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.