jeffncs

I've heard recommendations from various folks for an 8k or a 10k. I know bigger is usually better, but that additional 2k comes at an added price. I'm on a budget.

I'm not a hardcore wheeler. I make the occasional trip up to Rausch Creek for the blues and greens. Eventually, my stock Rubicon Unlimited will grow up with a lift and 35's. With an offroad bumper on the horizon, I need to fill the "hole" in the middle with a winch.

I'm keeping the cost on the lower end - less than $500. Recommendations? Brands to avoid (why?)? I'm thinking about the Smittybilt XRC-8 Comp (synthetic line). Thoughts?

Thanks.
Jeff

Serg5000

Your going to get many different answers here. Warn is one of the best, so they say. I have never had a winch till this JK came along, and this Smittybilt 8k I got for free. If I had to buy one, I would save for a warn.

sm_rubi

The unlimited is best with the 10,000 where the 2dr is good with a 8,000. Warn if you can afford it if not I've run the SB X10 with synthetic rope and it's worked pretty well. Just my

SilverJK12

I used to work for Ramsey winch. I think the best for money is the 10k xrc comp by smittybilt. I have tested warn and Ramsey winches too with friends and my smitty is very solid! I even did speed line tests. Paid around 500 too for mine!

HV

I hate to say this but go for the smity built as long as you buy a extended warrenty for a $100 bucks I have owned a warn and milemarker its not worth the extra money .

09rubicon

Minimum winch requirements are:


Single line pull

Ocassional use: 1.5 x Vehicle loaded weight

Mud/Rocks/regular use: 2 x Vehicle loaded weight

Heavy/extreme use: 3x vehicle loaded weight


None of this is written in stone, but has been repeated to me by experienced wheelers for years and has held true for me.

NorthRiver

8000 is plenty.

I have the Smittybilt XRC8. Its worked well for me so far.

Benchmark Designs Inc.

You can find a Warn M8000 for around $540. That would be my recommendation. You can always sex it up with rope later.

john smack

my Warm M8000 has flat pulled me through the mud single line. my front diff was on the ground and my trires we hanging. no problems with the winch!

RevyJKU08

8000 to 9500 will work just fine for the unlimited any bigger is overkill unless you get a smok'in good deal on the winch. If needed add a snatch block to your recovery gear and double the pulling power of your winch!!