Winch Choices

[jpotts]

I'm looking at getting a winch for my TJ, and don't know too much about them. I am hoping that someone with some experience can offer some insight.

I'm looking at the Warn 9.5ti on the high end and the Superwinch EPi 9.0 on the lower end. I haven't heard much about Superwinch but I think they are supposed to be one of the better winches not named Warn.

Does anyone have any recommendations? I'd like to get a quality winch, but would prefer to save money if possible. Hopefully, I won't be using it too much. Also, I don't know if any local dealers even carry Superwinch.

Thanks,

Jamie

[mingoglia]

Although I have a 9.5ti I'm a very big Superwinch fan. I wouldn't have a problem at all owning one. One thing I really like with Superwinch is many models have the last 15 or feet (towards the hook) painted red so when you're spooling it up you know when you're getting to the end (so the hook doesn't grab your sneaker and wrap around your leg). :)

I know a handful of people that swear by them and have had their Superwinch for many many years without problems. Best of all they're a good bit cheaper than Warn.

[Offroader5]

I love my EP9 SW. I have had it for about 3 years or so now and have used it AT LEAST 10-15 times and have not had one problem with it...and I am winching a nearly 5000 lb rig mind you. I won't debate that Warn is a good winch...but why spend the extra cash when you can get a great winch in a Superwinch?:cool:

[DesertX04]

Those are the two winches I chose between, and I chose the Superwinch. My old CJ7 came w/a Superwinch and it never failed me. I've only had the EPI 9.0 for about a year and a half but it's never acted up.

[Jeeppeepin]

I will be choosing Superwinch when I get one.
Lots of the competitors swear by them, so they must be good.
Synthetic rope is the safest way to go, too. No worring about a steel cable with a hook backlashing into your face, or others.

[jpotts]

Thanks guys (and gal). I appreciate the input. It looks like I'm gonna get a Superwinch and have some money left over for other goodies. I can't wait to go shopping. :D

Now I just need to figure out where to get one. Do any local vendors sell them?

Thanks again,

Jamie

[Jeeppeepin]

Local vendors for Superwinch are....

Southwest 4wheel Drive
(602) 468-0022

and

Auto SafetyHouse
(602) 269-9721


Superwinch's home base is Connecticut and England.

Rachel

[Spongebob]

While I have never owned a Superwinch, I have an older Warn that I picked up secondhand. It is a 6000LB model and is probably 20 or more years old. It has never once failed me. Warn is definately money well spent.

[Craig]

Why would you consider getting anything esle when you can get a Warn at this price?

http://www.4wd.com/Jeep-Parts-Tops-and-Accessories/PART26502.aspx

I am willing to bet that you could call 4wheelers and show them this ad...you would be buying it local as well.

[mingoglia]

I'm not sure if 4 Wheelers can match that price on that particular winch. Warn has specials for dealers for that exact model winch where if they buy 50 (I believe it's 50) they get smoking dealer pricing on it. 4 wheelers really doesn't stock many (if any) of that particular model so I don't think they can compete... Every other model they'll blow their doors off. If I'm wrong I'm sure Simon will chime in. ;)

[SavageSun4x4]

There was a time when I said "go Warn or go home". However I have changed that tune. Ending up on a tough trail one time with some folks that didn't have winches, or forgot their controller I was the only guy with a serious winch. I found myself as the winch ho. No fun for me, my winch or my Jeep.

I now say "go winch, any winch or go home". I feel Warn is the best, but if that is out of your budget, then it is better to have any winch rather than none.

COSTCO has a good [so I am told] 8k winch for about $299, so does Sam's Club. There are lots of deals out there from Warn to Warnnabee.

I would contact Simon at 4 Wheelers and ask if what kind of deals he has at the moment or any deal coming down the pike. There might be something there you want and is within your budget.

Just show up for the trail run with something on the front of your Jeep besides a tow hook.

[Javelinadave]

Usually winch threads turn stupid. I am glad that nobody threw out their Harbor Freight or Champion winch that they used to pull out a Boeing 747 from a ditch, 50 times, in the rain, under direct gunfire, while hungry and/or drunk. Either winch you are looking at are fine. I have a Warn and it has done me well.



Oops, SS beat me to the post.

[mingoglia]

Usually winch threads turn stupid. I am glad that nobody threw out their Harbor Freight or Champion winch that they used to pull out a Boeing 747 from a ditch, 50 times, in the rain, under direct gunfire, while hungry and/or drunk. Either winch you are looking at are fine. I have a Warn and it has done me well.



