I'm in the market for a winch. I have decided I want a Smittybilt XRC. What I don't know is, should I get the XRC8 or XRC10? I know bigger is always better, but why buy the 10 when the 8 will do just fine. Also why do I want the synthetic line over the steel cable?
Thanks,

 

x2

 

Always figure a min of 1 1/2 x the weight of your vehicle loaded. also depends on the terrain you are traversing. Thick mud, deep snow, these require at least 2 x the vehicle weight. Synthetic rope is great! Alittle more $ but it is lighter, doesn't kink and best of all does not store energy like a wire cable. If synthetic breaks it will simply fall to the ground. If wire cable breaks, it holds energy and that energy is violently released causing potential damage, injury, or death. If you have an unlimited I would recommend the XRC10.

 

I have an unlimited and went with the XRC8 and don't have any complaints.

A few weeks ago I was able to easily extract my buddy's 1 ton full size GMC from a mud hole.

I also have a snatch block in case I need to double the capacity.

 

I have an early model XRC 8. I went with synthetic line because the smittybuilt cable sucked. It seperated after two moderate pulls and after 1 day of recoveries it was unservicable and the inner core was a jute line. I have no complaits with the winch other than being sloooooooooow but it has never let me down.

 

synthetic line also floats !!!

 

if you have the money go with the synthetic line. you wont be sorry

 

For a JK, it's 8000 to 10000

A 10000 winch is heavier on the bumper

 

synthetic is great. If you can order it with synthetic great! if not when you destroy the steal get one then. I like synthetic because they can't get kinked and if you do break it just tie a new loop and you can still use the line. can't do that with steal.

 

Here are some guidelines. I didn't come up with these - they were extracted from a US Army manual on vehicle recovery.

If a vehicle is mired to the where the tires and the wheels meet, you will need a pull equal to it's weight to get it out.

If a vehicle is mired to the hubs, you will need a pull equal to twice it's weight to get it out.

If a vehicle is mired to it's body, you will need a pul equal to three times it's weight to get it out.

So...load you rig up with all the gear you bring on the trail, and weigh it at a struck stop. Then do a bit of math, and decide how often you're willing to use a snatchblock.

Also understand that most winches will only pull their "rated" amount when on the last or second-last wrap (closest to the drum). As you move outward, you may find that the effective amount of pull delivered is cut down to about 70% of the "rated" pull.

So: 8000 pound rating X 70% = 5600 pounds single-line pull or 11,200 pounds double-line.

4500 pound JK Unlimited X 3 if it's really mired = 13,500 pound pull needed.

What does all of that mean? You may be all right with an 8000 pound winch...but you may not. I personally spent a few more dollars for a 9500 pound winch.

9500 pound rating X 70% = 6650 pounds single-line or 13,300 double-line.

If you don't plan on getting really stuck, an 8000 pound winch may do it...but it may also fail you when the going gets tough. There's a reason that a lot of the experienced wheelers will spend the extra money for 9500 pound winches - normally the same reason that so many of us buy Warn winches.