Let's talk about Undercover Hidden Winch Mount System for Gen 5

[jicko]

UndercoverHWMS is featured on TRD Baja chase trucks. SUPER clean install, all the functionality is "under the hood" rather than "being out there screaming". I also like their design due to the fact that the 2 pillar supports to the frame is still there, so, I can see the crash protection will be similar to factory front crash bar.

Undercover HWMS

It can be have with or without recovery points.

Do you have one? Any personal experience can you share? Both in installation and in actual usage?

Pros and cons?

I am trying to figure out whether to go this route or to go the Southern SS bumper route. Both seems to be great products.

 

[DCook0]

I wonder if they will work on a limited......

 

[Hellamatic]

Looks pretty dope, but I've always thought that if you find yourself getting into situations where a winch is a requirement, you probably aren't far off from needing to replace the factory bumper anyway.

That being said, I like the SSS mount better.

 

[Keith_PDX]

This is what I plan to use. I am not a big fan of heavy front bumpers nor the look. This with the rescue hook option is all I can ever see needing for my overland style of use.

This is what the crew at Expedition Overland are using on their new 5th gen TE builds (2 of them) that they're currently driving to South America. They have pictures of them installed on their FB and website. If it's good enough for them and their usage then it's good enough for me. That's my view.

 

[Engineer]

I agree with the above poster and think this is the direction I will go when the time comes. Group buy?

 

[Intruder]

How do you get to the clutch with one of those?

 

[mattr]

A front bumper is still a ways off for me, I'd jump at an option like this if it would bolt on to a limited front end.

 

[Raven]

I like the position and angle of the fairlead on this one better than the lower, down-facing fairlead on the Slimline version.

 

[Keith_PDX]

How do you get to the clutch with one of those?

Pop the hood or use one of the new Warn winches that is fully remote, including the clutch.

 

[4Surfin]

This is the route I am going. all the overkill heavy assed bumper options are a no go for my type of vehicle use. Dont see a need for the Dring provisions, just more holes to cut and there are already recovery points under the bumper

 

[cjacob316]

I agree with the above poster and think this is the direction I will go when the time comes. Group buy?

He has a group buy in the works already, creating a list. We need some more people.

I'm going with this one for a couple reasons, lighter, retains the overall look of the front, least amount of cutting, if you ever sell and want to remove it, you only need to replace the front valence piece if you have a trail or pro.

 

[jicko]

I wonder if they will work on a limited......

A front bumper is still a ways off for me, I'd jump at an option like this if it would bolt on to a limited front end.

Isn't this the same dimension as a limited bumper?

I do think that you may not be able to use the flush mount fairend tho. Best to contact the manufacturer for clarification, and report back!

Looks pretty dope, but I've always thought that if you find yourself getting into situations where a winch is a requirement, you probably aren't far off from needing to replace the factory bumper anyway.

You can easily stuck in sand or mud that a winch can totally help ya.

If you just don't go offroading/wheeling, you don't need a winch.....

I agree with the above poster and think this is the direction I will go when the time comes. Group buy?

Of course, you won't expect any less from me, right?

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/sale-...en-winch-mount-*group-buy*-spring-2015-a.html

 

[mattr]

I'll get in touch with them, I did notice this line on their site - is this essentially meaning that the factory airbags could go off more easily since the winch addition will transfer energy instead of absorbing it?

"By purchasing the UndercoverHWMS you the purchaser are soley responsible for replacing the vehicles factory bumper/crush zone."

 

[mattr]

Isn't this the same dimension as a limited bumper?

I do think that you may not be able to use the flush mount fairend tho. Best to contact the manufacturer for clarification, and report back!

Lightning fast reply from them, but not the one I was hoping for, re 14+ LE.

Sorry it wont work on the limited.

Brian

 

[RedStripeRanger]

I'll get in touch with them, I did notice this line on their site - is this essentially meaning that the factory airbags could go off more easily since the winch addition will transfer energy instead of absorbing it?

"By purchasing the UndercoverHWMS you the purchaser are soley responsible for replacing the vehicles factory bumper/crush zone."

Want to hear what you find out... main reason I havent pulled the trigger on the GB

 

[jicko]

I'll get in touch with them, I did notice this line on their site - is this essentially meaning that the factory airbags could go off more easily since the winch addition will transfer energy instead of absorbing it?

"By purchasing the UndercoverHWMS you the purchaser are soley responsible for replacing the vehicles factory bumper/crush zone."

I think that's just the legal jargon for "you are on your own".

Since the airbag deployment decision is based on abrupt/sudden inertia changes & deceleration, I personally believed that having an aftermarket bumper or a winch mount won't change the factory airbag functionality much.

If you cannot convince yourself, then you should not do any mods. Any mod will change *some* (as you are changing the weight of the vehicle as compare to what it was "tested" on), but may not matter. Do your own research and decide. :nod:

 

[Intruder]

Since the airbag deployment decision is based on abrupt/sudden inertia changes & deceleration, I personally believed that having an aftermarket bumper or a winch mount won't change the factory airbag functionality much.

If you don't have the factory crush cans any more then that will change the characteristics of sudden deceleration ie. the airbags could deploy in a less severe collision than they're supposed to.

 

[cjacob316]

Don't all bumpers replace them though?

 

[jicko]

Don't all bumpers replace them though?

I haven't found a solution that doesnt.... all front bumpers, winch mounts etc...

So, to me.... either you do nothing at all, or they are all they same.... in terms of "not being original"....

 

[cjacob316]

I haven't found a solution that doesnt.... all front bumpers, winch mounts etc...

So, to me.... either you do nothing at all, or they are all they same.... in terms of "not being original"....

My thoughts too.