Warranty Compliant Winch Options

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TurboTJ

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I am looking for ways to mount a winch without creating a way for a warranty claim to be denied. The only option I’ve come across is the Warn Ascent bumper which appears to leave the stock intercooler in place (though with reduced airflow most likely). Is anyone aware of a way to mount a winch without effecting the warranty (by relocating the intercooler)? Do any front mount intercooler kits provide their own warranty? Has anyone installed the Warn Ascent Bumper?

All but 1 option I’ve seen require the intercooler to be relocated. Typically when changing intercooler size, you would want to tune the truck. I believe that both the Intercooler change and the tune can and will be used to deny a warranty claim related to the powertrain.

I’ve had more than my share of warranty claims and in the age of Ford denying everything they can, I would like to give them no excuses to avoid fixing my truck.

Thanks in advance for the help!
 

TXRaptor

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Increasing the size of the IC does not require a tune and a tune does not require a larger IC. They are complementary to each other and often bought at the same time, but you can certainly do one without the other. I have not heard of a larger IC being used as a reason to deny a warranty claim, but I guess anything is possible.

I know this does not answer your winch question, but it might help you find a way around your dilemma.
 
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TurboTJ

TurboTJ

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Increasing the size of the IC does not require a tune and a tune does not require a larger IC. They are complementary to each other and often bought at the same time, but you can certainly do one without the other. I have not heard of a larger IC being used as a reason to deny a warranty claim, but I guess anything is possible.

I know this does not answer your winch question, but it might help you find a way around your dilemma.


I wasn’t aware of that. I figured the larger IC would cause some major changes to fueling maps but I guess lots of the time the ECU runs in closed loop so who knows.

Maybe that will be my plan - relocated IC with an ADD bumper/winch combo and no tune. Do you think that would safe from a warranty perspective? Would I throw CEL’s?
 

nfsraptor

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Could always go with a hitch mounted winch you only take out if needed. I personally am looking in the the RPG bumper that has it in the rear bumper under the plate. You can also look at swarfworks I believe theirs doesn't require IC relocation and fits in the stock front bumper it's the only one I know they doesn't relocate.
 

Swarfworks

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Could always go with a hitch mounted winch you only take out if needed. I personally am looking in the the RPG bumper that has it in the rear bumper under the plate. You can also look at swarfworks I believe theirs doesn't require IC relocation and fits in the stock front bumper it's the only one I know they doesn't relocate.

Howdy. So my front one does require you to change out the intercooler. Which if your gun-shy about that and warranty issues, I totally understand. On both my ‘17 and ‘19, I’ve never had the dealer say a word about it. And haven’t heard of anyone fighting with a dealer about it. But it could happen. I wouldn’t say that you need a tune if you upgrade the ic.

You could always do a rear winch. Just have to relocate the spare instead of the intercooler. But pretty sure they can’t void your warranty by doing that!

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TurboTJ

TurboTJ

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Buckstop makes a winch bumper that provides even more flow area to the IC, I have one on my Raptor.
https://www.buckstopinc.com/classic-1.html
The bumper is aluminum with the winch mount being steel, so it isn't that heavy. If you don't want the grill tube you can order without.

This is exactly what I was looking for! Though I prefer the looks of the stealth fighter, this one looks practical and keeps Ford from trying to deny warranty work.

How do you like it? Which winch did you get? Is your front camera completely blocked?

Thanks for posting!
 
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