My thoughts/observations on the XRC8:
First, regarding the free-spool, I found that there was nothing toy-like about it. As a matter of fact, it is a chore to pull line off the drum in free spool.
Good to know. From what I have read on other forum (Jeep) it seems that the first run of this winch was a piece of garbage. A lot of people had problems it seems. The second run is a lot better.
Second, the line speed is pretty slow. I've never been pulled by a fast winch, or any other winch for that matter, but I know that when I clicked that button I was expecting a yank and to get pulled up that hill quickly. Instead I found myself wondering if it was even pulling while the winch line became taught and the truck slowly started moving forward. Regardless, it got the job done, slow and steady up the hill.
I actually put together an excel spreadsheet comparing the XRC8, M8000 and X20. Between the M800 and XRC8, the Warn was slower in the 4000, 6000, 8000 load pulls. However, the max pull with 4 layers on was a full 1100 lbs less for the XRC8.
Third, the winch controller feels like it may not be very durable. I will probably be buying an extra to carry in the truck with me just in case. The good thing is that if the controller does take a dump, it would be very easy to create a jumper out of some wire and manually control the winch. This is feasible because I have installed the plug in-cab, within arms reach.
I was sitting waiting for the GF to run into a store, and was contemplating what an in-cab winch control would be like. I went online and with YOUR write up and my crappy DC skills, figured running a DPDT switch to the left of the steering wheel would be quite easy. And then have the actual controller in the hood so that I can winch people off a snowy bank... I saw your write up on the winch and really enjoyed it, BTW. Looking back do you think just having a DPDT momentary switch would be easier?
In summary, the winch has peformed as expected. It is not going to be a top performer in all categories, nor be the best of the best, for $382 to my door. I needed a winch that would be there for occasional use to get me out of a jam when I'm by myself. If I was doing winch pulls 5X a week, I might consider a Warn, but I will probably use it 3-4X per year on average. During those few times that it gets me out a jam, it will more than pay for itself by saving me the towing bills, long walks for help, etc.
Once when I was 16 I got stuck in someones back yard (was loading stone, long story) in my old 97 Taco. Had to call AAA. Luckily I had a plan, however I would have been screwed if not. I can't imagine how much it would cost offroad?
In retrospect, the ONLY reason that I would have gone a different route, and not purchased this winch, is that shortly after I bought it Smittybilt released their X20 Series Submersible Winches. Their price is not much higher than the XRC8, and I would have preferred to have that feature, so I may have purchased one of those instead.
I looked at this today. Frankly, from the specs they published, it sucks. Line speed is a little better, but the wrap pull strength SUCKS!
I can justify buying the $299 Smittybilt right now, and I am going to think on it more and do that.
It kinda goes back to the Mac thing, people rave about Macs. Well you can literally have three Macs for the price of one PC (no offense if you love Macs, but from creeping I saw you bought a PC
). Same thing for the Warn vs. Smittybilt.
Thanks for taking the time to write a comprehensive one year review!
RE the Hobart, I've got my eye on the Handler 140. The local welding shop is selling it for $525, which is cheaper than it is online. Add an 80 cu. ft. cylinder of 75/25 Argon/Co2, an auto darkening helmet, a spool of wire, and maybe a cart, and it will be pretty close to $1k for the whole setup w/tax. I've got the money in the bank, just considering some options right now... the main option being the purchase of a CBI for the rear of this thing.
Thankfully, I've got a nice tax return coming in about 2 weeks, and a big bonus coming in March, so it shouldn't be too long until I'm able to do both.
We are talking about the same welder! The Hobart 500500 is called the Handler 140, I believe.
I try to buy local as well, however Northern Tool was it on sale with a free cart all the time for $500 w/no tax and shipping... Pretty hard to pass up.
It is also nice that it is 120V, don't really always have a place to plug in 220V. It's one of those things that you can throw into the 4runner and go weld some sliders on for someone!
Graduating in May and moving to the middle-of-nowhere-PA (for a NG co), so I will be looking for something to do, other than pay off my student loans.
Thanks for the advice on the winch. And yes, I rambled.
