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I can see where keeping the standard front bar with a winch fitted makes sense in the UK where much of the off roading is done in boggy green lanes.
But here if you need a winch to get you out of a situation then chances are you also need every bit of ground clearance you can get. Ripping your front standard plastic bar off as you drag it through rocks and mud might end up being false economy.
cheers,
Terry
All due respect TerryO -- you need the right bit of kit suitable for your purposes. That being said, it is nice to be aware of all options.
ARB, is the leader... some folks complain of negative handling though.
ECB, seemed like a great alternative, while you give up some strength for weight savings. Unfortunately, when inquiring they didn't even have the courtesy to e-mail back and say we will not sell you one.
LR winch tray... very convenient, although quite ugly and sure to be a knee banger, and of course overpriced.
winch trays, hidden and otherwise do not appear to be sturdy. Made by small shops and sold all over the place.
Devon D44, I purchased in the US from Lucky8llc great guys. The kit is made in UK, and is a replacement inner bumper, which is well built, solid and suits my purposes. A link to the Devon page and I am attaching a picture of my install. Keep in mind, I have an old beat up bumper. All powered with a Traxide kit, with a discrete rear socket, which was an improvement on the suggested installation location (pictured).
D44 Discovery 3 Discreet Winch Mount Kit- 2.7 Tdv6
All due respect in return Unseenone and each to their own, but the standard front bars have pretty poor ground clearance and are very easy to damage, if you want to have standard plastic bumpers with a winch then that is your choice.
cheers,
Terry
I have seen a link to this kit before and it looks really interesting.Quote:
Originally Posted by unseenone
However at an advertised price of nearly 1,000 pounds I personally think I would go for the full winch bar as it in my opinion offered better value for money, gives you greater front end protection (animal strikes and or when off road) and it gives you mounting options for lights and aerials etc. Again only mt 2c worth.
The Devon kit would be great if you really did not want a front bar but still required a winch and it is discreet but.
In saying all that I have not dropped any hard earned on either option yet.
George
Each to your own use :angel:Quote:
Originally Posted by unseenone
If we drive to far away places and might need a winch then a steel BAR is almost certainly a great insurance policy for roo/animal strike to protect vital bit which keep us moving.
If we get bogged on the farm then maybe a bar is not needed for the winch. Horses for courses? Or camels, donkeys, deer, roos, cows, sheep or....:D Not that I want to or want you to ever hit any of these of course! My winch is very well used, bar has had several near misses:cool:
My cheap winch has worked well. I have a snatch block but yet to use it. I do not doubt that a good winch is worth it price. I have seen some reasons to think more expesive ones might have advantages so not insulting more expesive ones.
Have been doing the rounds this arvo (after taking dad to the hospital which was the reason for the purchase, but havent sorted out the ramp with the silly tailgate design company).
My obvservations:Also heard from 3 sources (Dealer and specialist repaired + OL) that the the ARB doesn't fit correctly. Anyone else found this?
- The ARB D4 bar doesn't have the upper antennae mounts, but has holes on the main bar meaning that the propagation is affected.
- The Land Rover winch tray is plastic and not ideal.
- The Oposite Lock bar has 3 antennae mounts on the top pipework giving a reasonable ground plane. (with or without ground plane independent antennae) It is also about $200 cheaper fitted by the franchise.
None of the bars seem to have recovery points. What do people use for front recovery points, or to anchor the winch cable when using a sheave block?
Was also told that a second battery system can't use a normal isolator but needs a 12V to 12V transformer which only charges at 20amps. 20 amps won't keep up with the winch current.
Which batt do people use for their winch on a D4?
Like the rear has a rated recovery/tow point on the rear X member (behind the plastic cover, the front also has a rated recovery/tow point on the front X member (behind the plastic cover on a non bar fitted vehicle).Quote:
Originally Posted by Lotz-A-Landies
Garry
Quote:
Originally Posted by weakestlink
We are on a farm, as of yesterday a 1/4 of it is under flood water. Can't say we ever drive round the property when its been raining much, let alone flooding, as all you tend to do is wreck the tracks and make mud holes everywhere.
Plus there are no Toyota's on the property to rescue. ...;)
cheers,
Terry
Diana, have you come across this thread by robocop? He has posted some picks of ARB bar during fitting showing the issues he encountered.Quote:
Originally Posted by Lotz-A-Landies
http://www.aulro.com/afvb/d3-d4-rrs/...delux-bar.html
The front recovery point is below the front bumper, in the middle and recessed back on the front cross member. If you bend down it is easily visible.
Wow!Quote:
Originally Posted by SBD4
From the current ARB catalogue "ARB's bars are superbly engineered and manufactured not only to maintain maximum functionality, but also to ensure they complement the look of the vehicle." I guess ARB has lost some of it's quality control of late.
Addit: Forgot to mention that all TJM Carlton wanted to tell me was that I'd have to get suspension modifications if I wanted to fit a rear bar. Thanks guys, I'll go elsewhere....