Hard Superwinch cover to fit Expedition bumper?

**Delray** · 10-20-2009, 12:30 AM

I wonder if there is anything available or any interest besides myself for a simple box that would fit the contour of the Expedition bumper covering the winch?

The reason I ask is that my synthetic line was stolen (along with the thimble and a lot of other stuff) by the thief simply turning the Superwinch handle about 1/4" and pulling out all the line.

I have looked at various locks in concert with drilling a whole in the handle or removing the handle all together (which has an allen bolt in the middle) but nothing will secure the handle from that slight turn which releases the line and the handle is not removeable.

Covering the winch opening completely would be the best solution but I can only find soft covers for the superwinch. A hard cover, preferably metal that could be attached with the two bolt holes that are already on either side of the winch opening (I guess these are for lights) would be perfect. I am sure I could find a way to lock it down at the bolt if this were available (or run a cable over or through the cover).

Any ideas on this?

Fly Jester · 10-20-2009, 04:53 PM

I was thinking about the same thing the other day as as well Delane. I was thinking about a way to offer some protection for the connections and housing that are exposed to the elements. I don't think anyone will steal my line because it is steel, but you never know, plus having a cover would keep people from messing with any of the controls/connections.

Now if I only had access to a sheet metal bender....anyone in the SLC area (or beyond)...have access to a bender and some scrap sheet metal???

WyoOtto · 10-20-2009, 09:25 PM

Simple solution to the theft (not the messing with controls or cutting line or anything else) would be a small cable lock through the shackle attachment on the bumper and the eyelet in the end of the synthetic line. Just a thought.... Sorry to hear of your loss!

**Delray** · 10-21-2009, 01:56 AM

Thanks WyoOtto and Fly,

I thought of bending and welding some metal myself. There is also the issue of the sun and elements beating down on the rubber protectors on the electrical cables. All the rubber covers at the connections are cracked and deteriorated. I have used electrical tape to protect them.

The problem with the Superwinch is that you can just move that handle a little and still pull out all the line and cut it at the eyelet or thimble. You do keep your thimble though!

**Mountainclimber** · 10-21-2009, 07:24 AM

Quote:

Delray previously said:

Thanks WyoOtto and Fly,

I thought of bending and welding some metal myself. There is also the issue of the sun and elements beating down on the rubber protectors on the electrical cables. All the rubber covers at the connections are cracked and deteriorated. I have used electrical tape to protect them.

The problem with the Superwinch is that you can just move that handle a little and still pull out all the line and cut it at the eyelet or thimble. You do keep your thimble though!

Concerning your cracked rubber insulators- I emailed Superwinch and they sent me a full set at no charge. Excellent company. It took a couple weeks but they just sent the full set. No questions asked. No postage required.

The box or cover you are talking about would be an excellent idea.

I have seen the Superwinch softcover fitted to the winch with the Expo-1 bumper. It looks pretty good and might deter the casual thief.

***Fjamming*** · 10-21-2009, 12:08 PM

Do you have a close up pic of the mounting and opening of the bumper?

gericurl76 · 10-21-2009, 03:21 PM

The thieves that hit Delane's truck I don't think were the casual sort. If I remember right they stripped everything they could get at with tools. (Lights and stuff too) while he was up mountain biking. Like they wait at the trail head for someone to pull up, get on their bike out of sight and the theives go to work.

Growing up many, many friends had stuff stolen from their vehicles at trail heads.

Delane, Brad at Ricochet has more than enough tools and knowhow to get this done. I ran a trail with him on Sat. and he's a really cool dude to boot. You might contact him and then pop over to the shop.

I still have a big hole where my superwinch will go someday, but when that day comes I will be very interested in a housing.

***Fjamming*** · 10-21-2009, 07:09 PM

Quote:

gericurl76 previously said:

The thieves that hit Delane's truck I don't think were the casual sort. If I remember right they stripped everything they could get at with tools. (Lights and stuff too) while he was up mountain biking. Like they wait at the trail head for someone to pull up, get on their bike out of sight and the theives go to work.

Growing up many, many friends had stuff stolen from their vehicles at trail heads.

Delane, Brad at Ricochet has more than enough tools and knowhow to get this done. I ran a trail with him on Sat. and he's a really cool dude to boot. You might contact him and then pop over to the shop.

I still have a big hole where my superwinch will go someday, but when that day comes I will be very interested in a housing.

Leaving the vehicle out in the middle of nowhere is a scary prospect. Not all off roaders are good people-and they have tools! Sorry to hear that they got your lights too. It's hunting season and they need to wear some antlers.

**Mountainclimber** · 10-21-2009, 08:27 PM

Quote:

Fjamming previously said:

It's hunting season and they need to wear some antlers.

X2

**cnckart** · 10-21-2009, 11:37 PM

I have a shear, scrap metal and a few press breaks. Send me a pm, I can help you out with this project.

Brad

Quote:

Fly Jester previously said:

I was thinking about the same thing the other day as as well Delane. I was thinking about a way to offer some protection for the connections and housing that are exposed to the elements. I don't think anyone will steal my line because it is steel, but you never know, plus having a cover would keep people from messing with any of the controls/connections.

Now if I only had access to a sheet metal bender....anyone in the SLC area (or beyond)...have access to a bender and some scrap sheet metal???