H3 DOI Winch Mount

[08SolarFlareH3]

I know there are a few people on here, so who has em? If you got one post up a short review on how you like it and how its holding up. Pictures wouldn't be a bad thing either :wink:

 

[TrailBreaker]

I had one on my 3T a while back. It does keep that "stock" look and keep the winch hidden from view (with the exception of the fairlead of course). I had numerous comments on how it looked "factory" on the truck.
It does not effect approach angle
The build quality was very good, and the powder coat also was top notch.

With that said, the couple of drawbacks I found were:
Mount is drilled for a warn bolt pattern, anything else you will have to modify the holes to make a winch fit. I had a Smitty built XRC winch and the holes didnt line up so I had to drill my own.
If there is ever a problem with the winch, you will need to pull the entire bumper to access it.
It is VERY difficult to see the wire spool on the drum so it increases the chance of it rolling up all on one side, or getting kinked.
It puts the winch lower than the frame rails
It only uses the stock tow hooks as mounting points.
Biggest winch you can put in is a 9000lb

Here is a pic of it:

Now with all that being said. Her eis what I got fro a replacement:

Not to be a shamelss plug, but the THORparts bumper addresses all the issues I stated from above. And it does not have a true factory look, I feel it is an improvement. Also the THOR bumper has 2 additional mounting points on the back side of the frame to help with mounting and whinching.
I lalso have a 12,000lb winch now, and a body lift. With the THOR bumper the body lift is barely noticeable:

Just my opinion.


Hope it helps

Jason
TrailBreaker

 

[Bigunit]

Great set-up Jason.

 

[Ed's06h3]

Nice looking truck/set up!!

 

[Portager]

It does keep that "stock" look and keep the winch hidden from view (with the exception of the fairlead of course). I had numerous comments on how it looked "factory" on the truck.
It does not effect approach angle
The build quality was very good, and the powder coat also was top notch.

With that said, the couple of drawbacks I found were:
Mount is drilled for a warn bolt pattern, anything else you will have to modify the holes to make a winch fit. I had a Smitty built XRC winch and the holes didnt line up so I had to drill my own.
If there is ever a problem with the winch, you will need to pull the entire bumper to access it.
It is VERY difficult to see the wire spool on the drum so it increases the chance of it rolling up all on one side, or getting kinked.
It puts the winch lower than the frame rails
It only uses the stock tow hooks as mounting points.
Biggest winch you can put in is a 9000lb

All true, but I don't consider most of your points detrimental. Also the winch is actually aligned with the frame rails, not below them.

I wanted to maintain the stock look, approach angle and minimize the weight that was adding forward of the front wheels. Weight that is cantilevered out in front of the wheels is very detrimental to steering and handling. I called DOI and talked to the designer, Defeliece. He designed the bumper/winch for a SEMA show truck that 4 wheeler magazine did for GM. GM engineers reviewed the plans and although they didn't provide approval they also didn't suggest/require any changes either. DOI intentionally kept the winch in line with the tow hooks to eliminate bending moments which could bend the frame. If you don't do this you must re-enforce the frame, which adds weight. I talked to Defeliece and he said the Warn XD9000 was the only winch that they mounted in the bumper so I choose that winch and it fit perfectly. I didn't want a bigger winch than 9,000 lbs because 9,000 is big enough for a 6,000 vehicle and I wanted to minimize weight. He also rotated the winch base so that the base is pointing forward into the structure of the bumper. This eliminates shear stress in the bolts (every mechanical engineer knows bolts are never supposed to be loaded in shear but it is done so often that non-engineers think it is OK) the only downside is the bolt heads are visible in the front. He rotated the winch within the mount so you can access the reversing level and he hid the connector for the hand control inside the grille.

To reduce weight even further and to make the line easier to feed back onto the winch, I went with synthetic winch line. This saved about 18 lbs if I remember correctly and it is much easier to feed. This helps a lot since access/visibility of the drum is restricted. I also went with an aluminum Hawes Fairlead to avoid pinching the winch line, reduce the front protrusion and improve visibility of the drum.


I mounted a new license plate frame just above the Hawes Fairlead so it is out of the way of the winch and doesn’t block air flow through the radiator.

The build quality of the DOI was great and there were no problems with installation.

