Winch Mount for Defender OEM Bullbar

[megz]

Hi all


I found earlier threads on this but wasn’t able to answer my question.


I have what I think is an OEM bullbar - no markings or brand anywhere. It’s in very good nick and I want to get a winch installed.


I see bearmach sell these “chassis mount winch plates” (image attached) rated at 12000lb for defenders and series trucks. I’ve contacted them for dimensions and it seems to fit underneath the existing bar. I guess I’ll move the number plate and cut open a hole for the fairlead.


Has anyone done this or got a better solution? I’m confused how the chassis mount fits on. On the chassis rail ends there’s a little tab each side that looks like it would prevent the mount sliding between the existing bullbar and rails.


I know I could buy as ARB bar etc but as this one is fine and has been on the vehicle for 20 years then I reckon it should stay.


Any advice much appreciated.


Dave

IMG_2524.jpgIMG_2526.jpgIMG_2522.jpgIMG_2515.jpg

[rijidij]

With the two holes at either end, I’d say that Bearmach winch plate sits on top of the chassis, not in between.

[megz]

Ah yes I hadn’t thought of that.

I wonder if the mount can be positioned upside down... I was hoping to keep the whole winch unit beneath the grill line. Thinking of getting a Runva winch.

[Tote]

I suspect that.it might be easier to get a winch bar. by the time you make or buy a winch mount and cut holes in your bar it might be easier to find a good second hand winch bar and repaint or powder coat it.

Regards,
Tote

[Xtreme]

I suspect that.it might be easier to get a winch bar. by the time you maker buy a winch mount and cut holes in your bar it might be easier to find a good second hand winch bar and repaint or powder coat it.

Regards,
Tote

There could even be someone out there who has a winch bar but has no intention to fit a winch and would be happy to swap his winch bar for your non winch bar. He would end up with a nicer looking bar without cutouts that aren't being used and you would have you winch bar ready to bolt your winch straight into.

Win Win situation.

[windsock]

I was hoping to keep the whole winch unit beneath the grill line.

If your approach angle matters to you this mounting position may well impede this. I see you have a skid plate so wonder if this could be an issue.

[megz]

Yeah maybe. I'm looking at the Runva 11XP and it's dimensions would fit under the bar and above the bash plate but that's without knowing what sort of mount it fits on. But yes approach angle is important.

If your approach angle matters to you this mounting position may well impede this. I see you have a skid plate so wonder if this could be an issue.

[megz]

I suspect that.it might be easier to get a winch bar. by the time you make or buy a winch mount and cut holes in your bar it might be easier to find a good second hand winch bar and repaint or powder coat it.

Regards,
Tote

Your suspections might be right Tote. If I had more room in my shed and more cash in my wallet I would get myself a smaller winch bar and keep the virgin bull bar on side. Sadly neither of these things are true...