Hey everyone, brand new to the forums, been spending all week reading them, TONS of useful info here!

I'm planning a trip to Ouray, CO this August and am in the process of modding my recently purchased Jeep with parts to get it ready for the trails.

On my wishlist is a winch, to save me if I get stuck. I don't know too much about winches, but what I'm looking for is something that will be used rarely and can pull me out in a pinch. I heard that Warn is the best brand, is that right?

I was scanning craigslist and found this just recently. Is this a bargain or should I look for something bigger/better to save me in a pinch?

http://desmoines.craigslist.org/pts/733990863.html

If link is dead, it's a Warn Winch 3700.

 

Bigger, much bigger, at least an 8000lb, IMO.

 

That winch isn't strong enough to pull you downhill on an icy road. 3,700 lbs just isn't enough. 8,000 lbs is minimum. 9,000-9,500 is ideal.

Quadratec has the Warn M8000 for under $600. Great deal for a Warn, can't beat it anywhere on the internet and from a great company.

There are plenty of other winches for less than $500. Seek and you shall find!

 

LOL I almost feel embarrassed now for posting this. After I posted it, I clicked the link on the CL ad to warn's site.

http://www.warn.com/works/dcwinches/DC3700.shtml

There's a picture of it moving some cinder blocks from a deck! I need to move a Jeep, not bricks!

But thanks for the info about getting one that moves at least 8,000 lbs. I do see that Warn M8000 in Quadratec's catalog, I've been flipping pages through it all week!

Thanks again!

 

x2. They are a great value.

 

Not to throw water on your desire to buy a winch. Were it me, and my $ to spend, I would buy a good set of rock rails and a Hi-lift jack. Not only to the rock rails offer needed protection, they offer variable lift points for the jack.
My experience shows most stuck condititons can be resolved from a yank strap and a second vehicle, use of a Hi-lift to jack and place a rock under the tires, or a shovel to dig out.
The best protection, from getting stuck, is always a second vehicle and a yank strap

 

Another awy to save money is to go wheelin with a friend who HAS a winch.

 

X2....

 

Not trying to be ugly so don't take this wrong please. A friend is a friend who actually HAS the winch. Be a giver...not a taker (if youc can afford it).

 

You can get the Smittybuilt XRC8 for $263.00 its on sale at


www.4wheelparts.com/Winches-Winch-Accessories/XRC8-Winch.aspx?t_c=18&t_s=300&t_pt=100702&t_pl=6426&t_ pn=S%2fB97281

i'm picking one up today cant beat the price..