brutusroof

I just added the Body Armor front bumper and am in the market for a winch. I live in Ohio and will mostly be using my JK for snow and bad rainy weather. I just got my skid plate from 4wdHardware and noticed a "Waterproof Winch" on the back cover of their Spring 2011 catalog.

I wash both of my jeeps constantly and will be using the JK a lot in the winter. (SRT8 SUCKS in snow) Are the "regular" winches and aircraft cable prone to rust or is the "waterproof" one a waste of money? I won't be using the winch a lot but I want one that will last a long time without rusting out.

I'm very new to the JK's and would appreciate any advice you can give me. Also, what winch would you suggest? I'd like to stay around $500 or so. Thank you

Badasjp

Did you have to drill any extra holes for the skid plate.

brutusroof

Nope, it bolted right into the existing holes. It looks great and was a good deal. I just mailed in the $45 rebate on the bumper. Let me know if you wanna see a pic of it installed.

mhaines

Well as my smittybilt is laying in a pile on the floor, I personally can't recommend them.
I do have a Recon 10.5k "waterproof" winch with synthetic line that is supposed to be delivered today. It was in the same price range as the one you mentioned.
You also might check out northridge4x4 on this forum, I think they have a sale on warns right now

DjHeath84

I installed a rugged ridge 8500lb winch about 6 months ago. It recessed in my bumper but uncovered. I have driven through piles of snow, rain, and sunk the jeep headlight deep in muddy water. It hasn't given me a problem yet. And I only spent about $350 with shippping via Quadratec....

brutusroof

Thanks for the input. I really appreciate it. I was definitely leaning toward the synthetic rope too. I just don't want to buy one and have it rust out in a few years when i can get a "waterproof" one for $400 or $500. Like i mentioned, i'm not planning on using it all the time but it's definitely going to get wet pretty often.

I may sell the two door model I have now and go with a four door once i get the SRT paid off so I want to get a winch that can handle the extra weight of the 4 door plus toys.

I hate buying something, then regretting down the road that I didn't get the larger or more expensive model.

brutusroof

Did your smittybilt break or is it a pain in the a$$ to put together? You kinda scared me now cuz I was leanin toward the X20. Hard to beat a 10,000lb waterproof for only $499.99.

largo

I run a Warn 9.5ti that is waterproof. I know what you mean about water on the winch constantly. I purchased a Warn neoprene cover that works great. I take it off in the summer often so you do not build up condensation, but the winch will not be hurt, and I run synthetic cable.

Blakspire

I have the 9.5ti best winch i have ever used.

Spartangreen

I had a 8k Ramsey on the front of my CJ7 for 15 years out in the elements, under water at times, mud, snow, salt, etc... Nothing on the winch ever rusted, corroded or looked disparaging. The jeep on the other hand...
I'm not supporting one brand or the other, but if the winches from 15 years ago still look good today, I wouldn't think today's winches would look bad 15 years from now.