winch.....what to buy

[Car Jack]

For my JKU, looking to be able to pull myself out. Sort of considering either a $300 kinda thing like a Rugged Ridge 9500 waterproof or an entry Warn VR8 for $530 8000. I don't want to have something that isn't working in 3 years.

Any opinions welcome.

[Frank]

Let the can-o worms be open . Jack , every one has the best winch . I first had a Ramsey winch that was 200 buks brand new factory rebuilt ! So in other words , it started out it life with some kinda issue. I never had one issue with it other than it was slower than honey on a cold day. I have now a Quadratech 9k (Their brand) I came in just under 300 buks , Never had an issue and looking at AMP charts , it pulls the least amount in the bunch. Friends had their first run 8k RugedRidge and still have them . Smitty built ,Super winch just went under,WARN , can ya say anything bad about a warn ? They have been around forever . I just cant justify 2/3/400 buks more for that brand when others have what we need. Maybe if you made a living with the winch. I looked at line speed which is gear ratio. A balance between the two , Pull power and line speed is what should help you decide. Rule of thumb has always been 3xthe weight of the Jeep . In everyday stucks , a 6k winch will pull you. A 12k winch will pull you mirror deep in mud. That 9500 should be fine . FjR68

[Hoodoo Man]

As Frank said you cant go wrong with Warn. I'm still a fan of Superwinch and I think they will be back in business soon, that said right now my rig has a Harbor Freight 9K winch on the front of it. Its done fine by me. Most winches don't see a ton of use, so its really up to you how much you want to spend, I've seen a few 'winch shoot out articles' and bang for the buck Harbor Freight holds its own, but as long as your not buying complete garbage no-name knock off from Ebay you should be OK with whatever you get. Craigslist is your frined in purchase like this to save a lot of $$ just make sure you can see it power in and out if you go that route. Line speed is important as a terribly slow winch can be painful to spool back in so that would be my one caveat....

[JeepAddict]

Frank and Jeff both make excellent points. Regardless of what you end up purchasing make sure you exercise it and maintain it. If you are fortunate (or unfortunate depending on your vantage point) enough to not need it on the trail, run it a few times throughout the season. The best winch is the one that is actually working when you need it....

[pirahnah3]

There is certainly a can of worms on winches. Above are great points, I would get what you can afford if you think you need it, honestly there are a lot of times it isnt the first thing you need out there on the trail. I think I can say cable has been pulled at most runs, but not always because it cant be done without it, sometimes just easier with it.

The only winch that NEVER fails is the one NEVER used.

[Marky]

J has a Superwinch, now in it's 12th season and I have a Quadratec special, now entering it's 7th season. Neither has ever let us down. Invest a few bucks in a cover (I'm on my 3rd) and that will help keep the crap out, especially in the winter, and keep it running for a long time.

[BlackNBlue-ISH]

J has a Superwinch, now in it's 12th season and I have a Quadratec special, now entering it's 7th season. Neither has ever let us down. Invest a few bucks in a cover (I'm on my 3rd) and that will help keep the crap out, especially in the winter, and keep it running for a long time.

Remember that time when you mentioned you hadn’t used it yet, then we ended up winching downhill just so we could winch back uphill? Good times.

[Marky]

J has a Superwinch, now in it's 12th season and I have a Quadratec special, now entering it's 7th season. Neither has ever let us down. Invest a few bucks in a cover (I'm on my 3rd) and that will help keep the crap out, especially in the winter, and keep it running for a long time.

Remember that time when you mentioned you hadn’t used it yet, then we ended up winching downhill just so we could winch back uphill? Good times.

I almost mentioned that it was able to winch 2 Jeeps at the same time...

[Car Jack]

All this really helps, guys! Got me thinking more about when I'd need it. I realized that the only time I've needed to be pulled was my first time in the near hurricane conditions in Rutland, when I was on OEM all season tires at stock height. I don't go out wheeling on my own, so have you guys to help, which is the best thing about going out with Baystate.