanently installing it in the truck. I noticed some has installed a front hitch receiver and carry a winch attached to a carrier that can be attached when it's needed. Another plus is that I can attach the winch to the rear when needed.

What are your thoughts on pros and cons of this setup?

I have one of these that I used on my truck. You need to pay careful attention to the winch carrier/plate you buy. The first I used mine it twisted the carrier enough to cause my winch housing to break. All because the winch plate was too thin to handle the torsional stress the winch placed on it. Lesson learned.

Also if you do any research you will be hard pressed to find a winch with this type of setup that is rated for more than about 10k. I don't think you need that much winch for a 4runner so you should be good but it is a consideration.

You will also need a place to store it when not in use or you will need to lock it on to a receiver. If you place it in the rear receiver you will probably need a spare battery because it will be a difficult proposition for the power cables to reach your truck battery in the front...so measure how long the power cables are.