Instructions / Assembly

STEP 4: INSTALL THE WINCH SYSTEM. Referring to the Figures below, from 4” x 4” lumber, cut the
winch post base and the winch post. It is recommended to leave the post extra long for now and cut the top off
later. 48 inches should be plenty for now. The winch post base should be cut to fit snuggly between the side rails.
Next drill the ½ inch holes for joining the bottom of the winch post to the center of the winch post base. Also drill
the 3/8 inch hole in the winch post for attaching the top ends of the angle braces. The hole should be 13 ½” from
the lower end of the post and pass squarely through the side at its centerpoint..
IMPORTANT: Make a good effort to drill these holes square with the lumber. If possible use a drill press if possible, or, many
hand drills come with a fixture for drilling holes at a right angle. If you don’t have these tools, don’t fret… a small square and
a good eye should be good enough.
Now install the winch post base between the side rails at the location as shown. The top edge of the winch post
base should be 14 ½” from the end of the side rail and be flush with the top of the side rail. The face of the 4 x 4
should be at a 45° angle to the top edge of the side rail.
IMPORTANT: For now just use a single 3 inch screw in each end of the 4 x 4. You will want the option of rotating the 4 x 4 to
allow a perfect fit of the angle braces with the end crossmember. Install the two screws in the same relative position for each
end of the winch post base, i.e. the “upper center.”
Next attach the upper ends of the angle braces (the smaller end tab) to the winch post using a 3/8” x4 ½” hex bolt,
lock washer and nut. Attach the winch post to the winch post base with the ½” x 8” carriage bolt, flat washer and
nut.
Clamp the lower ends of the angle braces in place on the front cross member. Before drilling the 3/8” holes in the
front crossmember check that:
The winch post is at a right angle to the winch post brace.
The lower tabs are essentially flat with the crossmember.
The lower tabs are approximately the same distance from the respective side rails.
If things don’t line up, check the position of the winch post base and re-locate as necessary. Drill the holes and
attach the bottom of side braces with 3/8” x 2 ½” carriage bolts, lock washers and nuts.