Winch Info Needed.....

[CooL_DaD]

OK Well its come time(tax time) To Purchase a Winch...
But at the same time I'm putting a cage on my wifes Jeep for Safety...
So Funds aren't extraordinary...
So the Question's are.....
Why Buy a Warn???? Are they Really That Much Better, Because from my understanding All Winches are Made in INDIA pretty much from the same factories...
And for the Controller compatability arguement... How many people have actually had to Use someone elses controller because thiers Broke????
Im looking Hard at This Bulldog 9.5 http://www.bulldogwinch.com/9500detail.html
Which I can get for less than $600.00 .. Look at it and compare to the Warn and it looks the same , but has a better Gear Ratio ...
And he is Local so You wouldnt have to Ship them and wait for a repair...
Ive seen these in person and they are Well Built...
Honest Input and reasoning only please...

[terron gregg]

this has been gone through before and you will probably get this for your response warn warn warn warn but me personally have the mile marker pe8000 and has worked in the past ( when it is bolted down)

[ROKCRLR]

Warn is built here in the US and 4 Wheelers is a regional repair center for them. And I've never seen one quit. That's good enough for me....

[misfittom138]

I say forget the poll and get what you need. Sounds like you already talked yourself into one. If you feel it's a good idea, go for it! I go budget on a lot of stuff. :laugh2:

[TRLR8TDTJ]

When you are sitting on waterfall, and the only thing keeping your vehicle from rolling down the cliff. The last thing you want to worry about is cheap winch not working. I have probablly over 30 pulls with my Warn, and am confident it will work every time. Maybe it is just the name you pay for, but Warn is tried and true. Your not going to build roll cage out of poop pipe from home depot to save money, and sacrifice safety. Why would you do it for a winch.

Kyle

Kyle

[terron gregg]

but if you do build one out of poop pipe post pics
i bought the mile marker cause im on a budget and at the time i couldnt spend the amount of money for the winch i wanted, so i opted to what we have used before
When you are sitting on waterfall, and the only thing keeping your vehicle from rolling down the cliff. The last thing you want to worry about is cheap winch not working. I have probablly over 30 pulls with my Warn, and am confident it will work every time. Maybe it is just the name you pay for, but Warn is tried and true. Your not going to build roll cage out of poop pipe from home depot to save money, and sacrifice safety. Why would you do it for a winch.

Kyle

Kyle

[Jeep4ME]

Now that Uncle Sam is going to send you and extra $1200 tax rebate in June for you and your spouse you can afford the WARN.

[06TJWRANGLER]

I dont know crap bout winches, but I seen a few people sport Bulldogs and Superwinches. I say its up to you man, what works best for ya!

[mingoglia]

<Must resist posting><Must resist posting>
ahhh, all better.

:)

[xjstocker]

what is it rated in turtle pulling power? thats the only true test of any thing:D

[CooL_DaD]

Has anyone needed to use some elses controller because theirs broke?
Thats the other reason i always get...

[AZLugz]

I have a mile marker and a Smittybilt and both work fine.

the controller argument is bogus, I bent the headshell of mine and was the only one in the group with a winch, ya take a key and short a center and outer terminal and it moves, if it is the wrong way, use the center and the other one, if it don't do nuttin', you ave the two direction terminals.....pick two others

[YGOHOME]

which magazine was it that did a winch comparison test recently that included Warn, Bulldog, etc... I'm trying to remember the results of that test ;)

bulldogs make awesome pets but I prefer Warn for winching

[DesertX04]

which magazine was it that did a winch comparison test recently that included Warn, Bulldog, etc... I'm trying to remember the results of that test ;)

bulldogs make awesome pets but I prefer Warn for winching

Oh yeah, what were the results? :sombrero:

[Tay-J]

Go with the costco winch, comes with everything including a winch plate for $300!

Who knows how well it work but its cheap and better than Harbor Frieghts.

[azcharlie]

I had a mile marker SE9500 and it worked great with no problems. The ONLY reason I sold it was that it was really slow. So for $500 bucks I bought the warn M8000 fast and reliable.

