Smittybilt X2O-12K GEN 2 WINCH in TJM T13 bumper

[kcjaz]

I have search on the forum for info on this winch but have only found threads on installing it as a hidden winch. I would assume, if it can fit as a hidden winch, there should be no issue mounted inside a T13 but would like to hear from anyone who's done this. I am a complete noob as far as winches go and have a few noob type questions:

1. I believe that the control box can be moved. I do not want the control box on top of my bumper like you typically see. My front camera is mounted there. I'm not sure if the control box will fit in the space inside the bumper. If it doesn't can it be remote mounted inside the engine bay? I assume that would require splicing wires.

2. With the winch installed inside the bumper (or a hidden winch for that matter) how do you access the free spool lever? My T13 has large access holes that I assume are for this but I am not sure you can really get your hand in there to get to the level.

 

[DPA200]

I have a t13 as well and am also curious. I did the same mud search too, crazy how many posts and threads are about the hidden winch mount

 

[TimCFJ40]

I have a T13, but with a different winch (Badlands 12k), The control box on the X20 *looks* like it would fit in the over the drum position in the T13. That is where my control box is mounted. Pics of the X20 seem to show the control box also being mounted on the motor side, which would definitely work as it sits down lower there than over the drum.
Worst case you could mount it behind the grill or under the hood somewhere.

 

[linuxgod]

I can't speak to your winch/bumper combo, but size-wise it will likely fit. The TJM is pretty spacious. I think the main issue may be if the mounting feet are non-standard.

I have a Warn VR12 and we mounted the control box behind the grill with a bit of a custom bracket. If you're not using a second battery that area inside the engine bay is a great location, but you may need to either fab up new longer wires or spring for an extension kit (which is basically just a pre-fab longer harness, and maybe a mounting bracket). Again my limited experience here is with Warn, not Smittybilt, but given you see the latter on Jeeps everywhere I would assume it must be similar size and mounting.

 

[4wheelgreg]

Biggest down fall of the TJM T13 is winch mount position is down un like the ARB bigger winches like the M10000 + is a feet forward mount . There is the room in the carriage for a bigger winch and anything is possible for custom mounting .
Biggest I see is a Zeon 12 fits in the T13 , is no M12000 .
I have the T13 and have chosen house a 9500 XP is a old school design did the control pack up grade , may be a bit under powered but going with that counting on the extra speed and dependability , I also carry a rear hitch winch M12000 just incase

 

[DPA200]

I’ve narrowed down to these 2 options. Anybody fit either of these in their T13? @linuxgod is this the Warn you have in a T13?


$849 - WARN 103255 VR EVO 12-S
WARN 103255 VR EVO 12-S

and the

$1245 - COME-UP – Seal Gen2 12.5rs
COME-UP – Seal Gen2 12.5rs

I’m really debating for my “insurance policy” only style of winch use of the extra $400 for the ComeUp is Worth it for my limited usage. I just want reliable so the day I need it it doesn’t let me down

 

[linuxgod]

I’ve narrowed down to these 2 options. Anybody fit either of these in their T13? @linuxgod is this the Warn you have in a T13?


$849 - WARN 103255 VR EVO 12-S
WARN 103255 VR EVO 12-S

and the

$1245 - COME-UP – Seal Gen2 12.5rs
COME-UP – Seal Gen2 12.5rs

I’m really debating for my “insurance policy” only style of winch use of the extra $400 for the ComeUp is Worth it for my limited usage. I just want reliable so the day I need it it doesn’t let me down

Basically yes. I think the "EVO" is the newer version, but otherwise it looks the same as my VR 12-S.

 

[DPA200]

Basically yes. I think the "EVO" is the newer version, but otherwise it looks the same as my VR 12-S.

Are you happy with it so far? Have you used it much? Any complaints with it? If you could do it again would you buy again? Thx

 

[linuxgod]

Are you happy with it so far? Have you used it much? Any complaints with it? If you could do it again would you buy again? Thx

No complaints.

I've only used it a couple times. That was part of the reason I went with the VR12... it was the inexpensive option made by a company I trust. For as often as I use it I vaguely considered a S*ittybuilt or Horrible Freight one for half the cost but I've seen too many stories of the cheap ones breaking apart.

