Discreet winch by devon4x4 fitted in Melbourne

[herrBlick]

Now before we start getting all up tight and defensive I don't want a ARB bullbar as I just don't drive at night ,dusk or dawn plus I love the look of my Discovery as it is,
Does anyone know who could fit such a thing 57823

[lpj]

I am of the same opinion and would also like to know the answer to this question!

[herrBlick]

I am of the same opinion and would also like to know the answer to this question!

I hope that there is some mechanic out their who is able....
they have very thorough instructions maybe the boys at Ritters could do it..

[DiscoWeb]

Now before we start getting all up tight and defensive I don't want a ARB bullbar as I just don't drive at night ,dusk or dawn plus I love the look of my Discovery as it is,
Does anyone know who could fit such a thing 57823

herrBlick,

From memory having looked at that wishfully it comes with a very comprehensive set of instructions for fitting.

I think most competent mechanics/fitters etc would complete the task for you just might take some extra time if it is their first carck at it.

I have gone down the OL bar route but did quite like the idea of not requiring a bar to mount a winch.

I look forward to hearing how it goes.

George.

[CSBrisie]

...and less weight up front ofcourse!

[herrBlick]

herrBlick,

From memory having looked at that wishfully it comes with a very comprehensive set of instructions for fitting.

I think most competent mechanics/fitters etc would complete the task for you just might take some extra time if it is their first carck at it.

I have gone down the OL bar route but did quite like the idea of not requiring a bar to mount a winch.

I look forward to hearing how it goes.

George.

Well I contacted Ritters and Craig said he couldn't do if it wasn't Australian regulations standard. Shame! But I said I would send him som bits and pieces via email for reference. Maybe it will ok

[clubagreenie]

As a comparison I made one for my D2 to fit behind the plastic (before it died) and the engineer was fine as long as it sat behind the line of the crush cans. It hung off the cans chassis bolt holes, I can see any reason you couldn't do it yourself.

[AnD3rew]

Greg at Cremorne Prestige at Artarmon in Sydney has something very similar on his D4.

[dunnymel]

Try this mob. They do a discreet winch mount.

4x4 Design and Engineering - Landrover Discovery 3 and 4 (http://www.4x4de.com.au/landrover-discovery-3-and-4#three)

I'd be interested if anyone has one of their rear wheel carriers.

Cheers
Andrew

[sniegy]

Greg at Cremorne Prestige at Artarmon in Sydney has something very similar on his D4.

Photo's.
I want to do this to mine, but unsure of the look.

Cheers

Sent from my iPad using Forum Runner

[sniegy]

Try this mob. They do a discreet winch mount.

4x4 Design and Engineering - Landrover Discovery 3 and 4 (http://www.4x4de.com.au/landrover-discovery-3-and-4#three)

I'd be interested if anyone has one of their rear wheel carriers.

Cheers
Andrew

A few of the guys here have this RWC, not sure if they are still producing the carrier as there was talk of "the last wheel carrier" I have now got. Etc etc.

Michael is the owner, just contact him & ask, otherwise I have the Dolium unit, which is also great.

Cheers

Sent from my iPad using Forum Runner

[AnD3rew]

Photo's.
I want to do this to mine, but unsure of the look.

Cheers

Sent from my iPad using Forum Runner

Well unless I break something in the bush this weekend:o I'm not planning on seeing him for a couple of months yet so won't be able to get a photo, but to me it looks pretty schmick. I didn't even notice it was there at first glance.

[herrBlick]

Photo's.
I want to do this to mine, but unsure of the look.

Cheers

Sent from my iPad using Forum Runner

Surely if we got them from Devon 4x4 you could fit them sniegy????

[sniegy]

I don't see it being too hard, just time wise as there are a lot of things that require repositioning & modifying/adjusting.

Cheers

Sent from my iPad using Forum Runner

[DiscoWeb]

For anyone interested,

The link below is for Devon 4x4, if you go to their online shop and search discovery 3/ winches and bumpers you will find the discrete mount with some photos and a detailed PDF of how to fit this.

Devon 4x4 (http://www.devon4x4.com/)



George.

[herrBlick]

I don't see it being too hard, just time wise as there are a lot of things that require repositioning & modifying/adjusting.

Cheers

Sent from my iPad using Forum Runner

Does that mean you would be up for it?

[Dfourfun]

x2. I also am looking at this - subject to it all being compatible with airbags and won't adversely impact the LR warranty. What say you Sniegy?

[101RRS]

A price competitive alternative

Discovery 3 Winch Mount - sydney4x4accessories (http://www.sydney4x4accessories.com/winch-mounts/746-discovery-3-winch-mount.html)

Garry

[Dfourfun]

Thanx Garry - better to use Aussie version assuming it is as good) than buy overseas. Thanx. Still need a local installer however, I'm not NSW based.

