Winch talk.

[trblmkr4]

I'm in the market for a winch. Never had one before, used plenty, just never owned one. I want synthetic rope but to save $ at first i'm gunna stick with steel cable for a while. So winch owners, lay it on me. Whats your thoughts and opinions?

[ColoFreeJeeper]

One of the best upgrades you'll ever buy. Can be used for many things other than self-recovery. Smittybilt has winches that already come with synthetic rope for a decent price. Now, if you want a Warn and Master-Pull combo, then start saving your pennies.

[Purplezj]

from what i've seen from my "research", buying a winch that already comes with synthetic is cheaper than buying one with cable and then buying synthetic for it later on. most of my buddies run the xrc 8s and have had good luck with them. i have one bud running a recon 10.5 winch and its been pretty reliable as well

[RE:Todd]

I'd stick with the tried and true Warn!!!

[Ricky Booby]

I have an older Ramsey winch. No problems with it, just slow. If/when I get a new one, I plan on dropping the ducketts on a Warn. I have heard the XRC series aren't bad for the money.

[reservoirdogg26]

warn is a better winch but theese days cheaper company's are making there winches just as competitive as the more expensive brands! i have a smittybilt xrc10 with synthetic line and have had ZERO complaints or issues with it

[trblmkr4]

Thanks for the tips. Rough country is selling a 9500lb one for 300. Anyone on here have that and thoughts. Haven't found one cheaper yet... still doing lots of research. Would love a warn big boy. Just needs big boy $$$ to get

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[jeepdreamer]

Dollars for dougnuts, the Warn 8274 is hands down the best of them out there. They are also stupid expensive when bought new. The cool thing is they do turn up on CL fairly often for 350-600 used. Plus they are fully servicable and are simple to work on. My suggestion is look on CL and get one of these. They are very fast, extremely reliable, and well made. Just MHO.

[kheihn]

I know a guy selling a Warn HS9500i with mounting plate for $850, but when you throw in shipping it might be around the cost of a new one!

In the winch battle in Offroad, yes the Warn did win, but a couple other way cheaper ones were right up with it!

Here is Four Wheelers winch shoot out: http://www.fourwheeler.com/techarticles/129_1107_massive_multi_winch_shootout/viewall.html

[warrior]

I recommend a Smittybuilt 12 lbs winch, $499.00 with free shipping.
I have one and pulled stumps from my property and stuck Jeeps as well.

[Big Green]

I've heard lots of good things about those XRC winches.

I have Warn xd9000i that I got slightly used from CL for a great price. Keep an eye out for deals like that on CL or here or your local classifieds paper. Also, may be able to talk someone into selling their winch if they are selling their Jeep or truck.

[jeepdreamer]

I was kinda raised to invest I'n the best i could find so that's why i love my 8274. But the reality is that you should be honest with yourself. Depending on the type of wheeling, tereign, etc as well as how often you wheel may make it easier to choose. A winch is one one of those things that can pay for itself I'n a recovery bill alone. Not to mention saving some labor pains from time to time. I guess I'm sorta saying that any winch is better than no winch. But i do have more confidence when the need to use it and i have my warn ready...

[Stien]

Just saw an add in a magazine about the Smittybilt X2O (I think). What ever Smittybilt called it, it is supposed to be 100% submersable and as waterproof as it gets. I also saw that you can get it with the synthetic rope around $550. The cable is a little cheaper, but after you think about the total money spent, it is a much better deal to buy it with the synthetic rope. I have an XRC8000 and have had only the issues that I cause (ie. taking it apart to see how it works and not being able to put it back together.) Other than that great winch, has pulled me and many other Jeeps out of bad situations.

[diamond b]

I have Recon 10500 and the local Jeep shop owners and several of the locals run the XRC 8000's. Neither winch has failed to do its duty whenever we had to stretch the line. The only time mine has quit pulling was when I let the battery get too low...back off and get the RPMs back up and it pulled like a champ. Both winches are in the $500 category with Synthetic line and I would have no issue getting another of either. Especially since the ones above are all several years old now with no issues. I would love to get a WARN, but until I have the extra cash laying around I can buy 2 more of either of these for the cost of running a WARN with Synthetic. I think if you stay with known brand, you'll be Okay regardless....Good Luck with whatever you choose.

[trblmkr4]

Yeah. Got some research to do. Ill have something on there in the next week or two. We'll see....thanks for all the input!

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[kheihn]

I just can bring myself to pay over half of what I paid for my Jeep on a winch! I will stick with the cheaper winches until I get into the big leagues! ;) Maybe when my wife lets me get that 4dr JK or a Rubicon I will splurge!

[trblmkr4]

Im with u!!!

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[91YEEPER]

I know a guy selling a Warn HS9500i with mounting plate for $850, but when you throw in shipping it might be around the cost of a new one!

