Rough Country Bronco Hidden Winch Install

[@downwiththesicknessrc7783]

I have the Apex Badlands winch installed in my 2022, 2.3L. You are correct in that the side bolts have to be reversed to accommodate the larger housing of the Apex, but there was no issue for me with interference for the inter-cooler charge pipe. In fact it is a straight shot to reach it with a water supply turn off tool, (easiest way to reach it), with no obstruction. I was also able to remount the bumper without the shims moving the bumper out, with no clearance issues.

[@doublegstudios1123]

Interesting about the shims. I figured they were there for clearance. Wonder why they provided them then.

[@ricardosworkshop]

Great video! Keep them coming 👍🏼

[@lilmule4x4]

Great video with good tips as well: install & torque grounding nut on the winch BEFORE mounting the winch to the plate. Will look to replace skid plate bolts with ones with rounded bolt heads. I liked your idea of not having to pop the hood to use the winch. Did you find an alternative location to mount the remote?

[@doublegstudios1123]

I would agree with the rounded bolt heads if you can find them. Also would recommend them be graded bolts too. Not sure if the original are grade 8 or not. If I recall correctly the 4 mount into the skid and winch plate so they will certainly experience some forces when using the winch. No I never got around to figuring out a better spot. I was thinking of putting it in the front bumper but all the alternate locations I found would need a custom mounting plate fabricated up and I just don’t have the means to do that currently.

[@koruoverland]

Great work, enjoy the cold one!

[@UneducatedPhotographer]

What did you torque the back golden zinc bolts with? Seems a little tight.

[@doublegstudios1123]

There were no listed torque specs so good and tight was it. A standard ratchet worked fine. Might have had an extension on it too, but can’t remember.

[@NoJoey]

5 months later, how is the quality? The skid looked kinda thin. Winch is using plastic parts and on the controller too?

[@doublegstudios1123]

I’m planning to go to an OHV area local to me in October but when I was out in Colorado in May the limited wheeling I did had no issues. The bronco overcame pretty much any issues and didn’t need the winch or the front bash plate. The plate is actually as thick or thicker than the factory skid. Only downside is bolt heads are exposed. Most winches like the Badland Apex or RC ones have plastic control boxes as well as plastic remotes. With it being hidden I’m not worried. You’d have to cave in the skid pretty bad to do damage. Plastic remote seems fine for durability. The biggest issue is finding a place to mount the extension plug for it.

[@lordkitchner4924]

skid is thick...no issue there...1st class setup

[@trevordautzenberg1834]

Wait so how are you supposed to get to the free spool lever?

[@doublegstudios1123]

You can reach it from the top of the engine bay but re-engaging it can be difficult if the gears don’t line up. Most people I’ve seen just power spool out. I’ve also seen some people build a long lever extension where they basically weld a piece of metal rod to it and attach the handle at the top of the engine bay and secure the rod.

[@lordkitchner4924]

you dont....I know....you just have to give that up.....it is a hassle to deal with, too...until you learn how to just unspool using the motor...best to have 2 people...but one can do it with a bit of practice....problem is you are limited to the length of the control cable .....so you just stand and keep pulling out til you think you got enough or all...but hey...its hidden

[@johnhronafalvy]

Did you find a 400amp relay?

[@doublegstudios1123]

After doing a good bit of reading on the subject it seems a relay/fuse really isn’t necessary. The prevailing thought is that if it was needed the manufactures of the winches would include them but in reality those things are just to protect the wires from burning up. I did however put in a kill switch so there’s no power to the winch until I think I will need it. I went with this one: Bulldog Winch (20079) Power Shut-Off Kit a.co/d/j38Aqz9

[@tomsbigtrucks]

So the winch blocks the charge air cooler? No thanks I’ll pass RC

[@doublegstudios1123]

Nope, it mounts behind/under it where there is a void and doesn’t block/impede anything.

[@lordkitchner4924]

no no