Winch set up recommendations that retain front hitch?

[tdinardo]

Just trying to figure out how to add a permanent winch setup to my new 08 while still retaining the front hitch (needed for RV towing). It looks like all the permanent options seem to require removal of the hitch.Has anyone ever fabricated a solution that allows the hitch to be retained?

 

[USMC_315]

I haven't seen anything like this, main reason being that the reciever mounts to the frame and is the only thing, other than the front recovery hooks, that does so. You could probably do a custom fab that would replace the hooks with a mount for a winch that could sit above the receiver. However in doing so, you'll end up losing quite a bit of approach angle considering it won't tuck into the truck. You'd be better off just having a removable winch, unless you want to completely redesign the front end...

 

[Bigunit]

Doesn't Scarsman have a permanent which setup on his H2?

 

[USMC_315]

He does, but it deleted the front reciever

 

[Scarsman]

That is correct. On my long list of projects, I want to make a front bumper that still has a receiver in it.

A permanent mount that retains the factory receiver could be done, but would not be super easy. The winch would end up sitting pretty high and stick out quite a bit forward.

 

[tdinardo]

That is correct. On my long list of projects, I want to make a front bumper that still has a receiver in it.

A permanent mount that retains the factory receiver could be done, but would not be super easy. The winch would end up sitting pretty high and stick out quite a bit forward.

I was thinking if there wasn't anything out there (my expectation), I was going to see if my fabricator wanted to take on the project when I'm back in WI next month.

I'd happily chip in on the costs for development if you wanted to dig into this for your own truck if you'd make me one (which I'd pay for) once you get it figured out.

 

[twinmill28]

The front hitch receiver has max capacity of 300 pounds tongue weight, really too light to move anything except small empty cargo trailers and light bass boats. I had fun hooking mine up to a loaded 16' cargo trailer and you could watch the flex happen once you put the full weight of the the trailer on the receiver.
It sounds like a great idea but once you realize the limitations the fun winds down.

I'd love to have better use of that to push my travel trailer around but I guess backing it up will always be my way forward.....

 

[tdinardo]

Some of us pull the hummer behind an RV using the hitch, so tongue weight is not an issue. Dragging around a portable winch is an option, but it is far from preferable when the wife wants the third row of seats in the truck.

 

[4speedfunk]

Sounds like you'll need to go custom with the bumper. I got a raw-steel THORparts front bumper that would make a good candidate. You could add whatever tow mounts you need to it.

 

[Scarsman]

I was thinking if there wasn't anything out there (my expectation), I was going to see if my fabricator wanted to take on the project when I'm back in WI next month.

I'd happily chip in on the costs for development if you wanted to dig into this for your own truck if you'd make me one (which I'd pay for) once you get it figured out.

I will definitely be doing a bumper. I am hoping to start on it this summer after returning from our road trip.

 

[tdinardo]

If I get around to it before you do, I'll let you know. No sense in us inventing the same wheel twice.

 

[USMC_315]

Sounds like you'll need to go custom with the bumper. I got a raw-steel THORparts front bumper that would make a good candidate. You could add whatever tow mounts you need to it.

I don't think they make H2 bumpers do they? Also does anyone know where to find the THOR parts H3 rear seat removal, I heard someone mention it but I can't find it anywhere on the internet

 

[tdinardo]

Had a look. Seems they only do h3 stuff unfortunately.

 

[twinmill28]

Another option is to make a removable seat mount that slides into the front hitch--wife out front (excellent spotting position as well!), winch safely in the truck until needed

BTW--I've passed an RV pulling a HUMMER---and they talk about the poor mileage a HUMMER gets on it's own! It's an odd site to be sure

 

[tdinardo]

I was contemplating something like that as an option, but I think I'd rather pay for some fabrication time and get it on the front if I can. I'll be back in WI in a month or two where my guy is, so I'll see if he's game for building something at that point.

Lol. Yeah, my rv doesn't feel the hummer at all. I'm doing well if I see 6.5 with the rv. Lucky for me, the Hummer doesn't make any difference.

The thing is, there's nothing else out there that you can get 7 seats in, tow four down, and go anywhere with. Only a hummer can do it.

 

[twinmill28]

Dude--that's crazy, I pull our 28ft travel trailer with the deuce on 37's and lucky to see 6.5 doing it that way!

I guess either way you go you can't win......

 

[tdinardo]

It's definitely a lose lose situation.