Budbuilt Hidden Winch Install
Magali Swinderman
Toyota armor specialist Bud Built recently introduced a new rear bumper for 2007-2013 Tundra pickups. From a simple yet stout basic rear blade to a multifaceted and highly-optioned winch bumper system, many versions are available.
Most of the bumper is made from 1/4-inch mild steel plate. For practicality I choose diamond plate for the top to limit slipping, and smooth metal everywhere else because I prefer the look. The frame mounts are 3/8-inch thick, with five bolts on each side; using factory holes, no drilling was required for the installation.
I like to avoid swing-aways when possible, yet they are sometimes necessary or desirable. For this application I wanted one to carry a second spare, fuel cans, to act as a (porous) tailgate, and as a new placement for the OE Toyota back-up camera lens.
Christophe Noel is a journalist from Prescott, Arizona. Born into a family of backcountry enthusiasts, Christophe grew up backpacking the mountains and deserts of the American West. An avid cyclist and bikepacker, he also has a passion for motorcycles, travel, food and overlanding.
There are a few ways to interface a winch with the front end of the 4Runner, the most common is with a full replacement or a low profile bumper. While both options allow for a winch, they can also be heavy and expensive which not everyone wants for their build. Enter the hidden winch mount.
This winch mount is bolted to the end caps on the frame, allowing maximum strength as an anchor for the winch. All of this is hidden behind the plastic fascia, except an opening for the fairlead/winch line to come through.
Accessing the winch during operation is done by opening the hood and reaching down from the top. For this reason, a winch with a remote clutch is ideal but not necessary. For wired winch remotes, a hole can be cut into the plastic bumper to fit the plug receptacle.
We attempted to contact CBI about this product with no reply. Talking to others that have been able to speak with them regarding this product, they do not promote this product openly and do not have any available information for it at this time. You can still view and order it on their website.
The first question to answer is whether or not the hidden winch mount solution is for you. If you are trying to save weight, money and retain the factory look while adding the capability of a winch, this solution is right for you!
anyone have any input on their experience with warn zeon line of winches, having doubts on the reliability of the wireless remote? thinking of having one mounted on a warn bumper for my 2019 off road.
- Adjustable Hidden Winch Mount: Allows for a discreet addition of a winch
- Keeps Stock Look: Maintains the original appearance of the vehicle
- Built-in Adjustment: Enables customization of winch mount and fairlead positioning
- Compatibility with Front Recovery Points: Works with Apex Overland's Front Recovery Points
- No Welding Required: Simple bolt-on installation
- Requires Cutting: Necessary modification for winch line and fairlead access
- Winch Line Type Accommodation: Customer must add the appropriate fairlead
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This is a heavy-duty hidden winch mount setup for a Generation 3 Toyota Tacoma. It bolts up to factory holes and hides under the factory bumper fascia. It will accommodate standard winch sizes up to 12,000lb. The winch shown mounted is a Badlands 12,000lb winch. Many other winch types and brands will fit. The Badlands 12,000lb winch requires relocating the control box. The plate and location for the control box relocation are included.
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