[alpick]

Pity it doesn't have the recovery points like the Devon.

[CSBrisie]

Presume you just use factory front recovery point?

[herrBlick]

I know the Devon one is pretty amazing but this is a good alternative ....thanks

[lpj]

I have just now seen a D3 with a discreet mount winch in my Car park at work (In Melbourne).

I had to dash out but I'll take some shots later and leave a note for the driver. Unless it's someone's here?

Silver D3 with snorkel etc. Little Collins street- underground car park. Down near King street.

LPJ

[lpj]

Just spoke to the Gent. He had it done at Peninsula Rangie.

https://www.google.com.au/search?q=peninsula+rangie&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&hl=en&client=safari

He was very happy with them, although he did say that his requirements now would be better met with a b/bar with provision for a front mounted tow ball for his van.

58036

[Dfourfun]

Great, thanx, I'll give these guys a call and see what they say. At least they have some experience at having fitted one of these discrete ones before...!

[herrBlick]

Just spoke to the Gent. He had it done at Peninsula Rangie.

https://www.google.com.au/search?q=peninsula+rangie&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&hl=en&client=safari

He was very happy with them, although he did say that his requirements now would be better met with a b/bar with provision for a front mounted tow ball for his van.

58036

Brilliant work well done, will be straight on to it....looks great

[lpj]

That's how I roll!

[Flexor]

Try this mob. They do a discreet winch mount.

4x4 Design and Engineering - Landrover Discovery 3 and 4 (http://www.4x4de.com.au/landrover-discovery-3-and-4#three)

I'd be interested if anyone has one of their rear wheel carriers.

Cheers
Andrew

I called them a couple of weeks back with a similar question... but they don't have any stock and they don't currently have an Australian manufacturer. I was actually chasing their rear wheel carrier at the time. :(

[Flexor]

A price competitive alternative

Discovery 3 Winch Mount - sydney4x4accessories (http://www.sydney4x4accessories.com/winch-mounts/746-discovery-3-winch-mount.html)

Garry

I spoke to these guys (emailed actually since they won't give out their phone number) and they import theirs from the UK like the others seem to. Only problem is that none of the discreet winch mounts available (apart from the LR genuine one) seem to have ADR compliance (Australian Design Rules). That means that if you're in a smash, basically you've got something fitted that doesn't comply with Australian laws... = no insurance if someone wants to get picky.

I decided it wasn't worth the risk, or the $7,500 that a LR genuine kit will set you back, and just got a bull bar with winch fitted instead. Doesn't look nearly as good, but at least your insurance isn't voided!

[Dfourfun]

So herrBlick, have you gone ahead with ordering/fitting a discreet bar? If so, did you go to the guys at Peninsula Rangie? And did you use the Devon4X4 discreet winch mount or a different version?

I must say I am a bit put off doing this if my (relatively) new D4 warranty goes out the window...:( I can't fit a full bar (long story) so if I want a winch (which I do), this is my only realistic option (ok, so there are always the 'winch-in-a-bag' unmounted set ups if there is nothing else). Can anyone give me an authoritative answer on the Australian rules and regs on fitting one of these discreet winch mounts? Wish we weren't so "special" here in Vegemiteland. :censored: ARB, OL and ECB all make bars that don't break the local vehicle laws of Oz....

The other mob that seem to make lots of LR off-road accessories are TerraFirma - and they have discreet winch mount for D3/D4s (part no. TF096) as well as what appears to be 2 forward mounted recovery eyelets that mount to it (part no. TFD3RPK) which would be better than the central one lower down (and always in the mud...!). They also have half a dozen choices of winches to fit into the bumper bar on this discreet mount. Anyone had any experiences - good or bad - with the TerraFirma discreet winch set up? Thanx.

[101RRS]

I must say I am a bit put off doing this if my (relatively) new D4 warranty goes out the window...:( I can't fit a full bar (long story) so if I want a winch (which I do), this is my only realistic option (ok, so there are always the 'winch-in-a-bag' unmounted set ups if there is nothing else).

If you have the money you could always put in the not so discreet in bumper landrover winch offering. Warranty remains in tact.

Garry

[chuck]

Garry

Do you know if anyone other than Landrover sell these?

Googled last night & could not find one.

[101RRS]

Sorry - no. The only variations I am aware of is the winch in bull bar option (ARB/OL etc), the discrete mount and its variations as discussed in this thread and the not so discrete Landrover option as displayed in the options section of the Landrover D4 website.

