Yep, thats the question. Personally I want one in a major way. Mods in order of priority for me are winch, then 3" Rough Country Lift, then...

Okay, here's the reason for the question:
I have contacted both Warn and Ramsey and they have said that there has been virtually no inquiries for a winch bumper OR a winch mount for the H3. Due to this they have zero intent of creating one. Basically, if you have an H3 and want a winch, you're on your own to fab a mount.

So here is the question: How badly do you want a winch for your H3, AND, do you want a winch bumper OR an external mount?

If there is enough real interest perhaps we can convince one of these companies to produce something... Speak up, what do you think? What do you want?

Assuming a 9500lbs electric winch, with synthetic line and aluminum hawse, how much would you be willing to pay for a winch and mount assembly?

I'm interested in a winch MOUNT, I'll supply the winch...

I also pinged Warn and ARB recently and got the same reply. It more likely not enough people are asking yet. If it takes too long, I'll fab my own.

Also would depend on the type of winch... I'm not going to go for a cheap under powerd winch I have to say seven hail mary's, face east to say a prayer, all the while rubbing a rabbits foot before using.

On mine, you need only sacrifice a small furry mammal to the Winch Gods. Then it works great.
A 9000 or 9,500 lb winch would be more than sufficient for an H3.

What about the winch in that other thread. Has anyone tried to get more info, or get more made through that person?

It's almost exactly what I want.

http://www.teakatoys.com/PhotoGallery.asp?ProductCode=S...Number=6#largerph oto

http://www.defeliceinnovations.com/PRODUCTSBuilttoBeat/...bid/191/Default.aspx

Interesting. Notice how the Teaka winch sits up about 6 to 8 inches higher than the DOI one. I can't tell for sure from the photos, but it looks like the DOI one might cut into the approach angle more for that reason.

I like the looks of the DOI one better. It's a cleaner look that's reminiscent of the Milemarker H1 winch mount.

And a 9000lb winch is more than enough for an H3. Heck, I'm relying on a 9000lb winch plus an oversized snatch block to help pull my rear end out using my wife's truck.

Uhmmmm... any of you peeps notice that you have ZERO access to the winch?
After looking at the area behind the front bumper I'm wondering how that particular system secures the winch?

Paragon -

Thanks for the links. I am familiar with the teckatoys/steelcraft mount and something about it bugs me. It just seems cheesy, that and I don't like the brush gaurd.

The DOI unit is basically exactly what I was looking for, just couldn't find. Thanks for the link. I'm going to contact these guys today. With an aluminum or warn steel hawse instead of the roller assembly that could be a really sweet setup.

DEI - This was a custom, one off unit and the builder has no intensions of producing more at this time. I have been in contact with the owner of this truck and am trying to get more details, but at this time don't expect to see this unit available for purchase.

Just got off the phone with Matt from DOI (Nice guy, BTW) and this winch bumper is a reality and sounds just about perfect!

The initial run of 20 should be done and available within about 2 weeks. Pricing is still up in the air.

I expect to have this bad boy on my H3 and SOON!

ThankYouThankYouThankYouThankYou Paragon for finding this!

I really prefer a design like that but I don't know much of anything about winches so who knows. Is he going to contact you regarding price or are you supposed to contact him?

I hope it will be available in black, too much bling!

I've been talking to Matt for a couple of weeks now about his winch design and am having it installed by his shop the first week in June. I honestly think Matt is still in the prototype stage (even though he's completed one already and it appears to be working great). I told him I was willing to be the second guinea pig, and I'm sure there will be more.

He still hasn't completed installation instructions, so I'm not sure this is ready for mass distribution. It does, however, appear to be the best design to date. I will post pics in about a month.

If you are at the point where you have an install scheduled, I would guess that you have talked price to some degree. Care to give us at least a range that was discussed.

This ended up in the H1 forum on accident I would think.

http://elcova.com/groupee/forums/a/t...5/m/4251003181

More info and pics on that winch setup.

Custom winch mount

If you are at the point where you have an install scheduled, I would guess that you have talked price to some degree. Care to give us at least a range that was discussed. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

I don't want to speak for Matt, but I will say the price range he was thinking about for the winch bumper during our initial conversations was reasonable. I still don't know whether he's going to meet the price I can get for a Warn XD9000, so I may just pick it up myself and pay him for the bumper and installation.

I'm also going to have him install custom skid plating as I like his designs much better than the "boxed" armor plating from GM which I think has too many hang up points.

i will post more pics on the site this week of the mount

Re: How badly do you want a winch for your H3?
 

Ok, lookin' for some feedback here. I've been stuck in the mud too often lately, and needed to put on a winch. Nobody was getting around to it, so I took the bull by the horns....I designed this winch mount for my H3, just put it on today...and I can have more made. I'm not trying to sell anything here, just looking to get some ideas for improvement. When the design is finalized, this thread will move to the For Sale section.

