Winch bumper front tow hitch?

FlatbedPilot · Jan 25, 2015

This is my set up on the front of the 110.

Does anyone know if there's an off the shelf solution for fitting a standard tow ball on the front with these types of winch bumper?

winchman · Jan 25, 2015

I have seen them in the past, but I suspect any one who manufactures them wouldn't sell many so don't bother?
Oh hang on heres some one
Front Towbars : Front Push Towbars : Watling Engineers UK

FlatbedPilot · Jan 25, 2015

When I was searching I found that one, among others. Looking at the drawings in their price list it seems the bracketry utilises the same bolt holes as the standard bumper. I could probably fit it but I'd have to remove the steering guard. I was hoping there would be something out there specifically for winch bumpers which would let me retain the steering guard.

SteNova · Jan 25, 2015

I would be fitting a 2 inch reciever

FlatbedPilot · Jan 25, 2015

SteNova said:
I would be fitting a 2 inch reciever

Not sure what you mean?

FlatbedPilot · Jan 25, 2015

OK. Did a quick search and found this:

Extreme 4x4 Ltd DEFENDER STEERINGS GUARDS WITH BUILT IN SHUNT RECEIVER

Awesome idea. However, I'd have to ditch my current steering guard which is practically brand new and spend more than I wanted to on this.

It's given me an idea though. I'm going to design my own and have it fabricated for me. Not as expensive as you might think as my brother is pretty handy with a welder.

The metal plate with the holes in it on the winch bumper is only held on with four small bolts. I'll design the receiver hitch so that it sits just behind this plate. When I need the use of a front towhitch I can just remove the plate and slide in the removable towball.

I will start making measurements tomorrow....

Paul D · Jan 25, 2015

How I did mine .. though I don't have a round bumper, hate 'em .. had one on the Disco!

This is a standard fit, removable towball/pin and works very well indeed!

FlatbedPilot · Jan 25, 2015

That's the sort of thing I was hoping for Paul, but as you say, for a tubular bumper. There doesn't seem to be anything available for tubular bumpers.

I'm going to go ahead with my own idea for now but if something easier presents itself...

FlatbedPilot · Jan 26, 2015

OK, so here's my idea.

I've removed the panel with the holes in from the winch bumper.

And I have designed a towhitch receiver that will bolt underneath the winch tray utilising the winch retaining bolts. I'll need to get some 10mm longer bolts to replace the existing ones.

More detail on the design to follow. It's pretty simple.

smnbyt · Jan 26, 2015

Don't you want the towball offset rather than being in the middle?

FlatbedPilot · Jan 26, 2015

Not much scope for offsetting in this situation. I'm quite happy to have it central for the odd occasion I'll use this. It's mainly to attach a car trailer to that doesn't have a winch. I'll use the winch on the Landy to load the trailer then turn around to hitch on the back.

winchman · Jan 26, 2015

Now this is unlikely but lets say you got a Police check and they ask for type approval of the tow bar?
Witter Towbars | FAQ's > EC Type Approval

Would you have an answer?
I know I am playing Devils Advocate but it may happen and best have a plan

FlatbedPilot · Jan 26, 2015

winchman said:
Now this is unlikely but lets say you got a Police check and they ask for type approval of the tow bar?
Witter Towbars | FAQ's > EC Type Approval

Would you have an answer?
I know I am playing Devils Advocate but it may happen and best have a plan

No I wouldn't. Plan is to only use it for light shunting around of trailers. All other times the cover would be back on the bumper. Plus, Shetland isn't awash with policemen with nothing better to do than go around inspecting peoples vehicles. I'll take the chance.

winchman · Jan 26, 2015

I don't think you should have a problem, but I just wanted to make people aware as often people drive around in MOTed vehicles but then can still be done by the construction and use regs.
As long as its a declared mod for Mr Insurance

FlatbedPilot · Jan 27, 2015

It's made. I'm waiting for it to arrive and I'll do the finishing of the rough edges, cleaning and painting before I fit it.

warrior · Jan 27, 2015

Just to throw it out there, rear winch with the tow bar?

Like mine, Its a reciver hitch with a drop plate in this picture with a warn xd9000 under the floor,

FlatbedPilot · Jan 27, 2015

Nice. But I don't need that. This will get limited use. I have a need for one specific task in the near future when I move house. After that it probably won't get a lot of use at all. Handy to have it though. The best bit about this is that it's only cost me £20 all in, and half of that was carriage to Shetland.

SteNova · Jan 29, 2015

winchman said:
Now this is unlikely but lets say you got a Police check and they ask for type approval of the tow bar?
Witter Towbars | FAQ's > EC Type Approval

Would you have an answer?
I know I am playing Devils Advocate but it may happen and best have a plan

Remember that only applies to cars s reg or later, not vans or commercial

winchman · Jan 29, 2015

SteNova said:
Remember that only applies to cars s reg or later, not vans or commercial

Thanks for the update

FlatbedPilot · Feb 18, 2015

It's been a while but shift work leaves me little time or interest while I'm on shift. So the parts my brother fabricated for me arrived a while ago and I trial fitted them today.

First up is the receiver plate, which will be a permanent fixture. Made to line up with the winch bolts. Used 10mm longer bolts to accommodate the thickness of the plate.

The towbar slots into the receiver plate and uses two bolts to clamp it in place.

Finally, with towball fitted.

All fits perfectly. Just needs the rough edges tidying up and a coat of paint to finish it off. When not in use it'll be in the back of the Landy and the centre cover on the bumper in place.

Winch bumper front tow hitch?

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Old, nackered 'n broke, but the Landy is fine . :)

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