In the winch battle in Offroad, yes the Warn did win, but a couple other way cheaper ones were right up with it!

Here is Four Wheelers winch shoot out: http://www.fourwheeler.com/techarticles/129_1107_massive_multi_winch_shootout/viewall.html

take what you read anymore in ANY rag with a grain of salt. the best product wins and the highest bidder is next in line...

[91YEEPER]

a winch is in the same category as a self defense pistol. just because ones smaller and cheaper doesnt mean it wont go bang. im sure it will, but will it go bang when you need it too. then wheres the bullet going? how fast/far/ accurate will it be?

theres a reason cheap winches are just that, they will work, but the minute youre on a trail like the dusy ershim, prichett canyon, rubicon and NEED a winch to finish the 170 mile leg for the day it could mean a ruined trip with a failed winch. especially if it locks up or the brakes fails, or the korean wire rope lets loose.

i run warn and have had a ramsey patriot 9500. the patriot was jerky and slow to power out. it also got VERY hot in a short amount of time powering out. the warn's never had a problem.

[trblmkr4]

I got that from that article anyways. Seemed like a bunch of crap. Even their followers were extremely displeased in the comments section

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[Ross]

I know a guy selling a Warn HS9500i with mounting plate for $850, but when you throw in shipping it might be around the cost of a new one!

In the winch battle in Offroad, yes the Warn did win, but a couple other way cheaper ones were right up with it!

Here is Four Wheelers winch shoot out: http://www.fourwheeler.com/techarticles/129_1107_massive_multi_winch_shootout/viewall.html


I have been running the same winch for about a decade. It is a great winch.

[Jacob]

Warn is the only way to go. The M8000 is a very solid platform and large enough to fit the bill of any jeep. Watch winch depot for specials. I bought mine and got free shipping, free wireless control system, and I bought the mid level recovery accessory kit for under $700 a few months back. After using the wireless control system I don't know how anyone could live without it. It is easy to install and good for almost 100 feet of range away from your jeep to get you out of the danger zone. It also eliminates the need for incab winch control wiring, just use the wireless remote and not have to worry about driving around with your winch control cable hanging across your hood.

[Fragout 05 TJ]

I have a Tuff Stuff 12.5 cost me 359.00 never had a problem and it came with snatch block and a few extras. I know Harbor freight has a 12 Badland winch for 399.00 and it has been getting great reviews and is said to be as reliable as a warn and Ramsey per the right up I seen (http://www.off-roadweb.com/tech/1112or_badlands_12000_pound_winch_best_deal_in_winching/index.html) I have used mine to pull out a GMC Kodiak that was stuck in one of the old quarry's back home water holes, guy thought it wasn't deep and flooded it out water was just about hood line. It weights in well over 10K. No problems at all. I understand name brand is so much more reliable then no name (don't think so) look at Toyota at one time it was a no name, now they are proven to be very reliable cars. Just b/c its Ramsey or warn doesn't mean other with out the reputation are reliable. I know no one has said these other no name/ reputable companies are but I have seen warn and Ramsey's go to crap and others not and vice versa. just remember the only opinion that matters is yours.

[Ross]

Warn is the only way to go. The M8000 is a very solid platform and large enough to fit the bill of any jeep. Watch winch depot for specials. I bought mine and got free shipping, free wireless control system, and I bought the mid level recovery accessory kit for under $700 a few months back. After using the wireless control system I don't know how anyone could live without it. It is easy to install and good for almost 100 feet of range away from your jeep to get you out of the danger zone. It also eliminates the need for incab winch control wiring, just use the wireless remote and not have to worry about driving around with your winch control cable hanging across your hood.


You bought a winch? I didn't think you would ever take your jeep were it could get stuck :D. Do those remotes have unique signals? Is there any need to be concerned about accidental activating somebody else’s winch? My controller is going to need to be replaced soon and was think about checking into a wireless remote, if I could find one for my winch.

[Jacob]

You bought a winch? I didn't think you would ever take your jeep were it could get stuck :D. Do those remotes have unique signals? Is there any need to be concerned about accidental activating somebody else’s winch? My controller is going to need to be replaced soon and was think about checking into a wireless remote, if I could find one for my winch.

I told you guys I only needed a reason to wheel. There are reasons to wheel here in WA, as in places to actually go and see and do things. Not just paying $15 to drive in circles all day. Plus now I am back to work. I didn't work most of my time in Missouri because I was going to school full time. No $ = No Play (not hard anyways)

I know the remote gets programmed specifically with the receiver box that plugs into the controller box. It was programmed from the factory, but I know there is a way to program it yourself in case you lose a remote and have to buy a new one.

The receiver box mounts under the hood and then you just run the cable out to the winch and it plugs into the winch control box in the same place as the wired controller.