[mingoglia]

I voted for Superwinch. I have a Warn 9.5ti which I could not be happier with. It's truly an outstanding winch. I chose superwinch because it doesn't get any love and I'm a big big fan of Superwinch and if it wasn't for Simon working me a super deal with my old full doors as trade I might have a Superwinch hanging off the front.... and Charlie, you're more hardcore than Jenna Jammeson.... that's why you NEED a Warn. ;)

Mike

[xjstocker]

sure charlie, that the only reason you got rid of it:D BTW thanks its a great paper weight

[azcharlie]

I voted for Superwinch. I have a Warn 9.5ti which I could not be happier with. It's truly an outstanding winch. I chose superwinch because it doesn't get any love and I'm a big big fan of Superwinch and if it wasn't for Simon working me a super deal with my old full doors as trade I might have a Superwinch hanging off the front.... and Charlie, you're more hardcore than Jenna Jammeson.... that's why you NEED a Warn. ;)

Mike

More hardcore than Jenna Jammeson..............................that can't be a good thing. LOL!

[azcharlie]

sure charlie, that the only reason you got rid of it:D BTW thanks its a great paper weight

Get that thing mounted your gonna need it wheeling a Toyoduh.:drummer:

[ROKCRLR]

Has anyone needed to use some elses controller because theirs broke?
Thats the other reason i always get...

This happened to someone on here recently. I think it was Lance, but I'm not 100% sure.

[joedokes28]

I'm gonna get a "worn wenches" tattoo...

does that count?

[Antman]

Warn because I have used them for forty years without a failure! :sifone:

[over's tj]

The controler issue is real, I have seen a situation on a hill climb by Butcher Jones coves when a vehicle broke on the way up, was in a bad position and needed a strap or winch quick, one Jeep w/ Warn winch was in best position but could not find his controler (most likley barried in glovebox or councle??) and another had his handy to use

I try to keep my controller for my 9.5ti in the same safe place so I won't forget, also if I can remember I plug it in and route in cab so its ready at trail head

edit: can anyone hook me up w/ a link for direct wiring my Warn in Jeep, can the remote still be used with this setup?

[over's tj]

also, with as many good companies that are going under these days, who know if they will be around in a year?

I think Warn, Ramsey, Superwinch, M.M. will be around (or at least bought out) longer then some of the others

its not that the others are not quaility its just reality of business

I almost bought a T-Max when they first came to the US and even talked to someone there who was an owner, they are also made in China not Austraila, the guy impressed me with his product but I ended up saving more and going with Warn
(I did buy a T-Max $90 ATV winch from Jegs on sale)

[Lonnie]

If cost is your reason for going something else check out the Warn M8000 a good winch, the price, well it can be had for less than $500. Got one for the wifes jeep and it works fine, actually not much different than my XD9000I. A little less cable and a little less HP but works just fine. Like someone said when your in the rig hanging at the end of a cable what do you want on your bumper.

[DesertX04]

The controler issue is real, I have seen a situation on a hill climb by Butcher Jones coves when a vehicle broke on the way up, was in a bad position and needed a strap or winch quick, one Jeep w/ Warn winch was in best position but could not find his controler (most likley barried in glovebox or councle??) and another had his handy to use

I try to keep my controller for my 9.5ti in the same safe place so I won't forget, also if I can remember I plug it in and route in cab so its ready at trail head

edit: can anyone hook me up w/ a link for direct wiring my Warn in Jeep, can the remote still be used with this setup?

pm sent. Yes, you would still be able to you the controller with in-cab switches wire in.

[AZLugz]

also, with as many good companies that are going under these days, who know if they will be around in a year?

I think Warn, Ramsey, Superwinch, M.M. will be around (or at least bought out) longer then some of the others

its not that the others are not quaility its just reality of business

I almost bought a T-Max when they first came to the US and even talked to someone there who was an owner, they are also made in China not Austraila, the guy impressed me with his product but I ended up saving more and going with Warn
(I did buy a T-Max $90 ATV winch from Jegs on sale)


Anyone that know auto electrics or has worked electronics should be able to work it up for you. I am in east mesa so not too far from FH and can look at it and tell you where to hook up and how or if you can find and send me a wiring diagram for your model, I can add the correct wiring to it and send it back.

I will be gone this weekend tho, so if you are wanting someone to come out in the next few day.......sorry, will be wheeling in Havasu!!!

