Thread: hidden winch on D3/4 with standard bumper and NO roo-bar

Originally Posted by Tombie

I mean as in 20+ animal strikes on the bar that would have broken the front of the vehicle

You know Tombie, when most people go hunting, they use a gun, rather than the front of the car...

Originally Posted by veebs

You know Tombie, when most people go hunting, they use a gun, rather than the front of the car...

Shhh! Don't tell him that. Imagine the damage he could do if he had a firearm!

Originally Posted by DieselLSE

Shhh! Don't tell him that. Imagine the damage he could do if he had a firearm!

Much more efficient hunting without a firearm, as one doesn't have to drag the carcass back to the car, and also can drive over it a few times to tenderise it.

Originally Posted by DieselLSE

Shhh! Don't tell him that. Imagine the damage he could do if he had a firearm!

“A” firearm . Mine all just hunt paper (target)!

So, I have managed to fit the DA7537 hidden cradle and Dominator 12000lb winch. I get a bit stuck with the position of the winch solenoid and since this is my only vehicle I had to bolt it all together again to complete the electrics another day.

It looks like the options are;

1: The spare battery box, near the brake servo - would have to move my second battery somewhere else
2: On the supplied bracket which bolts to the winch cradle - this seems to be a bit low and vulnerable to water ingress
3: The space near the coolant expansion tank - would need to relocate my redarc split charge relay

Any other possibilities? Photos of your installs would be appreciated.

cheers
Milldo

Originally Posted by Milldo

So, I have managed to fit the DA7537 hidden cradle and Dominator 12000lb winch. I get a bit stuck with the position of the winch solenoid and since this is my only vehicle I had to bolt it all together again to complete the electrics another day.

It looks like the options are;

1: The spare battery box, near the brake servo - would have to move my second battery somewhere else
2: On the supplied bracket which bolts to the winch cradle - this seems to be a bit low and vulnerable to water ingress
3: The space near the coolant expansion tank - would need to relocate my redarc split charge relay

Any other possibilities? Photos of your installs would be appreciated.

cheers
Milldo

I mounted mine to the side L bracket on the cradle. not idea but my thought process was that they are usually mounted on the front and subject to all the weather, stones, rocks, submerged in rivers so should be well sealed and able to withstand a lot. it has served me well where it is I have had no problems. my only concern was the weak L bracket causing it to vibrate and knock into things.

I've routed the cabling a bit better and put them through some conduit to protect from rubbing. this photo was taken when I was just testing everything.
winch1.jpg winch2.jpg

I've mounted a solenoid/isolated to the side of the dual battery tray and a switch inside the cab to isolate the winch.
winch endgame 1.jpg

Originally Posted by Macadamia

I mounted mine to the side L bracket on the cradle. not idea but my thought process was that they are usually mounted on the front and subject to all the weather, stones, rocks, submerged in rivers so should be well sealed and able to withstand a lot. it has served me well where it is I have had no problems. my only concern was the weak L bracket causing it to vibrate and knock into things.

I've routed the cabling a bit better and put them through some conduit to protect from rubbing. this photo was taken when I was just testing everything.
winch1.jpg winch2.jpg

I've mounted a solenoid/isolated to the side of the dual battery tray and a switch inside the cab to isolate the winch.
winch endgame 1.jpg

Based on how pretty that looks, you need to get outdoors and actually use that winch

Originally Posted by DiscoJeffster

Based on how pretty that looks, you need to get outdoors and actually use that winch

it's had plenty of use thanks

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