Trail Tailor Hidden Winch Mount on early LX.....gap for fairlead

[BigMF]

All, installed my TT HWM this past weekend. I'll post a thread about the install and some mod's I came up with later but have a question about the fairlead. The plate that the fairlead is bolted to is a good 2.5-3" behind the plastic bumper. When I attached the included fairlead from my Badland Apex winch to the HWM, it is still over an inch behind the plastic. Even with the shackle pulled up against the fairlead, the bumper is still further out. The only other older LX with the TT HWM installed that I can find pictures of is from @TeCKis300. However, his was drastically modified and not close to stock.

Does anyone else with an early (pre-2012) LX have the TT HWM installed? If so, did you run into the same "gap issue" I'm running into? Below is a picture of what mine looks like now. Forgive the rough cut to the plastic. I've overed some trim to go around the edges and finish it out.

 

[TeCKis300]

All, installed my TT HWM this past weekend. I'll post a thread about the install and some mod's I came up with later but have a question about the fairlead. The plate that the fairlead is bolted to is a good 2.5-3" behind the plastic bumper. When I attached the included fairlead from my Badland Apex winch to the HWM, it is still over an inch behind the plastic. Even with the shackle pulled up against the fairlead, the bumper is still further out. The only other older LX with the TT HWM installed that I can find pictures of is from @TeCKis300. However, his was drastically modified and not close to stock.

Does anyone else with an early (pre-2012) LX have the TT HWM installed? If so, did you run into the same "gap issue" I'm running into? Below is a picture of what mine looks like now. Forgive the rough cut to the plastic. I've overed some trim to go around the edges and finish it out.

View attachment 3010387

I've heard of others stack fairleads to solve the gap issue.

 

[tbisaacs]

The badland fairlead is pretty garbage (as is the hook). Have you looked at either a thicker fairlead (Factor 55 makes multiple depths) or a fairlead spacer kit? Or any generic solid spacer would work.

 

[BigMF]

The badland fairlead is pretty garbage (as is the hook). Have you looked at either a thicker fairlead (Factor 55 makes multiple depths) or a fairlead spacer kit? Or any generic solid spacer would work.

Yeah, have already ordered the Factor 55 1.5 fairlead and an Agency 6 shackle which looks to be of good quality as well and has 3K higher working load limit than either of the F55 shackles (Flat Link/Ultrahook).

However, that won't solve the problem of the depth. I'd never heard of the spacer kit and will look into that. That being said, I've already looked at some 1/4" thick washers that are 2" square from Lowes that I'm hoping to stack. I like the extra surface area (versus a traditional cylindrical spacer) to provide a little more "rigidity" unless you guys think otherwise. I also like the ability to stack in 1/4" increments to get a more custom length.

 

[tbisaacs]

Yeah, have already ordered the Factor 55 1.5 fairlead and an Agency 6 shackle which looks to be of good quality as well and has 3K higher working load limit than either of the F55 shackles (Flat Link/Ultrahook).

However, that won't solve the problem of the depth. I'd never heard of the spacer kit and will look into that. That being said, I've already looked at some 1/4" thick washers that are 2" square from Lowes that I'm hoping to stack. I like the extra surface area (versus a traditional cylindrical spacer) to provide a little more "rigidity" unless you guys think otherwise. I also like the ability to stack in 1/4" increments to get a more custom length.

View attachment 3010453

View attachment 3010455

I was thinking something like this: https://www.grainger.com/category/f...ers=webParentSkuKey&webParentSkuKey=WP9810223

 

[CharlieS]

Just be super careful not to create any edges that can lead to abrasion of the line.

 

[grinchy]

Warn also makes the ‘epic’ fairlead in 1.5”. They are commonly on Amazon warehouse for $70.
What comes to my mind is what you’re already working on, longer bolts, and a stack of washers after fairlead #1 to the bumper, and then fairlead # 2. I’d use washers that were rounded and didn’t intrude on the glide path of the rope.

Like @CharlieS said, make sure they’re aren’t any edges for the synthetic line to snag on, and that includes the inside roundover at the winch cradle slot too. I saw some fairleads on eBay that had a backside projection with inside roundover to eliminate any rubbing on the winch plate/slot.
Easy enough to fix with a grinder though if necessary.

<edit thinking more on it I wouldn’t use washers, I’d be buying fairleads and stacking them. Or having a custom fit piece made. The side load forces could be tremendous, it needs to be able to withstand the side load, I’d want the bolts to be in supported adequately.
And maybe drill out and use larger bolts?>

 

[99toylc]

I stacked the fair leads and have used the winch with synthetic line probably 3-4 times without any issues.

You can see the result on YouTube where I recorded an installation tutorial on my 2011 lx570.

 

[99toylc]

Some pics attached

 

[TRAIL TAILOR]

I have the prototype for the early LX built 2008-2011 (extended fairlead area) ... Just no one that will follow through with the install or feedback.

The above pic is what I have told everyone that says the LX and 200 are the same.... NO THEY ARE NOT. There is no such product for the early LX that I make and no such thing as a "GAP ISSUE" with a product that doesn't exist..

@99toylc has a good youtube video of his install. The new prototype will eliminate the "stacking" end users are trying to accomplish.

Jason

 

[BigMF]

Appreciate the advice guys!

I've just ordered the Warn Premium Series fairlead to stack behind the Factor 55. I chose it over any of the dozens of others I looked at for these reasons:

1. The front is relatively flat compared to the Epic series
2. It is Type III Hard Anodized
3. Brand - I trust that Warn has actually done the anodizing properly and not just saying it and has better quality control
4. Price - $73 including tax

I'm planning on trying to use 7/16 Grade 8 bolts if they will fit or step down to 3/8 if necessary.

Any other thoughts?

 

[BigMF]

I have the prototype for the early LX built 2008-2011 (extended fairlead area) ... Just no one that will follow through with the install or feedback.

The above pic is what I have told everyone that says the LX and 200 are the same.... NO THEY ARE NOT. There is no such product for the early LX that I make and no such thing as a "GAP ISSUE" with a product that doesn't exist..

@99toylc has a good youtube video of his install. The new prototype will eliminate the "stacking" end users are trying to accomplish.

Jason

HI Jason, my apologies if I came across as overly critical. It was not my intention and I am very happy with the product. I was just looking for tips on how to make your great product work for a use case it was not intended for. I wish I'd seen @99toylc 's video prior to my install.

 

[BigMF]

All, I've completed my install and posted it here if you are interested:

LX570 Hidden Winch mount with Mods

All, just wanted to share my experience with installing the Trail Tailor Hidden Winch Mount on my 2011 LX as well as the mods I made for my specific needs. First thing to understand is that the version that I bought is designed for the LC and is not an exact fit for the LX when it comes to the...

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