Which winch on the 200 are you using? (2 Viewers)
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Markuson
SILVER Star
Warn Zeon 12K Platinum
Synthetic
Why I chose 12...
12 is the same size/weight as 10 with Warn...and my truck is heavy. If you’ve ever dealt with mud suction, no such thing as too much power. Also...pushing a lighter winch to its limits regularly is not a great thing to do, so keeping more routine pulls easily within limits means less chance of burning out a motor.
Also in my brain...difference difference in additional cost is nothing compared to paying for a recovery service if I’m stuck while wheeling alone. So even tho I’m not rolling in dough...saving $ on my winch was not my priority.
Synthetic bc its lighter, safer & easier to handle (IMO). If A line does break, I hope it’s synthetic when it comes flying my way...even with a damper in place.
I basically went synthetic because I couldn’t think of a reason for steel. If it’s a worry about cutting synthetics on a rock, there are ways to alleviate that in the field.
You mention you’ve never broken a winch line before.
OK. But...most poor chaps who get sliced open or killed by winch lines or shackles have never been sliced open or killed before either.
hehe
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Warn VR 12S. Not much more expensive than the 10K I was considering. The guys at ChiTown4X4 pointed the minor price difference out and got it installed in the ARB bumper without issue. I’m running the wireless remote control module and it’s pretty slick.
Come Up 12. Not synthetic.
Warn M12000 for pulling capacity and serviceability. Currently have the OEM steel cable but planning on replacing with synthetic for improved safety features.
I've used it close to a dozen times and always worked flawlessly. FWIW, the control pack also tucks into the ARB bumper for a clean install.
I've used it close to a dozen times and always worked flawlessly. FWIW, the control pack also tucks into the ARB bumper for a clean install.
Warn VR12S. Like @GoISU noted it was pretty close to the price of the VR10S (there was a discount when I got mine so it was about $800). Synthetic rope because there's less chance of losing an arm if the line breaks, plus it's lighter. I looked at cheaper Smittybilt options as well as more expensive Warn Zeon and Come Up options but ultimately the VR12 has sufficient pulling power for my needs, and because it's Warn I expect it to be reasonably reliable (unlike Smittybilt where I was reading about winch frames breaking apart). In short seemed like a good value winch (price, reliability, strength, and weight)
I got a Warn VR12S (12k lb and synthetic). The price point was basically the contributing factor in my decision in going with standard over their zeon line. I chose synthetic because of weight and I wanted to see how it would perform. Finally, I chose warn because of marketing
Markuson
SILVER Star
I would add that although I have a Warn Zeon....I’ve heard nothing bud positive reports from others re Comeup winches... They seem to be establishing a solid reputation.
pretty comprehensive test in Australia. Some of these brands are available in US. Their website has a write up where you can deep dive on the data and make your own trade off decisions regarding design and performance.
We got the same winch as @Markuson for all of the same reasons. I've used it a few times this winter to pull folks out of snow without a single complaint. The bluetooth function is fantastic and we use one of the auxiliary slots for the front LED flood lights.
EDIT:
Also, I did a rough calculation of getting something that supplied 1.5X the weight of the vehicle when loaded. I figured I would need it at the most inopportune time, which would be during a trip when the truck was packed with my family.
EDIT:
Also, I did a rough calculation of getting something that supplied 1.5X the weight of the vehicle when loaded. I figured I would need it at the most inopportune time, which would be during a trip when the truck was packed with my family.
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Unless a deal on a Warn pops up I'll probably go with another ComeUp. The only issue I had was self inflicted.
I'd put nothing less than 12k in a 200. Less will work but duty cycle is a thing.
Fun reading article with lots of numbers and maths and whatnots:
www.mikesjeep.com
As for synthetic or wire. Synthetic requires a lot more maintenance and care compared to wire. They both have their pros and cons. Boils down to; it depends on how and where you use it.
There are a couple threads in the Winching and Recovery sub-forum, some of which actually don't end in a pissing match... not many though.
I'd put nothing less than 12k in a 200. Less will work but duty cycle is a thing.
Fun reading article with lots of numbers and maths and whatnots:
Choosing a Winch - mikesjeep.com
Discover the performance differences between a wide range of winches when applied to a real-world recovery scenario.
As for synthetic or wire. Synthetic requires a lot more maintenance and care compared to wire. They both have their pros and cons. Boils down to; it depends on how and where you use it.
There are a couple threads in the Winching and Recovery sub-forum, some of which actually don't end in a pissing match... not many though.
Taco2Cruiser
Crazy American Off Road
Warn 9.5 XP because it is simple, reliable, easily rebuildable, more than up to the task for a built 200 and I’ve had the same one for 15 years.
For line, an old 5/16” AmSteel Blue that needs to be replaced with a Factor 55 Splicer on the end. (Outside of the splicer models, Factor 55 is pretty much a waste of money). I will go with a 3/8” synthetic next though.