[Wayco]

The controler issue is real, I have seen a situation on a hill climb by Butcher Jones coves when a vehicle broke on the way up, was in a bad position and needed a strap or winch quick, one Jeep w/ Warn winch was in best position but could not find his controler (most likley barried in glovebox or councle??) and another had his handy to use

I try to keep my controller for my 9.5ti in the same safe place so I won't forget, also if I can remember I plug it in and route in cab so its ready at trail head

edit: can anyone hook me up w/ a link for direct wiring my Warn in Jeep, can the remote still be used with this setup?

I got mine from the 12 volt guy:
http://www.12voltguy.com/incabwinch.htm
Easy install, good instructions, and works with or without the controller plugged in.

I'm also in the Warn camp, good product with a good history.

[Easyover]

When you are sitting on waterfall, and the only thing keeping your vehicle from rolling down the cliff. The last thing you want to worry about is cheap winch not working. I have probablly over 30 pulls with my Warn, and am confident it will work every time. Maybe it is just the name you pay for, but Warn is tried and true. Your not going to build roll cage out of poop pipe from home depot to save money, and sacrifice safety. Why would you do it for a winch.

Kyle

Kyle


X2. A winch is not as accessory if you really wheel your rig, it's a safety device. Don't skimp and wish you hadn't later on. I have seen failures on other winch's from solenoid failures, engagement mech failures, motors burning up, etc. None of them were warn! And don't even think of getting a permanent magnet motor winch. They may be cheap and pull the rated amount when new, but they lose their pull power over time until they are useless. They maybe ok for a winch on a trailer, but not on the front of a Jeep that gets wheeled.

And others have mentioned, it's wise to have in cab controls as well for controller backup. I don't use my hand held much anymore since installing the dash control (also purchased from 12 Volt Guy). But having two means of control adds redundancy

And the cost factor really isn't an issue when the Warn M8000 can be had for <$600. And your supporting American jobs!!

[mingoglia]

Sorry guys. I'm also in the Warn camp but I'm going to have to send some love the way of the cheaper winches... I still believe run what you can afford. For the vast majority of wheelers on this forum you'll be lucky to use your winch more than 1 or 2 times the life of your rig. For up to around 4.0 rated trails a tug on a strap is typically much faster and appropriate for the job. I'd much rather see someone with limited funds invest in some trail spares and the appropriate tools to fix junk on the trail. All of this is said without mentioning the first improvement you should make.... some type of sport cage. Many of us with limited funds need to stretch their dollar to where it will work best for them. I see everyone's point about hanging on the end of a winch line on a nasty fall but those that are asking elementary winch questions are more likely to be hitting Raw Deal than Annihilator. I feel Charlie took the correct route. He spent his money where he felt it was needed... when he moved up to the 4.0 and up trails he handed down his inexpensive winch to someone else and moved up to a higher quality unit.

Mike

[AZLugz]

Sorry guys. I'm also in the Warn camp but I'm going to have to send some love the way of the cheaper winches... I still believe run what you can afford. For the vast majority of wheelers on this forum you'll be lucky to use your winch more than 1 or 2 times the life of your rig. For up to around 4.0 rated trails a tug on a strap is typically much faster and appropriate for the job. I'd much rather see someone with limited funds invest in some trail spares and the appropriate tools to fix junk on the trail. All of this is said without mentioning the first improvement you should make.... some type of sport cage. Many of us with limited funds need to stretch their dollar to where it will work best for them. I see everyone's point about hanging on the end of a winch line on a nasty fall but those that are asking elementary winch questions are more likely to be hitting Raw Deal than Annihilator. I feel Charlie took the correct route. He spent his money where he felt it was needed... when he moved up to the 4.0 and up trails he handed down his inexpensive winch to someone else and moved up to a higher quality unit.

Mike


Very nicely stated Mike

[AZLugz]

X2. A winch is not as accessory if you really wheel your rig, it's a safety device. Don't skimp and wish you hadn't later on. I have seen failures on other winch's from solenoid failures, engagement mech failures, motors burning up, etc. None of them were warn! And don't even think of getting a permanent magnet motor winch. They may be cheap and pull the rated amount when new, but they lose their pull power over time until they are useless. They maybe ok for a winch on a trailer, but not on the front of a Jeep that gets wheeled.

And others have mentioned, it's wise to have in cab controls as well for controller backup. I don't use my hand held much anymore since installing the dash control (also purchased from 12 Volt Guy). But having two means of control adds redundancy

And the cost factor really isn't an issue when the Warn M8000 can be had for <$600. And your supporting American jobs!!


