One thing to keep in mind when purchasing a new winch is real world winching power. Yes a 8000 lb capacity winch can pull 8000 pounds but only on the 1st layer of the winch drum. Some winches will dramatically decrease in real world winch power after the first layer.
Since most folks won't be winching in the real world for only layer 1 they need to have power for layers 2 and 3. When purchasing a new winch look at the power decreases after layer 1.

Example -

8000LB Winch made by Gorilla

Line Pull And Rope Capacity In Layer

Layer Rated Line Pull (lbs)
1 8000
2 6900
3 5845


8000LB Winch made by WARN

Line Pull And Rope Capacity In Layer

Layer Rated Line Pull (lbs)
1 8000
2 7460
3 6980
4 6620
5 6290


As you can see by the example, a WARN winch will provide a lot more power for real world winching situations. Some manufactures don't even tell you how much line pull / lb. for certain layers. I wonder why?

Also, I have never used one but in regards to wireless remotes - winching can be dangerous and I wouldn't trust a wireless connection. If you lose that connection or the battery goes dead. The winch may just keep on winching and what are you going to do?

 

the winch wont keep spooling unless you are holding the switch, so if the battery goes dead the winch stops, same as if the connection is interrupted on a wired remote, but yes, amount of line on the spool is def a consideration

 

Since I still have all the electrical bits of my smittybilt winch in the house, I gave it a thorough inspection this morning. I saw nothing with the Mile Marker logo on it. I also didn't see a single sticker labeling where it was made. I can only imagine that if it were really produced here in the states by Mile Marker, they would advertise that fact. I'm not too worried about the reliability of it, as I won't be using it often, but I'm bummed that it's just one more thing I own made in China.
At least my Jeep was assembled in the states of over 65% domestic parts.

 

Mile Marker is also made in China; according to these guys... It sure does look just like the Harbor Freight to me...

http://www.4wheeloffroad.com/techarticles/trail/131_0706_winch_buyers_guide/index.html

 

I used my smitybilt, xrc8 night before last, and what can I tell you? it was a winch that pulled some guy out of some ruts. Nothing major. I do belive they have an xrc10, but the 8 is enough for me.

 

here is the thread with the mile marker picture
https://www.jk-forum.com/forums/show...highlight=xrc8

 

No real concern there. Either unspool more cable and do your pull, or use a snatch block. If you have hardware that will support it you can use a reasonable size winch and then double the line pull, whatever it happens to be with the current line wrap. Of course that stuff won't fly for speed or competition, but neither will a $300 winch.

As far as the wireless goes, people safety is priority. I agree that the failure mode should always fail off. But if the wireless allows the user to get out of the way and be safer it is worth it. A wireless box with a manual mechanical override button would be the best.

 

I just got an 8000# from them - and found out they are in my building where I work! Really nice folks. They are car/offroad people and average Joe's. Got a snatch block from them too that seems to be of great quality. Install went fine and everything seems to work - maybe I can try in out over fathers day.

This is not a small operation, they are shipping a bunch of winches.

 

I have a Smittybilt XRC8 and it's great. My friend has a warn 8000lb and a Smittybilt XRC8 and likes the Smittybilt better. It's got better line speed. 4WD.com and 4wheelparts.com run specials every so often. I got my XRC8 for $270. Can't beat it.

 

Heres how I look at it. Would you rather buy a brand name winch once or a generic China winch twice (or more). Keep an eye out for a used winch or one on sale. There are bargains out there to be had.

Ty