Thread: Winch retrofit to winch bar

depends on how the bar is set up, some you simply need to drop a panel out and lift the winch into place

Hi shining,
I have a winch bar on my D1, but haven't fitted a winch to it.

On my D3, I couldn't get a winch bar in time and so elected to get a non-winch bar. Now I wish I had a winch bar.

Best Wishes,
Peter
PS: You're the only one who knows if you're likely to need a winch. Have you had (and used) them in the past, or are your requirements changing? I don't think that there is much doubt that it would be cheaper to fit them at the same time.

Local ARB stockist has quoted approx $2200 fitted. ARB apparently do not produce a steel non-winch bar for the D3. Happy to take some advice on this.

I have never had to use a winch on my private vehicle. I really don't do anything worse than moderately rough firetrails (camping fishing etc) I have never been one to try to climb a hill "because it was there". But the disco is so capable (insert permagrin) it is really tempting to take it into some harder places.

Hi shining,
Their product range may have changed, but my bar is an ARB non-winch model.

If you don't forsee a need for a winch, don't get one.

Best Wishes,
Peter
PS: We can swap if you like.

Hi Shining, Stornoway Grey had his winch retrofitted to his D3 ARB winch bar around same time I had both fitted together earlier this year. Opposite Lock had no problems doing the retrofit and lifted it into place with the winchbar still on his car. I had the same dilemma you have but in the end "bit the bullet" (after negotiating a good price on the Avenger winch). Needless to say I haven't used my winch yet but plan to do the Victorian High Country sometime and it gives some peace of mind knowing it's there. Cheers, David

I have just gone through the same decision making process & went with the ARB Winch bar without the winch. The trouble was that the winch ARB was trying to flog was real expensive, so I figured I'll get one later from somewhere else. This was 2 months ago & still a bit anxious when I go off road.
I am fairly new at this 4WD thing & knowing that there is not one there is a little unnerving especially with my family in the car. If I had the money at the time I would have done it & I'm certainly keeping an eye out for a good one at the right price now.
I haven't had a price on retrofitting yet. Let us know if you find out the $$$.

Cheers,

I have sent PM to Stornoway re cost of retrofitting winch. However FYI My Avenger winch was $895 + $494 for Dynamica rope (incl $100 credit for original steel cable) + $160 fitting (discounted from $320 as done at same time as bullbar fitting).

I believe ARB have a few options on winches. From WARN $$$ to their own branded $ and some made by WARN with medium $$.

If it is only going to be used on occasions, or rarely, then the extra expense may not be worth it. If you were doing comps then I'd go for the WARN. Seriously those that do hardcore bush work, how often are they winching? These days the car will be able to do a hell of a lot (D3/4) and with a good set of off road tyres, it'll handle some decent hard tracks. If you have the E-diff then even better again. For safety and piece of mind, a reasonably priced winch should suffice.