DIY Winch bumper Build

I tackled the Idea of building my own bumper. I think it turned out great. Mostly used 1/4 plate with a little bit of 3/16 and some square tubing I had Laying around. I just used a welder and a great saw I have for cutting steel. No bending on this thing. I used the factory cross member and welded it to the bumper, and I also made braces that mount to the original bumper mount.
I think the weak points are the recovery points. I am going to trade them for grade 8 bolts. Also I am converting the winch to synthetic and still waiting the arrival of the fairlead. Really fun build. and i think it is very strong. BUT WE SHALL SEE!!!

 

Oh also, you may see that at first the bumper was just stitch welded together, but later (with the help of a much better welder) I welded all of the seams solid.

 

As long as your happy and it does the job .

That is all that matters

 

I found that the weak points were the original bumper mounting points on the frame, along with the recovery hook mounting points, on the frame. Hardware held fine. I ended up plating and adding a box cross member after bending all of the bumper mounts in one trip.

 

Ya. The original bumper mounts are just a secondary support on the bumper the main winch point is directly to the frame. I guess we will see. Thanks for the help.

 

I would consider beefier D-ring mount locations. Those look like they are bolted to the front plate.

Grade 8 bolts or not, most bumpers use like a 1/2" thick piece that is either directly part of the primary structure of the bumper, or at least welded to primary structure.

like this (pic from nwtrailinnovations):

 

don't recommend using those as a tow or recovery point. they will deform or rip right out of your bumper.

 

Thanks for the help guys I was really thinking they were the weak point and you have convinced me! I have ordered some 1/2 inch shackles and there is a great place to weld them so they will go all the way to the bumper mount points. Thanks for all the help