Harbor Freight Winches

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LCTom said:
I'm finally getting around to installing my winch. Winch itself tucks in nicely to the Blueberry bumper. The wiring on the solenoid is different than the picture in the instructions supplied by Harbor Freight.

As you can see in the photo, the long red cable that goes to the battery is the third from the left.
However, the wiring diagram shows this cable as being the second from the left.
Anyone else's wired like this? Is this a problem? Should I open up the solenoid and swap the cables?
Click to expand...
I'd hook up just the solenoid pack to the battery. With a meter check the output of the pack when you toggle the switch. If it's wired wrong internally, it's your choice, but I'd return to HF for a new winch. BTW, I checked mine and it's built like the insruction's drawing shows. It makes sense to at least check it with a meter before you apply power to the motor.
 
I took a chance and wired it as it was, long cable going to the battery and it worked just fine. I figured I would just take it back to HF if there was a problem, but it turned out okay. Thanks for the input.
 
I honestly didn't read the directions. I just hooked it up. The wires were color coded so I couldn't screw it up.
 
How are y'all entering the code & getting 20% off when it's on sale for $299? Is there a trick to it or something?
 
I read most of this thread and some of the ones on pirate 4x4. But my question is I'm a weekend warrior and don't so a lot of winch so would this be the best winch or would the snotty built one be best? I read most of this but if I skipped over we're this question has been answers please let me know and sorry for asking it twice.
 
Mudder said:
I read most of this thread and some of the ones on pirate 4x4. But my question is I'm a weekend warrior and don't so a lot of winch so would this be the best winch or would the snotty built one be best? I read most of this but if I skipped over we're this question has been answers please let me know and sorry for asking it twice.
Click to expand...

All of the cheaper Chinese winches are very very similar. Many come from the same factories. I'd buy based on a combination of customer service and price. The HF winch on sale is very inexpensive and you can buy an extended warranty. I've sold quite a few Engo's based on Engo's customer service. Id go with one of those two.
 
The badlands 12k is on sale for $299.99 on their website
 
Hey just found out about this winch. I've been avoiding buying a winch because I thought most were very expensive. This sound like a great value. Did the sale end for the 299.99 price on the 12k winch because I see it online for 399.99 right now.
I have a HF near me so I will probably go down there I just want to know If I could get this for the 299 price. I also have a 25% off coupon.
 
If you get it, make sure you get the new model with the cable tensioner. Nice little added feature that can save you some time.
 
I just picked up a 12k HF. There were two versions and the 299 on did not have the drum break vs the 399 version did. I used the 20% off coupon which brought the price down to 319. This has a new controller and only 85 ft of 3/8" cable. I also have a HF winch plate the I plan to weld into the non-winch ARB. Line speed looks very slow but I figure that it is quicker than a high lift recovery! I have an old warn M8000 that has worked great on my wheeling rig for years and is fast. I hope the HF version is reliable when I need it, albeit slow.
 
Odd... the 9K (if that's what you mean by the $299 version) does have an automatic load-handle brake. It has 65' of 3/8 steel on the drum.

The 12k version (normally $399 on "sale") with the new also has 65' of 3/8 steel cable on the drum.

The previous version of the 9k had 5/16", but 100' of it. And the older 12k had 100' of 3/8" steel... so yeah, you're kinda getting ripped off now compared to the old version. I've needed all 100' before...
 
How are you getting ripped off? By having a heavier cable less likely to break? It is easier to have lengths of cable to extend your reach as to have to double up the cable.
If you are hanging in air I can see how reattaching won't work.
When you recable you can get whatever works for you.
 
The 12k went from 100' of 3/8 to 65' of 3/8.

But yes, I just got the 12k to replace my beat-to-crap 9k, and plan on putting synthetic line on it anyway.
 
It has to be shorter, that is physics. Unless you want a 2k capacity near full spool. And a bigger spool.
Since you are putting on new cable anyways, you don't care.
 
I'm not following here.

Let me make sure we're on the same page...

Model 68142 ("Old" version of the 12k HF winch) specs for the line:

Ø0.375″ X 100′ (Ø9.5mm X 30.5m), Nominal strength=14,400 lb, 7X19 Galvanized Steel, Aircraft Wire Rope

Model 61256 ("New" version of the 12k HF winch with the cable tensioner on top):

Ø0.375″ X 65′ (Ø9.5mm X 19.8m), Nominal strength=14,400 lb, 7X19 Galvanized Steel, Aircraft Wire Rope

So what I'm saying is that the wire is the same gauge, but you've got 35' less to work with.

Oddly, the specs are the same for the weight... and I know that 35' of 3/8 cable isn't 0 lbs!

But yes, I don't really care for me so much, just for anyone looking at the 'old' vs 'new' model.
 
The 'old' version has 85', not 100'. Also, what's the cable tensioner (that comes w/the one w/65')? The shipping weight difference is 9.5lbs.
 
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