Build For Offroad with Ian Johnson - Carbon Offroad 12K winch

Mastering the Winch Setup with Carbon Offroad

When it comes to serious rock crawling, your recovery gear is just as important as your suspension. In a recent video from Build For Offroad featuring Carbon Offroad, Ian Johnson and the team take us behind the scenes of a custom winch install and a technical trail run at Big Bear’s legendary John Bull Trail.

1. Optimizing for Airflow and Aesthetics

One of the most practical tips shared is the strategic placement of the winch. Ian Johnson demonstrates how dropping the winch further down inside the bumper—rather than mounting it high—opens up the front of the vehicle [00:04].

The benefits?

• Better Cooling: More surface area of the radiator is exposed to direct airflow, which is critical during low-speed, high-stress crawling.

• Sleek Look: It gives the rig a cleaner, more integrated appearance.

• Remote Mounting: By using a winch with a remote-mountable control box, you can tuck the heavy components away while keeping the access points reachable [00:30].

2. Choosing the Right Gear: The 12k Powerhouse

Ian opts for the Carbon Offroad 12,000lb winch. For a full-sized rig, strength is non-negotiable, but weight is often the enemy. This specific model is highlighted as one of the lightest 12k winches on the market, ensuring you get the pulling power you need without a massive weight penalty on your front end [00:18].

3. Trail Testing: Big Bear’s John Bull Trail

Gear is only as good as its performance in the field. The team headed to the San Bernardino National Forest to tackle the John Bull Trail—a "tough section" known for rock gardens and steep, technical climbs [00:50]. In environments like this, lockers and high-quality tires are essential, but a reliable winch is your ultimate safety net.

4. The Budget Build: ZJ Cherokee with a Twist

Proving that you don't need a six-figure rig to have fun, the Carbon Offroad team from Australia brought out a ZJ Cherokee built for under $10,000 [01:30]. Despite the low price tag, it’s packed with smart upgrades:

• JL Rubicon Differentials: Modern strength in an older chassis.

• Carbon Scout Pro 9000: A fast-speed winch for quick recoveries.

• Air Free Spool Clutch: This smart actuator allows the driver to engage or disengage the winch clutch via air from inside the cab, making solo recoveries much safer and faster [01:47].

Final Thoughts

Whether you are building a top-tier Jeep or a budget-friendly Cherokee, the lesson is clear: focus on packaging, weight, and ease of use. If you can control your recovery gear from the driver's seat and keep your engine cool in the process, you’re ready for whatever the trail throws at you.

Watch the full video here: Carbon Offroad 12k Winch on Ian Johnson's 4x4 rig