Winch bumpers that work with Ecoboost?
 

Hi -

I have a 2017 XLT FX4 3.5 EB. After going for a ride on the weekend in which we had to cut down some branches to turn as the ride was getting a bit too rough, my wife told me I should get a winch. Mission accomplished!

I'm having a hard time figuring out what which bumpers work with my 3.5 EB, i.e. not blocking the intercooler airflow. Any recommendations for makes/models of winch bumpers, or general considerations to keep in mind?

[I may just end up just getting a winch on a plate for the rear hitch since I'm not sure I want 300 pounds permanently mounted on the front - advice here welcome as well.]

There aren't a lot of options. Here are the two that I found in my research, something new may have came up since then so keep looking.

Warn Transformer series bumper.
https://www.warn.com/truck-suv-mount...ection-systems

Front trailer hitch mount and then a trailer hitch mounted winch like the ones if you scroll down farther on the above link. That way you can leave it at home when not needed or in the bed strapped down.

I asked an online vendor (who I won't name since I didn't ask), and they basically told me not to worry about the airflow:

"Please take a look at the front bumper and the small valence that is open for ram air. Stock ram air is minimal to begin with, especially with the amount of boost that the vehicle generates, not much air flow is needed. Just the fact that the compressed air (boost) runs through an inter-cooler is a huge step and in my opinion if a vehicle has a force induction system it would be foolish to not install an inter-cooler. Some forced inducted vehicles running low boost less than 5 lbs some times do not even need an inter-cooler (heat exchanger).

The aftermarket bumpers you are looking at will be completely fin[e] for your eco-boost application.

If it seems like you are still [worried], please direct your attention to the bumpers that have any type of open valence. This will allow maximum airflow for an aftermarket application."

Warn reports that their Ascent bumpers are Ecoboost compatible.

That would sure open options up! I'm a bit reluctant to move the intercooler while the truck is under warranty - it seems like that would give Ford a lot of opportunity to say that some engine problem was caused by this change.

are you looking for a bumper or a way to add a winch...I'm making mine for my 18 eggbeater..

I'm looking for a bumper, not to fabricate. (I'm good with wood, no experience with metal).

I went the rear hitch-receiver direction like you mention in your first post, and I couldn't be happier. (I have a Warn Zeon 10 Multi-mount).

If you're the type that spontaneously off-roads or daily-drives in situations that might require a winch, then it's probably not the way to go. If you're like me though, and your daily driving is on pavement and you off-road for fun on weekends and / or occasionally need a winch to pull a tree stump or something, then the receiver-mount is awesome. I have absolutely no need for a winch except for my weekend off-roading, so I'd much rather not have to alter my front bumper and carry around all that extra weight when I don't need it. My Warn setup has a permanently wired "quick connect" plug next to the receiver, that goes to my battery. If I need the winch, I just pop it in the receiver, plug in the quick-connect, and I'm ready to go.

It may not be for everybody, but for my use, it's perfect. Be aware though, it's HEAVY. I got the steel cable which didn't help, so you may want to go synthetic. But other than it being heavy, the setup works great for me.