Garry

[CSBrisie]

I have the LR version hanging off the front of my D4 (per their options list, but purchased from Duckworth Parts Landrover UK, and shipped out, at roughly half the cost quoted here in OZ); cant say its used much - but it does make me smile how many other 4wd owners stare at it at the traffic lights wondering what it is (under its cover).

I went this way as trying to save weight as my old D3 got a little porky....then I found out via Mr Pepper that the LR version, with winch and the bashplate, added together, weighs the same as an ARB bar with winch anyway :mad: Damn.

[Dfourfun]

Slo herrBlick, have you gone ahead with ordering/fitting a discreet bar? If so, did you go to the guys at Peninsula Rangie? And did you use the Devon4X4 discreet winch mount or a different version?

I must say I am a bit put off doing this if my (relatively) new D4 warranty goes out the window...:( I can't fit a full bar (long story) so if I want a winch (which I do), this is my only realistic option (ok, so there are always the 'winch-in-a-bag' unmounted set ups if there is nothing else). Can anyone give me an authoritative answer on the Australian rules and regs on fitting one of these discreet winch mounts? Wish we weren't so "special" here in Vegemiteland. :censored: ARB, OL and ECB all make bars that don't break the local vehicle laws of Oz....

The other mob that seem to make lots of LR off-road accessories are TerraFirma - and they have discreet winch mount for D3/D4s (part no. TF096) as well as what appears to be 2 forward mounted recovery eyelets that mount to it (part no. TFD3RPK) which would be better than the central one lower down (and always in the mud...!). They also have half a dozen choices of winches to fit into the bumper bar on this discreet mount. Anyone had any experiences - good or bad - with the TerraFirma discreet winch set up? Thanx.

Hmm, so what is the answer about these discreet winches? Can they be fitted legally and not void both the LR warranty and the insurance as they don't fully comply with Aussie Design Rules? For those of us that don't us our D4 just to take the kids to school but use them on the bush tracks, is there anyway to fit a winch that doesn't involve first having to bolt on an ARB or OL bulbar? Does anyone in AULROworld have the definitive "yes" or "no" answer? Maybe there are too few of us wanting this discreet winch set up to make it worth anyone's while to fill this gap in the market... Many Thanx.

[discotwinturbo]

Hmm, so what is the answer about these discreet winches? Can they be fitted legally and not void both the LR warranty.......

Definitely won't void factory warranty by fitting a discreet winch.

LR told me fitting GOE rims would void my factory warranty....they refused to put that in writing as they realised it was a false and inaccurate statement. Stupid thing for a manufacturer to make statements like that. The law is clear on this, that the onus is on them to prove the part that you installed caused the fault (if they choose the void factory warranty line)....power windows not working, warranty void because of my wheels ? Doors not shutting properly because of my wheels ? Fuel injection pump playing up because of my wheels ? They don't have a leg to stand on with silly and misleading statements.

Don't know about insurance though. ...don't think it would be much different to having a bull bar fitted.

Brett.....

[DiscoWeb]

I have the LR version hanging off the front of my D4 (per their options list, but purchased from Duckworth Parts Landrover UK, and shipped out, at roughly half the cost quoted here in OZ); cant say its used much - but it does make me smile how many other 4wd owners stare at it at the traffic lights wondering what it is (under its cover).

I went this way as trying to save weight as my old D3 got a little porky....then I found out via Mr Pepper that the LR version, with winch and the bashplate, added together, weighs the same as an ARB bar with winch anyway :mad: Damn.

Stornoway,

Do you have a pic of this fitted to your D4 ?? Checked your gallery but could not find one.

George

[101RRS]

Go to the Landrover Australia site - select D4 then go to accessories Discovery 4 Accessories - Car Styling & Personalisation | Land Rover Australia (http://www.landrover.com/au/en/lr/discovery-4/accessories/) the links go no lower than this. On the accessories page select Carrying and Touring and go to the bottom of the page and select electric winch - click on it for a description and larger pic.

Garry

[CSBrisie]

Believe it or not the photo as my "avatar" ('think thats the word - anyway the photo to the left) does show it winch fitted; I assumed that photo was in my gallery but have just looked and discovered it about 0.0001Meg in quality (!). I will add a new one asap!! :D

[Dfourfun]

Thanx gents for your comments. One installer I had a conversation with about fitting a discreet winch kinda turned me down point blank as he wasn't confident that fitting one would keep the front end compatible with the airbag stuff the D4 has in it (and thus from a liability point of view wouldn't touch the task with the proverbial bargepole).

