[rsollman]

I'm wanting to get a front bumper for my 1500 that will allow for winch hookup. The only issue I'm running into is finding a bumper that allows easy access to the winch. My WARN 9.5Ti has a lever that switches from powered and free-rolling the spool and I'd hate to have to power-out all 125ft of cable should I need it sometime. I'm also pretty meticulous about how my cable winds up on the spool and don't like the idea of not being able to monitor it as it pulls in.

I've found several great, heavy-duty bumpers out there but every one seems to hide the winch within it and only allows room for the cable and fairlead on the exterior. I have Iron Cross side-steps, and they have some great front bumpers, but nothing with any open access to my winch.

The best bumper I've found so far is the Boondock 150-95-035 series. No access to the winch.

Besides having to custom fab once from scratch, or mod'ing a pre-made bumper, has anyone seen a bumper like I'm describing? I wouldn't mind have the bumper protrude 6" or more if it meant I could get to the winch. Attached is the current setup I have on my Jeep which is really like.

 

[BigJimboFitz]

Ranch Hand Legend Series [or Sport Series with H2"R (hidden 2" receiver)], get a 2" winch reciever mount and plug her in. I personally like the fairly covered models as it helps protect my winch in the event of an impact. However, I like the 2" receiver option because lets be honest, I dont need the winch there at all times. Easy enough to remove the winch and plug it in when you need it. Unless, of course, you were awesome like me and bought the warn 16.5... whew that suckers heavy.

 

[tcnoakes]

Most everyone that I have seen that has the winch mounted inside the bumper has cutouts on top of the bumper to see/reach into...
Like this.... I would call that pretty easy access....

 

[rsollman]

That's a good point tcnoakes, I guess I haven't seen many shots of bumpers with angles that show the opening that well. Or maybe they're all just black on black. Something like that would be easy enough to reach down into; wonder if the bull/grille guard would interfere any? I'm wanting that on it too.

 

[slw206]

i know its a ford.. but DAMN, that truck looks nice

 

[jimnfor]

^^^^ lol I thought the same thing. It's ok to appreciate a nice truck IMO.