Winch bracket update

[CCW 1,209]

Last fall I made the mistake of driving my 312-8 up the ramps onto my trailer.  No mishap took place, but I realized it was not a good thing.  Over the winter I pondered a solution and came up with a combo winch mount and suitcase weight bracket.  The fall and spring job requires a bit of extra weight on the front to keep the wheels on the ground as I drive uphill while pulling a trailer.

 

Ordered a piece of steel 3x12 by 1/2 inch thick and created what is displayed in the photo below.  As part of the process I added some spacers between the bracket arms and the frame to give clearance for the mule drive.  Total cost including the winch is approximately $150.  Much cheaper than being on a tractor falling off a trailer.  Keep in mind that the winches only true job is for loading on and off the trailer though other uses may turn up.  

 

 

[ri702bill 7,382]

OK, so this just clips over the front plate and hangs there ? Is there a provision so that it can be locked into place?? Bad things can happen - like losing the rear window on the truck - if during use, it walks up and suddenly / forcefully out of the plate under load.....

[CCW 1,209]

@ri702bill No the winch is bolted to the 1/2 steel plate with the grade 8 bolts that came with the winch.  The metal plate you see extended above the winch is welded to the 1/2 plate.  

[ebinmaine 63,331]

Nice idea!