Mounting winch to factory bumper

[RV-TJ]

So I've got the parts for my TJ to RV hookup which I'll get to in a few weeks....and was looking ahead to winches. I had planned on the factory bumper in front ... but is that a mistake for a winch? Is an aftermarket bumper needed? What are pros / cons of using stock vs. aftermarket bumper with a winch?

 

[dbbd1]

I'm not sure if it will interfere with your RV tow mounts but, I put my winch on to my stock bumper. The winch plate is the important part, it ties into the frame.

 

[dbbd1]

Here are some pics...

 

[Steel City 06]

Stock bumper won’t have the D-ring mounts or another recovery point other than the factory tow hooks. So pull options are limited.
Aftermarket bumper will have winch mount, recovery points, flat tow brackets, receiver hitch, and other accessories already built in

 

[RV-TJ]

Stock bumper won’t have the D-ring mounts or another recovery point other than the factory tow hooks. So pull options are limited.
Aftermarket bumper will have winch mount, recovery points, flat tow brackets, receiver hitch, and other accessories already built in

Yeah, that's what I was wondering. I like the pics dbbd1 provided — makes sense. Yes, i know about the winch plate.

I think I might start looking at bumper options. Either way, my RV hitch mounts would be the same.

 

[Steel City 06]

Yeah, that's what I was wondering. I like the pics dbbd1 provided — makes sense. Yes, i know about the winch plate.

I think I might start looking at bumper options. Either way, my RV hitch mounts would be the same.

The bumper I bought has tow bar brackets built in as an option. They’re built into the bumper itself and don’t hang down low like the ones that bolt under the bumper to the frame. I think several manufacturers offer built in brackets

 

[billiebob]

Any after market bumper adds weight is maybe the only downside.
But nothing wrong with the factory tow points.
Be sure whatever you buy in compatible with your flat tow components.

 

[Thumper4fun]

The stock bumper works perfectly fine for mounting a winch. If you go with the stock bumper your options are a flat mount plate (picture below) or a raised plate. It seems both work well it just depends on which you prefer.