Personally, I like the looks of the DOI bumper and I wouldn't change it. I only use my winch when I get stuck, so I use it very rarely (O, I haven't used it yet except to test it). Therefore, way compromise looks and handling to improve usability of something that is rarely used. That said you do have to be very careful when rewinding the winch.

Here are some pictures of my bumper and winch.

 

[TrailBreaker]

PortagerWhile I would agree on you on the winch mount, the DOI setup ONLY allows the winch to be mounted at the frame rail height IF you use the WARN winches, if you use something else that doesn't have the same mounting or the Clutch handle CAN NOT be rotated, then the winch needs to be mounted on the lower side of the mount and then becomes lower than the frame rails.

 

[prc]

Portager, it appears in your photos that you had to go with the earlier version of the front skid plate (before the "don't climb over my Prius" bar was added under the frame). Is that correct?

PRC

 

[08SolarFlareH3]

I had one on my 3T a while back. It does keep that "stock" look and keep the winch hidden from view (with the exception of the fairlead of course). I had numerous comments on how it looked "factory" on the truck.
It does not effect approach angle
The build quality was very good, and the powder coat also was top notch.

With that said, the couple of drawbacks I found were:
Mount is drilled for a warn bolt pattern, anything else you will have to modify the holes to make a winch fit. I had a Smitty built XRC winch and the holes didnt line up so I had to drill my own.
If there is ever a problem with the winch, you will need to pull the entire bumper to access it.
It is VERY difficult to see the wire spool on the drum so it increases the chance of it rolling up all on one side, or getting kinked.
It puts the winch lower than the frame rails
It only uses the stock tow hooks as mounting points.
Biggest winch you can put in is a 9000lb

I do like the "stock" look a lot and I know it not being exposed has a disadvantage or two. I am glade to hear about the powder coating because that was something I didn't want to have to redo anytime soon. As for the mounting holes I will be using a Warn winch, so that is not a big deal. Actually you can fit a bigger winch then a 9000lb, the winch I am looking at running is a 10K and just a hair smaller then the XD9000. I do aggree with you about spooling being a pit of a pain when you can't see whats going on but with as little as it will be used, I am ok with that. To me, having to take the bumper off to repair the winch is not a huge deal, I will actually be removing it ever year before winter (I hate NY salt :swear

Not to be a shamelss plug, but the THORparts bumper addresses all the issues I stated from above. And it does not have a true factory look, I feel it is an improvement. Also the THOR bumper has 2 additional mounting points on the back side of the frame to help with mounting and whinching.
I lalso have a 12,000lb winch now, and a body lift. With the THOR bumper the body lift is barely noticeable:

The looks of Thor Parts front bumper is starting to grow on me but its just not right for my current application. I will be going with a Thor Parts rear bumper though . From what you can remember, how well does the DOI match the Thor Parts powder coating? From pictures they look pretty close. Thanks

 

[08SolarFlareH3]

Portager, it appears in your photos that you had to go with the earlier version of the front skid plate (before the "don't climb over my Prius" bar was added under the frame). Is that correct?

PRC

Yes you have to convert to a 06-07 front skid plate, same with the Boulder Accessories & Thor Parts bumper. Thor Parts makes a front skid plate that will work also.

 

[08SolarFlareH3]

Portager, how do you like your Viking Off Road synthetic winch line? I will be using synthetic line and I have been looking at Master Pull & Viking Off Road. Which model Viking hawse fairlead do you have? The 350? Thanks

 

[alrock]

I have noticed those with the DOI and traditional fairleads DO dig into the ground a bit on sharp approach angles. Witnessed it many times when spotting JR3T. I'm not saying this is a significant disadvantage but it can present itself on occasion. I wouldn't mind having this winch mount.

Vs these H3s where there is still light under the bumper

 

[Portager]

Portager While I would agree on you on the winch mount, the DOI setup ONLY allows the winch to be mounted at the frame rail height IF you use the WARN winches, if you use something else that doesn't have the same mounting or the Clutch handle CAN NOT be rotated, then the winch needs to be mounted on the lower side of the mount and then becomes lower than the frame rails.

I'll take word for it regarding other winches. I didn't want to have to deal with customizing the bumper so I went with the XD9000. DOI said a couple other Warn winches “should” work, but they really designed the bumper around the XD9000 and that was the only one they had actually tried. It works great for the XD9000, but I doubt any other winch would work as well.

