winch size recommendations

[ryani]

I'm getting my front winch bumper fabbed up next month and was wondering what size of winch you would recommend for my 98 runner. I really just want it for piece of mind going into winter. I've seen 8000lb all the way up to 12000lb. Thanks for your advice in advance

 

[Pikeman]

The average rule of thumb is 1.5 to 2 times your vehicle weight. The reason is that you only get Max pulling power on the first wrap(layer) then as the drum fills up it gets larger and the capacity goes down. So for most of us in a 3rd gen that means either an 8000 or 9500 will be adequate. My bumper is in process and I am planning on putting in a 8000lb. I figure as I sit with armor and all my trail gear in the truck I am around the 5k lb mark, so will be at the minimum of 1.5 times vehicle weight.

 

[ryani]

Thanks pikeman,

I found a vortex brand of winch that I'm leaning towards. I know I know its not a name brand but as many times as I'm going to use per year I will roll the dice.

8K is $313 shipped

9K is $333 shipped

9.5K is $343 shipped

10K is $353 shipped

12K is $363 shipped

They all include a 12 foot wired remote and a wireless remote with a key fob.
And a fairlead.

Its not a warn or smittybuilt but for my needs it should work great I think.

I will probably go with the 9.5K rated one

 

[Pikeman]

check Winch Depot - Winches & Winch Accessories by WARN, Smittybilt, Mile Marker & Superwinch-RH3 here is a link for the Smittybuilt XRC8 for 299.00 free shipping with steel line
XRC8 Winch-RH3

They will sometimes have the same winch with synthetic line in the mid 300 to 400 range.

 

[Gerdo]

I have a 8k on mine and I have never stalled it. I have pulled thru some deep snow and also pulled a friend out on "Mickie's Hot Tub"

 

[ryani]

That does sound like a good deal on that winch. I'll have to check it out.

Thanks again

 

[Elton H]

id go with a 10

 

[cordrayj1]

id go with a 10

just get a snatch block to double the purchase on the winch line. easier on the motor. and no, i dont have a winch yet. just a sailor that knows about loads v. purchase

 

[Pikeman]

Another good thing is not only does a double line pull with a block give you a 2:1 ratio,it also allows you to run more line out. This uses more of your winches power to begin with, remember the more line you have off your drum the closer you are to the rated capacity.

 

[TraumaHawk]

winch it

Nice question. I was just asking myself the same question as I am getting ready to order the shrockworks bumper for my 98 Runner.

 

[ryani]

Thanks guys for your input. I think I will get the 9k and a snatch block. It would be the best of both worlds. Hopefully I can get the bumper fabbed up and on by the end of oct.