Oops, SS beat me to the post.

Well now that you bring it up. I did see the Costco winch being used to winch out Santa's sleigh. It's heavier than a Jeep with all those toys in it. In addtion this happened at the North pole so it proves that it can operate in the most extreme circumstances. :D

Like Don said (and I'm glad he's now on board from prior threads). Get the winch you can afford. It may not pull as fast, the pretty winch body may have some paint flake off, but any winch is better than no winch. I'd have no problem running a Costco on the front of mine. Hey, Costco will return anything? So if it does break you'll probably get less grief than Warn would give you.

BAck to your original question though, I'd get the Superwinch if that's within your budget. You'll be very very happy with it. If you want the "W" on the front take a look at the M8000 then. As was pointed out earlier there's great deals on these a couple times of the year... dare I say they're a loss leader for some of the online dealers?

[YGOHOME]

I would never recommend the cheaper winches such as costco, HF, or any perm magnet winch. They usually only last a few pulls. I went that route and was a waste of money... it left me with 60 + ft of line unspooled (had the line wrapped around my bumper for a month) and finally got extracted by someone with a warn. Jump starting the solenoids and replacing them didn't do any good either. I then called Simon and bought an M8000 with the 100 ft of line, roller fairlead, and warn plate from 4 wheelers. Got a fair deal and I'm happy with it. I've never owned a superwinch so I can't comment on them, but havn't heard any negative reports.

[mingoglia]

I would never recommend the cheaper winches such as costco, HF, or any perm magnet winch. They usually only last a few pulls. I went that route and was a waste of money... it left me with 60 + ft of line unspooled (had the line wrapped around my bumper for a month) and finally got extracted by someone with a warn. Jump starting the solenoids and replacing them didn't do any good either. I then called Simon and bought an M8000 with the 100 ft of line, roller fairlead, and warn plate from 4 wheelers. Got a fair deal and I'm happy with it. I've never owned a superwinch so I can't comment on them, but havn't heard any negative reports.

Unfortunately it can happen with any winch. You may have bad luck like the rest of us. I seem to remember Simon completely cracking his 9.5ti winch body on a hard pull. Is it more likely to happen on a off brand? Perhaps, but the Costco brand is literally $1,000 less than the 9.5ti. The reality is most that have a winch on the front of their rig will be lucky to use said winch once a year. If you're one of those that runs the extreme trails where winching is a given then look elsewhere. THat elsewhere could very well be a Superwinch. Unfortunately junk happens which is why if your winch is plan b you should probably have a plan c. Plan C could be someone else in your group wiht a winch or someone else (preferably yourself) with a couple lengths of chain and/or winch extension rope and the knowledge to use a Hi Lift as a hand winch as a very very last resort. Then Monday morning go to Costco, slap the old junk on the counter...and walk out with a new winch. :D

[YGOHOME]

the motor was toast. of course it couldve happened on the warn... but after 10 pulls? not likely but anythings possible. just stating my opinion, and wouldn't recommend the cheap route. sure, buy what you folks like... I did and learned my lesson.

[mingoglia]

the motor was toast. of course it couldve happened on the warn... but after 10 pulls? not likely but anythings possible. just stating my opinion, and wouldn't recommend the cheap route. sure, buy what you folks like... I did and learned my lesson.

Well you do know what's on the front of mine. :D

http://gallery.mikeandsherri.com/d/19177-2/DSC01885.JPG

But back on topic, I would sleep well on the trail (does that make sense?) knowing I had a big S on the front of my winch instead of a big W. Now with some of the other generic brands we're talking about I wouldn't be as comfortable but if that's all I could afford it would be better than nothing. ...so go with the Superwinch. :)

[SavageSun4x4]

the motor was toast. of course it couldve happened on the warn... but after 10 pulls? not likely but anythings possible. just stating my opinion, and wouldn't recommend the cheap route. sure, buy what you folks like... I did and learned my lesson.
Ben, I think your missing on the point. I agree with Mike 100%. Showing up for a trail run and your excuse for NOT having a winch is, cheap one might break on me is weaker than P'ing Bud lite. In fact I am pissed and were it not for my help a guy out anyhow I would just soon leave your rig sitting on the edge.

Your right, cheap ain't good and good ain't cheap, but sometimes going home with Ms Ugly is better than not going home with Ms Pretty.

