I've finalized it. I'm going to buy a winch. However, before I decide there are factors affecting which one to get. I'm going to tell you them so you can help me out to the best of your abilities.

Affecting Factors:

- I'm strapped for cash. Thus, I'm doing my best to stay around $300-$800 tops.

- I wheel about once per month. The trails so far have not required any winching. Because I know the trails, or when I have the correct spotter, I do fine. But, I know that one day I will get stuck in mud, or can't climb a hill, or get stuck on something and will need that winch. Plus, I'll be moving to Oregon soon and I know it rains there a ton (rain + rocky/mulch soil = mud and tough situations).

- I don't plan on using the winch every time I wheel. But, I would like it for a piece of mind; to do its job without problems when the time comes to be winched.

I've found a few different kinds. Care to tell me about them or tell me what you think of them? Remember, I don't need a heavy duty one, I just need that one that will be used a few times and perform without any problems.

Warn M8000 - http://www.quadratec.com/products/92104_01_07.htm
Ramsey 9.5e - http://www.quadratec.com/products/92142_019_07.htm
T Max - http://www.quadratec.com/products/92111_101_07.htm

One quick question - Does the winch come with everything you need in order to successfully install it? I've already upgraded my battery to the Yellow Top Optima, and I'm going to fab a winch mount from 1/4 or 1/8 inch steel.

Thanks!

JK Specs:
- 2"BB
- Front/Rear Steel bumpers
- 3.73 gears
- 33x12.5 tires

 

Personally, go with the Warn. They hold their value well and the piece of mind knowing that when you need it, it will do the job is worth much more than the winch cost. (Not to mention, their finish is very nice and looks great)

If I were to do it again, Id buy the exact same winch.

AND, buy from Northridge4x4.com. if you use promo code Moab you get 5% off their already low prices and free shipping. I got an AWESOME deal on mine.

 

And the winch I bought came with everything I needed to mount it. of course I already had a winch ready bumper.. the cables are the perfect length and reach the battery with no excess wiring.

The ONLY gripe I have with Warn, they pride themselves with being made in USA, yet the winch controller had one of those big Gold oval stickers on it that said "Made in China"

 

This is a purchase I tormented over for a long time. I read and read and read. I bought the Warn M8000 and am very happy.

 

Everybody is going to tell you to go with the Warn. Not bad advice if it fits your needs/budget. After extensive reading and shopping, I went with the Smittybilt. The 2nd generation Xrc winches are the same technology as most of the Warns (series wound motor) and are getting good reviews from users across the board. the 1st gen has a perm magnet motor which is typical of the cheap winches and they are not so highly regarded. Can't beat $299 for 8000# winch either.

People do get a bit religious about their winch choice, so it can be difficult to sift thru the posts. Good Luck with your search.

 

One of my buds has the smittybilt.. it has worked well so far for him, he did have to reattach the wires inside the solenoid because they were loose from the factory..

I thought I read somewhere smittybilt is out of business now

 

I've been looking too, and it's hard to ignore the $400 savings with the Smittybilt. Don't let me hijack this thread or anything, but has anybody had trouble with their 2d gen products?

 

Smittybilt ain't outta business. The goin outta business rumor for them is OLD.....circa late 2005. Google "smittybilt out of business"...you'll see. They're goin strong.

 

X2 cheap ive used it a few times (to rescue others of course)and for my firs winch i love it its a great deal and i have never heard anything negative about it so for the wheeling that you describe i would check it out!!!

 

When you need a winch you really need it. I would suggest buying a Warn or Superwinch. I avoid like the plague the 300-400 Chinese winches. For not that much more money you can actually get a decent product. A winch vender in Moab at EJS told me the cheap winches were for people who didn't intend to use the winch but wanted a winch on their bumper for looks. This was from a guy who sold them.