Which winch?

[davehaynes1]

Hi guys.
I have a '93 4runner 3L V6.
Pretty standard apart from back seat removed and a big roof rack and tool box added, so I guess the weight is pretty much as it was from the factory .
I'm looking at buying myself a winch but have no idea what size I would need . I'm on a budget so don't want to buy one too big that I won't need.
Thanks

 

[KidVermicious]

Figure prox 2x the vehicle's weight. You don't want something too strong, because you want the winch to fail before your frame does . An 8000-9000 pound winch would be perfect.

 

[nevada]

Hi guys.
I have a '93 4runner 3L V6.
Pretty standard apart from back seat removed and a big roof rack and tool box added, so I guess the weight is pretty much as it was from the factory .
I'm looking at buying myself a winch but have no idea what size I would need . I'm on a budget so don't want to buy one too big that I won't need.
Thanks

kevin says 2x, but I think the general rule is 1.5x. either will work. I really like my Rugged ridge 8500. but there are MANY winches out there in the 8-9k range for $250-500.

the RR 8500 is pretty quick at almost 30fpm. I think I have seen it on amazon for around $250, less than $300 for sure.

my RR10.5 doesn't sound much slower, at almost 20fpm. but in real world use, its noticeably slower. id rather have the 8500/30fpm 9 out of 10 times.

Figure prox 2x the vehicle's weight. You don't want something too strong, because you want the winch to fail before your frame does . An 8000-9000 pound winch would be perfect.

there is some truth to that.

though, with some attention and smarts, its not really an issue. the biggest problem I see with the larger capacity winches, is they are slow. typically the stronger they get, the slower they are.
a faster winch is better than a slower one. you can always overcome the limited pulling capacity of the weaker winch by using a snatch block. but, theres no way to speed up a slow winch.

in fact, I recommend a block for ANYONE using a winch. it really should come with all winches sold, as a default option.

 

[davehaynes1]

Awsome thanks guys.

 

[airdreams1]

If you're not looking for the fastest winch. For the $$$ the Badlands winch from Harbor Freight is hard to beat. 12000 lb. Off-Road Vehicle Electric Winch with Automatic Load-Holding Brake
Their were tests done buy some of the off-road magazines and other than being slow they said they were great winches for the $$$ . My friend bought one as well and he says it is just as good as his Warren just slower.