Hi all, I'm helping SLR collect feedback on a prototype winch bumper and would like to solicit some input. Please keep in mind this is a work in progress and is far from complete. I will note a few things They are already are in the works on changing to help out with the obvious.

1.) Fenderwell trimming will be changed to blend in with current fenderwell opening while allowing for increased tire sizes without rubbing.

2.) They were designing it with the thought of a top mounted winch, but will likely be moving the winch internal with fairleads coming out through the center panel.

3.) The panels are brushed aluminum plating to keep weight down with allen head bolts to blend with the fasteners on the cargo basket. The main structure is steel tubing (high strength) used on off road desert racers.

4.) The tubing will be powdercoated while the brushed aluminum will be left to blend in with the factory rack and step rails for those that put them back on when not wheelin'.

5.) They will likely be able to move the bumper back a couple inches with an internal winch setup.

6.) They will be incorporating front tow points, likely large D-rings and will try to accomodate hi-lift jacking as well.

7.) The approach angle is the best you can get and I've done some off-road testing of the product and have been quite impressed.

8.) The mounting is angle iron which supports and braces the crumple zone to increase the strength of that area. I have been assured that this will support pulling and winching without a problem.

Here is a frontal view.

http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=1682800&a=13900877&p=55811293

Here is a top view, with a mockup of the top that will be added on.


http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=1682800&a=13900877&p=55811294

And here is the lower end.
http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=1682800&a=13900877&p=55512227

Let me know what your thoughts are and what feedback you would like me to provide to SLR and the fabrication specialists.

I do like the tubing frame, but I'm unsure about the bolted aluminum panels...While the aluminum would probably be string enough for the front, I think I would want steel for the bottom pieces. I prefer steel for skid purposes.

I realize that wouls add quite a bit of weight though. It just looks bolted together and that gives teh impression of weaker, even though it prebably isn't.:cool:

Maybe the wings and grill guards could be an accessory or option. Only add them to those who order them .

Also, if possible, have the winch mounting location able to accomodate a warn 8274. That is the best choice for a winch, but does not fit in any other bumper/bullbar :( .

Assumeing the Angle Iron for mounts are strong enough, then mounting to the Crumple Zone should be fine as long as there are cross supports that will eliminate any twisting under an off andle winching situation.

That's my thoughts...But keep in mind that I drive a Frontier and for me to buy, it would have to also work for them..:smoka:

Cliff

I like the aluminum idea. In fact, I have the aluminum TJM. I have always thought that a bumper that matched the roof rack would be a great idea. The TJM comes polished rather than brushed so it doesn't match as well as I had hoped. That being said I think you have a ways to go before your "fit and finish" matches that of an ARB or TJM. I'm not sure if I like the way aluminum panels are attached. Maybe they could be welded are something??? Since you are attaching them to steel maybe that is'nt possible. Of course, I realize you are not done with it yet.

I like the skid plate. The coverage is better than anything I have seen yet. My TJM has vents in the bottom that push air toward the radiator. I'm not sure if this is necessary, but I could see how it might be good to have if you have a winch and fog lights blocking air flow in front of the grill. Just something you might want to consider.

Thanks for asking for our opinions.

Originally posted by wilburburns

Also, if possible, have the winch mounting location able to accomodate a warn 8274. That is the best choice for a winch, but does not fit in any other bumper/bullbar :( .

Cliff

Yep, that is a good winch. But, have you seen how big and awkward they are? I don't know how they could make it fit.

Butit would fit as a top mounted winch...It may even fit in an ARB if the top were cut out of it...Just thinking out loud, I haven't really checked very close.

Also, from the looks of it, it should fit in the proto bumper. Just cut out the center section and put a mount plate there. The solenoid and motor would stick out the top, but the fairleed would come out the center of the bumper.

Very good Winch though..150 feet of cable and faster than anything else Warn offers.:alien2:

Cliff

I don't have any specific comments, just general observations.

Functionality: that bumper probably has the best so far (it does need a winch mount location). Winches are best placed as close inline with the frame as possible (less leverage).

Form: needs work. You might make it work with a general "tube type" Xterra (and I mean rock sliders, rear bumper etc). But I gotta say it misses the boat. I think that part of the attraction of the Xterra is the form. That bumper has off tangent angles and a quilted appearance patchwork of panels. Just looking at the picture it doesn't fit in with the mental picture of a Xterra.

