Winch Protector

[Ray!]

I always like to keep things looking a bit subtle where posible, so after getting my much maligned Aldi winch, I wanted to do something a bit different with the installation. Specifically, I didn't want it to stand out, so this is what I ended up doing.

The winch install is standard, but unlike many who modify the number plate mount so that it sits higher than the winch opening, I modified the number plate mount so that it covers the winch entirely:

I simply removed the part that usually holds the number plate, part of the angle, and install two hinges on to the number plate and what was left of the existing bracket:

The snatch strap is what holds the number plate down when not in use and is easy to undo when needed.

The additional benefits of this modification are that the number plate no longer bends up when crossing rivers and it also keeps the fairlead, cable etc very clean, even when going through bog holes.

Cheers

Ray

[Sooty_10]

Looks good Ray. Surely gravity and airflow would hold it down whilst driving without the bungie strap, however piece of mind and also probably stops vibration. I definitely like the concept of reducing the amount of mud and crap going on the cable. Well done.

[dronus4x4]

Great idea. Practical and functional... Might do this myself i reakon.. i have slim front number plates but anything to keep the grime and wildlife from coating the winch has to be a good thing...

[The Big Rig]

I cant remember Ray but did you rotate the gearboxs so the lever is at the top? If so was it hard and your control box is near the battery isnt it

[Ray!]

I cant remember Ray but did you rotate the gearboxs so the lever is at the top? If so was it hard and your control box is near the battery isnt it

No, I didn't rotate anything. The motor is on the passenger's side and the release lever is on the driver's side, with the lever facing the engine, but easy to reach.

Cheers

Ray

[KMsMK]

I like it a lot. What are the Aldi winches like? Do the 'winch' (stand) the test of time? I'm thinking of getting one when they come back out.

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[Ray!]

I like it a lot. What are the Aldi winches like? Do the 'winch' (stand) the test of time? I'm thinking of getting one when they come back out.

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I've never had to use mine in anger yet, so can't say one way or the other. I know of at least one owner who has had to use theirs and it seems to work OK. Basically, I think it's as good as any of the Chinese made winches that seem to be a dime a dozen nowadays. At the time, the price was better than anything else around.

Cheers

Ray

[KMsMK]

They also come with a couple of yrs warranty. I wonder what it covers?

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[GU3Tray]

They also come with a couple of yrs warranty. I wonder what it covers?

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You didn't ask before purchasing???

[Ray!]

The warranty covers the usual product indemnity applicable to all goods sold in Australia; no different to anything else that you might buy from anyone else. Aldi actually have a pretty good warranty, often much longer, compared to many other suppliers; but I can't say how well a warranty claim would be upheld, as I've never had to make a warranty claim for anything that I've bought from Aldi.

Cheers

Ray

[KMsMK]

You didn't ask before purchasing???

I don't own one yet, just thinking aloud