Winch mounting?

2019 TRD-Off Road. Looking for recommendations for a winch mounting kit for my 4Runner. I've looked at several that come with awesome and expensive bumpers - I like the looks of most of them but my wallet is declining.

1. Is there a kit that work's well with OEM bumper?

2. What do most of you guys consider adequate winch capacity? I just want the capability to get out of a typical run in with a ditch or mud hole - the latter likely won't happen as I have an aversion to mud and try to avoid when possible (LOL).

Thanks!

 

There out there, but for the price you could get a slim line bumper For a bit more and have much better access to the winch. Off the top of my head Ragio fab has a set up. Just google hidden winch.

 

Only OEM bumper kits I am aware of are CBI, Demello (I think), SDHQ, Bud Built. If there are others I am not familiar with them.

I have a SDHQ and am pleased with it. It's an off the shelf part so you can get it pretty fast (doesn't need to be fabricated) and it is already powdercoated. Some guys think a downside to SDHQ is that there are no shackle mounts for D rings but that's kind of the nature of the beast with the factory bumper style and I've never missed them.

Winch rating; you will get different answers on this. In large part it depends what your intend usage is and the weight you are going to saddle your truck with.. If you intend on running fully loaded at "expedition weight" and then getting bogged down in thick mud then using the GVWR x 1.5 formula may not be enough... I personally have a 8k winch and it's fine for my use, but a lot of guys are running 10k and maybe even a few with a 12k on their 4Runners.

 

Warn VR10 winch and Warn Hybrid Bumper for me.
Warn discontinued my winch shortly after I bought it. If I was to buy another I'd probably go with a Warn VR10 Evo.

This place had the best price on the bumper + free shipping when I bought mine back in 2019 ($657.35).
https://www.discountbandit.com/warn-semi-hidden-mounting-kit.html

 

The EVO is a really good winch for the money. MY OR has a 8k EVO-S. The wireless remote alone is worth the upgrade.

 

That IS a sweet looking set-up - if my pocketbook was willing that would likely be my choice. Thanks for your input.

 

Could go real old school.
https://youtu.be/QFDGGht3CQU

 

I think this is about what I'm looking for even though its a little pricier ($550) than what I thought - of course I've just started getting into this thought so had no idea really what to expect. Thank you so much for your quick response!

 

Yeah, that's just way too complicated for this simpleton...

 

Really glad I asked the question - I was looking at a 13K model which apparently is a bit overkill!

 

No problem. 13k is overkill. I think the decision comes down to 8k or 10k... obviously you know my choice. Also, 12k and up may be a hair too big for some mounts.

2 other things... first, SDHQ offers a t4r.org forum discount of about $50, so call them to order and tell them you are a member there... even if y'aint.

Second, here is my install writeup if you want a step by step. SR5 on first page, OR towards the end. There is what I think is a brilliant tip on the OR install listed. Reads better on a laptop:

 

If I had to do it again, I would get a front hitch mount, mount the winch on a hitch plate and get long power cables. This way you can winch from the front or back side. And you don't always have the weight of the winch hanging off your front end.

https://www.etrailer.com/Front-Rece...kGBk8fTGwvKJM32SrZJmG_RWVZAcd-e8aAuTtEALw_wcB

 

What a nice job of describing your install - who needs YouTube with directions such as yours! So you can get to the clutch release okay?

 

That would appeal to the "practical" side of me as it makes good sense - the "cool" side of me may argue the point...

 

Super easy

 

LFD has a couple hidden winch mount options as well.

$524 with recovery points.
https://www.lfdoffroad.com/catalog/...n-winch-mount-with-recovery-points-5th-gen-4r

$474.99 with factory recovery points left intact.
https://www.lfdoffroad.com/catalog/toyota/5th-gen/bumpers/adj-hwm

 

You then need a way to secure the winch in the cargo hold of the 4Runner. It will take up valuable space back there.
Most likely the one time you need it, you'll have left it at home.

Winches are heavy, I don't want to be dragging one around very often.

Those Curt front receiver hitches hang down below the bumper robbing you of ground clearance and approach angle.

 

Thank you for your response. So there's plenty of hidden winch options out there I'll just have to ponder a bit on which one is suitable for me.