So I have been researching winches for the last 48 hours and I am stuck between 3 options.

1) give in and buy a power plant 9500 or a Zeon 8s and spend over $1k-$1.5k
2) m8000s for $849
3) vr8000s for $729

I know I want synthetic rope, But warn charges $250 more for syn! Most others are asking $200 or less in most cases. Is the warn spydura line worth it? I could add rope later for $200 or less.

I have also been reading about some crazy deals, all seem to be around may/June last year. $377-$399 for a vr8000 (steel line), and $450-500 for the m8000 after rebates shipped! At that price I could get the steel line and add viking rope and still save!

Does warn tend to run annual promotions to get to these prices? I'm not finding anything close. I have PM's out to some vendor here on the forum, but was already quoted the $849 for the m8000s, which still isn't close to what I have been reading about.

Lastly, my choice...I live in Colorado and do mostly "expedition" wheeling. I avoid the big rocks when I can and just enjoy driving throughout the beautiful state. I would guess my winch would only be used in snow to get myself, but probably others unstuck. The power plant is attractive for the air compressor, but I could get a vr8000/m8000 and still add OBA and save. Which would you pick?

 

Send a PM to Chris at jeepaddons. His company is also part on the warnfactoryoutlet.com group. The M8000 with 100' of steel is going for $649 with free shipping just off the site. He should be able to give you a great deal.

 

If you are inclined toward the power plant and don't mind spending the money, I say go for it. I tend to be a little more on the thrift side myself and like to think a good "middle of the road" winch will do everything I need to do, and my Warn 9.5 has performed flawlessly. Christmas night I pulled a SUV out of a 10 foot deep ravine in the snow storm, single line, no problem! I have noticed that there are some good bargains once in a while on Craigslist for used winches. I see periodically Warn 8274 winches that can be bought for $500 to $700, most in good condition. Every single part of these winches can be bought from Warn. The 8275 retails for$1700 new so to buy a good condition used 8274 in that price range is a great bargin and they have super fast line speed. In retrospect I wish I had taken a little more time and bought a good lightly used Warn 8274, very proven platform and tough as they come.

 

That was our first choice,Warn Powerplant,if you have the cash,good way to go

 

I think I have it narrowed down to the m8000-s and the vr8000-s. I found a couple of deals and the price difference is $130.

I backed out of the power plant for 2 reasons. 1) weight, 2) I can add a nice arb or viair OBA system and still be well under the cost of the power plant.

Do you think the m8000'is worth an extra $130 for how little I will be using it? I just want to have it work when I need it 2-3 times/year. I dont care about speed or long pulls etc, that the m8000 has. I am more concerned with longevity of the winch and parts holding up.

Let me know your thoughts...

 

I purchased a powerplant with a promised $100 rebate. I received and love the winch. I sent in the rebate form along with the sales slip to Warn and after six months (now seven) I have yet to receive the rebate from Warn.

Just say'in......

Eugene

 

I am in the same boat. When I called and talked to warn factory outlet she told me that the VR is meant to be used 1-2 times a year and the M's are meant for more regular use..... I still haven't made a decision... kind of waiting for a real good deal.

 

I was thinking of getting the vr and have decided to go with the m8000-s. I love it so far the synthetic rope is great and hasn't started to fade at all yet. I would say go with the m8000-s and be done with it.

 

Shoot me a PM. I have a little pull with them and would be happy to help. Doesn't matter if you didn't buy it from us.

Kind of. The VR is more of an occasional use winch... More than once or twice a year, but it's not quite as robust. The solenoids are one of the main differences. Old standard ones on the VR series and the new model M8000 and other Warn premium winches have contactor controls which should have a longer life and are better suited to much more regular use.

 

Old bump... Which winch did you get? And I'm also curious as to the warn rebates. I saw a few this year.. $80 off and also free emergency kit. I'd rather have the cash.