Self-Recovery Winches

[AlexJet]

I was looking in internet for a perfect winch for 4Runner, but as more I looked there, more questions were coming to my mind. First of all, how much power should have the winch? Weight of the 4Runner is 2531kg (5580lbs). Is 6000lbs going to be enough or winch should have double that weight power? Second, there are some winches except WARN on the market, but all salesmen were telling that their winch is the best and better suitable for 4Runner. Could anyone tell what the difference and what are actually all this winches about?
- WARN M8000
- WARN XD9000
- WARN XD9000ip
- Superwinch EP9.0
- Superwinch EPi9.0
- Ramsey Patriot 9500
- Ramsey REP 9000
- Ramsey QM 9000
- T-Max EW-9000
- T-Max EWi-10000
- Championwinch 9000

 

[RunnerUp]

alright, i was going to respond to this thread when i first saw it, but wanted to attempt to contact Warn before i posted, so i will just answer a few basic questions.

1. i have a 9500lb capacity winch, which can be doubled using a snatch block, for those really stuck situations. 6000lbs would not be enough because if you get stuck, the suction or weight of your vehicle on an incline is more than 6000lbs, so i would recommend at the very least an 8000lb capacity, i would suggest getting a 9000lb or 9500lb capacity for the 4runner.

2.ok, im not going to be able to go over every winch you have listed. but i will tell you this, warn has a decent product, unless you get a defective one like mine that has gone thru 4 motors in a year. ramsey is being run by some of the guys in my club with good response, little slow, but slow is fine as long as you get out, right? recently i have been hearing more and more about superwinch, and a few of my close friends have them and love them, one had a warn xd9000, and he swears by the superwinch now.

3.TMAX is made by warn, but its cheap stuff, i would stay away from it

4.Champion is in the same situation as TMAX, im sure it will work, but you need it to work everytime you need it, and you need a good warranty on whatever you buy, if at all possible try to get an extended warranty on it.

as far as mounting it, its gonna be low so make sure you get one that wont freak out in water (submersion/large puddles in the road) and its prob. gonna be a custom mount, you could possibly do a hidden mount behind your front license plate, and just buy clips for the plate to take off when you wheel(have pics if you cant imagine)

i will have more to say about this after warn calls me back

 

[boston_kevin]

I ran a Warn XD9000 on my '91 wrangler for 10 years. No problems, even pulled straight up a cliff (although this is not recommended). Make sure you have a long enough cord for the remote so you can stand out of the way. 4th gen may be difficult to mount the winch high enough to avoid the ground when going over obstacles.

 

[Good Times]

I debated heavily between the 8000/9000/9500 and ended with the 8000 because if I need more pulling umph, I can easily use a snatch block to overcome any issues. Cost was also a significant factor.

Just in case you're wondering if the 8000 will handle it, I used my m8000 6 times in moab in 45 min or so? We came up to an obstacle that nobody was going to clear (nice 10 foot vert wall). I winched myself up and over and then busted an u-turn and then winched up the remaining 5 vehicles.

The winch worked perfectly without a hitch Needless to say that was a feel good moment knowing that I actually used my winch for the first time. Since then it's been an accessory to the front bumper (looks).

Other things to keep in mind, upgrade your cable to synthetic. Safety and weight are key reasons. Don't let the price discourage you as it's worth every penny. The beauty of synthetic is that if you get a tear, just rethread it and fix it on the trail (line will be shorter but still useable).

When you get the winch, just make sure you have a good secure point to mount. Get a synthetic line, shackles, and a snatch block. Don't forget leather gloves to make life easier on your hands too

Good luck and watch that back pocket!

 

[AlexJet]

Thank s for the information. I think due to the fact that winch will be mounted outside of the front bumper (too difficult to mount it inside, very narrow space and questionable custom mounts, actually I know only that Extreme 4Runner with custom made Safari Guard), I might go with a hidden hitch solution and a portable Winch mount.
The only thing I have to find which hidden hitch will be more suitable for my 4Runner. I don't know any company who makes them for 4th Gen. Warn makes them for 1st and 2nd Gen. And then make custom installation with modifying some brackets.
Does anyone using Front Receiver for the Winch? Is it a good idea?
RunnerUp, I can imagine what you've been talking about, but anyway, I'd appreciate any images from you.
Good Times, how much did you paid for your M8000 and what was the difference in price you've been talking about?
Synthetic rope ...?... Is it going to handle 8000-10000lbs?

 

[Good Times]

Yes the synthetic rope will hold. They have different thickness ropes that is made for each winch. I have the 3/8" 100ft on my M8000. (20k # strength)

The M8000 was only $450 (free shipping) and the rope itself was just around $200 I think? Give or take a few on either end.

I would recommend that you try to hid the winch in the stock bumper if possible. If you know of any welder in your area, have him/her make a plate that'll site and mount on the frame by the front cross beam. The stock cross beam is junk and the alum/steel bar in the front bumper is also worthless. I'm not sure how you'd do this but either making a permanent attachment to the frame and then building from that would be your best bet.

This would be similar to the safari gard design as it sits in the front bumper (ample room for this). Just build the plates for it and reinforce it and call it a day.

If mounting inside is not an option, then have a welder make mounts that'll attach to your front frame and extend out (not sure what kind of strength issues you'll run into though as it'll sit out pretty far).