[Ross]

I told you guys I only needed a reason to wheel. There are reasons to wheel here in WA, as in places to actually go and see and do things. Not just paying $15 to drive in circles all day. Plus now I am back to work. I didn't work most of my time in Missouri because I was going to school full time. No $ = No Play (not hard anyways)

I know the remote gets programmed specifically with the receiver box that plugs into the controller box. It was programmed from the factory, but I know there is a way to program it yourself in case you lose a remote and have to buy a new one.

The receiver box mounts under the hood and then you just run the cable out to the winch and it plugs into the winch control box in the same place as the wired controller.

No shit, I am burnt out on wheeling in MO. I maybe get out to actual go wheeling a few times year. I miss the wheeling in SoCal.

I think I will check into the wireless set up.

[HillBillE]

My new TJ has a Warn HS9500i on it. Played with it a little today, thing is crazy fast with no load!!

I have a Warn 8000i on the CJ, bought NIB for $500 a few years ago. It was manufactured back in '98 or something. A whole bunch hit the market around the same time, all NIB for around $5-600. Not a bad deal.

As far as synthetic, hard to beat Master Pull!!!


A lot of the 'lesser known' winches are decent, but beware. Many of them are from China, and are reverse engineered from a major brand.

They don't use the same quality parts, and are cheap for a reason.

I'm not saying all less expensive winches are cheap, but there are plenty out there.

I'd stick with the better known names: Smittybuilt, WARN, Ramsey, etc.

Even if it's slow, as long as it's reliable, time after time after time, every time.

[Ross]

My new TJ has a Warn HS9500i on it. Played with it a little today, thing is crazy fast with no load!!

I have a Warn 8000i on the CJ, bought NIB for $500 a few years ago. It was manufactured back in '98 or something. A whole bunch hit the market around the same time, all NIB for around $5-600. Not a bad deal.

As far as synthetic, hard to beat Master Pull!!!


A lot of the 'lesser known' winches are decent, but beware. Many of them are from China, and are reverse engineered from a major brand.

They don't use the same quality parts, and are cheap for a reason.

I'm not saying all less expensive winches are cheap, but there are plenty out there.

I'd stick with the better known names: Smittybuilt, WARN, Ramsey, etc.

Even if it's slow, as long as it's reliable, time after time after time, every time.



I really like having a fast winch. When you are pulling and all a sudden the jeep gets unstuck and rolls quicker you don't have to worry about rolling over the cable.

I have a couple friends with Smitty Built and for me they are painfully slow. With my HS9500i I can roll out my cable hook up and pull somebody out in about the time it takes them to get their cable out.

What ever you have, as long as it works when you need it is better than nothing.

　

[Hoosier68]

I have an ENGO 10K and really like it. Good winch for a low cost. Don't take my word on it, look it up. It will run with the big dogs and won't break the bank.

[Irish_Assassin]

I have an ENGO 10K and really like it. Good winch for a low cost. Don't take my word on it, look it up. It will run with the big dogs and won't break the bank.

I've heard good things about Engo winches both by word of mouth and reading articles.

[Doppler]

The best winch is the winch you can afford to buy right now. If it only costs you $300 and it works only once it has paid for itself when you look at the expense of an off road recovery tow truck bill, if you can even get anyone to go get you out! Now with that being said I have the Smittybilt XRC8, because I could afford it at the time. It has worked flawlessly on nine seperate pulls in the three years I've owned it. Eventually I may invest in a Warn, if I ever need to buy another one.

[blaze2362]

I bought a 10.5k engo synthetic line for $450 through rockridge4wd.com. the winch is awsome, it actually did the best when i dont remember who magazine did a head to head. it also comes with remote control so no wires. i love the thing!

[diamond b]

I would strongly encourage you to get a wired remote as back-up. I've had the batteries die in my remote just after getting tension on the line. Forunately I was able to plug in the wired remote and finish the pull. Other times, for whatever reason, (interference battery, bad connection) I would had to stand within a couple of feet of the winch. Again the wired remote made it a lot nicer. I rarely use my wired remote, but it is nice to have. When I get the chance I plan to hardwire a remote or a plug into the dash

[blaze2362]

also comes with wired controller!

[Fred]

I had a Warn M6000 (free) on my old TJ, a Smitty Bilt XRC8000 on the XJ, and now a Warn 9500TI on the rubi. Both the first two were used EXTENSIVLY and although most will say a 6000 is under powered for a jeep I actually picked my jeep off the ground with it to change a tire. As for the speed Warn=FAST and can equal injuries if not careful. Smitty Bilt = Not as fast but ok. I also owned a Warn 9000 XDI. It was a 24 V winch converted to 12V so it was slow.

As said above best winch is the one you can afford

I know Ghost has a pair of smitty bilt's and his 10,000 got a work out early on. Slow? yes. Reliable? HELL YES