Waterproof Winch?
JK Freak
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 777
Likes: 2
From: Stuart, Florida
Originally Posted by 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.
The few times I used it, it functioned properly so I can't complain there.
I went ahead and ordered Recon 10,500lb with synthetic line for $489 delivered.
If I had the extra money, I prolly would have gotten the warn 9.5 that the others mentioned
Thread Starter
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 202
Likes: 0
From: Youngstown
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.
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.
JK Super Freak
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 1,457
Likes: 2
From: B.F.E, MI
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.
Of course, for 1000 bucks, it should.
Thread Starter
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 202
Likes: 0
From: Youngstown
I agree with you 100%. I just can't justify spending over $1k on something I may use once a year, if at all. I'm mostly getting it for the look and so i don't have holes in my front bumper. I'm sure I'll end up using it more than i think tho. I've gotten my tractor stuck in the snow several times over the years and had to get help lifting it out of the ditch.
JK Newbie
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 91
Likes: 0
From: Springvale, ME
Originally Posted by 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.
Thread Starter
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 202
Likes: 0
From: Youngstown
Last edited by brutusroof; Mar 22, 2011 at 11:33 AM.
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 473
Likes: 0
From: Columbia City, IN
I bought the Recon 10,500 winch. I don't think there is a better deal out there for winches. It's all hooked up and ready to go, I just have not had a chance to actually use it. I did a lot of research about it before I bought it and found hardly any negative reviews. The bad reviews were mostly user and installation errors.
Former Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,755
Likes: 0
From: Columbiana, OH
It is Waterproof as in the internals and the electrical. It is not rust proof.
The new Smitty ones are not available yet, which seems to be the norm, I wouldn't expect them in before Summer. As well as the pricing is wrong on the back of the catalog. The 8k Waterproof is $549.99 and the 10k is $649.99.
I would never drive through water that is deeper than my winch as it is, so I am fine with a normal winch. I would get the 10K Smittybilt with Synthetic line, with the Lifetime Warranty and not have to worry about it.
The new Smitty ones are not available yet, which seems to be the norm, I wouldn't expect them in before Summer. As well as the pricing is wrong on the back of the catalog. The 8k Waterproof is $549.99 and the 10k is $649.99.
I would never drive through water that is deeper than my winch as it is, so I am fine with a normal winch. I would get the 10K Smittybilt with Synthetic line, with the Lifetime Warranty and not have to worry about it.
JK Newbie
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 40
Likes: 0
From: Seymour, TN
Most all winches these days are designed to be on the outside of a Jeep so they will all take the weather and elements to a point. (they will rust and corrode but still work) I've used Warn for the past 10+ years on an YJ, been through all kinds of crap and it still winched and never let me down. I curently have an M8000 on my JK and at 535.00 you cant beet it. Just my 2 pesos.