Has anyone put a non-Warn winch in a SDHQ semi-hidden?

Hey everyone,

I'm just wondering if anyone has put a non Warn winch in a SDHQ semi-hidden winch set up. I had thought that it was not exclusive to Warn, but talking to someone today, they seemed to think it was exclusively for Warn brand winches.
I'm a novice, so I have no clue as to whether that is correct or not.
Thanks in advance for any tips/information!

 

Per SDHQ web site: Will fit Smittybilt x20 series winches with slight modifications

 

Oh cool! Thanks. Any opinion on SmittyBuilt vs. Warn?

 

I've been using a SmittyBuilt and no issues. Never had a Warn so can't compare.

 

I running a badlands 9000lbs with mine.

 

Nice. Did you do the install yourself, or have it done?

 

Installed myself. It took a long minute though. The mount itself is easy to install but how to configure the Badlands control box was a time eater. You will have to cut out a little of the bumper webbing to get to the clutch handle in order to free spool.

 

Did you have to cut with a torch?

 

No the little strip on the bumper.

 

That looks awesome. Thanks for sharing.
I'm thinking I may try to fit the Smittybilt.

 

I’ve got a smittybilt in a victory blitz front winch bumper. You can put the control box wherever you like. You just need to get longer cables. The cables it comes with allow you to put control box on top or side of which.

 

Welp, I decided to go with the SmittyBilt in the SDHQ housing. If'n anyone is interested, I'll put some pictures up when it is done.

 

Bringing this back to life, I've got the SDHQ mount on the way and plan to put my Harbor Freight Badlands APEX 12,000lb winch in (on?) it when it gets here...

 

I have a Warn semi hidden coming my way and will be installing a Badlands 12k in it, or at least hope to. Will post up the end result in a few weeks.

 

Ever get it installed. I am really leaning towards this same route.

 

Hey all, I am almost finished installing the HF Badlands Apex winch in the SDHQ hidden bumper mount. It does work, HOWEVER the template for the fairlead is not correct (ask me how I know) It ends up being about 2" too high, the Apex fairlead needs to just about line up lower with the bottom straight line on the bumper cover. I ended up making a cover to hide my booboo, you can see it in the 2nd photo.

Also, you do need to cut a few trim pieces to clearance the clutch handle, both on the inside of the bumper face and to remove a section of the lattice plastic so you can reach in and use it. I ended up with the controller on the passenger side inside the grill, I kind of rested it on some rubber trim and then lashed it to the support with some metal tape stuff, not too slick but functional, this does mean I cannot access the corded plug and will have to rely on the wireless controller. The lines provided by HF were just the right length to reach in this configuration. If you want to have it inside the engine bay, you will likely need longer cables...

A few more loose ends to tidy up tomorrow but she passed the smoke test today so I'm very happy with the result.

 

Hate me..just go with the
Warn winch. Why mess with the best..2019 tundra sdhq hidden bumper an
Warn winch