Got a Warn 8724(correct model number? The upright one) and thinking about replacing it with something less obstructive to airflow to the radiator. Might not be necessary to replace since it didn’t seem to affect the cooling where it presently sits but moving it to another 70 series. Looking at 10k or 12k winch. Wanting something as reliable and durable for the long haul as a W usually is thanks. I haven’t tried test fitting it yet in the new bumper so that also might be a deciding factor
I don't know about that part. I got a HF badlands a few years ago, so far so good. Better than what I had. I wanted to keep it low so I could use the hand-crank so relocated the control box to the engine bay. Even with the control box on the winch it sits pretty low.
Some food for thought in this old discussion. The winch involved, a Smittybilt XRC12, held up well over the years and never gave me a lick of trouble although was only lightly used. Being garaged was certainly a factor, but using the right grease is probably the biggest factor in winch reliability once you've properly sorted out the electrics.
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...
My buggy runs the WARN RC9, the replacement motor was made in China, warranty direct from WARN. The 9.5XP on the 80 has worked excellent for over 10 years.
I've had two ComeUP winches that have worked flawlessly. The 24v 12k on the BJ74 gets very rare use, but worked great a couple weeks back.
My next buggy build will likely run the Runva 9.0. I bought one a couple years back as a "spare" for the RC9, they are now discontinued.
Winches like to be used. You should driveway-test a winch with every oil change, just to be sure the connectors are all still working (and to make sure you still know where your controller is hidden).
I did an AI google search. I was curious. It matches my own opinion 100%. I have a Warn 9500 Compressor winch on front,
only issue is bad neg ground on motor one year, took a bit of mucking to sort as Warn decided on a weak attachment threaded insert
and it failed again later on same trip. I have a Runva 11500 syn on the rear. After several years is still works and it has a wireless remote
which I'm not a fan of, but being on the rear is logical. I've read nothing but good or rather excellent reports on Sherpa winches
from Australia. They make some of what appear to be fastest line speeds of brands. Comeup = Warn I think. both top tier. MHO.
Warn Comeup Runva Sherpa
Ok, temporary order of ratings;
Sherpa Colt 12K--6.6hp motor and IP68 water proof rating, cheapest but painted yellow?
Warn Zeon XD 12-S --HP? IP68 rating, but most expensive, also a more expensive option
ComeUp Solo 12.5rs--5HP, can't find a water proof rating? some cheaper options
Runva can't seem to find a US distributor?
Ok, temporary order of ratings;
Sherpa Colt 12K--6.6hp motor and IP68 water proof rating, cheapest but painted yellow?
Warn Zeon XD 12-S --HP? IP68 rating, but most expensive, also a more expensive option
ComeUp Solo 12.5rs--5HP, can't find a water proof rating? some cheaper options
Runva can't seem to find a US distributor?
