Winch and bumper combo that works well in the mud?

[Splaktar]

I am located in Central Florida. I am looking for info about which winches work the best in the mud.

The idea of a hidden winch is really attractive to me, but I have heard that hidden winches may leave the winch in the water/mud when you need to use it the most.

Also being in FL and living close to the beach, with salty air, I would like something that is somewhat protected from rusting out.

This will be my first winch. What do you think?

 

[Bschurr]

I am located in Central Florida. I am looking for info about which winches work the best in the mud.

The idea of a hidden winch is really attractive to me, but I have heard that hidden winches may leave the winch in the water/mud when you need to use it the most.

Also being in FL and living close to the beach, with salty air, I would like something that is somewhat protected from rusting out.

This will be my first winch. What do you think?

Unfortunately, Mother Nature doesn’t care if you are under or over the bumper - salt air will affect metal stuff including winches without prejudice. I would agree that a hidden winch could be more challenging to deploy and use in a muddy environment as compared to a typical bumper mounted unit.

I recently installed the Ford Performance winch kit and but haven’t yet had the opportunity to to use it. I can however, advise that the price was right ($1050 and SAVE25 coupon code will reduce that by over $250). And, even though Ford says it isn’t compatible with the Raptor, it fits and installation was straightforward.

 

[Splaktar]

I am about to pull the trigger on the FP winch setup, but I want to make sure that I am not being hasty. I do want to keep the OEM front bumper if possible.

 

[JohnGalt]

couple of thoughts…

The one downside to the Ford Winch setup is there is no camera relocation kit for the front camera (that I am aware of). Also it blocks your parking sensors (also ACC if you have it, I believe). Read the fine print on the FP product site for specifics. .

A warn winch with synthetic rope should hold up pretty well to salt air…within reason. A cover may provide additional protection.

Hidden winches look nice, but they sit low where your bash plate should be. I’ve been riding passenger when the driver hit a berm, driving the winch into his intercooler among other things. I’ve bashed my plate in a deep water bar in the desert, it’s bashed but nothing else was damaged.

I have a JCR winch plate with their camera relocation. ACC works with relocating on this plate. It works for me, but I’m sure there are plenty of other good options.

 

[Bschurr]

couple of thoughts…

The one downside to the Ford Winch setup is there is no camera relocation kit for the front camera (that I am aware of). Also it blocks your parking sensors (also ACC if you have it, I believe). Read the fine print on the FP product site for specifics. .

A warn winch with synthetic rope should hold up pretty well to salt air…within reason. A cover may provide additional protection.

Hidden winches look nice, but they sit low where your bash plate should be. I’ve been riding passenger when the driver hit a berm, driving the winch into his intercooler among other things. I’ve bashed my plate in a deep water bar in the desert, it’s bashed but nothing else was damaged.

I have a JCR winch plate with their camera relocation. ACC works with relocating on this plate. It works for me, but I’m sure there are plenty of other good options.


View attachment 14027

FYI - There are several camera relocation and parking sensor relocation options available. I am told ACC will work fine as is - no modifications needed.

I recently called (parts are not listed separately on their website) & purchased sensor relocation parts from Rough Country for wire extensions and sensors for about $50.

Here’s the parts list & pricing from my order —>

The front camera still works however, the view is slightly obstructed. If you want to relocate there are several options in addition to Rough Country including: DV8, Mountain2Metal, Turn Offroad and likely others.

 

[Dewars]

an exposed winch would actually be better in your environment. Much easier to spray off the mud, debris and saltwater residue.