I don’t really like steel cable because when the snap, they are very dangerous. While synthetic is very light and easy to move it around when setting up the pull.
There are lot of good winches out there, really can’t go too wrong with any of them. I personally won’t run anything but Warn. I had a ComeUp on a vehicle in Afghanistan, and it failed us and a really bad time when we needed it. I also had a steel cable snap and cut a local national solider across the stomach and split him open. The biggest thing with winching is to seek some formalized training on them. Lots of people cause far more strain and damage to their vehicles than they know, mostly because of inexperience. Which is fine, we are all learning, it’s just like with hi-lifts, these things are dangerous.
For line, an old 5/16” AmSteel Blue that needs to be replaced with a Factor 55 Splicer on the end. (Outside of the splicer models, Factor 55 is pretty much a waste of money). I will go with a 3/8” synthetic next though.
I don’t really like steel cable because when the snap, they are very dangerous. While synthetic is very light and easy to move it around when setting up the pull.
There are lot of good winches out there, really can’t go too wrong with any of them. I personally won’t run anything but Warn. I had a ComeUp on a vehicle in Afghanistan, and it failed us and a really bad time when we needed it. I also had a steel cable snap and cut a local national solider across the stomach and split him open. The biggest thing with winching is to seek some formalized training on them. Lots of people cause far more strain and damage to their vehicles than they know, mostly because of inexperience. Which is fine, we are all learning, it’s just like with hi-lifts, these things are dangerous.
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Fun reading article with lots of numbers and maths and whatnots:
Choosing a Winch - mikesjeep.com
Discover the performance differences between a wide range of winches when applied to a real-world recovery scenario.
Interesting data from that article:
As you'd expect as the load gets heavier, the motor works harder, and the electrical cost to pull the cable goes up. With no load the winch only draws 1.89 ampfeet to draw in the cable, at maximum load that number jumps to almost 78 ampfeet. Below is a table that compares the efficiency value of the Warn 9.5xp with other winches. Keep in mind this is a measure of how much power your spending to pull the cable in, the LOWER values are BETTER.
1st Layer Efficiency of Various 9,500 lbs Winches
| Warn 9.5xp | Warn 9.5cti | Smittybilt XRC Gen 2 9.5 | Rugged Ridge 15100.05 | Superwinch X9* | Ramsey 9500 | Ramsey REP9.5E | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
0 | 1.89 | .89 | 2.47 | 2.25 | 1.91 | 2.74 | 4.95 |
2000 | 10.18 | 8.49 | 8.38 | 7.62 | n/a | 10.78 | 10.63 |
4000 | 21 | 18.58 | 16.26 | 14.84 | n/a | 20.47 | 22.73 |
6000 | 35.27 | 33.37 | 29.58 | 27.18 | n/a | 31.6 | 45 |
8000 | 55.81 | 54.93 | 40.64 | 37.71 | n/a | 43.89 | 74 |
9500 | 77.74 | 76.61 | 69.82 | 60.23 | 168 | 55.13 | 140 |
Here is the data for the Warn VR12 12,000 lbs. winch. I've included the efficiency values from the 9.5xp for reference
| Warn VR12 | Warn VR12 | Warn 9.5xp | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Line Pull | Line Speed | Current Draw | Efficiency | Efficiency |
0 | 28.4 | 65 | 2.29 | 1.89 |
2000 | 12.6 | 144 | 11.43 | 10.18 |
4000 | 9.5 | 215 | 22.63 | 21 |
6000 | 7.5 | 281 | 37.47 | 35.27 |
8000 | 5.8 | 349 | 60.17 | 55.81 |
10000 | 4.4 | 415 | 94.32 | 77.74 (9,500) |
12000 | 3.6 | 457 | 126.94 | |
Summary for those too lazy to read the whole article:
Look at the data before you buy. Even big brands like Superwinch and Ramsey make some of the worst winches. After doing the research for this article I can see why Warn is so popluar, all of their winches that I looked at had solid performance number. The Rugged Ridge 15100.05 9,500 lbs. winch should be an amazing performer based on it's ratings but I have my doubts about the honesty of those numbers. If you've got the money the Warn M8274-50 is awesome, otherwise buy a winch that's bigger than you need. By operating in it's comfort zone your winch can run longer and be no bigger a burden on your electrical system than a small winch, possibly even less.
I have always thought the warn xp should be rated a little higher. I've seen them do some very heavy and difficult pulls.
They are also the only winch that that has a motor that is parallel series wound. What this does in practical application
is if you add more weight to what it is pulling it doesn't slow down. The down side is it pulls more amperage than others. I think almost twice as much. Haven't looked at stats in a while. BTW I am not an electrical whiz. I had to google "parrellel series wound" to read about it.
