the winch is protected by its 3/8 inch mount plate, and the separate 3/8 inch fairlead mount that is 2 inches in front of the bumper and winch. If you bend it, you have bigger problems. I'll post better pics later. BTW people that are thinking of a rear mount had better consider wire size to run it. On my dump truck, (12vdc)it is cost effective to run a separate battery and isolator next to the winch, rather than heavy welding/battery cables from the front battery. 24vdc does make the wire size smaller/cheaper, than 12vdc on a long run, but you had better do your calculations first.