Not sure how much the 9000+ but I think it was like 750 starting for the cheapest 9k one which put a big dent on my wallet. The way I looked at it, I'd rarely use it and was even surprised I used it period. It's just an accessory that's there for one of those rare moments. Snatch blocks will wash out the diff between the 8k and 9k winch. The only issue you run into are the limited length of the rope since a snatch would cut your effective length in 1/2. Keep extra straps on the side and you'll be fine.

Hope that helps.

 

[AlexJet]

Yes the synthetic rope will hold. They have different thickness ropes that is made for each winch. I have the 3/8" 100ft on my M8000. (20k # strength)

The M8000 was only $450 (free shipping) and the rope itself was just around $200 I think? Give or take a few on either end.

I would recommend that you try to hid the winch in the stock bumper if possible. If you know of any welder in your area, have him/her make a plate that'll site and mount on the frame by the front cross beam. The stock cross beam is junk and the alum/steel bar in the front bumper is also worthless. I'm not sure how you'd do this but either making a permanent attachment to the frame and then building from that would be your best bet.

This would be similar to the safari gard design as it sits in the front bumper (ample room for this). Just build the plates for it and reinforce it and call it a day.

If mounting inside is not an option, then have a welder make mounts that'll attach to your front frame and extend out (not sure what kind of strength issues you'll run into though as it'll sit out pretty far).

Not sure how much the 9000+ but I think it was like 750 starting for the cheapest 9k one which put a big dent on my wallet. The way I looked at it, I'd rarely use it and was even surprised I used it period. It's just an accessory that's there for one of those rare moments. Snatch blocks will wash out the diff between the 8k and 9k winch. The only issue you run into are the limited length of the rope since a snatch would cut your effective length in 1/2. Keep extra straps on the side and you'll be fine.

Hope that helps.

$450 for the winch - it's a gift. I was quote $1200 for XD9000i. Where did you get yours one so cheap?
In/Out, it is still questionable. Each solution has its own advantages. In is hidden inside, "weatherproof", probably stronger mount, but I would have to cut some part of the bumper to fit fairlead and relocate the licence plate (we do need them in ON). Out gives more versatility, theoretically you can move it from front to rear hitch and get yourself out backwards (sometimes it's easy because you got in this way), when removed nearly not noticeable changes to the look (important for me because I'm using same vehicle for my work), but will need custom modification and installation of front receiver, you have your winch if you sell vehicle. Decisions, decisions...

 

[AlexJet]

WARN Portable Winch Solution:

 

[AlexJet]

And it might look like this one on Ford:

 

[Good Times]

I really don't like promoting 4wheelparts but that's where I got it. They're shady as heck but every once in awhile, they'll have some crazy deals that'll make you think twice. When I got my winch it also came w/ some basic recovery gear too (woo hoo!). Not only that, it comes w/ a lifetime warranty that I couldn't resist.

With the synthetic line, you'd get an alum fairlead (looks slim and way smaller than the roller stuff). Hopefully that'll make it more interesting.

As for the installation inside, I would just make brackets like the warn and just make it fit in the front bumper. It can be done w/ careful planning and the right resources.

Good luck!

 

[4x4v8]

the portable winch solution is a great idea. but could it be as strong as a mounted winch? i must say though...that is a great idea. ahhaha.... (as you can tell, im new to off roading)

 

[AlexJet]

the portable winch solution is a great idea. but could it be as strong as a mounted winch? i must say though...that is a great idea. ahhaha.... (as you can tell, im new to off roading)

I should take you with me when I'll go off-roading...:

 

[4x4v8]

well, let me tell you. the next week is gonna be pretty bad. they are expecting 10-15cm of snow tomorrow. have fun in the snow

 

[AlexJet]

well, let me tell you. the next week is gonna be pretty bad. they are expecting 10-15cm of snow tomorrow. have fun in the snow

Snow in Toronto? I'll be more then happy... As more snow we will have - more fun will be off-roading. Unfortunately I'd have to leave Toronto on Friday, Fe. 10 morning and will be back on Feb. 17. So no trail till Feb. 25. Get yourself prepare for the fun I'll let you know when I'll be up to the trails.

 

[4x4v8]

princes auto is having a sale on their 12,500 LB capacity 12v winch superwinch ep12.5. its 1299.99 and their EPi 9000 is 1049.99. i have the catalogue in front of me. just thought id let you know...

 

[AlexJet]

princes auto is having a sale on their 12,500 LB capacity 12v winch superwinch ep12.5. its 1299.99 and their EPi 9000 is 1049.99. i have the catalogue in front of me. just thought id let you know...

Wow, where are they located? I want to pass by. Do they have those catalogues or I can use yours one?

 

[RunnerUp]

they want how much for the 9.0 epi????? over a 1000$???? you better be speaking in non USD... otherwise you must be wearing lipstick... search the web... i have found that winch for less than 500 USD and a 12k on a 4runner is a little bit too much overkill, unless you plan on pulling out superduties...

 

[AlexJet]

they want how much for the 9.0 epi????? over a 1000$???? you better be speaking in non USD... otherwise you must be wearing lipstick... search the web... i have found that winch for less than 500 USD and a 12k on a 4runner is a little bit too much overkill, unless you plan on pulling out superduties...

That's the problem with Canadian market. Let

 

[4x4v8]

they have many locations. they also have shackles for 7.50, hilifts 60" for 94.99, and other random things for cars, farms, and so on. go to www.princessauto.com you can get a catalogue for free. there arre locations around toronto. have a look.

 

[4x4v8]

its canadian dollars.