Unlimited1

Okay, So I am new to off roading but I like to be prepared. What capacity of winch would be recommended for a JK unlimited runnin heavier 33" tires and some additional weight adding parts?

chance575

biggest one you can afford and fit

never be cheap on a winch purchase

while your at it get a good battery or even a second

ccdjeep

http://www.4wd.com/Jeep-Parts-Tops-a...PART26502.aspx


this should be plenty...good price too.

inlo

Exactly what he said! I mounted 10,000lb on my JK unlimited, maybe a little overkill, but I like to stay around 3x the vehicle weight.

JKcarp

Definitely not overkill at all. I'm eyeing up the 12,000 myself. I've always heard 2-3x weight.

00pumpkin

I agree with above, I wouldnt go less than a 9500.....

jk-rubicon

Used my Warn 9000i this weekend and still not enough power. Remember you can always use a snatch block to increase your power pull. The best recommendation I have to give is to just not look at the 8000, 9000 or 12,000 pull power ratings but the pull ratings per cylinder turn.

These numbers can decrease significantly (especially on a cheap winch). A 12,000 pound winch can have the same pull strength after 2 revolutions as a 9,000 pound winch. Look for these particular ratings. WARN and T-Max are good brands to feel confident in.

JKcarp

Good call there.

RubiconJohn

The rule of thumb is 1.5X the weight of the loaded vehicle. I know a loaded up Rubicon Unlimited would probably tip the scales at around 5500 lbs. So, you should NOT go with anything smaller than a 8,500 lb. winch.

Also, as others have already said, look at how much pulling power the winch has with 1, 2, 3, and 4 layers of winch line on the spool. This is more meaningful than the quoted rating. I would suggest a winch that can pull at least 8,500 lbs. with two layers on the spool. That means probably a 10,000 or 12,000 lb winch IMO.

Unlimited1

Thanks ya'll, as soon as I get my Shrockworks stubby bumber I'll go and get a 12,000 lbs unit in a trusted name brand.