5/16 steel, high enough to allow for front license plate, no effect on approach angle, fits with or without OEM brush guard. Laser cut, coated with Rubbergard. Sandwiches behind D-Ring mounting blocks, existing bolts have lots of extra length for installation.

Still gotta go get my truck buried in the mud & test it, but I'm pretty sure this is the optimum setup. Gussets should hold the structure just fine, I'll make sure it doesn't bend under a hard pull.

My buddy's got a big machine shop, he made this & can make more, but design may change slightly...a bigger lip in front will make the bend easier, things like that.

The question is, should I have more made if testing proves the strength? Does anybody have any ideas to strengthen it? Am I on the right track?

Pics included, will post more, and taking better ones tomorrow.

Cris Burkhalter

Green H3, a little bling, Adventure pack, BVG rack, light bar, Warn 9000
1965 International Scout, Lime Green.

Re: How badly do you want a winch for your H3?
 

More pics

Re: How badly do you want a winch for your H3?
 

Nice work Cris.

I would have been initially concerned with hinge action on your setup, but the reinforced 5/16 material looks pretty rugged. Another thing I like is the easy access to the spool. Is your design a viable option for rigs with a brushguard? Let us know how your tests fare.

I'm partial to the DOI winch bumper myself. :D:D:D

Attachment 23045

Re: How badly do you want a winch for your H3?
 

Very nice Cris. :cool:

That's the type of setup I'd like if I get a winch. Same idea as the Steelcraft and Rough Country ones. I think the DOI setup looks great but I just want the winch to sit up higher and be more accessible.

Have you tested it with a brushguard yet? I'm curious how it will fit/look.

Re: How badly do you want a winch for your H3?
 

X2. The hieght looks perfect for the trail.:D

BTW, Costco is selling a winch for $299.99. They show it attatched to an H2 on the box (although I personally think the photochoped it on). It's probably not worth a crap at 300 bucks, but I can get more info if anyone is interested in finding out the story on it.

Re: How badly do you want a winch for your H3?
 

Hi Cris -

I like what you've done here. Its a good looking setup. When you're taking better pictures today can you get one looking down from the top?

What are you estimating for a price?

Thanks

Re: How badly do you want a winch for your H3?
 

What about the mount does it come with it or would one have to be custom made.How many pounds does it handle.

It would be good to find a inexpensive one that would work :D .

Re: How badly do you want a winch for your H3?
 

Couldn't find the $299 price, did find Mile Marker 8000 $329.99

Re: How badly do you want a winch for your H3?
 

If anyone is interested, there's a thread on trying to get a group buy together on a model that's already available including a 9000 warn. Check the thread we have 4 ready, but need a few more. It sounds like we'll be able to get a few hundred off with a group.

Re: How badly do you want a winch for your H3?
 

I'll get some better shots, may not be today though...

Still looking into costs, I'd guess around $325. Pretty inexpensive solution to the winch mount issue.

Re: How badly do you want a winch for your H3?
 

Where is this thread?

Re: How badly do you want a winch for your H3?
 

the group buy thread is right here.

http://www.elcovaforums.com/forums/s...ht=winch+group

Re: How badly do you want a winch for your H3?
 

One for that price would be great.Im not ready to spend $1000.00 + Yet
What about mounting ,the channel cost $58.00 looks like it will take more than that to mount to H3.
If you could put this set up together for under $500.00 it might be a good option for those on a budget.:D

Re: How badly do you want a winch for your H3?
 

Cris -

Okay, some feedback. I like the design overall but a small change would improve asthetics (IMHO) and reduce thigh bashings. Is it possible to "clip" the corners of the mount? See the red circles below:

Re: How badly do you want a winch for your H3?
 

Another view:



Remove the section in red

Re: How badly do you want a winch for your H3?
 

I agree completely. For the amount that I foresee myself using it I just can't justify spending $1,200+ for winch and mount. Would probably rather have a 9K winch but for $500-$600 I would have to take a very hard look at the Mile Marker 8000 with this mount.

Re: How badly do you want a winch for your H3?
 

I got the internal mount and found a 9500 Warn for 700. Not a bad price IMO after waiting a year for one to comeout of hiding.

Re: How badly do you want a winch for your H3?
 

x2, I'm also thinking you can have an integrated brushguard - if you can fab up the mount, and have a tubing bender, you could probably make a nice brushguard with the correct clearances for the winch. Very Nice Design!:D

Re: How badly do you want a winch for your H3?
 

a $300 winch looks great on paper, but will it look the same when your wife is asking how you're going to get out of the pit you just drove into and the winch, for some reason, just doesn't turn? I'd rather get a something I know is top quality for a little more money now and not really have to worry about it later, than get something cheap now, and then get myself in trouble later, and then have to spend more money for something quality. Peace of mind is worth the money in my opinion.:)

Re: How badly do you want a winch for your H3?
 

Good suggestion, I'll run it by the fabricator to see if it brings up any other issues.