Winch trailer hitch mounts for self recovery?

SpaceGhost · Feb 16, 2023

I've been looking into winch builds for self recovery - my concern is too much weight sag on the front end with a RRO winch mount and winch installed. I was curious if something like this would be safe enough/work for self recoveries on the trails. Something that can just be taken off and put on if needed, and stored in the trunk.

Thoughts? I have a basic trailer hitch installed on my riot.

Sandstone · Feb 16, 2023

Just a couple of things..

I'd start by making sure the trailer hitch you have installed is up to the task.

Some of the more basic hitch models (class II) are only good for pulling a 3,500 lb max free-rolling trailer, and the Patriot can weigh 3-3,300 lbs empty, not including any extra drag from being stuck.

Presuming the trailer hitch is strong enough, then depending on how you get stuck you might run into access / clearance issues that would make it hard or impossible to get the winch properly mounted into the receiver.

Another option for self-recovery would be a hand winch / come along.

More work to use and takes more time than a winch, but cheaper, smaller, lighter, etc.

Flamewave · Feb 16, 2023

RRO bumper probably weighs about what the stock bumper weighs, and if you're adding a winch you should absolutely go with synthetic line, it weighs far less and is way, way safer. I had absolutely no sag after installing mine and I went with a bigger winch than what they recommend.

SpaceGhost · Feb 16, 2023

Flamewave said:
RRO bumper probably weighs about what the stock bumper weighs, and if you're adding a winch you should absolutely go with synthetic line, it weighs far less and is way, way safer. I had absolutely no sag after installing mine and I went with a bigger winch than what they recommend.

Awesome, that’s good to know that it doesn’t sag. I’ve seen a few folks who’ve installed them on the front like that and they sagged horribly. I’m assuming they used steel cables instead of synthetic

Flamewave · Feb 16, 2023

SpaceGhost said:
Awesome, that’s good to know that it doesn’t sag. I’ve seen a few folks who’ve installed them on the front like that and they sagged horribly. I’m assuming they used steel cables instead of synthetic

Yep, steel line is all downsides IMHO, it's really heavy and super dangerous when it breaks.

Also their springs may have been more clapped out than they realized as well.

SpaceGhost · Feb 16, 2023

Sandstone said:
Just a couple of things..

I'd start by making sure the trailer hitch you have installed is up to the task.

Some of the more basic hitch models (class II) are only good for pulling a 3,500 lb max free-rolling trailer, and the Patriot can weigh 3-3,300 lbs empty, not including any extra drag from being stuck.

Presuming the trailer hitch is strong enough, then depending on how you get stuck you might run into access / clearance issues that would make it hard or impossible to get the winch properly mounted into the receiver.

Another option for self-recovery would be a hand winch / come along.

More work to use and takes more time than a winch, but cheaper, smaller, lighter, etc.

That’s what I figured; I was curious and came across that winch frame and thought huh! I will say I have a class III trailer hitch rated to tow 4500lbs, but after looking at it, yeah I don’t think doing a rear winch setup would work well enough for self recovery like that.
I do have a bunch of extra straps and shackles that i’ve used for self recovery using the tire winch to a tree method. Messier, but it works every time

SpaceGhost · Feb 16, 2023

Flamewave said:
Yep, steel line is all downsides IMHO, it's really heavy and super dangerous when it breaks.

Also their springs may have been more clapped out than they realized as well.

Makes sense for sure. I like the warn winches a lot too; I think that’ll just be my next upgrade. May as well buy the rock sliders while i’m at it. Appreciate the input! Still new to this stuff, and I value my safety 😅

Sandstone · Feb 16, 2023

SpaceGhost said:
Messier, but it works every time..

And in the end that's whats counts.

RossoRacer · Feb 17, 2023

I remember @rcguymike only needed one winch with his old setup....sounds like you may be looking at two? But of course those TAG bumpers were pretty heavy. Check the build thread section for "Drift Breaker", it was pretty cool.

Earthworm51 · Feb 21, 2023

Bolt a rear receiver to the front. You have to take the frontend off. I did it years ago. I bought two rear receiver hitches from U-Haul back then. Bolted one to the frontend on Patriot, it fit no problem. Drilled a few holes and bolted on. I posted it on here looong time ago.

Sandstone · Feb 21, 2023

Earthworm51 said:
Bolt a rear receiver to the front. You have to take the frontend off. I did it years ago. I bought two rear receiver hitches from U-Haul back then. Bolted one to the frontend on Patriot, it fit no problem. Drilled a few holes and bolted on. I posted it on here looong time ago.

Hey EW, nice to see you back.

SpaceGhost · Feb 22, 2023

Earthworm51 said:
Bolt a rear receiver to the front. You have to take the frontend off. I did it years ago. I bought two rear receiver hitches from U-Haul back then. Bolted one to the frontend on Patriot, it fit no problem. Drilled a few holes and bolted on. I posted it on here looong time ago.

Now that’s a good idea, love that. I bet i could do that and put receiver shackles on the front too 🤔 I don’t love the oem tow hooks personally… I prefer the shackles for recovery

Winch trailer hitch mounts for self recovery?

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Flamewave

SpaceGhost

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SpaceGhost

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Sandstone

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Earthworm51

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