Pictures of trailer

Here are some pictures of the trailer, if you want something specific, let me know and I'll get them. The channel iron on top was bent when I got it. I have some 4" box beam from a disk frame that I could weld between the uprights to fasten the winch to. I cut some blocks of wood and laid them in the chain box to keep chains separated, seemed to work OK, I think I will screw them in place permanent. Thanks, Chris

Well you have a few issues and I'll try to address them all. First you need to get that top crossmembers straight. This is one area where I think PJ really drops the ball on their trailers. It is in the right place and properly done, but too light in my opinion. Youe can straighten it and it will be ok. Or you can replace it, but you must use channel, I-beam or angle. DO NOT use tube there. PJ frames are not strong enough to stand up to tube there and you could end up with fatigue cracks.

That box doesn't do you any favors for putting a winch on there, you have 2 choices, behind the box w here it uses deck space or high enough over the box to clear the open lid. I would go above and utilize that mid crossmember. I would put another across the front of the uprights, using channel, beam, or angle, and run 2 channel/angle crossmembers between fore an aft to mount your winch to. I do not recommend tube there either because of the stress it will put on the frame. If you want to put on a short piece to use as a receiver so you can remove your winch that would be ok, just so it doesn't go all the way side to side or fore and aft.

I wonder how that box is holding up, ate there cracks showing in the corners or on the lid?

Thanks, I would think replacing the bent cross member would be better, question is, what size channel to use. I was leaning towards mounting the winch above the chain box lid. Should I replace the channel that's there and add another on the front of the upright or just add one to the front? Again what size channel?? Not sure about cracks in the box, I'll have to take a closer look. Thanks, Chris

The upper member can be any size same as what's there or more. Many trailers use the same beam as the upright layed on the side so it goes from front to rear between the uprights. The only thing not to use is tube because that won't twist with the frame and can cause the frame to crack.

I see no reason to change the lower member unless you want to move it. I would just add one to the front the same size with 2 fore and aft to connect them. Then a plate on top to mount the winch to. 1/4" on the plate should work.