20XLRangerFraptor
Well-Known Member
- First Name
- Clifford
- Joined
- Jul 7, 2022
- Threads
- 3
- Messages
- 103
- Reaction score
- 225
- Location
- Waddell, AZ
- Vehicle(s)
- 2020 Ranger XL
- Occupation
- Jet Mechanic
- Thread starter
- #1
Ever since I got my ranger I’ve had the Badland Apex 12k winch I kept from my superduty. I had it in a hitch cradle on that truck and was looking a ways to mount to my ranger using my existing Westin Pro Mod front bumper.
I looked at the hidden winch mount options that I’ve seen available. They look like great mounts but in my opinion was a little pricey. I seen the APG mount they offered and like they way it look and mounted. But decided to see what I could do
I took a chance and went and bought the HF Badland universal winch mount and tried to see if I could make it work. It was about $40 with the 25% off coupon I had.
So once I got the front bumper off I mounted the winch into the mount and jacked it up center between the frame rails. Marked line where the “U” shape of the channel mount contacted the frame and started trimming with my angle grinder and cut off disk. Kept test fitting and trimming until I was happy with how it was sitting. 4 of the existing holes in the channel ended up lining up almost perfectly to the bolts holding the tow hooks on. I had to enlarge the holes out to about 11/16” with my step bit and had enough room for it to bolt up.
So right now I’ve only used the winch to test the full spool with the truck. Haven’t had to use it to recover myself or anyone else from being stuck but she is mounted in the solid. I did mount the control box under the passenger headlight. I have easy access to turn the winch on and connect the wireless controller or plug in either one. I trimmed the front skid plate for the winch line to come through but still plan on redoing my skid to mount a fairlead to it. It tools so test fitting multiple times but for a $40 mount I think it works great and I don’t foresee any issues with it. I do plan on adding some brackets to bolt between the bumper and frame just for some extra security and peace of mind but honestly don’t believe it “needs” it. I’ve had the same style channel mount on my old wrangler and never had issues with only 4 bolts holding it to the Jeep.
I looked at the hidden winch mount options that I’ve seen available. They look like great mounts but in my opinion was a little pricey. I seen the APG mount they offered and like they way it look and mounted. But decided to see what I could do
I took a chance and went and bought the HF Badland universal winch mount and tried to see if I could make it work. It was about $40 with the 25% off coupon I had.
So once I got the front bumper off I mounted the winch into the mount and jacked it up center between the frame rails. Marked line where the “U” shape of the channel mount contacted the frame and started trimming with my angle grinder and cut off disk. Kept test fitting and trimming until I was happy with how it was sitting. 4 of the existing holes in the channel ended up lining up almost perfectly to the bolts holding the tow hooks on. I had to enlarge the holes out to about 11/16” with my step bit and had enough room for it to bolt up.
So right now I’ve only used the winch to test the full spool with the truck. Haven’t had to use it to recover myself or anyone else from being stuck but she is mounted in the solid. I did mount the control box under the passenger headlight. I have easy access to turn the winch on and connect the wireless controller or plug in either one. I trimmed the front skid plate for the winch line to come through but still plan on redoing my skid to mount a fairlead to it. It tools so test fitting multiple times but for a $40 mount I think it works great and I don’t foresee any issues with it. I do plan on adding some brackets to bolt between the bumper and frame just for some extra security and peace of mind but honestly don’t believe it “needs” it. I’ve had the same style channel mount on my old wrangler and never had issues with only 4 bolts holding it to the Jeep.
Sponsored
