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Its a loaded ? What winch to buy

948 views 7 replies 3 participants last post by  jp2611 
#1 ·
I will be on hard trail maybe 2-5 times a year that I might need a winch. Other then that it's just 2 tracks around northern Michigan. I'm looking at a Warn M8000 but not sure if I need to go with that one if I'm only going to use it a few time a year.
 
#2 · (Edited)
IMO....... and that is all this is.....several thiings need to go into a Jeepers decision on the winch...the same as tires OBA Lift etc. It is not a simple this is the best I can afford and done......

For comparision...I go "wheeling" on average 12 times a year. Down here in IN it is difficult to find a place that is not part of an ORV park that is legal to go wheeling. and if I make the trip to Bundy in MI it again is an ORV Park type setting. Which means there are other people to "help" with recovery if needed.
Also given the limited wheeling areas we have, I COULD walk 500yards and get help if I were stuck. (assuming that I had been wheeling alone/ nobody else had a winch)
For this reason while I COULD have purchased a Warn I chose to get a considerably less costly Rugged Ridge over a year ago. I have used it more to pull cars from the snow drifts we had last year than I did off road this past "wheeling season".
It has worked fine for my intended use.

Now if I wheeled alone miles from other 4wd vehicles that could also assist in a recovery situation, yes I would have the best that money could buy and probably include more lift, bigger tires, and lockers as well. If I wheeled "Out West" where winch points are already set for some of the hill climbs and winches are mandatory to attempt the trail, yes again the best winch money could buy/ I could afford.

Your choice is to determine what you NEED for your situation. For me a less costly winch is fine. GOOD LUCK!!!
 
#4 ·
Almost sounds as if it is more of a question of will I need a winch? and that is one for only you....honestly a "come-a-long" or a high lift jack and tree saver and land anchor as well as some good straps COULD probably get you by, but it wouldn't be as easy as the winch.

FWIW Baseline4x4 is local to me...I got winch, winch plate, "starter recovery kit" and bag for right at $600 last year about this time......A good Warn is going to be that much just for the Winch...and still need the rest of the gear.
 
#5 ·
Find a used warn m8000 on craigslist and piece together a small recovery kit. You may only need a winch one or two times a year, but when you need it you want it to work. You wanna trust a crap taiwan winch and have to deal with your woman bitching at you for ever because she "told you so" or ball up and spend a few extra$$$ and have a quality tool you can rely on.
 
#6 ·
Not taking pokes at anyone....the wording of "quality tool you can rely on" that is used, with no warranty, Is a little confusing to me.

A lot (not all) of us kinda make fun of the JKs because they are more "drive by wire" with electrical components and all the "bug a boo" that is involved with a "newer" computer controlled vehicle. Some of us say how much "better" the TJs are because they are more basic without all the electrical possible issues.

To buy a used winch that may or may not work after very little use, corrosion or time......when a come-a-long, straps, treesaver, and high lift jack, with a land anchor can accomplish the same thing for less than half the price...and are mechanical, not electrical...kinda like comparing a TJ to a JK which is better?

It is up to the individual Jeeper to decide.......just because it says Warn or whatever doesn't make it the perfect tool for every situation.

I would be more confident in a tool that is used more often, as I know it has been working fine. Than to pull it out and find out it doesn't work this one time...that I need it, but saved some money buying a used one.

IF you truly NEED a winch yes get the best money can buy, if you just want a winch for MAYBE...... IMO a cheap one is fine...or a high lift and some straps. YOUR CHOICE!!!
 
#7 ·
Not taking pokes at anyone....the wording of "quality tool you can rely on" that is used, with no warranty, Is a little confusing to me. A lot (not all) of us kinda make fun of the JKs because they are more "drive by wire" with electrical components and all the "bug a boo" that is involved with a "newer" computer controlled vehicle. Some of us say how much "better" the TJs are because they are more basic without all the electrical possible issues. To buy a used winch that may or may not work after very little use, corrosion or time......when a come-a-long, straps, treesaver, and high lift jack, with a land anchor can accomplish the same thing for less than half the price...and are mechanical, not electrical...kinda like comparing a TJ to a JK which is better? It is up to the individual Jeeper to decide.......just because it says Warn or whatever doesn't make it the perfect tool for every situation. I would be more confident in a tool that is used more often, as I know it has been working fine. Than to pull it out and find out it doesn't work this one time...that I need it, but saved some money buying a used one. IF you truly NEED a winch yes get the best money can buy, if you just want a winch for MAYBE...... IMO a cheap one is fine...or a high lift and some straps. YOUR CHOICE!!!
A decent come a long is going to run almost $100. A high lift( dangerous) is $100. I bet your land anchor is atleast $100. I picked up a warn m8000 for under $350. I'll be unstuck and on my way while your still dicking around trying not to dent your cabeza while your trying to use a high lift as a winch.
 
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