Funny, I really wheel my rig and mine is not a safety device, it is an accessory, I don't do 4.0 trails tho because I am not experienced enough or have a rig built for it. I have been thru hard 3.5's and some I felt were harder tho and I love it, it pushes my limits. When I feel I have enough expeience and confidence and a rig built for it that I can afford to break, then it may be a safety device. If my winch fails, I just have to hook up a strap.

I love to wath you guys on the harder stuff tho and have been Very impressed with some of the rigs I have seen out there, I watched EWilly climb a near vertical wall that I thought would be impossible....but I can not afford to build somethiing for that and do not have the experience for it, I would just trash equipment and tear up trails, so I stay 3.5 and below........We are still "Really Wheeling" Tho


(not intended to be slamming, flaming or being a jerk if it sounded that way)

[Easyover]

Funny, I really wheel my rig and mine is not a safety device, it is an accessory, I don't do 4.0 trails tho because I am not experienced enough or have a rig built for it. I have been thru hard 3.5's and some I felt were harder tho and I love it, it pushes my limits. When I feel I have enough expeience and confidence and a rig built for it that I can afford to break, then it may be a safety device. If my winch fails, I just have to hook up a strap.

I love to wath you guys on the harder stuff tho and have been Very impressed with some of the rigs I have seen out there, I watched EWilly climb a near vertical wall that I thought would be impossible....but I can not afford to build somethiing for that and do not have the experience for it, I would just trash equipment and tear up trails, so I stay 3.5 and below........We are still "Really Wheeling" Tho


(not intended to be slamming, flaming or being a jerk if it sounded that way)

It's not about being hardcore or not. I was leading a small group on an unknown trail in the Sierra Anchas about 12 years ago. My Jeep wasn't built at the time. Maybe a 2.5" lift and 32" MT's. I didn't have a winch, but I did have tow hooks front and rear.
The trail wasn't difficult, but narrow as it shelved along the side of the mountain. At one point, I got to close to the edge trying to get around a fallen log. My Jeep pitched over the side and I began to slide sideways down the mountain. The Jeep stopped sliding, so I slowly tried to drive out of the situation. My Jeep slide further and became very close to rolling down the mountain at that point.
Several guys in the group ran out and weighted the uphill tires so it wouldn't go over. I wasn't able to get out of the Jeep in fear movement would cause it to destabalize, not to mention my seatbelt had locked up and wouldn't let me out.
Fortunately, the Jeep behind me had a winch. We were able to run the winch cable up hill and around a tree and back to the front of my Jeep. This not only made it possible to keep my Jeep from sliding further or rolling, but also pulled the front uphill as we worked to get My Jeep back on the trail.
I don't believe we would have been able to do this without a winch. And BTW, It was a 9000# Ramsey, and we had to beat the solenoid box with a big wrench to get it to work!

This wasn't hardcore wheeling. Things can happen on easy mild runs just as they can in hard.

I lived in CO and did a lot of snow wheeling. In a lot of cases, strapping a stuck rig usually leads to two stuck rigs. Would you want to be stuck in the mountains in >0* temps overnight many miles away from help? It happens and you can die from it!

You can call your winch whatever you want. I call mine a safety tool that I want to know is going to work whenever I need it. It's saved my bacon and others that I've wheeled with many times over. If and when this Warn dies, it will be enshrined on a shelf in my garage and replaced with another Warn!

[AZLugz]

I actually have stayed in the mountians in subzero overnight from a breakdow, live in CO for just over 6 years and loved it.

The story is good, but not the norm, 90+% of the 3.5 and belows wheelers will not see this type thing and I really believe my Smittybilt will do fine if it comes to that, if not, I have chains and straps.

Either way, i just don't see it as needing to spent the extr $200 when the budget doesn't allow for it, if you have the budget and that is what you want, then fine.

This point can go toward almost everything....what brand strap do you have.....what kind of chain....what kind of ?????........... There is always something a little better that costs a little more, I have even heard the argument that an M8000 Warn should not be used because if you are hooked up and slide off the cliff, do you want you and your Jeep hanging from an 8000 pound winch, he was advocating 9500 minimum.....now, what kind of Bumper do you have it mounted too, did you get brand ne grade 8 bolts when you mounted it.... Like I say, it could go on and on

[Easyover]

I actually have stayed in the mountians in subzero overnight from a breakdow, live in CO for just over 6 years and loved it.