I know there are big stickers inside my engine bay from LR saying words to the effect "fit anything to the front bumper that has not been approved by LR and all bets are off" (I can pop outside and get the exact words but assume everyone else has the same sticker!) ARB, OL and ECB must have got LR approval or else they couldn't (surely?) be able to sell their bars here to LR customers. But none of these manufacturers makes a discreet winch, except the (pretty ordinary) LR one that Stornaway has.

Importing one from the UK that theoretically meets UK requirements (and may or may not be 'approved' by LR UK) doesn't automatically mean it meets our Aussie design rules, etc and LR Oz has no incentive to 'approve' it as they want to flog me their own version of a discreet winch. So one would be up the proverbial creek if you took a chance and fitted one and then had a prang (which invariably involves the front end getting some sort of damage) and there goes the insurance company backing out the door faster than (insert your own preferred words here...) "see, if you hadn't had your unapproved discreet winch fitted, this wouldn't have happened". Hard to fault that logic when they are looking for any reason not to pay out on a claim (acknowledging earlier comments about wheels not causing electric windows to stop working!).

I can not see how fitting one is going to do anything but bring me future grief. I am not prepared to cross my fingers and hope for the best. I am very happy to be proven wrong here (feel free to tell me I am a dill) as I would desperately love to fit one, but not without legit paperwork so my arse (in a liability sense!) isn't hanging out.

[jon3950]

The Disco's used in the One Millionth Discovery trip to Beijing have a discreet winch mount fitted.

http://images.cdn.autocar.co.uk/sites/autocar.co.uk/files/landrover-discovery-2921212117565801600x1060.jpg

It looks like the D44 one. Not that it helps with legality in Aus, but it suggests that Land Rover think its compatible with the air bags.

Cheers,
Jon

[Flexor]

I was pretty serious about fitting the discreet winch mount and took the time to actually read the ADR (66 I think it was). It basically says that by law it has to comply with the testing criteria etc of the ADR to be legal. It shouldn't void your warranty, but in a serious accident then you'd need to cross your fingers and hope IMHO.

[4xforgold]

Only problem is that none of the discreet winch mounts available (apart from the LR genuine one) seem to have ADR compliance (Australian Design Rules). That means that if you're in a smash, basically you've got something fitted that doesn't comply with Australian laws... = no insurance if someone wants to get picky
and
ADR 66 which actually is for —Seat Strength, Seat Anchorage Strength and Padding in Omnibuses.

I hear / see this quoted a lot ADR compliance :mad:.
Does anyone know why bull bars are ADR compliant???? [bigsad].
If you do then you will probably know that discrete winch mounts in most cases probably do not need ADR compliance.

Bring on the flack, I've taken cover....:D

[clubagreenie]

Same reason as the one I made for my D2 and the tube bar both didn't need compliance or engineering.

[4xforgold]

Same reason as the one I made for my D2 and the tube bar both didn't need compliance or engineering.

For those who don't know me I love bullbars on 4WD's. I am pro bullbars as they have a very legitimate design and purpose one of those being winch attachment device at the very least.
But,
I love the idea of discrete winch attachment especially on a D4 as they look so good as they are. So I am in a real catch 22, get a full bar I can hang bits off or keep the look and go discrete.
ADR has no effect on a real discrete winch mount as the reason for ADR on bullbar is to do with the fact that the tubes obstruct the view of indicators and such, so bullbars have to have those "unnecessary' indicator and parking lights on the front.
Hope this helps clarify for those considering discrete winch bar.
You will however have to consider road worthy requirements for relevant states and territories with regards to winches fitted to the front of a vehicle be it bullbar or discrete...:mrgreen:

[austeve01]

Now before we start getting all up tight and defensive I don't want a ARB bullbar as I just don't drive at night ,dusk or dawn plus I love the look of my Discovery as it is,
Does anyone know who could fit such a thing 57823

It looks awesome. Did you get it from Devon in UK? They seem to be big on anything LR.

Cheers

[clubagreenie]

From my engineer.
As long as any part of it is behind the rearmost point of the "deformable structure and the deformation characteristics of the deformable structure are not altered or compromised" it's fine. In the D2 the deformable structure is defined as the steel backing behind the plastic facade. It also must not prevent the collapse of the deformable device". The deformable device is the crush cans.

I placed it between the rails and behind the shear pins on the cans, which after testing one was just behind the forward most point when collapsed.

[BrianElloy]

From my engineer.
As long as any part of it is behind the rearmost point of the "deformable structure and the deformation characteristics of the deformable structure are not altered or compromised" it's fine. In the D2 the deformable structure is defined as the steel backing behind the plastic facade. It also must not prevent the collapse of the deformable device". The deformable device is the crush cans.

I placed it between the rails and behind the shear pins on the cans, which after testing one was just behind the forward most point when collapsed.

wow that's a mouthful .... got pix?