Winch Plate

Is 1/4" plate strong enough to use for a winch plate or should I go with something a little thicker. Its for a 9k winch if that matters.

 

My Warn winch mount is 1/4". I've used heavier don't know if it was nessasary.

 

I had a Warn 12K commercial mounted on a stock Warn winch bumper on my Toyota L/C. - 1/4 steel and no problems after 6 years of moderate-heavy use.

 

1/4 would be fine but not neccesary... I have even used 3/16th on some things with no problems at all.

 

i used 5/16" because the steel supply was out of 1/4"

 

It should be fine your frame is thinner metal. I would be concerned about pulling bolts thru or bending the frame up on a heavy pull. I would put a backing plate strip between the bolts and the frame to beef it up some on the inside edge of the frame. That will give you a lot more strength for pulling against. Mark H.

 

On the subject of winches & frames, watch your directional pulls.

I cracked my '74 frame (rust-free & re-coated) using a hawse fairlead and getting into a position where I could only pull at close to a 75 degree angle. It was a weak spot anyway, rear spring mount at the right front. Now both sides have full width plates welded across that area.

I have an winch mount fabbed from 1/4". It sits on an 8" channel front bumper & crossmember with welded angles. Once the winch was bolted through the front plate, I tacked the heads of the bolts to the plate as a theft deterrent.


gj

 

we build them all the timw with 1/4 and have never had a complaint or return.