Winches: integrated solenoids better?

[e9999]

I know very little about winches but starting to look and ponder.

I'm wondering about general trends. Among others, is it better to get a winch that has an integrated solenoid pack affair vs the loose little box? I imagine one advantage is waterproofing. Maybe others such as the technology itself?

So, in general are the integrated sols winches a better way to go, given the cost difference?

 

[offroad_nomad]

I've got the Warn XD-9000 with the seperate control box, which I like. I've mounted my control box up in the engine compartment on the passenger side. If water reaches that high, I think I might have more to worry about then water seeping into the solenoid box:

 

[Brentbba]

Eric,

Does this mean we'll likely be seeing a couple dozen more posts asking about winches and a couple of polls thrown in for good measure and then have you decide you don't want one after all because the fairleads or cable are likely to get scratched?

 

[spressomon]

Well Eric I have been through the same winch selection torment myself...and finally decided on the Warn 9.5xp. Here's why:

It is the largest winch I can fit behind my TJM T3C without serious modding.
It has the highest torque/per pull rating of any Warn winch (told to me by Warn).
It has a heavier duty solenoid pack than the other winches in it's class.
It is reasonably well sealed.
The solenoid pack can be remotely installed in the engine bay; getting higher from potential water source and also making the install, relative to my bumper, easier and allowing less obstruction to the radiator.
It is fast.
It is a Warn.
I have seen them at $875 freight paid...

If I could fit the Superwinch Husky behind my bumper that would have been my preference...however it's moot since it is too large to fit.

JM2cents

 

[expeditionswest]

I would recommend a remote mounted solenoid, mounted high on the bumper or under the hood. The Warn solenoid packs are very poorly made and fray wires, loose solenoids, etc. The controller connectors fail as well. I always take my new ones completely apart and rewire it.

I really like the new T-Max solenoid pack. dust and water resistant.

Oh, and the Warn Mosfet controllers are very nice but big $$$$

The 9.5 is a good choice for the heavy 80 series. M8000 gives the best overall performance, weight and value IMHO. I have my M8000 to under 50lbs., which greatly reduces the lever effect of the bumper/winch combo.