Better to have it and not need it? Winches in SoCal.

[jimster716]

Debating on getting a winch. Nobody in my usual off roading posse (two 5th gens and one 4th gen) has one. Although we try to challenge ourselves, we don't crawl in places that Jeeps rule the roost. But my 4Runner is also for snowboard trips to mammoth and SoCal mtns so self-recovery might be a possibility.

So is a winch recommended for SoCal 4Runners? Or will snatch straps and D-shackles suffice?

Thanks!

 

[4Running Daily]

I would recommend a winch. 1 single use and it has paid for itself. Whether you're helping out someone else who is stuck on the side of the road in the snow, or you're pulling yourself out in the middle of the forest, it's worth it in my opinion.

 

[mwray8909]

I'd say a winch in going to be far more self-sufficient. The cost doesn't end at the winch tho. There's the cover, accessories, maintenance, mount/ hardware/wiring, ect.... that being said, I'm going to getting one for SoCal as well. It for is a better to have it and not need it. These rigs are an investment and an really winch is just insurance for it. IMO

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[Drunner97]

I'll have one eventually when I spring for a front bumper.

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[MACT4R]

Winch. It's on the list of upgrades with steel front bumper. I've seen it help other members out of trouble.

 

[85RedRunner]

Debating on getting a winch. Nobody in my usual off roading posse (two 5th gens and one 4th gen) has one. Although we try to challenge ourselves, we don't crawl in places that Jeeps rule the roost. But my 4Runner is also for snowboard trips to mammoth and SoCal mtns so self-recovery might be a possibility.

So is a winch recommended for SoCal 4Runners? Or will snatch straps and D-shackles suffice?

I always refer to the bypasses as the Jeep trails.

If you're excursions don't take you to places with crazy sharp turns, big drops, and no way for a vehicle to pass to get in front/behind you...then not much need in a winch. Recovery straps should do you just fine.

As far as added cost for a winch.. I don't think so? Maybe replace the rope every 4 years or so. The wiring comes with it.. and cover is necessary ($40) if you're using synthetic rope with a lot of sun exposure.

If money is an issue.. start off with a cheaper winch like shittybilt and count how many times you use it in a year. Cool thing is that it's not just for stuck vehicles... pull up stumps, drag heavy things, tie your dog to it, etc..

Always good to have but not necessary for what it sounds like you do.

Good luck!

Also think about the added weight on the front of your truck. They usually add about 100lbs.

 

[jimster716]

I always refer to the bypasses as the Jeep trails.

If you're excursions don't take you to places with crazy sharp turns, big drops, and no way for a vehicle to pass to get in front/behind you...then not much need in a winch. Recovery straps should do you just fine.

As far as added cost for a winch.. I don't think so? Maybe replace the rope every 4 years or so. The wiring comes with it.. and cover is necessary ($40) if you're using synthetic rope with a lot of sun exposure.

If money is an issue.. start off with a cheaper winch like shittybilt and count how many times you use it in a year. Cool thing is that it's not just for stuck vehicles... pull up stumps, drag heavy things, tie your dog to it, etc..

Always good to have but not necessary for what it sounds like you do.

Good luck!

Also think about the added weight on the front of your truck. They usually add about 100lbs.

Thanks all.
I ordered a Smittybilt X20 10 this afternoon with a promotion for a free cover. It'll sit behind a hidden winch mount hybrid bumper I ordered so won't need the cover anyways. If I find that it's really shittybilt and I'm using more often than I thought then maybe I'll get the Warn Zeon or Superwinch or Comeup winches.

 

[85RedRunner]

Thanks all.
I ordered a Smittybilt X20 10 this afternoon with a promotion for a free cover. It'll sit behind a hidden winch mount hybrid bumper I ordered so won't need the cover anyways. If I find that it's really shittybilt and I'm using more often than I thought then maybe I'll get the Warn Zeon or Superwinch or Comeup winches.

Thats the spirit! Congrats.

Maybe a review after your first time using it. Biggest complaint is how slow and noisy they are.. sometimes an issue engaging the clutch, but none of that matters for minimal use.

Im actually expecting the zeon to be at my door tomorrow, kind of exciting.

 

[TK-422]

Which hybrid did you order?

I just ordered a Relentless hybrid. This is pic of [MENTION=136692]SixthSnail[/MENTION] bumper he just had installed.

I was just at Amazon looking at the new Smittybuilt X20 10K.

I was very glad I had one on my Bronco the few times I needed it.

 

[mwray8909]

Which hybrid did you order?

I just ordered a Relentless hybrid. This is pic of [MENTION=136692]SixthSnail[/MENTION] bumper he just had installed.

I was just at Amazon looking at the new Smittybuilt X20 10K.

I was very glad I had one on my Bronco the few times I needed it.

If I was going to go with a hybrid, the one [MENTION=136692]SixthSnail[/MENTION] has is probably what I'd go with.

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[jimster716]

Yeap, that's the one I went with, Relentless winch mount hybrid.

 

[RyanEJ25]

Not sure if a winch was appropriate but it would have been a hell of a lot easier than 2 people lifting it up lol

 

[TK-422]

I got my winch today plus a few add ons. I am still waiting on my bumper.

 

[MACT4R]

I got my winch today plus a few add ons. I am still waiting on my bumper.

This would have come in handy this weekend TK! Lol!

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[Oneluv13T4R]

This would have come in handy this weekend TK! Lol!

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LMFAO!!! The one time he has needed it and it sitting in his garage. He knows where to go to try it out when it gets installed .."the left shoulder " hill 3. :kiss:

 

[Fomer_FJ_owner805]

I Know its beet talked about using the rear hitch as a recovery point but what about a removable winch on rear hitch? Something like this https://www.amazon.com/Cradle-Mount...t_2?ie=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=HM4FH2152C4G2FN0T96X

 

[mwray8909]

I Know its beet talked about using the rear hitch as a recovery point but what about a removable winch on rear hitch? Something like this https://www.amazon.com/Cradle-Mount...t_2?ie=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=HM4FH2152C4G2FN0T96X

I don't really see why not but I don't know if that's a good long term solution

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[Fomer_FJ_owner805]

I don't really see why not but I don't know if that's a good long term solution

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Defiantly short term, til I get a bumper. Long term put a hitch mount on the front also in case Im ever nose into something. Aslo keep it in the garage to keep rust and extra weight off.

 

[TK-422]

This would have come in handy this weekend TK! Lol!

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Well in this case it was have it and need it. Unfortunately the winch bumper is still being built.

If it was installed it would have saved a lot of time trying to tug me out of the quick sand. I would have been eager to use it and recruited the first 4Runner to get in front of me and be an anchor to try out my new toy.

 

[TK-422]

I Know its beet talked about using the rear hitch as a recovery point but what about a removable winch on rear hitch? Something like this https://www.amazon.com/Cradle-Mount...t_2?ie=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=HM4FH2152C4G2FN0T96X

Front and rear hitch mounts have been done many times on different vehicles. They work but there are things to consider. You have to run cables to both locations with disconnects. The weight to move the winch from front to back. You will have to have it with you when you need it so the weight will be there any time you might need it. Forget to bring it with you can happen.