LANDROVER wrote:

mick wrote:

Click image to enlarge


Click image to enlarge
That’s mine

Mick,

Did you fit the Dixon Bates hitches to the front?

I swapped my winch from a PTO to Husky and have got to swap my pair of dixon bates hitches over.

On the original bumper there was a plate welded behind the bumper to reinforce it. I want to swap them over for double line pulls and was not sure if it's necessary to reinforce it or not. I Could make some plates up if it is and wondered if yours had the plates or if you didn't deem them necessary.

Thanks for your advice.

blackwolf wrote:

I wouldn't allow a "rough" recovery of my Defender, especially not with a winch fitted. No need!

On my Mantec Husky bumper there is only one of those anchor points.

agentmulder wrote:

I'd agree with a double line pull certainly, but for a straight (and rough) recovery by another vehicle? I guess in that case I'd bridle with a sling and use both..

If I was snatch recovering I would probably bridle if I was dubious of recovery point to spread load. I always prefer a slow and steady winch recovery.

I have two big rings bolted through bumper bolts and would usually bridle them even though I think one is plenty strong enough.

The last big recovery I done was a discovery TD5 which was kitted out and heavy.

I did three winch pulls and dragged him clear of each point he was bogged. But each time I released him he dug in again... I was getting in further each pull and it was raining hard and conditions deteriorating. I went for a snatch recovery and dragged him clear eventually to hard ground... I was considering leaving him!

Some times only brute force will win.

I agree Blackwolf I wouldn't let anyone snatch me...some peoples idea of a snatch is trying to tear you Land Rover apart!

mick wrote:

Yes there are plates behind or some big washers either..

Cool

I thought there might be a plate. I think I will make a plate and bolt it in place should help spread the force a bit. Them bumpers are so thick I doubt it needs them but better to go beyond necessary.

I looked at a Camel Trophy 110 at Peterborough and I'm sure it didn't have a plate but unsure if it was original or not.

Thanks for your advice.

blackwolf wrote:

The bracket welded on the top nearside is amply strong enough for a double line pull if required, but is also handy for stowing the winch line.

On my vehicle the two DB couplings are fitted with a 6mm thinck reinforcing spreader plate on the rear face of the bumper. The plate isn't welded, it is simply held by the coupling bolts. Whether you fit such couplings on the flat face or the angled face is, I suppose, I matter of preference. Either location is strong enough, the flat face in my opinion looks better and it is certainly easier to get at the inboard fastener.

I did think of the angled face but decided to have a bit of separation from the winch wires/cable.

I was thinking of making a plate slightly wider than the bumper and using the bolts to hold it in place. The bumper would probably be strong enough but don't want to take a chance.

My old bumper was really reinforced. Where the top bracket is had a rib welded in bridging top and bottom of bumper. Welded plates behind hitches, but was ridiculously heavy with the old PTO winch.

Thanks for your advice on this matter.