There are plenty of folks on here that if that $299 COSTCO pulls them out 10 times they have got many years of good use.

I'll gladly help out a fellow with a broken winch on the front of his rig than jump to help out a fellow that has none.

Fact is if you cannot afford a $299 winch, you might ought to take up collecting Styrofoam cups cause you are in over your wallet.

And on that COSTCO $299 8k. I have seen and know some folks that have wrangled them pretty long and hard and they never missed a beat.

[jpotts]

Thanks again for all of the input, this forum is great. :D

Affording a winch isn't really a problem, I have enough money set aside so that I can get the Warn. But I'd much rather get a comparable winch (like the Superwinch) for less money - as long as it is actually comparable.

So if you compare 2 winches like the Warn XD 9000i and the Superwinch EPi 9.0, the biggest difference that I can see is price.

http://www.quadratec.com/products/92106_00_07.htm

http://www.quadratec.com/products/92140_006.htm

So I guess my thought now is that I'll go with the Superwinch and use the difference to get some other stuff.

Thanks again,

Jamie

[mingoglia]

Thanks again for all of the input, this forum is great. :D

Affording a winch isn't really a problem, I have enough money set aside so that I can get the Warn. But I'd much rather get a comparable winch (like the Superwinch) for less money - as long as it is actually comparable.

So if you compare 2 winches like the Warn XD 9000i and the Superwinch EPi 9.0, the biggest difference that I can see is price.

http://www.quadratec.com/products/92106_00_07.htm

http://www.quadratec.com/products/92140_006.htm

So I guess my thought now is that I'll go with the Superwinch and use the difference to get some other stuff.

Thanks again,

Jamie

Glad you made a decision. I think you'll be very happy with the Superwinch. Oh, and the superwinch has a larger diameter cable... well, barely larger, but still larger.

[YGOHOME]

I understand the logic Don is describing... It was that same logic I followed when I bought my cheap winch.

I'm sorry for the off topic. Heres a quick summary:

warn and SW is good. Costco not as good... warn better and sw better. costco not better... if have costco, wheel with don.

[mingoglia]

I understand the logic Don is describing... It was that same logic I followed when I bought my cheap winch.

I'm sorry for the off topic. Heres a quick summary:

warn and SW is good. Costco not as good... warn better and sw better. costco not better... if have costco, wheel with don.

:D :D

[SavageSun4x4]

if have costco, wheel with don.
Just have one on the front of your Jeep even if all it does is hang like a cheap suit:D

[Huck]

You can also look around Craigslist and other forum boards for a used 'name brand' winch. My HS9500i (wearing that little 'W' badge) was bought from a couple (a little old man and little old lady, retired) who used it on two pulls and shredded the cable on a sharp rock. I got it with the winch plate for a CJ, fairlead, cover for both winch and fairlead, manual, controller, gloves and both sections of the broken cable. Granted, I did pay double the Costco price, but it was very much worth it.

I've used that same paint peeling winch for 3 years and countless numbers of pulls. Many members of this board have been on the other end of its cable. Shop around and you may come up with a great deal. New is nice, but having a capable winch for not much money, isn't bad either.

A wheeling buddy of mine had a 'Duke' winch. It was a fine puller and it wasn't because of the motor that he ended up switching out to a Warn. It was because of the drum/line brake. While the winch pulled strong (slowly, but strong), it had an issue with its brake. It became a safety concern for him and those at the other end of his winch line. You need to be able to trust that your winch will not only pull, but keep you in the postion you are in while figuring out how to get yourself out of your situation.

Just some thoughts on another way to find what you are looking for: a dependable, inexpensive winch.

[Easyover]

I'll throw in my accolades for the Warn M8000 as well. Not the best winch, but one of, if not the, best winch for the money.

[Bohunter]

I'll throw in my accolades for the Warn M8000 as well. Not the best winch, but one of, if not the, best winch for the money.

X2. Smokin' deal from Simon & crew...:D

[Offroader5]

Glad you made a decision. I think you'll be very happy with the Superwinch. Oh, and the superwinch has a larger diameter cable... well, barely larger, but still larger.

The Superwinch also comes with a snatch block ;)

Also, I am not sure if the Warn XD 9000i is compatible with synthetic line. The Superwinch EP 9.0 is right out of the box. Not sure if that matters to you, but nowadays it's a good selling point...not so much though now that you can get sheathed synthetic line to use with all winches....but I thought I would mention it :)

[lancetkenyon]

I just picked up my XD9000i from the gang at 4 Wheelers.

