Bumper and Winch Installed!

[johndjmix]

Just installed my buckstop bumper and 16.5K Warn winch and i got to say it looks BAD ASS!!!


Highly recommend buckstop bumpers. They are AWESOME, had one on my F350 and loved it so it was the only choice for the DX3.


If you go this route order the factory Freightliner tow hooks as they will mount to the buckstop hardware (waiting for mine to arrive).


--John

[The Evil Twin]

That looks great!

[mookieblaylock]

Looks awesome!

[Webefine]

Very nice!

[ACE110]

Looks Great!

My only concern would be the 16.5k winch. I have a 12k, & got my 3/4 t p/u & dump trailer stuck. Even with a snatch block, it wouldn’t pull it out.

Depending on the situation, it could be fine.

[johndjmix]

ACE110, 16.5 should be more than enough, im surprised your 12K isnt working for you....


Usually it comes down to the wire size used to the winch, you have to go way, way bigger than you would think. For instance on the DX3 im doing 4/0 all the way to the batterys. This is the *smallest* I would go for a 10' run. We are only dealing with 12V here, and 600+ amps on max pull.....you need some large wire.


When my old pusher got stuck (in my backyard actually!) and my friends F350 with a warn winch (forget the size) wouldn't budge it. My father borrowed a friends large truck. Ironically when he arrived i saw it had the exact same winch. We hooked up and it pulled it out no problem. Issue was the wire size.


I did have one time when rescuing a truck off a trail where i had to use 2 snatch blocks to get enough power to move it up this hill. I was in my F350 with a warn 9.5TI, and we were rescuing a diesel truck that slid off a trail. To avoid damage to it the only way was to basically pull it 90 degrees straight up. Scary pull, but she did it.

[Rancher Rob]

Looks great! How do you like the unlock, tilt down, up and lock again mechanism? I've been talking to them about one for my rig too. I wish they had the quick pull unlock and slam latch system like Herd offers but I think the buckstop is better built and better looking to boot!

[EdandShelley]

Wow!!! That looks Fantastic!

Similar to other comment... I wanted to go with your bumper as well but couldn’t determine if it tilts down to open the hood.

[johndjmix]

Yep, it tilts down...it actually tilts to the perfect level and stays there...strong enough when tilted to sit my butt on!


Cant say enough good stuff about buckstop.



One thing you will need to get when you install is longer bolts for the frame brackets...not a big deal...$20 for 4 grade 8's at ACE. I already told buckstop about this so maybe they will send longer ones.


--John

Originally Posted by Rancher Rob

Looks great! How do you like the unlock, tilt down, up and lock again mechanism? I've been talking to them about one for my rig too. I wish they had the quick pull unlock and slam latch system like Herd offers but I think the buckstop is better built and better looking to boot!

[FOURWHL]

That's the nicest looking guard I've seen yet. Good choice!

[johndjmix]

Figured id show you guys how i wired it. The chasis batteries (And yes i cant spell) have a power stud direcly behind the electronics bay. I got a 600 Amp disconnect, mounted it in the electonics bay, then ran 4/0 AWG from the stud, to the switch then out to the winch, following the stock batt wires. There is actually a empty hole for another conduit, so ran it there. Looks stock. Covered the wire in 1" split loom (3/4 would be a better fit for 4/0 but i had 1" around).


The fog light wires have plenty of slack so i will use them for the 6" LED or HID's i put in the light holes on the bumper.



--John