Steel size for winch bumper?

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TB2Blazer

NAXJA Forum User

Location

cleveland ga

• Nov 21, 2013

• #1

I'm building my first winch bumper and I'm having a hard time finding the steel I had originally wanted (2x6 tubing 3/16 wall). I have found some 2x6 1/8" wall tubing and was wondering if that would work for my build? The mounting plates that will bolt to the frame will be 3/16". I'm not going to be using the winch a lot, its mostly just for emergencies. I do not wheel all that much as its my daily driver and never anything serious. Will the 1/8" wall work or should I hold out till I can find the 3/16"?

 

C

Creeper2012

NAXJA Forum User

Location

Hanover, IN

• Nov 21, 2013

• #2

What size winch will you be using? 1/8" would be lighter for DD purposes and would probably be fine for most mild/moderate winching situations if it's built right.

 

T

TB2Blazer

NAXJA Forum User

Location

cleveland ga

• Nov 21, 2013

• #3

A 9500lb mile marker winch will be going on it. I did want it to be lighter seeing as its my DD.

 

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Creeper2012

NAXJA Forum User

Location

Hanover, IN

• Nov 21, 2013

• #4

I would recommend either mounting the winch itself to a 3/16" plate and bolting it to the bumper or welding a second piece of 1/8" plate to the bumper where the winch will sit to help brace that part up... especially if your winch is rated over 8K for security purposes.

 

K

Keekleberrys

NAXJA Forum User

Location

Issaquah

• Nov 21, 2013

• #5

3/16" is pretty much the industry standard. Can't go wrong there.

 

SeeingSpots

NAXJA Forum User

Location

Bend, OR

• Nov 21, 2013

• #6

3/16th is the thinnest I'd go especially if you're planning on having recovery shackles. Aside from the metal thickness, make sure your welds have good penetration. Saw a guy recently who made a stinger of out of 3/16ths DOM but welded it with a little Lincoln Weld Pak 100 and the welds busted halfway up a hill while being winched out. Scary....

 

Last edited: Nov 21, 2013

G2WANIT

NAXJA Forum User

Location

Utah

• Nov 21, 2013

• #7

Re: Re: Steel size for winch bumper?

TB2Blazer said:

... its mostly just for emergencies...

Click to expand...

EXACTLY!! In an "emergency" you don't want to be stuck wondering if your winch mounting solution will hold... 1/8" is *probably* fine ... But go with 3/16"!!

 

S

scottmphoto

NAXJA Forum User

Location

Russellville, Arkansas

• Nov 30, 2013

• #8

3/16" or 1/4", just depends on how heavy you're going to be using it. I used 3/16" for mine.

 

kastein

NAXJA Member

NAXJA Member

Location

Rainy side of Washington

• Nov 30, 2013

• #9

I would go 1/4, 2x6 1/4 wall is everywhere and you know it is strong enough. Foot forward winch mounting I assume? Make sure your fairlead is aligned properly with the drum.

2x6 1/4 wall required some trimming and expansion with other bits of metal to clear the feet but I am pretty sure 3/16 or 1/8 will too.