4 wheel parts is selling the Smittybilt XRC12 Winch for 499.99 regular price is 865.99. You also get free shipping and a free winch cover. Is this a good winch? This sounds like the deal of a lifetime. What gives?
Smittybilt winches
- Thread starter 80seriesnut
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I'd say competition is forcing them to lower their price. Couldn't find where they're manufactured on several different sources (websites, even smittybilt.com). Prices are all over the place, some lower, but most higher than $499.
I compared specs of the Smittybilt XRC12 to my Badland (Harbor Freight) 12K and they were close. The biggest difference was the motor rating and no load line speed. Smittybilt rates their motor at 6.6 HP. Badland is rated straight 6 HP. No load Smitty was 23.5 fpm, HF was 16.4 fpm. What surprised me was both were rated at 5 fpm with a 12K load, with the HF having a lower amp draw at max: 320 vs 370. In between 0 - 12K they seesawed back and forth for honors. And both of these winches are running the same gear ratio: 265:1 and same exact drum size.
I compared specs of the Smittybilt XRC12 to my Badland (Harbor Freight) 12K and they were close. The biggest difference was the motor rating and no load line speed. Smittybilt rates their motor at 6.6 HP. Badland is rated straight 6 HP. No load Smitty was 23.5 fpm, HF was 16.4 fpm. What surprised me was both were rated at 5 fpm with a 12K load, with the HF having a lower amp draw at max: 320 vs 370. In between 0 - 12K they seesawed back and forth for honors. And both of these winches are running the same gear ratio: 265:1 and same exact drum size.
Buddy of mine has the XRC 10K i believe. Since he has had it, the housing/frame has cracked and the motor burned out (new motor is $250). I don't think he has had it longer than 3 years and nominal use.
I recently bought the Titan 12K with synthetic line via the group buy on here for about 560. I haven't read a single bad review about them yet.
I recently bought the Titan 12K with synthetic line via the group buy on here for about 560. I haven't read a single bad review about them yet.
My Titan has gotten used WAY more than I thought it would. It is amazing the things you will try when you know you have a winch to back you up. It also comes with a 6.6 HP motor. I think the main difference is in the selection of parts and going the extra step with seals and o-rings to keep the weather out. As of today, I would say that the Titan is the best bang for the buck if you are looking for higher-end features and build quality.
Back to the thread topic. I have heard good things about Smittybilt.
Don't know much about Buzzions.com but I found this while doing a quick search:
Smittybilt XRC12 Winch by Reviews | Buzzillions.com
My friend with a wrangler has an XRC-8, which got us out of a lot of jams, but when my 60 was wedged sideways in two-foot snow, we managed to break the fairlead and the cable. It also made a lot of horrible noises even on easy pulls.
If you don't seek out situations where you'll need the winch to get out, and only have it 'just in case,' and you use a good snatch block, and you take good care of the cable, and have a good winch mount that won't flex...then it would be an ok choice. Honestly, though, I'd rather get a working used 8274 off of Craigslist for $500 than a new XRC-12.
If you don't seek out situations where you'll need the winch to get out, and only have it 'just in case,' and you use a good snatch block, and you take good care of the cable, and have a good winch mount that won't flex...then it would be an ok choice. Honestly, though, I'd rather get a working used 8274 off of Craigslist for $500 than a new XRC-12.
That is a great winch but it is not a realistic option for many due to it's unique proportions.
lol, pfran42, you are trully a titan spokesperson! 
great to hear you're happy with it! hopefully i will be too. the current tw12 has gone through extensive r&d and is in it's 4th incarnation with, as already mentioned, robust guts inside. search around, all great reviews, for about the same price or just a tad more . . . i'd give the titan a try 
great to hear you're happy with it! hopefully i will be too. the current tw12 has gone through extensive r&d and is in it's 4th incarnation with, as already mentioned, robust guts inside. search around, all great reviews, for about the same price or just a tad more . . . i'd give the titan a try
I would give Engo a hard look too. Their 9000lb model did very well in a test that was obviously skewed in favor of a winch manufacturer that pumps a lot of money into advertising in the publication that conducted the test.
The Engo was only 1 of 2 winches that actually made in through the entire test still working...
Massive Multi-Winch Shootout - Four Wheeler Magazine
(make sure to read the comments at the end of the article)
The Engo was only 1 of 2 winches that actually made in through the entire test still working...
Massive Multi-Winch Shootout - Four Wheeler Magazine
(make sure to read the comments at the end of the article)
