What Winch is Everyone Running

Question: My understanding is when you get a winch you should get one that rated for 1.5x's the vehicle weight it that weight based off of the GVWR or the curb weight?

Looking at a Warn M8000 and I'm wondering if it's sufficient for my 4runner (front and rear bumpers, front, center and gas tank skid, sliders, slightly larger tires) not including any gear just from 125 lb frame.

You will be fine. I keep a snatch block handy at all times just in case the winch does need a little extra umph but for most recovery ops the m8k alone will work perfect for ya by its self.
 
Question: My understanding is when you get a winch you should get one that rated for 1.5x's the vehicle weight it that weight based off of the GVWR or the curb weight?

Looking at a Warn M8000 and I'm wondering if it's sufficient for my 4runner (front and rear bumpers, front, center and gas tank skid, sliders, slightly larger tires) not including any gear just from 125 lb frame.


You will be fine. I keep a snatch block handy at all times just in case the winch does need a little extra umph but for most recovery ops the m8k alone will work perfect for ya by its self.



And if you find your self stuck in deep mud/clay/sand/snow a shovel will be x100 more affective then an extra 2000 lbs pull from the winch.
 
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What he said ^^^^ I guess a shovel is second nature for me because I have had one in my vehicle since I was 16...
 
$hittybilt XRc8 Comp. I was debating between the Warn M8000 and the Xrc8 Comp. For me a the time I was balancing my budget as I had just done gears/lockers/CBI bumper all at the same time. The synthetic line and price are what sold me... wanted to cut down on weight and I saw lots of members running the $shitty so I went for it, plus with the money I saved I bought a tow strap/snatch strap/snatch block/tree saver.

Got it on sale from Winchdepot.com.
 
$hittybilt XRc8 Comp. I was debating between the Warn M8000 and the Xrc8 Comp. For me a the time I was balancing my budget as I had just done gears/lockers/CBI bumper all at the same time. The synthetic line and price are what sold me... wanted to cut down on weight and I saw lots of members running the $shitty so I went for it, plus with the money I saved I bought a tow strap/snatch strap/snatch block/tree saver.

Got it on sale from Winchdepot.com.

If you are looking at the gen 2 smittybilts make sure you call cbi or measure your bumper to be sure it will fit. the new 8k winch with out the relay on top is a crazy 9.5 inches tall. I know it wont fit in my 4x bumper so I am glad I go the previous model.
 
If you are looking at the gen 2 smittybilts make sure you call cbi or measure your bumper to be sure it will fit. the new 8k winch with out the relay on top is a crazy 9.5 inches tall. I know it wont fit in my 4x bumper so I am glad I go the previous model.


Thanks but i'm good. I've had mine for a year or so now but I have an ARB front bumper and CBI rear... no issues here!
 
Thanks but i'm good. I've had mine for a year or so now but I have an ARB front bumper and CBI rear... no issues here!

I wasn't telling ya what bumper to get lol I was just letting you know that smittybilt went and f'ed up their new winch line lol
 
I know some people don't like Smittybilt but their new Gen2 winches have been beefed up with a lot of new internals. The XRC's start at 9.5K and the X20's start at 10k and all for a really fair price. They now offer a lifetime mechanical warranty and 5 year electrical. I plan on going that route when I'm ready to purchase a winch.

GEN2 Waterproof Winch - Smittybilt

http://www.4wheelparts.com/Winches-...aspx?t_c=18&t_s=300&t_pt=100702&t_pn=S/B98510

i have to admit, they really stepped up their game.

I don't think i'll be buying one any time soon though.
ive been very happy with my rugged ridge winches. both the winch, and customer service have been excellent.
 
i have to admit, they really stepped up their game.

I don't think i'll be buying one any time soon though.
ive been very happy with my rugged ridge winches. both the winch, and customer service have been excellent.

Yeah those 2nd gens look like the newer Warn zeon series.
 
