Undercover Hidden Winch Mount Questions

[dieck]

Hey guys,

I'm getting prepped for the Undercover Hidden Winch Mount install from the group buy on my T4R and I have a few questions. I've had winches on previous vehicles, but those were all purchased on the vehicle already installed. On those vehicles the winch was readily accessible. So this is my first hidden winch install. I plan to install a license plate over the hawse fairlead for a very stealthy install. And I really like the idea of not having a huge heavy aftermarket bumper out front. But a have a few questions

1st question: I'm considering the Warn Zeon Platinum 10s because of the completely wireless function. It's pricy. Worth it? No? Will it fit? How hard is it to get down to operate a traditional winch clutch in this mounting location?

2nd question: Is it worth wiring up some kind of isolator? Or is that just more complexity to fail on the trail? Best to keep it simple? Switch in the cab to power up the winch?

3rd question: I plan to install a transmission cooler at the same time. Any conflict?

4th question: how do you guys cut the bumper? May have to pick up a new tool.

5th question: Do I need a relocation kit? Or will it fit as is?

 

[dieck]

Bump. Somebody's got to have an opinion!

Hey guys,

I'm getting prepped for the Undercover Hidden Winch Mount install from the group buy on my T4R and I have a few questions. I've had winches on previous vehicles, but those were all purchased on the vehicle already installed. On those vehicles the winch was readily accessible. So this is my first hidden winch install. I plan to install a license plate over the hawse fairlead for a very stealthy install. And I really like the idea of not having a huge heavy aftermarket bumper out front. But a have a few questions

1st question: I'm considering the Warn Zeon Platinum 10s because of the completely wireless function. It's pricy. Worth it? No? Will it fit? How hard is it to get down to operate a traditional winch clutch in this mounting location?

2nd question: Is it worth wiring up some kind of isolator? Or is that just more complexity to fail on the trail? Best to keep it simple? Switch in the cab to power up the winch?

3rd question: I plan to install a transmission cooler at the same time. Any conflict?

4th question: how do you guys cut the bumper? May have to pick up a new tool.

5th question: Do I need a relocation kit? Or will it fit as is?

 

[3wbdriver]

1st question: I'm considering the Warn Zeon Platinum 10s because of the completely wireless function. It's pricy. Worth it? No? Will it fit? How hard is it to get down to operate a traditional winch clutch in this mounting location?

I popped the upper radiator dust cover off mine. It doesn't seem to be hurting the cooling and I have access to the clutch by just opening the hood. I am definitely planning on a wireless upgrade for my Comeup winch.

2nd question: Is it worth wiring up some kind of isolator? Or is that just more complexity to fail on the trail? Best to keep it simple? Switch in the cab to power up the winch?

Yes. Mine is directly wired, but I will be doing an isolator switch just in case the solenoid shorts.

3rd question: I plan to install a transmission cooler at the same time. Any conflict?

Can't help you here.

4th question: how do you guys cut the bumper? May have to pick up a new tool.

A dremel with circular saw or heavier duty cutting discs will do the job fine.

5th question: Do I need a relocation kit? Or will it fit as is?

You won't know until you try to install it. My solenoid box is relocated to the metal upper nose support on the passenger side. There are A/C lines running in front of the radiator that may interfere.

 

[Jono.ful]

you can get a plug and play wireless controller for lots of different units. if you're good reading wiring diagrams, you can put a wireless on any winch

 

[dieck]

But with the other winches you can't disengage the gears to free wheel without physically touching the winch correct? The Zeon's allow that remotely.

you can get a plug and play wireless controller for lots of different units. if you're good reading wiring diagrams, you can put a wireless on any winch

 

[Jono.ful]

that's a nice trick. I'd be worried about the solenoid that disengages the clutch. at least with mounting behind the bumper skin it will be somewhat protected, just seems like one more thing to fail.