The rig:
I drive a more or less factory 2013 Unlimited Moab which comes with the AEV front bumper.
Planned winch use:
My wife and 2 young boys mainly travel through unmaintained roads in the flint hills of Kansas. We drive alone. These roads are generally tame dirt and rock, but can become quite muddy or snow packed. There is some low water creek crossing. We are never more than a few miles from a farmer/rancher with a tractor capable of pulling us out and we carry appropriate gear so that the four of us can easily walk out should we become stuck. I am only interested in pulling my vehicle out of a moderate mud hole should I happen to get stuck. I would imagine needing a winch 0 to 1 time per year.
Budget:
I can spend up to $2000.00 if warranted, I'm not seeing the value at that end, but I do understand the concept of getting what you pay for.
Wants (in order of importance):
Dependable
Affordable
Aesthetically pleasing
Light weight
Ease of use
The contenders:
The $1300.00 Warn 9.5cti winch with steal cable is recommended by AEV, and although I like the reputation of reliability, that just seems too steep for my needs.
The ~$500.00 Engo E9000 with synthetic line seems like a top contender, but I'm not to crazy about the aesthetics.
The Quadratec Q9500 is obviously targeted as a generic Warn 9.5cti, but at 1/3 the price (~$500.00). I like the aesthetics of this model, and AEV built their bumper with the brand name version in mind. Any strong opinions on the Q winches?
Superwinch Tiger Shark 9500 (~$500.00). Aesthetically, I like this much better than the Engo, but not nearly as much as the Q. This is a steel cable, and I would prefer synthetic, but it's not a must. Again, however, I am interested in reliability first!
Am I missing a brand/model I should really be considering?
What else:
I'm going to have to purchase a winch mounting plate ($150.00), some accessories; snatch blocks, anchor system, etc. (~$150.00). What accessories do I need, and what's the budget?
I drive a more or less factory 2013 Unlimited Moab which comes with the AEV front bumper.
Planned winch use:
My wife and 2 young boys mainly travel through unmaintained roads in the flint hills of Kansas. We drive alone. These roads are generally tame dirt and rock, but can become quite muddy or snow packed. There is some low water creek crossing. We are never more than a few miles from a farmer/rancher with a tractor capable of pulling us out and we carry appropriate gear so that the four of us can easily walk out should we become stuck. I am only interested in pulling my vehicle out of a moderate mud hole should I happen to get stuck. I would imagine needing a winch 0 to 1 time per year.
Budget:
I can spend up to $2000.00 if warranted, I'm not seeing the value at that end, but I do understand the concept of getting what you pay for.
Wants (in order of importance):
Dependable
Affordable
Aesthetically pleasing
Light weight
Ease of use
The contenders:
The $1300.00 Warn 9.5cti winch with steal cable is recommended by AEV, and although I like the reputation of reliability, that just seems too steep for my needs.
The ~$500.00 Engo E9000 with synthetic line seems like a top contender, but I'm not to crazy about the aesthetics.
The Quadratec Q9500 is obviously targeted as a generic Warn 9.5cti, but at 1/3 the price (~$500.00). I like the aesthetics of this model, and AEV built their bumper with the brand name version in mind. Any strong opinions on the Q winches?
Superwinch Tiger Shark 9500 (~$500.00). Aesthetically, I like this much better than the Engo, but not nearly as much as the Q. This is a steel cable, and I would prefer synthetic, but it's not a must. Again, however, I am interested in reliability first!
Am I missing a brand/model I should really be considering?
What else:
I'm going to have to purchase a winch mounting plate ($150.00), some accessories; snatch blocks, anchor system, etc. (~$150.00). What accessories do I need, and what's the budget?