Just wondering I just bought this winch and I was reeling it in for the first time and there was a small amount of smoke that came out of it. I used it to winch a friends truck on a trailor and there was no smoke not a problem. Just wondering if this is something to worry about, or if I should take it off and get another one

 

Did you happen to smell the smoke? It could be just oil in the gear/ brake area that just needs to be burned off. There are many other things it could be too. Personally I would return it and get a new one, Why take the chance of it not working when you really need it.

 

When I first installed mine and "set" the line it did the same thing. I have used in several times since without repeat. The installer said (afterwards) that it's not unusual.

 

X2 love my 8 for what i use it for!!!!!!!

 

I love mine, too, for the price!
As soon as I got it, I took it all apart to check the gears, wiring, etc.
Sure enough, there were wee styrofoam peanuts in my gearcase.
My $.02?- pull it off and go through it thoroughly. They're made in a sweatshop, so "little" oversights are expected, right?
(I got the idea to really examine it first from one of these forums, where lots of people found peanuts in their gears!!!)

 

Thanks for the advice not sure how comfortable I am with pulling the thing apart but might give it a try

 

They have a good warranty. If you can't break it in two years, you should be fine. If you take it apart you'll likely void the warranty. It's yours so, as with anything, you can do with it what you wish.

I would rather exercise it several times and see if you can break it. If you can, replace it. If you can't.........you had fun trying. I took mine out front and winched myself up the street - several times - to make sure the winch was working like it's supposed to. I guess you could bury your Jeep in the mud or something but if it works, it works.