Winch on a non winch alloy bar?

[Bob P]

Has anyone fitted a winch to a non winch genuine alloy bull bar?

Presumably the only difference between them is the opening?

Do you have any pictures?

Thanks

[Diezel45]

Id be careful with that. Id imagine the difference is largely structural as well as there is a heap of force pulling the bar away from the car when winching.

If the bar isn't made for it, you will probably have some serious stress and probably breakages on the bar mounts.

[Bob P]

Thanks

The winch attaches to the chassis

[Diezel45]

What brand is your winch? Never seen one that attaches straight to the chassis before

[dave g]

He may have a winch cradle that bolts on to the chassis.
Nead a photo.

[Tony2]

I had the non compatible alloy bar and swapped it for the compatible bar (because I wanted a winch).
While I had them both in my possession I looked them over very carefully and I can tell you straight out that the only difference between the two bars is the door flap. Structural integrity is identical.
They do use a different type of cosmetic grill but that's just so you can reach past the side to engage/free spool the winch.
The winch will sit in a winch cradle which you have to buy separately if you don't get one with the bar.