Newby questions about mounting winch on 2004 Chevy Tahoe 4x4

[Squanjack]

Greetings,

I am interested in the possibility of mounting a winch on the front of my 2004 Tahoe 4x4 I recently got stuck in some Arizona mud and I am looking to be better prepared in the future. I have some property that requires a 17 mile trip on dirt roads to get to. Right now I have a manual come-along with about 30' of steel cable, an 80' synthetic rope from Harbor freight and an 8' tow strap (Also from Harbor Freight) as my self recovery system.

Here is my question (s)
1) What rating do I need for an electric winch? (I have heard 8000 lb will do for my vehicle)
2) How do you go about mounting a winch?
a) are there any resources out there I can look at to educate myself on the basics?
b) do I need to replace the front bumber?
c) I have seen that there are "Hidden Winch" mounting options that require buying a new bumper
d) Just trying to gather some basic info and options for mounting a winch.

Thanks as always for all the help and support on this forum site!

 

[Sparksalot]

I’ve been thinking of one myself. Probably 9,500 or 10k.

You’re fortunate to have the steel bumper. There are hidden mounts that should let you use that bumper.

Something you may want to consider is a synthetic line in lieu of the steel cable, that can save 25-30 pounds. A UV cover or the hidden mount will help with the Arizona sun.

 

[Bill 1960]

There tends to be less aftermarket options for the SUV’s compared to the pickup. I’m wondering if the GMT 800 pickup bumpers are compatible?

One easy option, and also the most flexible, is a winch mount that fits a receiver hitch. Then you install a front receiver, and you have the ability to pull yourself either forward or backward.

 

[Squanjack]

I’ve been thinking of one myself. Probably 9,500 or 10k.

You’re fortunate to have the steel bumper. There are hidden mounts that should let you use that bumper.

Something you may want to consider is a synthetic line in lieu of the steel cable, that can save 25-30 pounds. A UV cover or the hidden mount will help with the Arizona sun.

Thanks for the input Sparksalot, Where did you get your police Tahoes? They are awesome!

 

[Squanjack]

There tends to be less aftermarket options for the SUV’s compared to the pickup. I’m wondering if the GMT 800 pickup bumpers are compatible?

One easy option, and also the most flexible, is a winch mount that fits a receiver hitch. Then you install a front receiver, and you have the ability to pull yourself either forward or backward.

Thanks Bill 1960, that is a great idea. I have read a couple different things about having the option to pull from the front AND rear of the vehicle. I am wondering if, with this receiver hitch option, it would be feasible to travel with the winch mounted to either the front or rear receiver.

 

[Sparksalot]

Thanks for the input Sparksalot, Where did you get your police Tahoes? They are awesome!

I bought them directly from the highway patrol as surplus. The titles even list the previous owner that way.

Here is the current list available. Several 2wd and 4wd Tahoes in there.

Public Surplus: Surplus Auctions for Texas Facilities Commission

www.publicsurplus.com

 

[Bill 1960]

You can certainly travel with something on the front or rear receiver, I see many people doing it. Just be cognizant of the effect on approach or departure angles. If that’s a concern where you drive, a winch bumper would be a better choice.

 

[Squanjack]

I bought them directly from the highway patrol as surplus. The titles even list the previous owner that way.

Here is the current list available. Several 2wd and 4wd Tahoes in there.

Public Surplus: Surplus Auctions for Texas Facilities Commission

www.publicsurplus.com

Thanks! What extras do those patrol cars come with?

 

[Sparksalot]

Sometimes the radio console. Occasionally a front pushbar. More often with the weapon locker And cargo barrier.

Notice the diamond pattern in the window, that’s the cargo barrier. You can see it better behind the folded seat. Also the front of the locker.

 

[Sparksalot]

Thanks! What extras do those patrol cars come with?

Both of mine came with a locker, only thecopcar had a barrier. I got rid of the silver one, because it was heavier.

 

[DirtDigler]

Greetings,

I am interested in the possibility of mounting a winch on the front of my 2004 Tahoe 4x4 I recently got stuck in some Arizona mud and I am looking to be better prepared in the future. I have some property that requires a 17 mile trip on dirt roads to get to. Right now I have a manual come-along with about 30' of steel cable, an 80' synthetic rope from Harbor freight and an 8' tow strap (Also from Harbor Freight) as my self recovery system.

Here is my question (s)
1) What rating do I need for an electric winch? (I have heard 8000 lb will do for my vehicle)
2) How do you go about mounting a winch?
a) are there any resources out there I can look at to educate myself on the basics?
b) do I need to replace the front bumber?
c) I have seen that there are "Hidden Winch" mounting options that require buying a new bumper
d) Just trying to gather some basic info and options for mounting a winch.

Thanks as always for all the help and support on this forum site!

Look on Amazon for hidden winch mount. Rancho makes it.
Trust me, you want a 12000lb winch for your heavy Chevy.

 

[2591tdj]

Look on Amazon for hidden winch mount. Rancho makes it.
Trust me, you want a 12000lb winch for your heavy Chevy.

Check out “Matt’s Off Road Recovery” videos on YouTube. He uses the HF 12,000 lb winches on his recovery vehicles. They are fairly inexpensive compared to a name brand, like a Warn, of the same size.

 

[BoatGuyVB]

I'm doing research on this as well. I'm going to put a drawtite front receiver on my 06 z71 burb and go with a winch tray insert that can go front or rear pending the situation. The hitch is rated for a 9500lb straight pull so a 10k winch is what I'm eying. I will use the front hitch for more than the winch so I that's why I want the winch mobile. I did just watch a video on a hide a winch setup from rough country and harbor freight.

 

[DirtDigler]

I was considering the front/back winch also but decided to go with permanent front mount because I didn't want to hassle with all the wiring and expenses of running heavy duty wire all the way to back. As far as winch rating, you should go double the weight of the vehicle, so 12000 is what's recommended. Unless you're not going to use it for recoveries.

 

[findog78]

Thanks! What extras do those patrol cars come with?

Thanks for the auction tip. I just registered. LOL

 

[bigdog9191999]

being this is kind of brought back from the dead, if the op is still here, what did you end up going with?

 

[Doubeleive]

a rough country hidden mount kit is what I used on my silverado, probably works in a similar manner for the gmt 800's, some of the bumper mount has to be cut between the frame, drill a few holes and then it bolts up

 

[MassHoe04]

a rough country hidden mount kit is what I used on my silverado, probably works in a similar manner for the gmt 800's, some of the bumper mount has to be cut between the frame, drill a few holes and then it bolts up
View attachment 361965
View attachment 361966

Clean install!!!
Can you still access the power switch and clutch lever on the top of the winch?
I'm still having to address necessities, like proper brake action. But, I may get to a winch some day...

 

[Doubeleive]

Clean install!!!
Can you still access the power switch and clutch lever on the top of the winch?
I'm still having to address necessities, like proper brake action. But, I may get to a winch some day...

I can reach up under the bumper for the clutch and switch very easily, the bracket makes it kind of cupped in but there is room