Installing a fairlead on your Buckle Up Off-Road winch mount is an essential step to ensure proper functionality and durability of your winch system. Before diving into the process, it’s important to understand what a fairlead is and when it’s necessary to install one.
A fairlead is a device designed to guide winch ropes, reducing friction, preventing wear, and maintaining alignment. In off-road applications, fairleads are crucial for extending the life of winch ropes or cables. There are two main types: roller fairleads, which are best suited for steel cables, and hawse fairleads, which have a smoother design ideal for synthetic ropes. Since our installation involves a synthetic rope, we will focus on the hawse-style fairlead.
With countless fairlead options on the market, ranging in size, shape, and style, we’ll focus on two specific types: a small-frame fairlead, which is straightforward to install, and the large-frame fairlead, which offers a tougher design but requires customization.
Installing the small-frame fairlead is simple. Begin by removing the camera relocation hardware from the winch mount, then sandwich the mount between the fairlead and winch mount before reattaching and tightening the hardware. This design sits flush, clears the camera relocation kit, and requires no additional modifications, making it a quick and easy solution.
On the other hand, installing the larger (BORNE Off-Road) fairlead presents a challenge due to its size, which prevents it from sitting flush against the winch mount. The camera relocation bracket interferes with the fairlead, and tightening the hardware without modification could bend the bracket, misaligning the camera. To resolve this, the bracket and camera must be raised.
This can be achieved by enlarging or slotting the holes on the camera relocation bracket. Slotting is the preferred method as it provides more clearance without compromising the washer shoulder. Using a cutting wheel, remove the necessary material to create the slots, then apply enamel paint to prevent corrosion.
Once the bracket is modified, it should be repositioned on the backside of the winch mount. This placement utilizes the 45° angle of the bracket for added bracing and allows the fairlead to make full contact with the winch mount, improving stability. Reinstall all hardware securely, ensuring proper alignment and clearance for the synthetic rope.
By following these steps, you can successfully install either fairlead style while maintaining compatibility with the Buckle Up Off-Road camera relocation kit. The small-frame fairlead is a straightforward option for those seeking simplicity, while the larger BORNE fairlead adds a bold aesthetic with a bit of extra effort. Both enhance the performance and appearance of your winch mount, making your off-road setup both functional and reliable.
Interested in winch, winch mount, or fairlead seen in this blog? Find them here!:
https://buckleupoffroad.com/pages/search-results-page?q=borne%20winch
Products sold individually, or package together for a GREAT deal!
