5th Gen Hidden Winch

[VICE design]

It's a 2020 1500 5.7 Lone Star, or big horn I guess they're called not in Texas

Yup I see no issues there. Have a couple kits in stock right now too!

2019 - 2020 RAM 1500 DT Integrated Winch Mount Kit — VICE Design Inc

Orders still being built and shipped ! Building off of our extensively proven 15-18 Rebel Kit, we’re stoked to introduce the absolute best in hidden winch mount systems for your 2019 - 2020 RAM 1500 DT . Our bracket kit integrates seamlessly behind your factory bumper enabling you to confidently

www.vicedesign.ca

 

[VICE design]

Question for those who have already installed. How far was the fairlead mount from the bumper?

I would assume it is extremely close if not touching. Due to the filler plate just being sandwiched between the fairlead and mount.

The center of the fairlead mount sits just inside the front face of the bumper by about 1/4"-3/8". The bumper curves, and the fairlead mount is flat so towards the edges of the fairlead mount its about flush with the front of the bumper. Hope that helps
-Q

 

[JBeckman]

The center of the fairlead mount sits just inside the front face of the bumper by about 1/4"-3/8". The bumper curves, and the fairlead mount is flat so towards the edges of the fairlead mount its about flush with the front of the bumper. Hope that helps
-Q

Perfect, thanks Quinton!

 

[Tex_Ram]

Yup I see no issues there. Have a couple kits in stock right now too!

2019 - 2020 RAM 1500 DT Integrated Winch Mount Kit — VICE Design Inc

Orders still being built and shipped ! Building off of our extensively proven 15-18 Rebel Kit, we’re stoked to introduce the absolute best in hidden winch mount systems for your 2019 - 2020 RAM 1500 DT . Our bracket kit integrates seamlessly behind your factory bumper enabling you to confidently

www.vicedesign.ca

I'll be orderin' cause you're the only one selling! Just trying to decide whether or not I wanna go with a Smittybilt (Will need the clutch relocation kit) or a Warn Zeon Platinum that has the electronic clutch..

 

[Chippy]

I re clocked my sensors and can confirm they do have a specific pattern so make sure you put them back in the way they come out of the factory grill.

 

[BmoreStew]

Hi All,

Finished up the install yesterday and thought I’d post a quick review And a couple photos.

The good: The mount is top notch! Very high quality and everything is exactly where it should be, making it an easy bolt-on.

The bad: The replacement facia is a disappointment; fit and finish doesn’t stack up to the mount itself. The anchor points are little too far outside and so it flexes out in the middle and leaves some gaps on the outside vertical edges. The edges themselves are sharp; Without any reason, I had expected the facia to be plastic, but it’s metal, so be wary of scratching your painted bumper. I’ll say though, when everything is buttoned up, it looks much better than I had expected while assembling it and I’m betting no one will ever give it a second look.

The Install: Simple! It’s a full days work; maybe a day and a half if you’re taking your time, but there’s nothing complicated or difficult. Took me about 8 hours. Again, due to the quality of the mount; everything lines up and the supplied hardware fits as it should.

I missed installing the clutch block mount (hard rubber/plastic donut) until the bumper was back on and I discovered it sitting on the workbench. I blame my assistant, as he’ll never see this and can’t defend himself. It kinda worked out though; I mounted the block on the outside of the bumper, which gives a more finished look, and put some redneck ingenuity into making a “custom” block for behind. Had to drill a hole through the radius of the supplied donut to fit the clutch handle screw, but drilling through hard rubber/plastic is easy. The clutch handle and all floats a bit when you turn it, but it’s tight enough that it doesn’t move by itself or hamper functionality. ...there was no chance in hell that I was going to take the bumper back off to install it properly. (FYI the 2 screws you see in the clutch block are simply plugging the holes. They’re not fastened to the bumper, as the whole thing has to rotate in my setup.)

 

[Chippy]

I had pulled the bumper off without pulling the panels under the lights. That’s the mistake which makes bumper hard. I pulled the panels to re install and that makes it easy.

 

[BmoreStew]

I had pulled the bumper off without pulling the panels under the lights. That’s the mistake which makes bumper hard. I pulled the panels to re install and that makes it easy.

I left the panels on. I had help and so didn’t run into any problems rotating the bumper under and behind them. If I had been by myself, I definitely would have removed them.

 

[BmoreStew]

Oh, forgot to mention. To whomever suggested mounting the controller on the fuse block; thanks! Worked great. Drilled a couple holes, put a washer under one corner so it sat flat, spread some silicone around to prevent leaks, and cut a small hole in the side of the unit so I could run the supplied ground (the small, 18 gauge ground) directly to the battery.

