I asked a similar question on another thread, but am still unsure. Can I put my fairlead on a steep angle and compensate with a larger opening? i am currently modifying a winch bumper to lower and move back a winch for a hidden install. I will add steel to the lower portion of the bumper to add support and for ascetics. The lower portion is where I would like the fairlead to pass the line. The hawse fairlead will be facing downward at about 45 degrees. I know 99% of the fairlead are vertical, but I have seen a few with them angled downward but none at the angle I am trying to produce. Any info/knowledge is welcome.

 

45 is awful steep imo. Would it work sure but I'm going to guess not for very long before you chew up a rope. The biggest concern would be if the anchor point is above the bumper. The rope will most likely then be rubbing on the bumper somewhere and it won't be as smooth as the fairlead which increases your chance at a failure.

 

Straighter, the better. Looked at what you were doing in the other bumper topic and was going to mention it...but yeah...you'll need to build a vertical spot on the surface of the bumper.