Input from owners with C4 Fab Front Bumper and winch installed

Hey all,
I've ordered a C4 Fabrication front bumper. I'm installing a Warn EVO 12-S into it. I'm trying to figure out if I need to relocate the winch controller.

Since my installer (RSG Off-Road) will be powder coating the bumper, I'm considering drilling an extra hole in the top and installing this lead.

$109 WARN 98348 Service Kit - Winch Remote Control

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0787QXLF3/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

That will give me the ability to have a simple plug in the bumper, and not have to reach through any holes to get the controller installed in the event the battery in the controller doesn't work.

I'd love to hear how others have installed winches in the bumper successfully. Having a solution that works would give me a great starting point for putting together my parts list.

Any help and pictures would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks in advance!

 

I need the same advise...subscribed !

 

I have the Evo 12-S in the C4 overland bumper. There was no need to relocate the controller and the clutch lever is easily accessible. That being said, I may be installing a lead plug for ease of access in deep mud in the future, but it is definitely not necessary.

 

I have a smittybilt 12k in mine.

No issues accessing the clutch lever or plugging in the controller lead. First time is the hardest, after that its easy to figure out how to reach in.

 

Thanks for the replies @Elfine and @bobmalloy. Do you guys just reach through the cut out on the driver’s side of the fair lead? While it may not be necessary, I’d definitely like it to be as convenient as possible.

Thanks!
Todd

 

Yes I do. The main reason that I never installed a lead was that warn told me they didn't make one compatible with the EVO 12 at the time.

 

Thanks for the info @Elfine! I think I probably won't bother with installing the extension cable. After doing a bit more research, it seems it'll compromise the IP68 waterproof rating since I'll have to detach the plug cover.

Have you ever had issues with your winch? I know the VR series is made in China, which is why they're cheaper. They seem to be more oriented to the "weekend warrior" use cases, which is really how I'd use it. I only used the winch on my 4Runner 1-3 times a year, so I can't imagine I'd use this one any more than that.

 

I have only used it once so far, but it performed as good as i could wish. 0 complaints so far.

 

For our Gen 3 Tundras do you suggest the 10k winch as an option or 12k all the way? My C4 Overland bumper is on order from @Truck Brigade and I’m in the eternal winch debate of the Harbor Freight Badlands Apex 12k w synthetic line which is getting a lot of great reviews or the Warn VR 10 or 12S for about $200 more. With a coupon the HF is about $480.

 

I went with the Warn Evo 12s because I wanted something I could trust to be there when I needed it. Good rule of thumb is the winch should be close to double your weight to account for friction and suction, in would suggest a 12k. This is me using my Warn when I high centered going through a puddle. The winch is completely submerged and still pulled me out no problem.

 

Awesome. Warn VR EVO 12S ordered. This is for others peoples reference, I paid $780 shipped from an eBay distributor out of California. I did the make an offer and that’s the lowest they would go. I feel that although this line of Warn winches are made overseas, it is still a Warn and I get the long term warranty and customer service that comes with paying for the name and at that price I felt it was worth a few hundred dollars more that other brands. But, we shall see because I’m going to test the shit out of it.

 

Do any of you have pictures of the inside install of the winch before the bumper being put on? I got the COMEUP winch and need some help with positioning the control box.

 

May be a silly question, but do we need to do anything to mount the winch or is it a direct bolt on? I opted for the smittybilt x20 comp 12k if that matters.

 

Yup Im gonna bump this. My hybrid is sitting in the garage as we speak with the Warn Zeon 12-S mounted to it. Looks a little chunky and not sure if the bumper is going to fit on the truck. Anyone with any advice? Don't really want to relocate anything and risk losing a warranty or capability of the winch. Having a little trouble picturing what it will look like and what the measurements will be once mounted on the truck. C4s website suggested this as one of the winches so im assuming it works?

 

This was my come up winch on the overland bumper. No issues at all.

 

I did a Comeup in mine, drilled tow holes and used the T slot to mount the control to the bumper.

Just like this.

How do you access the clutch?

 

There are two openings on either side of the winch shackle/hook that you could use to access the clutch.

 

Is this the full height with gussets or the mid rise bull bar?

 

That is the full height...

 

here is the mid height with warn evo vr 12s. fit fine no controller relocate. controller cable pluged in and coiled up near the battery if I need to plug in the wireless remote... otherwise the wireless works just fine.