 

[Diamondback]

Ok working on my plan to re use the factory plastic mesh grill is looking like it’s not going to happen firstly it’s ridiculously difficult to remove. A tip is to wedge out the silver bolts after you have taken the nut off and removed the push pins on the bottom. This allows for the grill to be pulled out through the front of the bumper.
The grill itself is very recessed and I do not believe there is a way to re use it as looking at the panel vice provides is more flush to the front of the bumper to allow for the fair lead mount.
also things like closed shackles would need to suck into the recessed factory grill face which my factor 55 barely does and a Smitty built shackle which is larger definitely would not fit up against the fairlead mounted against the factory mesh.
Just waiting on truck with mount but it’s looking like panel from Vice will be way to go with this install.

It was decently difficult to remove. I swapped my stock out with the mesh version while laying under the front bumper.

 

[AnthonyD1978]

You could probably run some weather-stripping/molding around the vice facia if you wanted to. It may clean up the look for some. For those with painted bumpers, tape up the facia opening.

 

[BmoreStew]

Have only put a few miles on the truck since the install, but definitely noticed a bit more roll through corners and heavier steering. Of course I had expected this, but it was still a bit of a disappointment; must of been a small part of me that hoped adding a buck fifty to the very front of the truck wouldn’t have any impact at all....

BUT moving the Hellwig sway bar from the middle to the most aggressive setting and bumping the front tire pressure from 35 to 40 pounds seems to have totally erased the added weight. I wasn’t sure it’d help all that much, but it damn well did.

This winch should be handy around the property and will pay for itself the first time it get’s me or someone else out of a ditch, but until then, the Hellwig sway bar has been the best bang-for-the-buck upgrade, hands down.

 

[VICE design]

I'll be orderin' cause you're the only one selling! Just trying to decide whether or not I wanna go with a Smittybilt (Will need the clutch relocation kit) or a Warn Zeon Platinum that has the electronic clutch..

Have you looked at the new WARN VR EVO? not the powerhouse the ZEON is, but its definitely up to the task! Ive had one for a month now and am happy with how its all put together. Easy to clock, the clutch handle has a detent built in so you can feel when its engaged, has an IP68 waterproof rating, comes prespooled, and comes with a wireless controller. I also have a clutch relocation kit for these as well. Its a nice package definitely worth considering.

Link: https://www.warn.com/vr-evo-12-s-103255

 

[Tex_Ram]

Have you looked at the new WARN VR EVO? not the powerhouse the ZEON is, but its definitely up to the task! Ive had one for a month now and am happy with how its all put together. Easy to clock, the clutch handle has a detent built in so you can feel when its engaged, has an IP68 waterproof rating, comes prespooled, and comes with a wireless controller. I also have a clutch relocation kit for these as well. Its a nice package definitely worth considering.

Link: https://www.warn.com/vr-evo-12-s-103255

I haven't seen one in person, looked at them online though. The only benefit I was seeing with the zeon was I wouldn't have to deal with the clutch relocation kit since the clutch is electronic on them.. Then only thing I have to worry about is that electronic part failing lol... More electronics, more chance to fail.. Between the Smitty and the warn vr evo I was leaning more towards the evo and you may of just sold me on it.

 

[RebelWraith]

If anyone has their kit, but has yet to open it up go ahead and break open the box. The parts that were shipped to me could have been packaged just a bit better and the powder coating was removed on multiple locations. Nothing a little sanding, primer, and satin black paint couldn't fix. But, for the price of this kit this could have been avoided.

Other than that the kit is great! I'm still working on trimming up the factory mesh grill to fit back in place as I did not like the look of the flat metal plate provided.

 

[Tex_Ram]

If anyone has their kit, but has yet to open it up go ahead and break open the box. The parts that were shipped to me could have been packaged just a bit better and the powder coating was removed on multiple locations. Nothing a little sanding, primer, and satin black paint couldn't fix. But, for the price of this kit this could have been avoided.

Other than that the kit is great! I'm still working on trimming up the factory mesh grill to fit back in place as I did not like the look of the flat metal plate provided.

I'd like to see it with the factory mesh trimmed. I was considering doing that as well because nothing on the front of my truck has that flat black look. Also what are you planning to do for hanging the winch hook I'm assuming you can't use the part that comes with the kit to hook the winch hook onto?

 

[RebelWraith]

I'd like to see it with the factory mesh trimmed. I was considering doing that as well because nothing on the front of my truck has that flat black look. Also what are you planning to do for hanging the winch hook I'm assuming you can't use the part that comes with the kit to hook the winch hook onto?

May not have it complete till the weekend when I can put some quality time in to it. Still going to use the hook portion. Probably just use a longer bolt and a spacer to make it fit properly with the mesh grill if it doesn't fit already. Pic below for reference.

 

[Tex_Ram]

May not have it complete till the weekend when I can put some quality time in to it. Still going to use the hook portion. Probably just use a longer bolt and a spacer to make it fit properly with the mesh grill if it doesn't fit already. Pic below for reference. View attachment 37894

Awesome, will be watching for an update!

 

[AnthonyD1978]

Mine was packaged very well. Sorry to hear about yours.

 

[RichT]

Here is a bumper removal video I came across. It notes to make sure and not start the truck with the wire harness disconnected or a dealer code will be required.

whew! I was planning on having my truck half-in my garage and likely will not finish in a day