If I needed something for continuous duty or regular use (monthly+) I would've gone with a high end winch. Basically I wanted "sufficiently reliable to not strand me with enough power to get me unstuck, but if it takes me 2x as long to get free I'm cool with that and if we have a group of 10 people who all need winching then we'll have to share responsibility"

 

[kcjaz]

@linuxgod do you have T13 bumper? I didn't think so. When I was searching for winches, I got hung up on a how a mechanical clutch would be able to be operated when inside the T13. The is one of the reasons I went with Zeon Platinum. I think a mech clutch would be OK if you can get your hand in through the large access holes to operate it.

 

[linuxgod]

@linuxgod do you have T13 bumper? I didn't think so. When I was searching for winches, I got hung up on a how a mechanical clutch would be able to be operated when inside the T13. The is one of the reasons I went with Zeon Platinum. I think a mech clutch would be OK if you can get your hand in through the large access holes to operate it.

Nope, mine is Trail Tailor.

On my bumper I can reach in through the front gap and turn the key between free/locked. It sits to the right of my license plate. I would think you'd be able to reach into the hole in front in the T13, but maybe it's too small?

 

[kcjaz]

Nope, mine is Trail Tailor.

On my bumper I can reach in through the front gap and turn the key between free/locked. It sits to the right of my license plate. I would think you'd be able to reach into the hole in front in the T13, but maybe it's too small?

The hole is big enough for your hand. Must be what the holes are for in addition to being handy when installing the bumper. There are some obstructions in the bumper so it will depend on where the clutch handle ends up.

edits above

 

[linuxgod]

The hole is big enough for your hand. Must be what the holes are for in addition to being handy when installing the number. There are some instructions in the bumper so it will depend on where the clutch handle ends up.

Yeah I suspect that's one of the two reasons the holes exist (the other being airflow)

The bigger challenge I think is where to mount the control box. You may not be able to fit it attached to the winch, which means relocating it somewhere. Mine is mounted to a custom bracket in front of the radiator, and I can reach it either by going through the hole on the left and twisting my hand upwards a bit or by popping the hook and removing the black plastic shroud. Less of an issue if you have a wireless remote control for it I suppose.

 

[DPA200]

Just double-checked on my T13, plenty of room to get my hand in the hold

 

[kcjaz]

Just double-checked on my T13, plenty of room to get my hand in the hold

Agree. it was the angled support in the second photo that I wasn't sure if it would be in the way or not. Its gotta be doable as I would guess most people buy winches with a manual clutch lever.

 

[RobW0]

Just double-checked on my T13, plenty of room to get my hand in the hold

View attachment 2625016View attachment 2625017View attachment 2625018

I have the newer T13 and plenty of room to reach in for the clutch. The brace in front of the radiator that is the grill support may need to be modified for the winch. The T13 for the 16+ 200 comes with a new low profile brace that goes there.

 

[DPA200]

I have the newer T13 and plenty of room to reach in for the clutch. The brace in front of the radiator that is the grill support may need to be modified for the winch. The T13 for the 16+ 200 comes with a new low profile brace that goes there.

View attachment 2625252

Can't remember if you already said but did you have to relocate the Control Box on your Warn? If so, can you post a pic of where?

 

[RobW0]

Can't remember if you already said but did you have to relocate the Control Box on your Warn? If so, can you post a pic of where?

I relocated the solenoid up by my Aux battery. I don't have any pictures of it yet, but I will try and get some and post on it soon. I still need to clean it up a little bit. I looked at the instructions for the older LC bumper and it looks like they leave the support as is on that one.

 

[kcjaz]

I have the newer T13 and plenty of room to reach in for the clutch. The brace in front of the radiator that is the grill support may need to be modified for the winch. The T13 for the 16+ 200 comes with a new low profile brace that goes there.

Here’s my 2013. There is no brace like shown in yours.

 

[DPA200]

Here’s my 2013. There is no brace like shown in yours.

View attachment 2625323

very odd, yeah anything pre 2016 I believe is the same T13. I just bought from Slee last summer. Odd about that cross support, I'll have to investigate in daylight. I didn't do my install myself, so I'm not sure