I am about ready - but going back and forth and can't seem to make up my mind. I REALLY like the look of what you all call the DRTY Bumper Winch. But I feel that having the ability to switch the winch from front to back would be important. C'mon - you guys are never shy with opinions. I am going with Warn - but should I go with the "built-in" front bumper system or the cradle mount that can be switched between the front and back? Those of you who have these systems and use them...whatd'ya think?

Sean

I am about ready - but going back and forth and can't seem to make up my mind. I REALLY like the look of what you all call the DRTY Bumper Winch. But I feel that having the ability to switch the winch from front to back would be important. C'mon - you guys are never shy with opinions. I am going with Warn - but should I go with the "built-in" front bumper system or the cradle mount that can be switched between the front and back? Those of you who have these systems and use them...whatd'ya think?

Sean

IMO, when you buy a winch you regularly use it for someone else. I have the front/rear setup and it works fine. I haven't used it in the rear reciever yet. I can also take it off and put it away when I'm not using it. Having one mounted in the bumper increases your front clearance, if it's ever a huge issue, and it also houses a larger winch making the pulling power better.
Good Luck!

Ok... maybe this will help.

I have my winch mounted in a cradle... and I can move it front rear.

SELF RESCUE: I thought it is important to be able to move it, because once in a while I will do "stupid things" by myself. Self rescue is important to me.

SMALL "H2 RESCUE TRUCKS": Also I wheel with a lot of "smaller trucks" and if I get stuck... just one of them would have a hard time pulling me out.

COST: So I paid a couple dollars more to be able to move the winch to the back. I have the feeling the first time I move the winch and self-rescue I will tell myself "it's paid for".

FREQUENCY OF USE: On the other hand... every time so far I have needed a pull backwards... rather than move the winch... the guy behind me gave me a tug using the tow strap.

Moveable winch... great for self-rescue, rarely if ever needed when with a group.

Bling Factor: I like the look of a giant winch sticking out of the front of my truck. You spend the cash on a winch... why keep it hidden. I now get more questions about the winch than I do the truck.

Farming Factor: Winch cradle ploughs up ground in tough spots. Purely cosmetic... never slowed me down in the least.

WINCH SIZE: I have a 12,000 hydraulic winch. Mounting the winch on a cradle DOES NOT limit the size winch you can get.


If you like the dirty bumper... I would buy it. It looks great.

If front rear is important, get a cradle.

My cents...

Here are some more things to consider:

-I have had a cradle winch on my last three vehicles. I have never needed it on the front and never wanted to pull myself deeper into what is obviously bad terrain.

-A cradle winch does not effect approach angle because it can be removed from both the front and read, so it's not an issue.

-Cradle winches don't require a new bumper and you have less difficulty figuring out how to keep your winch at the time of sale of the vehicle, no stock bumper to sore in garage etc..

-Permanently mounting winch in the front requires new an alignment of front wheel and permanently makes ride stiffer, where you can take off the cradle winch when not in use ,or ride with cradle winch on rear if if there's no tire carrier back there).

That being said, there are advantages to both styles and disadvantages to both as well. The cradle winch is the best option for me.

I have the Warn 9.5 TI in a Cradle Mount and I love it. I like the security to be able to winch from the front or rear it I need to do so.

I removed my Third seat, and I store the winch there, I just used tie downs to keep it secure and in place.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by tomp:
-A cradle winch does not effect approach angle because it can be removed from both the front and read, so it's not an issue.
</div></BLOCKQUOTE>
Thats not really practical on a 20 mile trial where you would have to remove it many times is it?

One more thing to concider is your back. Anyone with a lower back problem (like me) would not want to move it often. With a winch bumper it on and done with.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by tomp:
-Permanently mounting winch in the front requires new an alignment of front wheel and permanently makes ride stiffer
</div></BLOCKQUOTE>
Gonna call BS on you with this. Where did you read that?

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by tomp:
-Permanently mounting winch in the front requires new an alignment of front wheel and permanently makes ride stiffer, where you can take off the cradle winch when not in use ,or ride with cradle winch on rear if if there's no tire carrier back there).

That being said, there are advantages to both styles and disadvantages to both as well. The cradle winch is the best option for me. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
Now we know not to listen to your technical advice.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by tomp:
-I have had a cradle winch on my last three vehicles. I have never needed it on the front and never wanted to pull myself deeper into what is obviously bad terrain.

-A cradle winch does not effect approach angle because it can be removed from both the front and read, so it's not an issue.

-Cradle winches don't require a new bumper and you have less difficulty figuring out how to keep your winch at the time of sale of the vehicle, no stock bumper to sore in garage etc..

-Permanently mounting winch in the front requires new an alignment of front wheel and permanently makes ride stiffer, where you can take off the cradle winch when not in use ,or ride with cradle winch on rear if if there's no tire carrier back there).

That being said, there are advantages to both styles and disadvantages to both as well. The cradle winch is the best option for me. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>


Everything you have said is total BULLSH1T.

Shut your fawking festering piehole before I monkeystomp you with my walker and shove one of my 5 lb testicles in your mouth.

Commie bastard.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by xAltitude:
Normally people think what they bought is the best solution

I have had both and hands down prefer the bumper for convenience and they look better (that's obviously subjective and nothing to do with function).

Hands down winner for me is the ability to open the hood and not move the darn thing.


BTW someone's Brother in Law stood me up on my old Warn 9000 cradle winch. If anyone in Denver needs one they can have it for next to nothing (it's just taking up space in the garage). It needs a new rope but other than that works fine and includes all the wiring. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>


Funny you should talk about it "looking better." That's the main reason I got interested in the "DRTY Bumper Winch." But I have to consider more than that! Because of the dangerous and remote terrain I wheel in, it needs to have the utmost practicality. Let me restate what I think I've picked from your collective brains so far.....

Bumper Winch:
Plus's: Looks good. Is always there. Works well in a front pull sit, COULD be run under the vehicle in an emergency rear pull sit. Does not interfere with hood opening. Neg's: Less powerful, might not work well in a rear pull situation.

MultiMount:
Plus's: Works well in front. Works well in rear. Can be removed when not in use so as not to interfere with approach/depart angles. Easy to transfer to another vehicle in an emergency or upon sale. Can be more powerful (9500 vs. 12000) Neg's: Interfere's with hood opening when installed, negatively impacts approach/departure angles when installed, is not "always at the ready."

Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmm. I think the MultiMount is winning me over. Any other thoughts or input?

By the way - this is the BEST advice I've ever gotten on here. Hell, even our "media friends" are piping in with somewhat constructive input. OUTSTANDING!

Thanks!
Sean

FRONT




Optional Back

[/quote]
That's about the skinny of it other than power, both solutions will work with a 9000 or 12000.

I have a question, where is the "dangerous and remote terrain you wheel in" because I really want to go there. PM me if you don't want to post that in public.[/quote]

X - check your PM's


I didn't realize the "DRTY Winch" could be had in other than a 9 or 9.5. Cool. As far as my terrain goes, I envy you guys - all that cool wheeling and a hot meal and a warm hotel bed at night! LOL When I start out, it takes DAYS to get across - and I have become pretty good at sleeping in the back of my rig. Of course, a good movie on the dvd player really helps.....

Sean

Dennis,
Do you have BOTH the front bumper winch AND a seperate rear winch???

Holy cow!

Sean

That's correct Bond.

It is also equipped with a rocket launcher.