Installing the Warn Winch Ford package

MikeJewell

Here we have our dealerships master tech installing the Ford Accessory winch to the modular bumper. It’s looking like a sweet little unit.

I am a little disappointed the kit doesn't come with a solenoid relay. That means the positive cable goes directly to battery, is "hot" all the time. I plan to use a solenoid, wire it to one of the overhead switches. Make sure the tech recalibrates the air bag sensor.

Mikey Smith

MikeJewell

Here we have our dealerships master tech installing the Ford Accessory winch to the modular bumper. It’s looking like a sweet little unit.

I am a little disappointed the kit doesn't come with a solenoid relay. That means the positive cable goes directly to battery, is "hot" all the time. I plan to use a solenoid, wire it to one of the overhead switches. Make sure the tech recalibrates the air bag sensor.

We were just discussing that. Also that you have to use the wired controller to operate it. It would be nice if you could operate it from the cab but as far as I know that is a different accessory to buy.

We just set the winch on the bracket package. This thing is sweet.

MikeJewell

We were just discussing that. Also that you have to use the wired controller to operate it. It would be nice if you could operate it from the cab but as far as I know that is a different accessory to buy.

Yes, it would have been nice if the control was wireless. For what we paid, it should have. PLUS, the front trail cam would be blocked less.

Mikey Smith

MikeJewell

We were just discussing that. Also that you have to use the wired controller to operate it. It would be nice if you could operate it from the cab but as far as I know that is a different accessory to buy.

Yes, it would have been nice if the control was wireless. For what we paid, it should have. PLUS, the front trail cam would be blocked less.

I was just out there looking at the cam. It appears completely blocked.

MikeJewell

I was just out there looking at the cam. It appears completely blocked.

If you do a search herein, there are some pictures of the blockage, shown on the screen. It's not totally blocked, but quite a bit. Another issue is if your have adaptive speed control, that won't work. There is an aftermarket bracket, made by Advanced Desert Designs out of Henderson NV that relocates the sensor. I have one on order...

I really like the look of the Rough Country hidden winch. Rough Country | 51054 | Hidden Winch Mount for 21+ Ford Bronco | Alligator Performance Just not sure how excited I would be about cutting pieces of frame to get it to fit. Also not how sure how easy it would be to free spool the winch.

BuckinB

I really like the look of the Rough Country hidden winch. Rough Country | 51054 | Hidden Winch Mount for 21+ Ford Bronco | Alligator Performance Just not sure how excited I would be about cutting pieces of frame to get it to fit. Also not how sure how easy it would be to free spool the winch.

Oh man that does look awesome

That's one solid looking contraption. One of those things you hope you never need, but it can save your butt (or someone else's) in a challenging situation. I would definitely consider getting one of these units.

Looking good, definitely on my short list of things I will be doing when I get my Bronco.

There is supposed to be a kit to relocate the Control Pack off of the top of the winch to not block so much of the front camera. Seen it mentioned on Warn web site. Never saw one for real.
Also, wireless control not the best idea. Battery in it is usually dead when you need it most.

BuckinB

I really like the look of the Rough Country hidden winch. Rough Country | 51054 | Hidden Winch Mount for 21+ Ford Bronco | Alligator Performance Just not sure how excited I would be about cutting pieces of frame to get it to fit. Also not how sure how easy it would be to free spool the winch.

That is the winch setup I'm most likely to get. The parts you have to remove from the frame are mounts for additional equipment. They aren't structural parts of the frame. I saw a video of one being installed and it didn't look too bad to do though I think I might have a shop cut the parts off with a cut-off wheel rather than a Sawzall. (or a whole bunch of little Dremel cut off wheels)

So you lose the tow hooks? If so how are you supposed to have a winch and a tow bar?

MikeJewell

I was just out there looking at the cam. It appears completely blocked.

I’m really disappointed in Ford that they don’t address the front camera or adaptive cruise control sensor blockage with their very expensive winch solution. I don’t want to give up options I paid for, for a winch, but I want/need the winch - not for looks, but to use. I use my winch several times/year. Mostly to help others and for uses around the ranch.

I agree. When you need a winch, you really do NEED a winch.

As a guy with a HD Modular bumper who was told by his dealer this kit doesn’t work with my Bronco (2dr Black Diamond w/ the ‘squatch) because of the bumper, I would love to see before/after photos.

Here are notes from RC website
NOTES - IMPORTANT

• Requires minor cutting/trimming for installation.
• ONLY fits models with frame-mounted tow rings.
• Will NOT work on 2.7L models.
• Highly recommended to run with Rough Country 9500S and 12000S with synthetic rope and Hawse fairlead.
• Not guaranteed to work with other winch manufacturers.

siggi

As a guy with a HD Modular bumper who was told by his dealer this kit doesn’t work with my Bronco (2dr Black Diamond w/ the ‘squatch) because of the bumper, I would love to see before/after photos.

LOL - "My dealer said.." is the beginning of a lot of misinformation.
My dealer has called me to answer a question about the Bronco because it's faster than looking it up. He's fairly well informed, but he has so many things changing all the time that it's hard to keep up. As for me, I'm only keeping up with the Bronco.

BuckinB

Here are notes from RC website
NOTES - IMPORTANT

• Requires minor cutting/trimming for installation.
• ONLY fits models with frame-mounted tow rings.
• Will NOT work on 2.7L models.
• Highly recommended to run with Rough Country 9500S and 12000S with synthetic rope and Hawse fairlead.
• Not guaranteed to work with other winch manufacturers.

I'm not seeing the 2.7l restriction, what page is that on? Thanks.