[vtchopper]

I run a 9.5ti here in Vermont. We HAVE to use it 10-15 times a day:D (muddy here in the east)
others in my club (www.vtxs.org) have 9.5ti's, husky's and t-maxs. Most of us have the 9.5 but the heavier Land Boats, I mean Land Rovers have the 12k t-max they love them. they are slow but have great braking and pull power.
Jason

[4 Wheelers Supply]

You already know my opinion.:) :rolleyes: The only thing I can say is,We are a national Warn service center. Where is the closest Superwinch repair center? We also stock almost every small part for Warn winches. The main thing is stick to your price range. And have fun. Its a hobby.;)

[lee alexander]

Warn M8000. I bought mine used for $200. I abuse this winch all the time while using a stock alternator and it just keeps on a ticking. When it finaly goes I probably will buy this same winch. $600 how can you beat that? I will always buy Warn only. (9.5XP is the winch I realy want but who the hell has $1200 for a winch)

[roger]

Check Summit Racing for good prices on SuperWinch winches.

[Offroader5]

I didn't think Summit had "good deals" on anything :rolleyes: :D

[bomberopm]

Nobody has said anything about Ramsey winches. They are made in the USA, have the same warrantee as Warn and a price similar to Superwinch. I am asking this because I was leaning towards the Ramsey due to price and warrantee. Any comments?

[YGOHOME]

the Ramsey REP8500 was what I had and after it broke I went with the Warn M8000. The REP was a perm magnet motor and didn't last very long. The other Ramsey winches are pretty good though I understand. Just dont get a perm magnet motor winch.

[jpotts]

Okay, it looks like I'm going with a Warn after all. Simon and 4 Wheelers are giving me a great deal on a Warn XD9000i. Also, I agree with Simon that local supportability is important.

Thanks Simon!

Jamie

[YGOHOME]

thats good news. Now which battery to choose?

I've been hearing really good things about the Odyssey PC1500DT but it's pricey at about $250

http://www.odysseybatteries.com/battery/pc1500.htm

There's a guy on another forum who seemed to prefer them over the newer Optima batteries.

"The biggest problem with optima batteries is 2 to 3 years ago they were bought out by Johnson Controls. JC also owns Interstate batteries. When they bought optima, they took what was a good design and decided to change the way they were made. They figured that by making the rolled cells smaller, they would fit in the cases better thus making batteries faster. The problem is when they charge and discharge, the cells will "flower" out the top and then touch the other cells causing a short or sudden loss of performance from your battery.

To get more cranking amps you thin your plates and to get more reserve you thicken the plates. Therefore, a yelllow top will have more reserve capacity than a red one. A winch uses amp hours not cranking to work. Thus a yellow top battery will work much better for winching. Yes, the red ones have more warranty than a yellow one, but that is because the red ones are used for cranking. A deep cycle battery will essentially die sooner than a cranking battery( if you use it for its intended purpose) therefore leading to a shorter warranty.

I sell hundreds of optimas a year. Lately, in the past several years, the warrantied optimas have skyrocketed. When we warranty an optima, we typically do not receive our pro rated money back. We buy the batteries cheaper if we do not take the factory warranty. We still honor the factory warranty though. I feel there are better batteries available such as the Odyssey PC1500DT. Comes with a 4 year free replacement. Although I still have a yellow top that is over 7 years old. It is one of the old ones though. Just my 2 cents!"

and then in another post he goes on to describe the pc1500dt a little more:

I would highly recommend the pc1500dt for a winching application. We got our first PC1500DT 2 months ago. When we got the battery, we loaded one on our Snap On AVR tester. We were able to pull 1900 cca at 10.2 volts. That is incredible. You normally would load a battery to 9.5 volts. We figure the battery would probably load to 2300 or so CCA. Now I know what I said about a battery having to much CCA would limit its amount reserve, but the odyssey is a pulse type AGM battery meaning that for the first few seconds it puts out that much cranking and then it tapers off. I have only sold maybe 10 of these since they came out. I plan on installing one of these in my rubi once the current optima fails. It should bolt directly in place of the current battery. So all in all, I don't have alot of experience with them, but the customers I have sold them to say nothing but praise.

As for installing the 925 odyssey.....It is a much smaller battery. They put out much more than rated. It would work much better for dual applications because of size.