Best Affordable Winch ?
JK Freak
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 830
Likes: 7
From: Manassas, VA
comes with
19mm bow shackles x2
4,000kg winch extension strap 20m
8,000kg snatch block
8,000kg snatch strap 9m
8,000kg tree trunk protector 3m
Heavy duty leather gloves
Recovery blanket
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 306
Likes: 0
From: St. John's NL
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 317
Likes: 1
From: Fayette-nam, NC
I had a Recon 10500 winch for a couple of years and it performed well for me until I sold the Jeep. For my new Jeep, I'm looking for a winch below $500 with a synthetic line that was at least 9k lbs. I found the Superwinch Tigershark 9500 fit the bill and almost bought one until I found someone selling the 11000 lb model online and bought it from them today. I still think the Tigershark 9500 is the best bang for the buck in that you get a recognized name, enough pulling power for a lightly modified JKU and the safety of synthetic rope for less than $500. To the OP, I think 8K lb rated winches are good for a JK but not enough for a JKU. Using the recommended 1.5 times the GVWR, for the JKU 5500 X 1.5 = 8250 lbs. That means that an 8k lb rated winch doesn't quite cut it, then add aftermarket bumpers, lifts and tires, now your GVWR tops 6000 lbs, so I would recommend that for a JKU, at least 9500 lb rated winch be considered. Also, keep in mind what got you to need a winch in the first place, if you are stuck in mud or sand, the resistance will increase the pull load, I know that using a snatch block will distribute the load, but sometimes that is not an option and a straight pull is required.
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 328
Likes: 0
From: Pennsylvania
I agree, a simple snatch block and recovery skills can go a long way in any situation.
JK Super Freak
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 1,331
Likes: 0
From: Dallas, TX
Difference in 2-door and 4 is only about 300lbs.
Also sinister who you may be grouped with offroad. I've been through Canada with several range rovers that were 6,000 lbs. I believe my own JKU is around 5,400lbs or so.
I've had to winch an F350 stuck to its frame, used a snatch block with my 9,000lbs winch and it was a slow hard pull.
If you can afford it, don't skimp, go with as much winch as you can afford and fit.
There is a point, IMO, where there's too much. I see no reason for a 12,000 lbs. winch. But hey, you got the $$, go for it.
Sent from some string and a few tin cans.
JK Super Freak
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 1,813
Likes: 0
From: Nokesville, Va
I just got a Superwinch 9500 TS and called it a day. 
It has a pull on it, nothing glorious. I was stuck with a tree nearby, had a winch, and it pulled me out without giving me any problems. Already paid for itself.
It has a pull on it, nothing glorious. I was stuck with a tree nearby, had a winch, and it pulled me out without giving me any problems. Already paid for itself.
JK Freak
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 667
Likes: 0
From: Weston, FL
Here is a great document. I think it's published by Superwinch, but the basics are all the same for all winches.
http://cdn.shptrn.com/media/mfg/4377...pdf?1289591024
JK Freak
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 667
Likes: 0
From: Weston, FL
Here are some examples of what I mean.
This guy has a modified Warn 8274, he said he doubled the strength of the winch. The Warn 8274 is a fantastic winch by the way, but you're also going to pay big bucks for it unless you can get a good used one.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kfvEV0V6kvI
For those asking if winch lines break, in this case I would have definitely used a snatch block.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vr1ByxFi450
This next one is a great example. I don't know what winch he used but it obviously was not powerful enough to do the job single line, you can hear when the winch reached its max and just stopped pulling. This example really illustrates the power of the snatch block too, once the winch reached its max, he added a snatch block and was able to complete the recovery. In this case the recovery vehicle could pull up close enough to serve as the winching point and use a snatch block. Again, this may not always be possible.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nvu1C75VRLA
This guy has a modified Warn 8274, he said he doubled the strength of the winch. The Warn 8274 is a fantastic winch by the way, but you're also going to pay big bucks for it unless you can get a good used one.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kfvEV0V6kvI
For those asking if winch lines break, in this case I would have definitely used a snatch block.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vr1ByxFi450
This next one is a great example. I don't know what winch he used but it obviously was not powerful enough to do the job single line, you can hear when the winch reached its max and just stopped pulling. This example really illustrates the power of the snatch block too, once the winch reached its max, he added a snatch block and was able to complete the recovery. In this case the recovery vehicle could pull up close enough to serve as the winching point and use a snatch block. Again, this may not always be possible.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nvu1C75VRLA