I'm trying to weigh my options for the upcoming winch project now that my dual battery is complete. There are many pros and cons to each of the three ways to mount a winch on a P1K. Mine will mainly be used for property management, so plowing, moving logs, potential recoveries. Very little mud or deep water issues, lots of snow and salt considerations, Heavily wooded lots with narrow trails. Higher end I'm considering a KFi Stealth 4500 but because the winch will see light duty except in the winter, I was also considering lower end one like a Badlands or a Traveler.
I know a bottom mount is the most efficient because of it's lower center of gravity and stronger mount to the frame, but isn't is a pain to free spool the winch because of access? Harder to access if you bury the front end in mud or snow?
A top mount means I have to buy a $400-$700 bumper to mount it on and it will sit up higher which means it's not gonna pull as well as a bottom mount. Top mount is exposed so it's much easier to free spool and it's not buried in the mud. Access is much better but then it's exposed to elements. I could get a cover for it.
A receiver hitch mounted winch is attractive to me because I'll only have to have it out there when I need it. Of course where to store it on the rig will become a concern. Access to the winch would be very good. Also will it work with a plow set up? I fear it might stick out to far forward to lift a plow properly. I think wiring a second rear quick connection point to be able to use the trailer hitch would be useful at times.
Just wondering if anyone else had some input or advise on the direction they went when deciding to mount their winch and why?
Thanks!