I have the XRC10 w/ synthetic cable. I've had it less than a year now, and so haven't really had to put it to use, but the hard rain is comin and I'm sure I'll get stuck sooner or later.

The only trouble is the relay, if you go this route, take it apart and seal it. I didn't at first and when I did a test on my winch, the relay was frozen, I just tapped it and it started working, but when I took it apart to clean it up and seal it, the rust was taking hold. It still works and now it's sealed, but it was full of water.

Also, I relocated the joystick connector, since I took apart the massive 'control box' to mount the relay.

drdolittlerwc-albums-2000+toyota+4runner+-++belize+project-picture21733-img-0310.jpg
 
i run a Warn xd9000ce. and i will only ever run a warn winch. i have seen too many shittybuilt winches fail, some right out of the box. i dont trust em. Warn has won me over with their outstanding customer service. not only that but the amount of money and effort the put back into the off road sport and lobbying to keep areas open ect, ill gladly pay the higher price they ask. not only that but since they are local to me -about 10min from my work, and 25 or so from my house, it only makes sense to go with them as i have next to no wait times on repairs and no shipping costs.
 
I don't have the time to read through everyone else post because I am actually supposed to be doing my homework otherwise I would. I currently have a Smittybilt X20 10,000lbs. While I haven't had a problem with it pulling me or anyone else out, but the solenoid sucks wholesale ass. It is highly susceptible to water damage. A finally replaced it a couple months ago. I did get the life time warranty but as I sure you have heard a time or two, a warranty doesn't do crap for you when if fails on the trail. Odds are, if you are using your winch, then you really need it at that time. When, not if, I do this all over again I will be going with a Warn and my other 4Runner will get the Smittybilt. All in all, I do NOT regret getting a Smittybilt because my 2002 4Runner will get a winch. But I would personally recommend a mid grade Warn. Not the cheapo bottom of the barrel crap.
 
Superwinch Talon 9.5SR offers reliable quality and great customer service. I'd rather pay more once than pay less over and over. I wanted a winch that would be there for me when I need it most. The motor, solenoid, and gearing are all top notch.

 
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My policy on budget winches is like my policy for buying Harbor Freight products: I won't buy anything from them that my life depends on. A failed winch might not be life-threatening, but one breaking when holding the weight of my truck (or a hook coming off the line) could make a good day into a real bad one. I consider the extra cost as 'life insurance'.
 
i run a Warn xd9000ce. and i will only ever run a warn winch. i have seen too many shittybuilt winches fail, some right out of the box. i dont trust em. Warn has won me over with their outstanding customer service. not only that but the amount of money and effort the put back into the off road sport and lobbying to keep areas open ect, ill gladly pay the higher price they ask. not only that but since they are local to me -about 10min from my work, and 25 or so from my house, it only makes sense to go with them as i have next to no wait times on repairs and no shipping costs.

I totally agree with you "Kid". 3-4 guys have used the word "shittybuilt" on here...that right there should tell you to stay away from them. Why buy a winch that you know your going to have to work on/modify right out of the box??

Warn winches are known for their reliability, their craftsmanship, and customer service! I know when I call them, for whatever reason...I'll be talking to someone who speaks English!! Something no one has mentioned yet...Warn is built here in the USA! I hate supporting China or any of those other country's that pay there employees (Slaves) $0.50 an hour. I know sometime you have to buy Chinese crap...but if you have a choice, buy American! So few people do this cause their trying to save a couple penny's/dollars. But this is one of the big reasons so many manufacturing jobs have left the USA and gone to China.

I have an VR10000 Warn...it was only $579 with free shipping! Your Shittybuilt X2O 10000 synthetic rope is $549...$30 difference! Oops, the synthetic rope...which is another $170 for Warn. So apples to apples comparison is $200...really, you'll spend that on a weekend of drinking! Anyone want to bet which one last longer...have any issues...rope breaking while your rigs is attached to it dangling 40 feet in the air??

Good luck and Happy Trails!!
 

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