GRIPWAY Winch Cradle Mount Plate 23.5" for 2" Receiver — 20,000 lb Compatible, Heavy‑Duty Orange

If you need a reliable way to mount a winch to an ATV, UTV, truck or trailer without modifying your bumper, the GRIPWAY RUGCEL 23.5" cradle mount plate provides a universal, heavy-duty solution. Made from thick steel and finished in an orange powder coat, this plate is designed to work with standard 2" trailer hitches and to shield winches from rock strikes, road debris, and wear during trail or utility use.

How does the RUGCEL cradle plate attach to my vehicle?

Installation is simple and fast: the plate uses a 2" shank that slides into any standard 2" hitch receiver, securing with a hitch pin. It can be mounted at the front or rear of the vehicle, making it versatile for towing, recovery, or carrying a winch on trailers and lawn equipment.

• 2" shank fits standard trailer hitch receivers
• Secures with common hitch pin or lock (sold separately)
• Reversible mounting for front or rear placement
• Tool-minimal installation; no bumper mods required

What winches and loads is this mount compatible with?

The cradle plate is engineered for GRIPWAY RUGCEL Tank Series winches (rated here for 20,000 lb series compatibility) and other similarly sized winches that fit a 23.5" cradle spacing. The plate’s heavy steel construction handles heavy loads and gives additional protection against impacts.

• 23.5" cradle spacing accommodates Tank Series winches
• Designed to support heavy hauling and recovery tasks
• Works with most winch housings that match the cradle bolt pattern
• Acts as a protective shield between winch and trail hazards

What materials and finishes ensure durability off-road?

This mounting plate is formed from high-strength steel and finished with an orange powder coat that resists corrosion, chipping and abrasion. These choices extend service life and keep the mount reliable in wet or muddy conditions common to trail, farm, and utility use.

• Heavy-duty steel body for long-term structural strength
• Orange powder coating for rust and wear resistance
• Welded and reinforced areas where load forces concentrate
• Designed to limit direct rock and debris contact with the winch

Will this affect towing or ground clearance?

Because the plate inserts into the receiver, it preserves the vehicle’s original bumper and electrical setup while adding minimal protrusion beyond a typical hitch-mounted accessory. Ground clearance depends on your hitch height and receiver drop/rise, so choose your receiver geometry accordingly.

• Minimal permanent alteration to vehicle bodywork
• Clearance equals hitch receiver height plus plate thickness
• Can be removed quickly when not needed to restore full clearance
• Works with low-profile hitches when clearance is a concern

Who this is for: the GRIPWAY RUGCEL 23.5" cradle mount plate is aimed at off-road enthusiasts, landscapers, trailer owners, and anyone who needs a fast, sturdy way to add a winch without custom fabrication. It’s especially useful for ATV/UTV owners and pickup drivers who want a removable, protective mounting solution that fits a standard 2" receiver.