Portager, how do you like your Viking Off Road synthetic winch line? I will be using synthetic line and I have been looking at Master Pull & Viking Off Road. Which model Viking hawse fairlead do you have? The 350? Thanks

I have been very pleased with the Viking synthetic winch line but I have nothing to compare it to. Yes, I have the 350 Series Hawse Fairlead.

 

[08SolarFlareH3]

I have noticed those with the DOI and traditional fairleads DO dig into the ground a bit on sharp approach angles. Witnessed it many times when spotting JR3T. I'm not saying this is a significant disadvantage but it can present itself on occasion. I wouldn't mind having this winch mount.

Vs these H3s where there is still light under the bumper

I could see were a traditional style roller fairlead could cause problems like you posted in the picture above. I will be using a hawse style fairlead, so that should help a bit. Thanks

 

[08SolarFlareH3]

Were did everyone order there DOI winch mount from? I have found two people who have it listed on there site, G-Style and Teak A Toy. G-Styles was cheaper after shipping but I emailed them and they said they no longer offer the DOI winch mount. From what I have heard, DeFelice Offroad Innovations doesn't sell direct either. Thanks

 

[TrailBreaker]

I ordered mine from Teaka, and it took weeks to get it, and several phone calls. Not necessarily Teaks fault, but it did take a while

 

[08SolarFlareH3]

I ordered mine from Teaka, and it took weeks to get it, and several phone calls. Not necessarily Teaks fault, but it did take a while

That is the main reason why I am hesitant to order from Teakatoys, because I have heard similar complaints from several different people (not on just the DOI mount). I sent an email to DOI asking if they had any other retailers but there email doesn't work. So I am not sure if I want to just order it from Teakatoys or go another route.

 

[FormerUser]

I was planning on ordering one from G-styles as well, but got the same reply that they no longer offer it. I too am hesitant to order from Teaka Toys. There was going to be a group buy thing on the previous board(clubhummeroffroad.com), but it would seem that fizzled out. from my point of view - aesthetics - is very important. my vehicle simply needs to be as stock looking as possible, or a Thorparts would adorn my truck right now. Sucky thing is, I have a Warn M8000 with a viking off road winch line in my garage - and no way to affix it. I've been toying with the idea of facing my own front receiver mount and turing it into a multi-mount, but I am concerned about destroying my approach angle.

 

[JR3T]

Thanks for posting the pic Alex...saved me time looking for a good example of the rollers getting in the way. I will DEFINITELY be replacing the roller fairlead with a hawse fairlead when I get the chance. But, like Jason mentioned, you have to pull off the mount to get to the nuts, so that is why the rollers are still there. Will keep wire cable for awhile, even when I convert to the hawse as it is not used very often, so should be fine. The winch mount is an easy fit and install. I called Matt DeFelice directly when I bought it.

I have noticed those with the DOI and traditional fairleads DO dig into the ground a bit on sharp approach angles. Witnessed it many times when spotting JR3T. I'm not saying this is a significant disadvantage but it can present itself on occasion. I wouldn't mind having this winch mount.

Vs these H3s where there is still light under the bumper

 

[08SolarFlareH3]

I was planning on ordering one from G-styles as well, but got the same reply that they no longer offer it. I too am hesitant to order from Teaka Toys. There was going to be a group buy thing on the previous board(clubhummeroffroad.com), but it would seem that fizzled out. from my point of view - aesthetics - is very important. my vehicle simply needs to be as stock looking as possible, or a Thorparts would adorn my truck right now. Sucky thing is, I have a Warn M8000 with a viking off road winch line in my garage - and no way to affix it. I've been toying with the idea of facing my own front receiver mount and turing it into a multi-mount, but I am concerned about destroying my approach angle.

I couldn't agree more.

I was planning on ordering one from G-styles as well, but got the same reply that they no longer offer it. I too am hesitant to order from Teaka Toys. There was going to be a group buy thing on the previous board(clubhummeroffroad.com), but it would seem that fizzled out. from my point of view - aesthetics - is very important. my vehicle simply needs to be as stock looking as possible, or a Thorparts would adorn my truck right now. Sucky thing is, I have a Warn M8000 with a viking off road winch line in my garage - and no way to affix it. I've been toying with the idea of facing my own front receiver mount and turing it into a multi-mount, but I am concerned about destroying my approach angle.

