Superwinch makes the VS4 solenoid which apparently has the industries best electric warranty,... not sure if it is on the S9000 or not.
Pros and cons on Harbor Freight's 12,000 lbs Bad Land winch (2 Viewers)
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Yes that is the winch. Reasonable, tough, reliable, proven. You can't buy a better winch for a Landcruiser. What does it tell you when it is US made and the same design for 20 years. It is on the S9000. Three years of warranty. I just got off a " chat " bitch session with Superwinch. They are opening two new manufacturing plants in the US ASAP. Fxxx China.
Note: I believe in using snatch blocks whenever possible, 30,000# tow straps, industrial size shackles, and always throw something heavy on your winch cable. FYI - do not use the front jacking eyes of an ARB bumper for towing or recovery. They are there for a Hi-Lift jack mount - not recovery. You might get away with it a few times and those shackles really look cool hanging up front, but that is not what they are for. Retain your tow points on the frame, double up with a snatch block, use shackles, chains and tow straps to get to your anchor. Good luck everyone and have a good day.
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I don't have a winch on my rig, so.
See tow trucks pretty often and don't recall ever seeing a Warn on one, I'm sure it has happened. Mostly see Ramsey or Superwinch. Wheel with one of the most active local recovery guys. Joe is often asked to test winches, so have seen a variety of brands on his rig, but his choice is Superwinch, that is what most often populates the locations on his rig.
The comment that I have heard goes something like; Warn makes a damn nice looking winch, but I don't get paid for looking good. The pros likely have different priorities than recreation users?
Recovery Equipment
See tow trucks pretty often and don't recall ever seeing a Warn on one, I'm sure it has happened. Mostly see Ramsey or Superwinch. Wheel with one of the most active local recovery guys. Joe is often asked to test winches, so have seen a variety of brands on his rig, but his choice is Superwinch, that is what most often populates the locations on his rig.
The comment that I have heard goes something like; Warn makes a damn nice looking winch, but I don't get paid for looking good. The pros likely have different priorities than recreation users?
Recovery Equipment
ChaseTruck
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My HF12k came with a sealed contactor.
Nice upgrade
Without deviation from the norm progress is not possible - Frank Zappa
While it's important for recovery gear to be reliable, I can't help but think that if you're placing the safety of your life on a winch you have already made some terrible decisions no matter what brand it is. That said, they say cheap stuff is how poor people stay poor.
Not what I was saying. I travel a ton solo and my safety/life depends on me not equipment.
Depends on your out look -
Life's journey is not to arrive at the grave safely, in a well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, totally worn out, shouting "Holy s***, what a ride!
To me, part of that fun is to be waist deep in mud, pounding on a HF winch with a hammer trying to get the drum to move!
mingles
GOLD Star
Well I gave in and bought something I probably don't need (no one here has EVER done that 
).
$340 out the door for the HF12K winch and the wireless remote control. Don't even have a bumper to put it on, but I will eventually.
PLUS it came with a FREE GIFT of a 5'x 7' blue tarp for waterproofing the solenoid
.
).$340 out the door for the HF12K winch and the wireless remote control. Don't even have a bumper to put it on, but I will eventually.
PLUS it came with a FREE GIFT of a 5'x 7' blue tarp for waterproofing the solenoid
.
The contactor that the winch comes with should be completely sealed and waterproof as is from the factory. The area's that may need extra help are detailed in the how to thread over in winching and recovery tech.
I started reading this thread and by page two decided to just go to the end and post a comment. I have the HF 12k lbs winch. It's 5-6 years old and has always worked when called upon. Is it as good as a Warn? Probably not. Will it fail to work when you need it? Probably not.
Have people had a lot of problems with the Cheap EBay snorkel? Nope.
Are the new Roto Molded Yeti knock off coolers crap compared to the original? Nope, many perform better.
Is the internet full of people that lament buying offbrand items with the only real argument being, ya get what ya pay for? Yup.
Chinese manufacturing quality is not what it was 20 years ago, the old made in China knock is making people sound stupid.
Now, if you are a complete idiot and plan to go wheeling alone in treachoruous lands and getting stuck will cause your death, then please spend the money on the most expensive winch anyone will sell you.
Have people had a lot of problems with the Cheap EBay snorkel? Nope.
Are the new Roto Molded Yeti knock off coolers crap compared to the original? Nope, many perform better.
Is the internet full of people that lament buying offbrand items with the only real argument being, ya get what ya pay for? Yup.
Chinese manufacturing quality is not what it was 20 years ago, the old made in China knock is making people sound stupid.
Now, if you are a complete idiot and plan to go wheeling alone in treachoruous lands and getting stuck will cause your death, then please spend the money on the most expensive winch anyone will sell you.
My question - relevant to the prior post - is; does everyone here know how to create a tow point with no trees, other vehicles or rocks available? I used to actually carry around a big ass Danforth anchor in the back of my trucks when surf fishing. A spare tire will work. Make sure you are ready to dig and dig deep before you get buried to the frame rails. Don't forget your shovel. Preferably a real one. You will need it. Google " deadman ".
I have found out twice over the years a tire 3' in the ground is NO match for a 6000lb+ stuck truck. I was much better served spending shovel time on the stuck vehicle.
I found myself in a similar situation. However digging wasn't enough, support truck wasn't enough. It took a hike to the road, a case of beer and a road grader to get out of that mess.
