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Joe C.
2021 Wrangler Sport S factory bumper what is the best configuration
winch and mounting plate to minimize the air flow disruption through the radiator
To minimize airflow disruption to your radiator on a 2021 Jeep Wrangler Sport S with the factory plastic bumper, the best configuration is to use a low-profile winch with a relocatable control pack.
The Rock Hard 4X4 RH-90205 Winch Mounting Plate is specifically designed for this purpose. It mounts between the frame rails to keep the winch as low as possible, but the choice of winch and how you mount its control box (the "solenoid box") is what ultimately determines how much of your grille is blocked.
Best Configuration for Maximum Airflow
To achieve the best airflow, you should look for a winch that allows you to move the control pack away from the top of the winch. By relocating the control pack under the hood or to the side, you remove the tallest part of the winch assembly from the path of the grille.
Recommended Winch Options
Warn VR EVO 10-S: This is a "convertible" winch, meaning the control pack can be mounted in an upright position or a low-profile side position. For your goal, mounting it in the low-profile configuration or using a relocation kit to move it entirely is ideal. It is a more budget-friendly option compared to the Zeon series.
Warn Zeon 10-S: Often considered the gold standard for the JL, the Zeon has a symmetrical, low-profile design. While it is naturally low, you can purchase a separate relocation kit to move the control pack under the hood, leaving only the winch body in front of the radiator for near-factory airflow.
The Rock Hard 4X4 RH-90205 Winch Mounting Plate is specifically designed for this purpose. It mounts between the frame rails to keep the winch as low as possible, but the choice of winch and how you mount its control box (the "solenoid box") is what ultimately determines how much of your grille is blocked.
Best Configuration for Maximum Airflow
To achieve the best airflow, you should look for a winch that allows you to move the control pack away from the top of the winch. By relocating the control pack under the hood or to the side, you remove the tallest part of the winch assembly from the path of the grille.
Recommended Winch Options
Warn VR EVO 10-S: This is a "convertible" winch, meaning the control pack can be mounted in an upright position or a low-profile side position. For your goal, mounting it in the low-profile configuration or using a relocation kit to move it entirely is ideal. It is a more budget-friendly option compared to the Zeon series.
Warn Zeon 10-S: Often considered the gold standard for the JL, the Zeon has a symmetrical, low-profile design. While it is naturally low, you can purchase a separate relocation kit to move the control pack under the hood, leaving only the winch body in front of the radiator for near-factory airflow.
Curtis C.
I have the “angry grill”. Will this work with that grill or do I need to switch back to the factory grill.
It might, depending on the grille. If the details of the grille stick out more than stock, particularly the lower half of the grille, you may need to test-fit before installing.
Dan B.
How much does it weigh?
Approximately 35 lbs. Thanks for your inquiry.
Dan B.
Will this work on a 2022 JL 2 door Rubicon with factory plastic front bumper to mount a Badlands Apex 12,000 lb. winch?
Yes, it will. Thanks for your inquiry.
Kevin H.
Will the Rock Hard 4X4 mounting plate accept the Quadratech Q-performance stealth 10,000 winch without any modifications?
Yes, it will. Thanks for your inquiry.