I've been reading winch reviews a lot lately. One of the criticisms of some of the more popularly priced winches has been that they aren't "water-proof". I'm purposefully NOT mentioning names here, except what I have experience with particularly, because I'm interested in information, not bashing. I think there are a lot of good winches on the market nowadays, but you need to be aware of any product's limitations to get the most out of your investments in the environments you'll be using it in.
I ask because as an electro-mechanical device (excluding PTO and hydraulic), the biggest problem any winch is going to have when it isn't actually being used is sitting there, reliably waiting to be used.
I've had a couple of Warns years ago and don't remember them being particularly waterproof. The solenoids would eventually get grungy. That's just a fact of life in a vehicle used hard outdoors over the years. You do some PM and make sure things work when you head for the trail or wherever you anticipate needing it. They were reliable and worked when I needed them, which wasn't much. And they did get corroded, etc. But that was back when you could get an 8274 for less than $500.
But some of the critiques indicate that if you virtually park some winches outside, they'll fill up with water and then you're...sunk
Is the price difference in lower cost winches because:
Some winches are better sealed?
Higher quality, stainless hardware?
Use of certain lubricants?
I have no issue with looks, so long as it performs. I can take apart and grease things, if that prevents problems by repelling water. I can silicone or cut and add a gasket as needed to keep water out.
I guess what I seeking is some explanation how good winches keep water out. Has something changed since I had what I now realize were pretty expensive winches?
I'm also seeking here some tips from satisfied users of economical winches of ways they've anticipated or resolved problems with water. Or maybe just to be told that you took "Xtremis-brand" winch through "Hell Hole Trail's 13 water-crossings, then dashed through old McDonald's pond and snatched Willie's old Willys right out of the mud!"
Me? I haven't used a winch in 15 years. Now there's a lot more choices and it seems like a lot of the reviews are more about the size of your wallet and a certain male member, than about what actually works. I'm just trying to learn some helpful consumer info here about a very basic aspect of long-term winch performance before I make my investment.
I ask because as an electro-mechanical device (excluding PTO and hydraulic), the biggest problem any winch is going to have when it isn't actually being used is sitting there, reliably waiting to be used.
I've had a couple of Warns years ago and don't remember them being particularly waterproof. The solenoids would eventually get grungy. That's just a fact of life in a vehicle used hard outdoors over the years. You do some PM and make sure things work when you head for the trail or wherever you anticipate needing it. They were reliable and worked when I needed them, which wasn't much. And they did get corroded, etc. But that was back when you could get an 8274 for less than $500.
But some of the critiques indicate that if you virtually park some winches outside, they'll fill up with water and then you're...sunk
Is the price difference in lower cost winches because:
Some winches are better sealed?
Higher quality, stainless hardware?
Use of certain lubricants?
I have no issue with looks, so long as it performs. I can take apart and grease things, if that prevents problems by repelling water. I can silicone or cut and add a gasket as needed to keep water out.
I guess what I seeking is some explanation how good winches keep water out. Has something changed since I had what I now realize were pretty expensive winches?
I'm also seeking here some tips from satisfied users of economical winches of ways they've anticipated or resolved problems with water. Or maybe just to be told that you took "Xtremis-brand" winch through "Hell Hole Trail's 13 water-crossings, then dashed through old McDonald's pond and snatched Willie's old Willys right out of the mud!"
Me? I haven't used a winch in 15 years. Now there's a lot more choices and it seems like a lot of the reviews are more about the size of your wallet and a certain male member, than about what actually works. I'm just trying to learn some helpful consumer info here about a very basic aspect of long-term winch performance before I make my investment.
Last edited: