Installed DOI Winch Bumper

[bjc]

Respooling hasn't been an issue for me either using synthetic. Mine has been underwater once and no issues - the solenoid is mounted higher up on the radiator.

I can also say that you do get a cleaner fit with the DOI skid plate than with the OEM, but I don't think it's really that big of a deal. I went with a custom skid from DOI simply because I thought the OEM wasn't as strong and left a lot of area uncovered.

[H3slate]

Originally Posted by bjc

Respooling hasn't been an issue for me either using synthetic. Mine has been underwater once and no issues - the solenoid is mounted higher up on the radiator.

I can also say that you do get a cleaner fit with the DOI skid plate than with the OEM, but I don't think it's really that big of a deal. I went with a custom skid from DOI simply because I thought the OEM wasn't as strong and left a lot of area uncovered.

Any pics or links to where we can get the custom skid plate?

[Field Scout]

I have the same doi mount but w/rollers and the rollers do affect approach angle slightly, on recent trip to long ranch going down a steep hill rollers w/license plate plowed a little dirt up front (you can go to long ranch pics and see the slightly bent front plate on the white h3), just an fyi if someone gets rollers up front. also not sure about the skid trbl you are having, mine went between doi piece and frame just sort of squeezed in place nothing to hang up, concerned about the excess weight from doi skid, already have alot of extra weight on truck now, turned t-bars 5 urns to get what most get from 2 1/2 turns

[H3 Hummer]

Wouldn't it sux if you got stuck had a winch but couldn't utilize it?

I am still holding out for something better.

[lotus4s]

Originally Posted by H3 Hummer

Wouldn't it sux if you got stuck had a winch but couldn't utilize it?

I am still holding out for something better.

Why would you not be able to utilize it?

[Cal]

Originally Posted by lotus4s

Why would you not be able to utilize it?

Yea, I was thinking the same thing.

[Arizona Hummerboy]

You did a very nice job, it looks GREAT!!!!

[H3 Hummer]

Originally Posted by lotus4s

Why would you not be able to utilize it?

I have had problems with a winch even when I had access to the cable. When you are stuck your vehicle usually isn't in the best posistion.
With your design, since you are not able to easily get to the winch cable it may be difficult to pull the line out. Easily fixed when you have a open winch with access to the cable on a flat stable surface. More difficult if you are off balance or wading through mud. Even more difficult if you are unstable, wading through mud and can't even reach the cable. That would really suck and I would hate to be in that posistion. Hope that helps clarify what I meant.

[Hal]

Originally Posted by H3 Hummer

I have had problems with a winch even when I had access to the cable. When you are stuck your vehicle usually isn't in the best posistion.
With your design, since you are not able to easily get to the winch cable it may be difficult to pull the line out. Easily fixed when you have a open winch with access to the cable on a flat stable surface. More difficult if you are off balance or wading through mud. Even more difficult if you are unstable, wading through mud and can't even reach the cable. That would really suck and I would hate to be in that posistion. Hope that helps clarify what I meant.

although I don't have one yet on my truck, I have used them on scout HMMWV's in the military and I have an ATV winch.

If you know you're heading out on to some hard trails you need to have some line played out and attached up high like on the brush guard so you are ready to go if need be. Just make sure it's well attached so it doesn't come loose and snag anything.

Anyone else with experience think this the solution to a concealed winch or are there other potential problems?

[lotus4s]

Originally Posted by H3slate

Any pics or links to where we can get the custom skid plate?

Here's a link to DOI although I don't know if you can get just the front skid or if you have to get the whole underbody protection or if it's even available yet.

http://www.defeliceinnovations.com/P...1/Default.aspx


bjc, is that your truck in the pics?

[bjc]

Originally Posted by lotus4s

bjc, is that your truck in the pics?

Yes.

http://www.elcovaforums.com/forums/s...highlight=skid

[lotus4s]

Originally Posted by bjc

Yes.

http://www.elcovaforums.com/forums/s...highlight=skid

What's your impression now after having used it for a few months?

Did you ever get the bolts changed out and did you find the protruding bolt heads a problem?

Is Matt proceeding on these? I spoke with him when I got the winch bumper and told him I'd be interested when he starts producing them but haven't heard anything since.

[bjc]

Originally Posted by lotus4s

What's your impression now after having used it for a few months?

Did you ever get the bolts changed out and did you find the protruding bolt heads a problem?

Is Matt proceeding on these? I spoke with him when I got the winch bumper and told him I'd be interested when he starts producing them but haven't heard anything since.

I'm very happy with my skid plates - I've not had time to change out the bolts yet, though. Matt has all the designs on his computer, and I'm assuming he can fabricate the skids as demand arises.

[DDWH]

Looks nice and clean!