Delving into the wilderness, one quickly realizes the importance of being prepared for any scenario. A winch becomes an indispensable tool when faced with the task of rescuing a fellow traveler from a precarious situation. The integration of a winch onto a vehicle like the GMC Sierra AT4X AEV Edition or the Chevy Silverado ZR2 Bison transforms these already formidable trucks into lifelines on the trails.
While many off-road enthusiasts might overlook the necessity of a winch, those who have experienced the perils of the backcountry understand its value. A winch not only provides peace of mind but also adds a layer of safety and versatility to the off-road experience.
The collaboration between American Expedition Vehicles and General Motors has yielded two exceptional off-road warriors, each boasting a front bumper designed to accommodate a winch. Although these bumpers come winch-ready, the actual winch is not included as standard. This is where AEV's expertise comes into play, offering a solution that complements the rugged aesthetics and functionality of these trucks.
AEV's dedication to enhancing off-road performance is evident in their meticulous design process, ensuring that every product not only fits seamlessly with the vehicle's design but also meets the high demands of off-road driving.
AEV's latest offering includes a comprehensive winch installation kit designed to integrate flawlessly with the GM Accessories winch. This kit simplifies the process of adding a winch to both the 1500 model trucks and their heavy-duty counterparts. The kit features a robust zinc e-coated winch solenoid mounting bracket, a license plate mounting bracket, an AEV winch hook isolator, and all necessary hardware for a secure fit.
Engineered specifically for the steel bumpers of these GM off-road trucks, the kit ensures that drivers can equip their vehicles with the necessary tools for vehicle recovery without compromising on design or performance.
For those driving the more robust heavy-duty GM trucks, the GM Accessories 12.5 ComeUp winch kit is the ideal match, providing ample recovery power for the most challenging situations. Lighter half-ton models are best paired with the GM Accessories 9.5 ComeUp winch kit, offering a balance of power and efficiency.
AEV has rigorously tested these winch installation kits in conjunction with the winches to ensure they not only fit perfectly but also maintain the trucks' engine cooling efficiency, even with the winch in place.
The installation of AEV's winch kit is a task that can be undertaken by those with mechanical aptitude, though it is classified as moderately challenging. The light-duty winch kit is priced at $349, while the heavy-duty variant is available for $499. Installation time is estimated at around seven hours, which might be a considerable investment for some.
For those who prefer a professional touch or simply lack the time, a GM service center stands ready to ensure the winch is installed with precision, allowing drivers to embark on their off-road adventures with the new AEV winch installation kit and GM Accessories winch, ready to tackle any obstacle that lies ahead.