The story is good, but not the norm, 90+% of the 3.5 and belows wheelers will not see this type thing and I really believe my Smittybilt will do fine if it comes to that, if not, I have chains and straps.

Either way, i just don't see it as needing to spent the extr $200 when the budget doesn't allow for it, if you have the budget and that is what you want, then fine.

This point can go toward almost everything....what brand strap do you have.....what kind of chain....what kind of ?????........... There is always something a little better that costs a little more, I have even heard the argument that an M8000 Warn should not be used because if you are hooked up and slide off the cliff, do you want you and your Jeep hanging from an 8000 pound winch, he was advocating 9500 minimum.....now, what kind of Bumper do you have it mounted too, did you get brand ne grade 8 bolts when you mounted it.... Like I say, it could go on and on


I guess we can agree to disagree. My point was that a winch is something that shouldn't be skimped on because when you really need it it needs to work. In my 15 yrs wheeling, I have witnessed quite a few winch failures. Honestly, most of them were the lower end Ramsey, but I have seen failures from Superwinch and Milemarker as well.

As far as your budget comment, I wouldn't be running an entry level Warn if budget were an issue, I'd be running a higher end. I don't have a bolt on Jeep. All bumpers, rockers, cage, suspension fab has all been done by me. My Jeep is the poster child for budget, however you might not know by just looking at it.

I personally don't care what winch anybody runs. The question was asked and I gave my opinion based on my years of experience in this hobby. Take it for what it's worth and I hope you get many years of great service from you Smittybilt winch.

[mingoglia]

It's kinda funny. The only catastrophic winch breakage I remember was actually with a Warn 9.5ti which happened to be the winch I ultimately bought. Go figure. I only saw pictures of this since I wasn't there. It was when Simon from Wheelers had his Jeep and was winching out Devilman and the whole winch housing broke. It was on an early 9.5ti and the stars may have been aligned just the right way... but junk happens. ;)

Mike

[Huck]

I agree with a lot of what has been written.
There is another solution for the budget minded winch buyer-find a nice used unit. I run a Warn HS9500i and really like it. It is fast and takes a bit to learn. I got mine along with all of the goodies for running it on a CJ-winchplate, fairlead, controller, gloves, winch cover and fairlead cover, manual and some fancy new post mounts for the battery all for $600. It was used for two pulls prior to my purchase. I got it from the fabled 'older' couple that had it on a jeep that resided behind a motorhome for most of its life. I found them and their post on the old site. That thing works great and I can't tell you how many pulls it has on it now. Running the trails I find myself on these days, my winch and controller is set up prior to hitting the trail many times. It makes taking cable a quick and efficient process when needed.
I have a good friend who ran a Tabor winch. It pulled, slowly, but it pulled well. It didn't 'brake' well at all, though. When you would release the controller it would slowly let the spool out. No Bueno, at all. He sold the Tabor and runs a Warn these days. Any winch is better than no winch, but some things are worth the name. My belief is that a Warn winch is one of those things.

[ecamp55]

I bought my Warn 8274 in Denver about 5 years ago. It was used but in excellent condition and I picked it up for 300.00. If you keep your eyes open, you can find deals like that pretty often. I've seen upwards of 20 8274's in the last year on Craigslist in Phoenix and Denver for less than 500.00.

[AZLugz]

I always find junk like this one

http://phoenix.craigslist.org/pts/551217492.html

[neZZr]

I bought a Warn for the warranty, and the reliability. So that's what I voted for. I can't comment on the other brands from personal experience, but I haven't had a problem with my Warn yet.

As for the controller issue, I've used my controller on other Jeeps twice. First time the guy accidentally got his controller cable snagged in the fairlead as he was winding the cable in. :( Another time, a guy was backed into a tight spot and couldn't get his tailgate open to get at his controller.

I also installed the 12voltguy controller, partly for ease of use, but also so I'd have a backup controller if I needed it! The one he now sells for the blank space in the dash was made specifically for me. I sent him the measurements for what I wanted, and later that same evening he sent me a picture of the completed setup. He's a great guy to deal with. He used to have my picture posted on the site.

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b357/neZZr/winch_control.jpg