Pelfrey hidden winch mount

swim.bike.run

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Opinion please.

I’ve tried to be purposeful in my build to suit my needs based on geographic location and level of experience. I’ve increased my off-road use and, shocker, enjoyed it immensely. I’m at the point where a winch is a “can have” item financially before hindsight makes it a “must have”.

I’ve done my research, for the most part, and I’m not sure I want to add an additional bumper and subsequent weight/cost, however, this hidden winch mount seems to fit my needs.

My question to those with the experience is if I add the Pelfreybilt hidden mount with a “enter winch model here” am I suffering any performance degradation. I don’t want the hidden bumper. Do I need it or will the hidden winch mount suffice.
 
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Opinion please.

I’ve tried to be purposeful in my build to suit my needs based on geographic location and level of experience. I’ve increased my off-road use and, shocker, enjoyed it immensely. I’m at the point where a winch is a “can have” item financially before hindsight makes it a “must have”.

I’ve done my research, for the most part, and I’m not sure I want to add an additional bumper and subsequent weight/cost, however, this hidden winch mount seems to fit my needs.

My question to those with the experience is if I add the Pelfreybilt hidden mount with a “enter winch model here” am I suffering any performance degradation. I don’t want the hidden bumper. Do I need it or will the hidden winch mount suffice.

Performance loss? No.

The winch will do its job regardless of whether it is mounted in a hidden tray, a "Low Pro" style bumper, a safari style bumper or even a full-on rock crawler bumper. One might even argue the that the hidden winch trays do a better job protecting the winch from the elements because the only opening in the front is the fairlead.

Most of the hidden and low profile bumpers require a winch with a relocatable control module, but that's only a matter for installation, it does not affect operation of the winch in the least.

A point to consider when deciding which mount or bumper to go with is accessibility to the winch itself. Most winches come with a mechanical clutch which disconnects the motor from the spool and allows you to quickly pay out the line. That clutch generally sits on top of the housing opposite the motor and is accessed either from the front through a hole in the bumper or from above which necessitates either popping off the trim panel above the radiator or taking a page from forum member Zapper's playbook and drilling a hole in it to work with a custom-built clutch turning tool.

It also helps to be able to see the winch spool so you can properly wind the line back on the spool after use.
 
Opinion please.

I’ve tried to be purposeful in my build to suit my needs based on geographic location and level of experience. I’ve increased my off-road use and, shocker, enjoyed it immensely. I’m at the point where a winch is a “can have” item financially before hindsight makes it a “must have”.

I’ve done my research, for the most part, and I’m not sure I want to add an additional bumper and subsequent weight/cost, however, this hidden winch mount seems to fit my needs.

My question to those with the experience is if I add the Pelfreybilt hidden mount with a “enter winch model here” am I suffering any performance degradation. I don’t want the hidden bumper. Do I need it or will the hidden winch mount suffice.

Thank You for your interest in our products. You won't experience any performance loss with the Hidden Winch Mount. This is a great alternative to a heavier full-replacement bumper.
2010-2017 4Runner Hidden Winch Mount | Pelfreybilt

14-T4R-Hidden-Winch-Mount-600x357.jpg


We also carry a variety of Winches on our site:
Winches & Recovery | Pelfreybilt Off-Road & Overland

Please let us know if you have any more questions :)

-Pelfreybilt
 
I have it and it works well for my occasional use. I cut a hole the size of my hand in the black plastic tray under the hood between the front bumper and the radiator and can easily engage and disengage the clutch, plug in the controller, etc.

I did not relocate the solenoid and my Warn Zeon 10-s fit, snuggly, but it fit.

The only downside to this route is lack of visibility to how well its winding. It's wound for me cleanly when I have used it, but just something to keep an eye out for.

My thoughts are: if I used it everyday, there are better solutions out there. If I am only getting stuck or helping someone once in a while, this is a perfectly clean and low-key way to have a fully functioning winch.

IMG_2536.jpg


Cheers.
 
I have it and it works well for my occasional use. I cut a hole the size of my hand in the black plastic tray under the hood between the front bumper and the radiator and can easily engage and disengage the clutch, plug in the controller, etc.

I did not relocate the solenoid and my Warn Zeon 10-s fit, snuggly, but it fit.

The only downside to this route is lack of visibility to how well its winding. It's wound for me cleanly when I have used it, but just something to keep an eye out for.

My thoughts are: if I used it everyday, there are better solutions out there. If I am only getting stuck or helping someone once in a while, this is a perfectly clean and low-key way to have a fully functioning winch.

IMG_2536.jpg


Cheers.

Thanks for the input BullRNR

I tend to look at the install and use in the same manner as you. Cutting a hole in the plastic tray is an easy alternative for me as well.

Have you had any issues with the Hawse fairlead shifting on the plastic?
 
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Thanks for the input BullRNR

I tend to look at the install and use in the same manner as you. Cutting a hole in the plastic tray is an easy alternative for me as well.

Have you had any issues with the Hawse fairlead shifting on the plastic?

No shifty
 

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