Hi Folks,

I've seen these Smittybilt XRC3 winches on sale for $99. It comes with a remote and steel line and is a 3.000 lb winch with a 3.9 hp motor. I know its pretty low end but its so cheap so I wondered if it would be useless and a waste of money or would it actually work for some light off roading in a pinch (I have a 2 door in case that matters). The next step up is about $300 for a cheap 8,000 lb winch but its 3 times the price and I don't off road much. So, would I be throwing this cheap 3,000 lb winch in the trash in 3 months or would it actually work for me in a pinch?

Thanks,
Paul

 

I would want to go with a 8,000 lbs at least . I have a warn one . not cheap but worth every penny. 8,000lbs would be a starting point.

 

That size would be appropriate for ATVs.

 

I think it would be fine for pulling your Jeep into the garage and didn't want to start it. I don't think it would get you out of any situation on the trails.

 

That's a good size winch for a Bicycle Kidding but you really need at least 8000 or higher

 

not unless you wanted to use 3 or 4 snatch blocks....

 

One block would raise it to 6,000 lbs.

That may make it a candidate for a removable receiver mounted winch.
Another concern is how long would the motor and gears last at only $99.

 

a winch isn't something you want to cheap out on. also keep in mind our jeep are well over 3000 lbs. ive got an warn M8000 and its a friggin work horse. shop around and you can find a decent deal on them. i picked mine up for like $550 and i know of people getting them for as low as $400

 

Keep in mind two basic points about winching:

1. Unless you are pulling your Jeep straight up, you are not pulling the full weight of your Jeep. Many winching situations don't require you to winch the entire weight straight up. However, winching up a waterfall can come pretty close. Do you really want to trust a 3,000 lb cheapie to get you up and over an obstacle?

2. If you are stuck, the resistance of whatever you are in (mud, rocks, etc.) can multiply the force needed to extract your vehicle. For example, winching out of thick mud can put the strain of many times the weight of the Jeep on the winch. Using a 3,000 winch to get out of mud would not only be futile, it would be dangerous. That thing would make a pretty good missile when it lets go!

That's why many winch manufactures suggest a minimum of 1.5 times the weight of your vehicle. It's not just the pulling power, it's also the fact that heavier-rated winches are built to take heavier loads.

I suppose if you don't plan on using it, it really doesn't matter what size it is.

 

I have the 3000LB on my ATVs... definetely would not work on a Jeep.