Believe it or not, that was my next option with the Predator winch system being to expensive (and I want to use a winch of my choice and not what comes with the kit). Currently this is the option I am looking at and like it best because I like the fact you only have the weight on the front end when you need it and the other 99% of the time it can be in the cargo area. You would also have the choice of mounting on the rear hitch for recovery also. There are no front hitch mounts on the market (that I know of) that don't affect the approach angle. The Curt Manufacturing one will be in the way all the time and kill approach angle but I have seen several nice custom units. If I go this route, I will replicate the one on the white H3 GM/Hummer had at MOAB in 2008 and fab a custom mount that mounts between the frame rails.

Something like that would work nice with a cradle mount like this and used it only when you need it but I would route/mount the Anderson Power quick connectors like they did on the above H3

Sorry about the Jeep :whaa:

*edit another reason I am liking this option is, less work come winter time because I would leave the hitch installed but I could leave the winch in the back cargo area encase I ever needed.

 

[08SolarFlareH3]

I called Matt DeFelice directly when I bought it.

I guess the next step is calling them directly seeing there email doesn't work but hopefully there phone number still works. Guess I will place a call on my lunch break and update everyone that might be interested (like Jason911) with any details I find out. Thanks

 

[08SolarFlareH3]

Thanks for posting the pic Alex...saved me time looking for a good example of the rollers getting in the way. I will DEFINITELY be replacing the roller fairlead with a hawse fairlead when I get the chance. But, like Jason mentioned, you have to pull off the mount to get to the nuts, so that is why the rollers are still there. Will keep wire cable for awhile, even when I convert to the hawse as it is not used very often, so should be fine.

Warn makes a nice hawse that will work with steel cable. The part number is 73850. I think its the same on 08H3 uses with his M8000 w/ steel cable and DOI mount.
http://www.warn.com/truck/accessories/hawse_fairlead.shtm
MSRP is $59.77 but I have seen them online as cheap as $45 shipped

 

[FormerUser]

I guess the next step is calling them directly seeing there email doesn't work but hopefully there phone number still works. Guess I will place a call on my lunch break and update everyone that might be interested (like Jason911) with any details I find out. Thanks

Absolutely would be interested - however I am also really liking the multi-mount that was on the GM Moab unit, and if you would like to collaborate on building 2 of those(one for you and one for me), or more - I'm all in for that. I really would like to accomplish something before the snow flies up here in WI(but there are freezing warning posted for tonight, so it could snow anytime now….). Let me know.

 

[08SolarFlareH3]

Absolutely would be interested - however I am also really liking the multi-mount that was on the GM Moab unit, and if you would like to collaborate on building 2 of those(one for you and one for me), or more - I'm all in for that. I really would like to accomplish something before the snow flies up here in WI(but there are freezing warning posted for tonight, so it could snow anytime now….). Let me know.

I got a 2nd front bumper cover that I hopefully can pick up this weekend (Thanks gfbh3t). Its something I can easily fabricate. It would mount between the frame rails with 4 bolts like the curt manufacturing unit but it would sit up much higher like the one in the pictures I posted. If its something you are seriously interested in, once I get mine fabricated it won't take much to build a 2nd (or even 3rd). It would require removal of the factory "crash bar" if your vehicle is 08 or newer like mine but that's no big deal (would have to be removed with the DOI bumper also). I guess I need to pick up some supplies this weekend.

 

[Bigunit]

08SolarFlareH3,
I'd be interested in one. Let mem know what I would need to do. Thanks. Or, as an alternative, a detailed DIY thread would be very helpful.

 

[f5moab]

Warn makes a nice hawse that will work with steel cable. The part number is 73850. I think its the same on 08H3 uses with his M8000 w/ steel cable and DOI mount.
http://www.warn.com/truck/accessories/hawse_fairlead.shtm
MSRP is $59.77 but I have seen them online as cheap as $45 shipped

What I have been told by a few, any hawse can be used with steel cable. There are quite a few Heeps in this area with steel cable and both steel and aluminum hawse fairleads. (Many replace due to the rattling of the rollers.) If steel, it will last longer if using the winch. If aluminum, it will tear up easier with the steel cable, and side pulls can sometimes sort of jam up and cause some damage to the cable.

The main thing to remember, is if you have used a hawse with a steel cable, you should not use the same hawse with synthetic, unless it was never used and there are no snags on the hawse.