jwkilgore
New member
I was thinking about pulling the trigger on a Badlands Apex 12k winch (Harbor Freight branded Warn knock-off with really good reviews). While I was thinking I got a 10% off coupon by text, so I got it.
Now I have a few days to think longer, I may return it before installing
Cons:
1. It isn't clockable. I have a feet-forward ARB bumper, so not clocking means the freespool lever will be in the back. I'm going to have to cut hole(s) in something to reach it.
2. Other than the actual winch mount, nothing bolts directly to the ARB bumper. I'm going to have to grind/shorten the hawse or mod the bumper because the hawse is slightly too long for the slot. I need to buy longer bolts and use the same bolts for the hawse as the bottom bolts for the winch. The control-panel mount bracket won't fit on the bumper; I still haven't figured out that issue.
Obviously once I start cutting on things I won't be able to return it.
But this is the big issue: (or is it?)
3. Only 5% duty cycle??? Recommended 45 seconds of use then 14 minutes of cool-down time??? I realize that's 45 seconds at max load, but just re-winding the line on the spool while holding the brakes to apply tension would take several minutes for an 80-ft line.
Am I overthinking this? I can't find duty-cycle specs on any other brand of winch. Maybe they're all "officially" that low but because the rating isn't published people go beyond the official rating with no harm.
Now I have a few days to think longer, I may return it before installing
Cons:
1. It isn't clockable. I have a feet-forward ARB bumper, so not clocking means the freespool lever will be in the back. I'm going to have to cut hole(s) in something to reach it.
2. Other than the actual winch mount, nothing bolts directly to the ARB bumper. I'm going to have to grind/shorten the hawse or mod the bumper because the hawse is slightly too long for the slot. I need to buy longer bolts and use the same bolts for the hawse as the bottom bolts for the winch. The control-panel mount bracket won't fit on the bumper; I still haven't figured out that issue.
Obviously once I start cutting on things I won't be able to return it.
But this is the big issue: (or is it?)
3. Only 5% duty cycle??? Recommended 45 seconds of use then 14 minutes of cool-down time??? I realize that's 45 seconds at max load, but just re-winding the line on the spool while holding the brakes to apply tension would take several minutes for an 80-ft line.
Am I overthinking this? I can't find duty-cycle specs on any other brand of winch. Maybe they're all "officially" that low but because the rating isn't published people go beyond the official rating with no harm.