Since then I have always looked for any other winch motor like that just out of curiosity. Warn only makes one winch like that.
I'm not sure what the deal is with Comeup. They are a big name in Europe, Russia and all over SE Asia. That water test they do on their winches is unreal. Bottom of this page:
forum.ih8mud.com
I have a theory Superwinch is made by Comeup. The superwinch uses the same braking system (outside of the spool) and Comeup has been around for 40 years so it seems logical that it would have patented that brake system. Comeup has also said in various articles that they have produced winches a long time for other companies.
I saw a Comeup in Sri Lanka on an old Toyota truck. What caught my eye was the top of the snorkel was backwards. Then I remembered it was the rainy season.......hadn't thought of that before.
They are also the only winch that that has a motor that is parallel series wound. What this does in practical application
is if you add more weight to what it is pulling it doesn't slow down. The down side is it pulls more amperage than others. I think almost twice as much. Haven't looked at stats in a while. BTW I am not an electrical whiz. I had to google "parrellel series wound" to read about it.
Since then I have always looked for any other winch motor like that just out of curiosity. Warn only makes one winch like that.
I'm not sure what the deal is with Comeup. They are a big name in Europe, Russia and all over SE Asia. That water test they do on their winches is unreal. Bottom of this page:
**Introduction** COMEUP Winch
Here are the dimensions of the Blazer including the measurements for mounting locations. Thanks! Edited to add: To answer my original question (does the Blazer share the same mounting bolt pattern dimensions as the Warn 8274), the answer is "no". The Blazer and the 8274 mounting holes share...
forum.ih8mud.com
I have a theory Superwinch is made by Comeup. The superwinch uses the same braking system (outside of the spool) and Comeup has been around for 40 years so it seems logical that it would have patented that brake system. Comeup has also said in various articles that they have produced winches a long time for other companies.
I saw a Comeup in Sri Lanka on an old Toyota truck. What caught my eye was the top of the snorkel was backwards. Then I remembered it was the rainy season.......hadn't thought of that before.
- Thread starter
- #16
I'll get rope instead of wire this time.
That review above was a great reminder of how many minutes you have winching heavy and then how many hours it takes for the batteries to recover. It was also reminder to check the winch spec's which show the 10k pulls more amps than the 12k.
My search for a good used winch shows they sell fast.
I was hoping everyone was using 8000 or 9000 lb winches as they are a way better price than a 12, but it seems 9.5 to 12 is what is being used.
Thanks for the pointers... I figure I'll get the winch before installing the front bumper. That way the bumper is not coming back off for the winch.
One thing a noticed is all the tried and true M9, M12, 9.5xp are not wireless.
That review above was a great reminder of how many minutes you have winching heavy and then how many hours it takes for the batteries to recover. It was also reminder to check the winch spec's which show the 10k pulls more amps than the 12k.
My search for a good used winch shows they sell fast.
I was hoping everyone was using 8000 or 9000 lb winches as they are a way better price than a 12, but it seems 9.5 to 12 is what is being used.
Thanks for the pointers... I figure I'll get the winch before installing the front bumper. That way the bumper is not coming back off for the winch.
One thing a noticed is all the tried and true M9, M12, 9.5xp are not wireless.
A lot of used winches are in the 8k-9.5k range. Mostly because that's what a lot of Jeep guys run.
Trying to find a used 12k is pretty scarce. There was an M12000 on ExpoPortal a while ago but the M series of Warn winches are massive (build for heavy duty), I assume the reason is no frills which is why they don't have wireless.
Trying to find a used 12k is pretty scarce. There was an M12000 on ExpoPortal a while ago but the M series of Warn winches are massive (build for heavy duty), I assume the reason is no frills which is why they don't have wireless.
Taco2Cruiser
Crazy American Off Road
I have Warns wireless control for my 9.5XP. I also converted it to the newer contractor pack from when I originally bought it, it was controlled with solenoids. I still carry my wired control for reliability. So mine is like a 60 series with 100 series controls and 200 series wireless... ness. (Or whatever word works better)
Wireless Control System for Truck & SUV Winches - 90287
This Remote Control System is used with Warn truck and SUV winches with 5 wire electrical system. This set is NOT compatible with VR EVO winches.
www.warn.com
That said, a Zeon 10S can sometimes be found for cheap and will still be a very reliable winch.
One thing all the older Warns and ComeUps have is their winch drums rust really quickly with synthetic rope (due to the wet fibers holding moisture for very long periods of time.) Not so much an issue for guys on the western side of the country where moisture isn’t a big deal, like California, Arizona, Utah. But east coast guys, it’s a concern. When I help fiends put in new winches. I remover the drum brand new and powder coat them. The Zeons have some better coating that helps prevent that, but it’s still not perfect.
I bought my mine in Florida when I was in college, and it didn’t take long to find rust on the wire rope.
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