Winch Advice Request (1 Viewer)

[Taco2Cruiser]

I’m gonna have to put my small opinion out there again, because this isn’t much of a converstion, as it’s a safety issue. Winches are not something you mess with. I probably have the most winching experience on this forum, and that’s not make me feel better, but to help illustrate how dangerous they are.

I’ve seen a cheap winch (like $300 eBay one) electrical solenoids fail and cycle itself till the power cable was pulled off the battery. That was after it completely destroyed the winch bumper and radiator.

I’ve also seen a come up winch controlller fail and suck a guys hand into the drum.

And I’ve seen a cheap winch wire cable snap and cut a guys abdomen open.

Winches are dangerous when used by the untrained, and having a good one gives a buffer zone of safety for those that don’t have 500 pulls under their belt.

Even more so if you don’t use you winch a lot, I bet your not doing routine maintenance on it, and it doesn’t take a lot to snap something, escpecisllu when we are moving 7,000 pound vehicles that have enough crappy terrain under them that doesn’t allow forward movement anymore.

 

[Markuson]

Man, Taco is right.
We've been talking about reliability, but the safety factor is huge.
Add a questionable-quality setup into an already dangerous activity, and its just not good.

 

[linuxgod]

If you want to look cool, buy a Trans-am, a Jean jacket, and smoke Marlboros at the local high school parking lot.

The Trans-Am alone is insufficient

 

[TonyP]

Yes, jorts and a pair of loafers are also helpful.

 

[RET2]

Hey give Uncle Joe a break at least he has some clothing on

 

[dryrunner]

I like to save money like the next guy. That's why I get my kid's vaccinations at Harbor Freight. I figure what are the odds of them running into someone with measels more than 2x in their lifespan?

 

[DirtNap]

The Trans-Am alone is insufficient

Alright, alright, alright!

 

[Markuson]

Sorta like climbing-ropes and firearms.

If you ever truly NEED them even once, cost won't be your concern.

 

[linuxgod]

I like to save money like the next guy. That's why I get my kid's vaccinations at Harbor Freight. I figure what are the odds of them running into someone with measels more than 2x in their lifespan?

If you cheap out on vaccines there's a decent chance they won't ever meet someone with measles more than once

 

[linuxgod]

Sorta like climbing-ropes and firearms.

If you ever truly NEED them even once, cost won't be your concern.

Yep as I said when I eventually install a winch I'm going to buy a Warn. But I can see why someone might buy a $200 version. I agree with Taco that "if you don’t use you winch a lot, I bet your not doing routine maintenance on it, and it doesn’t take a lot to snap something", though if you're not maintaining it, whether you buy a good winch or a crappy one, either way that's a problem. Frankly winching scares the crap out of me, and I definitely will not do it without at least hitting the trails with some experienced winchers a few times. I'm a lot smarter now than when I was 25 and fired up a chain saw for the first time...

 

[LandCruiserPhil]

When you talk about winch rating keep in mind that any winch is only rated at 1/2 of its rated capacity with 30' of cable out. In order to get the rated capacity of your 12,000 lb winch you need to be on the first wrap of the drum and roll out 100' of the 125' on the spool. With that said I have had my Warn X8000i for 23 years this month and its been on several vehicles and winched many other without issue. Prior to buying a winch do some research and read about a winch capabilities and technic. With that said I have seen more than one name brand winch burn up trying to winch a stuck vehicle 30' away.

 

[Markuson]

When you talk about winch rating keep in mind that any winch is only rated at 1/2 of its rated capacity with 30' of cable out. In order to get the rated capacity of your 12,000 lb winch you need to be on the first wrap of the drum and roll out 100' of the 125' on the spool. With that said I have had my Warn X8000i for 23 years this month and its been on several vehicles and winched many other without issue. Prior to buying a winch do some research and read about a winch capabilities and technic. With that said I have seen more than one name brand winch burn up trying to winch a stuck vehicle 30' away.

Sounds like another good argument for a snatch block that doubles the line-out for the same distance, getting you to those small wraps...and of course spreading the rate of load movement with double the line for same distance.

Maybe also an argument for why a heavy line that only fits 75' isn't such a handicap, since its easier to get to those small wraps without so much working distance.

 

[Haggis]

Has anyone had a issue with their winch module getting in the way of the cruise control camera? Looks like it possibly could be a problem. I'm considering dropping a Warn of some model in my ARB bumper. I have a Warn m8000 on my Tacoma and a VR 10,000 on my 60.

 

[RET2]

The module is easily moved, the biggest challenge for me was to insure ability to operate clutch lever, install wired control and have room to put wireless module in place. What appears to be a suitable location can block some of those operations. Leggos for big boys.

 

[milkyxj]

I went with a Smittybilt X20 10,000lb synthetic line, the price/warranty made the decision for me. 1/2 the price of a Warn lifetime mechanical & 5 year electrical warranty, waterproof, built in wireless, synthetic line all at under $600 (499 currently). Put a 2nd one in my wife's 100, and a 3rd on my neighbor's Tacoma. Aside from a few wireless hickups (wired always worked) we have had no issues with probably 20 pulls among the 3 of us. The smitty has a good reputation among jeepers (group I usually wheel with) and so far I have been satisfied with both of mine. Also, free shipping to Alaska with Amazon.

Also, was able to mount the controller on the winch inside the bumper so it would not interfere with the camera (if I had one). Wireless remote, and I have the permanent one hard wired just in case I need it.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00K150VAI/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

[kevinfoutch]

Has anyone had a issue with their winch module getting in the way of the cruise control camera? Looks like it possibly could be a problem. I'm considering dropping a Warn of some model in my ARB bumper. I have a Warn m8000 on my Tacoma and a VR 10,000 on my 60.

I have Warn’s M12000 and the control pack fits nicely inside the ARB bumper on my 2011. I had Slee fabricate a custom mounting bracket which works perfectly. Let me know if you want pics or any other details.

Edit: while I don’t have adaptive cruise control, I did this for a cleaner ‘look’ and less interference from future lights planned for the bumper location. But I think it would work with the adaptive cruise, I just cannot confirm 100%

 

[linuxgod]

If you are fine with steel cable, and you don't mind using a wired remote, you can get a new Warn VR10 or VR10000 for $600

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M7X9PIG
https://www.amazon.com/WARN-86255-VR10000-000-Winch/dp/B004UJ2ZA0/