So I am wondering if this winch would be overkill for my Jeep. Here's my situation and reasoning:

1. I drive a four door (also modified so it is heavier than stock).
2. I have a wife and two kids, so I can't fold down the rear seat for more storage.
3. So, I pull a trailer when we go camping or hunting.
4. When we go, we go for 1-2 weeks at a time, so a lot of supplies are taken. Not to include any meat from hunting on our way home.
5. We go way up in the rockies where it always snows during our hunting seasons (of course).
6. I was considering Ramsey or Warn simply because they are made in USA.
7. Also, I have yet to come across someone saying that their Ramsey has broken down after only a few uses, where as I've seen many people say their Warn has.
8. Finally, I don't care about Ramsey's line speed issue. I've compared both Warn and Ramsey and the difference is insignificant to me.

So with all that being said, I was trying to decide between the 12000 and 15000. Quadratec sells either the wireless or wired 15000 for only $30 more than the 12000. For and extra 3000 lbs, $30 sounds like a deal. Any one else have anything to say? I could use everyone's two cents here.

 

Add the ability to pull other vehicles that weigh more than your jeep out of the mud etc...

 

most of the aftermarket bumpers for the jeep are rated for up to a 10 000lb winch. In an extreme pull you may wind up damaging something. Not to mention there may well be fitment issues getting a winch that size mounted. I bought a snatch block for mine and an ARB winch extension line. Can double my pull so no worries.

 

Good point. Although I did check to see if the Ramsey 15000 would fit in my bumper, and it would fit. However, now that I know about the "maximum rating" I will probably have to reconsider/do some more research.

 

You could always reinforce the front bumper and mounting plate, and maybe have it tied directly to the frame of the jeep.. But then again, I don't know if all that extra effort would be worth it