I am planning to purchase some skid plates from ***. And, eventually I was going to look for a winch bumper that is lighter than ARB.

Will this bumper be able to accommodate the existing skid plates from *** without any modification? (I just want to have both of them. :))

I want to thank everyone who is providing feedback and will try to answer some of the questions / comments above.

Wilbur - they have discussed possible variations such as welded in steel plates, bolted in aluminum (as you can't weld aluminum to steel) and a skidplate in steel or vented aluminum. I'm not familiar with the differences between the Warn winches but I appreciate your comments on that. They were looking initially at universal mounting to accept Warn 9000 and Ramsey. If you could give me some feedback regarding the differences between the 9000 and the 8274 that would be great. As far as the supports / twisting, that has already been considered and is already heavily supported internally with cross bracing. It's just hidden beneath all the plating.

ScottG - The vented skidplate is likely what will be used or at least an option. Frankly I loved the solid plate as it didn't get filled up with mud underneath. I've had no overheating problems either, but we understand the concern about the winch / lights blocking airflow and they will take this into consideration. As far as the fit & finish, this is a crude prototype and the final plating would be laser cut and have a more polished appearance.

Ned946 - I know it is different and they want it to be. Whether the Xterra community latches onto the looks or not will be determined shortly. I had a lot of positive comments at West X regarding the looks so I think, like everything else, some will love it and some will hate it. It's quite apparent that they are going for a different look than that of the ARB, TJM, or Calmini

Xsal - I can't answer how it would match up with other manufacturers parts. It is being designed as a bolt on bumper. Most skidplates are independent of the bumper, however, SLR will be working at bringing other products to the Xterra community that will work well with the bumper.

Thanks again to everyone that has provided some constructive feedback. Even though I'm testing the product, I value others input and do pass it on to SLR.

Warn Model 8274-50
http://www.warn.com/InternetHome/products/Winches/images/M8274-50v2.jpg
http://www.warn.com/InternetHome/products/Winches/images/M8274Line.gif
The Mounding Bolt Pattern is 10x4.5
Seen mounted on a Land Rover..
http://www.warn.com/InternetHome/products/MountSystem/images/DefenderV2.jpg

This is a big bulky Winch, but is strong and fast. One of it's best benefits is that it will hold 150 ft of Wire Rope. This is important because you can typically stretch the rope to the top of the climb on the first attempt, or you can snatch to a tree nearly 70 feet away using a snatch block.

Warn M8000
http://www.warn.com/InternetHome/products/Winches/images/M8000v2.jpg
http://www.warn.com/InternetHome/products/Winches/images/M8Line.gif
Mounting Bolt Pattern 10x4.5

This winch mounts inside the ARB, TJM and Calmini Designs. This is a very good and very common winch. Other Winches like this are the XD9000.

Of course there are other winch options from Ramsey, SuperWinch, And MileMarker, but Mounting Bolt Locations just about always match up to Warn's 10x4.5 .

HTH

Cliff

That winch is a monster. (size wise) I will do some more research as to what winches will be considered. They were originally looking at the 8000 and 9000, but that 8274 definately would pose some new challenges since it has soo much vertical height compared to the others. I'll keep you posted.

Thanks again for your feedback and assistance. :)

I would be worried about overheating if you had been in some serious mud. The air flow will definetly be reduced. I'm not crazy about the "plate" look, perhaps if the sliders had the same appearence. It looks like you could skim across a mud puddle with some speed. I'd need a finished prototype, right now I just can't make it work in my mind.

Originally posted by Goliath the X
I would be worried about overheating if you had been in some serious mud. The air flow will definetly be reduced.
Considering I'm in Arizona and do rock crawling and haven't had any overheating problems, I'm not sure why it wouldn't work. The fan is doing more than forced air at low speeds. But I think I mentioned in my earlier posts the possibility of a cheese grater skid plate or option
I'm not crazy about the "plate" look, perhaps if the sliders had the same appearence.
Keep in mind those are custom built sliders made by myself and were not meant to blend or match with the bumper. I can understand personal preferences may vary, but I think more products will be on the way for those looking for that "matching set" of front, rear, rock sliders, skid plates, etc..