Front Mounted Winch Recovery Techniques

pinebaron · Jan 21, 2026

nolimits said:
Hey @pinebaron sorry to resurrect this thread from the grave but curious what you did in regards to the extra weight of the winch you added? Assume it added about 100# or so.

On the Bronco I lifted and installed new coilovers, lol. Not wanting to do that on the fancy suspension that comes with the X.

Also I presume your rivet tool showed up since it’s been over a year but if you get jammed up again a trip to the hardware store will get you rolling. I did this when relocating my Warn controller under the hood on the Bronco. Sometimes simple is good, especially if you just occasionally installing these.

Hey @nolimits, no issues and noticed zero sag or handling difference since the AEV edition is designed for the winch. For detailed context I found the following information on google.

Yes, installing a heavy winch (typically 70–130+ lbs, plus mount) on your 2024+ GMC Sierra 2500 HD AEV Edition will add weight to the front end, but it is generally well-handled by the truck’s factory-installed heavy-duty equipment.

Here is a breakdown of the impact on your truck:
1. Weight Impact

Winch & Mount Weight: A 10k–12.5k lbs winch, especially with a steel cable, adds significant weight to the very front of the truck. Synthetic ropes reduce this weight, but a 12,000 lb winch still typically weighs over 70–80 lbs.
AEV Specifics: The AEV edition is designed to handle this. The AEV-stamped steel front bumper is built to accommodate a COMEUP SOLO 12.5rs GMF winch using a specialized installation kit.
Total Added Weight: The AEV package itself already adds roughly 320 lbs to the truck, and the winch adds further to this.

2. Suspension and "Sag"

Minimal Sag Expected: Because the 2500 HD AT4X AEV edition features specialized Multimatic DSSV dampers and is built for heavy-duty off-roading, a 100-lb winch will not significantly "sag" the truck compared to a half-ton truck.
Front End Clearance: While there might be a slight drop in the front, the 1.5-inch factory lift and durable suspension components in the AEV edition are designed to handle this increased load without requiring immediate further modification.

3. Considerations

Installation: It is highly recommended to use the specific AEV Winch Installation Kit (Part #19435528) designed for the 2024+ AEV bumper.
Winch Choice: The recommended winch for this specific factory setup is the COMEUP SOLO 12.5rs GMF, but other winches (like Warn Zeon series) can fit with proper hardware/shims.
Performance: The added weight at the very front may slightly alter the ride characteristics, but it is within the designed limits of the 2500 HD platform.

Summary: While it adds weight, the 2500 HD AEV edition is designed to handle it. You may see a negligible drop in front ride height, but it is unlikely to require further suspension upgrades.

nolimits · Jan 21, 2026

What did you type in for that detailed response? Clearly you Google better than me, lol.

I have the 1500 AT4X so anticipate some variances but hopeful it has some provisions as well, especially since the AEV bumper comes stock on the 1500 X.

There is a winch variance though. The GM part is for a 9500# Comeup. I don’t think there will be much of a variance in winch weight so much as rated capacity and install variances. I’ve downloaded both instruction sheets and comparing them as I would prefer to run the larger 12500# winch that is used on the X HD. And I may go with a Warn as I trust it more but honestly this is a hairy install. Considering letting the dealer or a 4x4 shop tackle it.

pinebaron · Jan 21, 2026

nolimits said:
What did you type in for that detailed response? Clearly you Google better than me, lol.

I have the 1500 AT4X so anticipate some variances but hopeful it has some provisions as well, especially since the AEV bumper comes stock on the 1500 X.

There is a winch variance though. The GM part is for a 9500# Comeup. I don’t think there will be much of a variance in winch weight so much as rated capacity and install variances. I’ve downloaded both instruction sheets and comparing them as I would prefer to run the larger 12500# winch that is used on the X HD. And I may go with a Warn as I trust it more but honestly this is a hairy install. Considering letting the dealer or a 4x4 shop tackle it.

I know how AI engines work, I write AI stuff but its not a secret.
Search query: 'does installing a heavy winch on my gmc sierra 2500 hd AEV edition truck weigh it down'

You could emulate a winch's weight 'sag' impact by hanging sand bags 100-120lbs to the front steel bumper. Measure before and after height of vehicle. What this test will not do is establish a change in handling characteristics; a lighter truck may feel greater impact.