OK
I want a Winch.
I was all set on the Warn Powerplant but am going to pass on it for several reasons...

1) They seem to be having some thermal issues
2) I really do not need the compressor as I do not wheel enough that Id be airing up and doing even though I can see having it as a nice added bonus.
3) It does not fit in many bumpers (I do not want a top mount)
4) It seems to cut the airflow to the engine quite a bit.
5) I rarely could really see myself using the winch, I need it more as a what if type of thing... Here in Michigan going out to hunting areas can get pretty muddy, and the snow can get thick going out to the snowmobile trails or even ski resorts.

So... I always tend to overbuy for my needs and I am not doing that this time.
What do you guys suggest for a durable and reliable winch to run on the JK? I will either have the Shrockworks or AEV bumper. I am not looking as cheap as Harbor Freight as I have had friends with those and a couple times they did not work when needed... So, what should I be looking at? Long term reliability being most important....

 

i like the warn 9.5ti. it fits perfect in the Mopar bumper, very compact.

 

I have a Superwinch EPi9. It gets rave review's. I don't have it mounted yet because I'm waiting to get a bumper in the spring. There was a good article in Moab Jeeper magazine, I wish I could find the link. It's alot cheaper than the competition, and stlill works great. There are some fitment issues, though, so be careful. I know that on the Shrockworks Mid width that I will buy, you have to drill 4 new mounting holes about 1/2 inch to the right, but maybe they'll do this for you if you specify what winch your using. I'll give them a call when I'm ready to buy mine. HTH

 

i would say if your barely ever going to winch and use the air feature even less then i wouldnt spend the money on it. A winch is good to have for the just incase situation, thats why i have mine. You are correct, there are bumpers where it wont fit or the fitment is poor and to put it ontop of a winch plate would almost block all your air flow.

My suggestion for your needs, either the SuperWinch (seen this thing first hand on friends rigs, works great!) or a MileMarker/Warn 8000 lbs winch. You can find them anywhere from mid $400 up to $1000 so just shop around a little for it.

 

I know the Warn is great but isnt it foolish to spend $1100 + on
something I will not use very often and is there more for emergencies
(and making some cash in the winter pulling crazies out of ditches)

 

i guess i look at it differently. Warn are known to be the most reliable and durable winch on the market. i would rather spend a couple hundred extra dollars on the extra reassurance.
of all the wheeling trips i've been on i have never witnessed a Warn winch failure, but i have seen other brands stop working when needed most.

 

I still havent said I am not buying a Warn but I am looking at other options.
The Superwinch and MileMarker both seem like very good options as well.

 

x2. That said Ramsey and SuperWinch are both good brands too. I bought my PowerPlant, because air was something I definitely wanted to add, but I didn't need it to the degree of a fancy setup nor did I want to mess with finding space for a special setup. The thermal issue seems to be a limited problem. It's a popular winch right now, so you're bound to see posts with some problems just like you do for anything else -- keep in mind the context.

 

I guess I am going to end up with the Shrockworks bumper with a Powerplant
or the AEV with a Ramsey or Superwinch.

As I said I do not NEED the air but I have had time where I have had a slow leak where I sure wish I had the air!

If the AEV bumper was a bit cheaper and the Warn Powerplant would fit it I really think that would be the ticket but Im looking at around 3000 for the AEV and Powerplant (but the Powerplant doesnt even work in it)

 

MrSig I have seen your set up many times here and love it!
If I was to wheel more I would go that route for sure!
Perhaps someday when I have a Jeep as my second vehicle...

We share a appreciation for fine Jeeps and fine firearms as well...
I am not a big sig fan but a junkie for HK's and high end custom
1911's