Bracket on the upper rear of my Max IV?

[Toynut]

I was wondering if this bracket is some sort of outboard motor mount bracket (for a pivot)? If it is I would expect it would require an extra long tiller arm to reach it.
Do most Max IV owners mount a trolling motor on the front of the vehicle or the rear (considering the engine cover hump is in the way)?

[brushcutter]

Don't see it working as an outboard mount, but it might support a light duty winch pole for lifting things, if the pole sat down on the hitch. Just a guess.
You might contact the PO to see just what they used it for.
Maybe a pivot type receiver for a winch...
Heavy duty flag pole mount...

[Bud]

I think that brushcutter is on to something. That looks like a flag pole mount.

You can fabricate a trolling motor mount to your front winch plate. I did that on my Max II, and it works well.

[Toynut]

I figured out what this bracket was when I pulled the Warn winch off the front of the vehicle today. When I finally disassembled it (to have it powder coated) I noticed that it was actually a 2 piece winch mount (it needed a little penetrating oil and a couple of hits with a brass drift to separate the two pieces). The PO installed an extra winch mounting base that allows you to swap the winch, which is mounted on a separate "shoe" with a post mount on the bottom, quickly on the rear of the vehicle with a through-bolt or cross pin. The PO installed the mounting plate, but did not install any quick connect winch wiring to make the swap practical. I am currently upgrading the 2500 LB Warn winch to a deluxe 3500 LB Viper with synthetic cable and a wireless remote. It will bolt right up to the Warn mounting plate and if can find out some kind of heavy duty waterproof quick connector, I will soon have the best of both worlds.

[Mike]

That is a nice surprise. It should be invaluable if you ever have to use it.

[Toynut]

I think that this quick change setup may be quite useful in the long run. I can have a vertical "L" shaped plate made to fit in the bulkhead socket that will lend itself as a trolling motor mount plate.
You can also use it temporarily install a fish finder (like a Hummingbird Fishing Buddy), as well. I can probably have an extended post version made with a padded "U" shaped cradle made as a rifle rest for varmint shooting.
Hmmmmm....
So much to do....so little time.