Superwinch has a range of winches to suit just about any need. You can choose from rated line pulls from 1,000 lbs. to 18,000 lbs., as well as various portable, heavy-duty, and industrial designs. Most are available in synthetic rope and steel cable versions, and yes, there really are many benefits to adding a winch to your vehicle.
In certain applications, the mounting location of a winch is determined by the vehicle or bumper design. But in some cases, you have the option of mounting your winch either in or on the bumper. Let’s examine the pros and cons of both to see which one works best for your specific needs.
Winch-On-Bumper Design (Cradle Fitment)
If your vehicle doesn’t have a bumper with a built-in winch tray, you can consider a winch-on bumper option. For these cases, Superwinch offers a winch cradle hitch mount that fits on any 2-inch receiver hitch. You may find this option beneficial because:
- Removal/attachment of winch is easier.
- Winch cradles allow for front or rear mounting.
- It’s common and convenient for agricultural and/or construction applications.
This mount works on several winch models with a rated pull line up to 10,000lbs. This solution works well when you don’t plan to keep your winch always attached to your vehicle. The winch can also be swapped between the front and rear of the vehicle if it has a receiver hitch on both ends and the proper wiring.
However, there can be a downside to using a winch cradle:
- It may make your winch easier to tamper with
- They’re not optimal for off-roading as they reduce approach and departure angles.
Winch cradles may not a good choice for off-roading as they reduce the approach and departure angle of your rig. It is also far more likely to get damaged by rocks, and other hazards. That is why a winch cradle is most often used on farm vehicles and construction trucks.
Winch-On-Bumper Design (Direct-Mount)
A winch-on bumper solution is still an great option for off-roaders if the winch is installed in a direct-mount manner. In other words, mounted directly onto the bumper. This will protect the winch from potential damage and won’t affect the approach and departure angles of the vehicle. This method makes the winch:
- Easier to remove than an integrated design
- More suitable for off-roading and won’t limit approach angles
It will still need to be properly secured and wired to ensure that it functions safely. Make sure to read the installation instructions for your winch beforehand. You may need to modify or upgrade your stock bumper to accommodate the winch. Also, be aware that a direct-mount winch may impact air flow to the radiator, be sure to check that radiator airflow is not limited by the winch.
In some cases, the winch can be swapped between the front and rear of the vehicle if it has the necessary wiring and mounting points. It is also easier to remove than a fully integrated design.
Winch-In-Bumper Design
If you are looking for a more integrated, permanent, and good-looking solution, the winch-in-bumper design is the better option. If your bumper has a winch mount, we have a full range of winches to suit your needs, all offering:
- A sleeker, more integrated look
- Less likely to get damaged
- Harder to tamper with
- A wider range of winches for various vehicle fitments
An integrated winch is less likely to get damaged off-road. Your approach and departure angles won’t be affected, and a winch-in-bumper setup is harder to tamper with. It is harder to remove, so it is best suited for those who are planning to use their rigs for regular off-roading adventures.
Winch Mounting Options From Superwinch
Superwinch has been providing reliable and high-performance winching products for over 50 years. It is a subsidiary of Westin® Automotive, which is a manufacturer of quality aftermarket automotive products for Trucks, Jeeps, and SUVs.
Choosing a winch-in bumper or winch-on-bumper solution comes down to personal preference and a good understanding of your winching needs. If you’re looking for even more versatility, Superwinch offers portable winch options that allow you to skip mounting all together. Our Winch2Go portable winch and Hand Hauler 1000 portable hoist are great options that can be available on the fly. They’re compact and easy to store in any cargo area or trunk.
Whichever option you choose, Superwinch has the winches and accessories you need and they come with the following benefits:
- IP68 Waterproof – Fully sealed drum, gearbox, and contactor (aka solenoid) for protection from the elements
- Rugged Steel Winch Drum – Steel won’t crack or shatter like aluminum
- Ready For Extreme Duty – Tested in temps from -40 to 125 F; Integrated drum and controller lighting for after dark recoveries
- True Capacity Rating – Every winch meets or exceeds the pulling power rating
- Easy-To-Use Clutch Handle – Big and easy to operate
- No-Bind Clutch – Won’t bind and break like cheaper clutch designs
We back our products up with a comprehensive warranty. Get in touch with our expert team if you need assistance with any of our products.
