Jeep Wrangler Forum banner

Right Winch for my Moab Unlimited

12K views 63 replies 23 participants last post by  Wild Weasel  
#1 ·
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?
 
#4 ·
I have a Bulldog Winch with synthetic line. I have had no problem with it. I've been told synthetic line is safer. That might be a consideration if your family might be using it. By Safer I mean if the line brakes it will just fall to the ground and not whip like cable which could catch you of guard and or do some serious damage to your person...
 
#6 ·
if you can afford it get the 9.5 you will find that you are much more confident having a great winch. I have a VR10000 and kind of amazing how much peace of mind it gives knowing you have the right tool if needed. The Warn 9.5 just looks right with your bumper.
 
owns 2024 jeep wrangler rubicon
#7 ·
I have a Warn Zeon 8000. It is perfect for my needs and looks like it belongs on the Moab. You will need the mounting plates from AEV. It has done its job in muck and sand. Warn sent a full winch accessory kit/bag.
 
#8 ·
....

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 have the same set up and went with the 9.5cti but I plan on using it more and could justify the cost that way.
As far as the mounting plate goes AEV also sells that but you quoted a plate at $150.There is a different plate for that bumper, unfortunately it costs $265, Specifically made for the MOAB/COD bumpers. It does have the relocation bracket incorporated in it so no need to buy that also. When you click on the link, click the drop down list and you'll see the MOAB option.
American Expedition Vehicles - Brute Kit, V8 HEMI, Aftermarket Jeep Conversions, Products, Wheels, Accessories and Highline Kits for Jeeps (TJ, JK, WK, XK).
 
#9 ·
As far as the mounting plate goes AEV also sells that but you quoted a plate at $150.There is a different plate for that bumper, unfortunately it costs $265, Specifically made for the MOAB/COD bumpers. It does have the relocation bracket incorporated in it so no need to buy that also. When you click on the link, click the drop down list and you'll see the MOAB option.
American Expedition Vehicles - Brute Kit, V8 HEMI, Aftermarket Jeep Conversions, Products, Wheels, Accessories and Highline Kits for Jeeps (TJ, JK, WK, XK).
Thanks for pointing that out. I knew that at one time but had forgotten. The mounting bracket plus basic accessories is going to set me back near $400.00. The warn winch would put up near the top of my budget...ugh! Love to hear more thoughts.
 
#12 ·
My experience says to go with the Warn CTI 9500. If I'm out in the boondocks and need a winch, I want a winch that I am able to depend on. I've seen a couple of the cheaper ones in action and they are cheaper for a reason.
 
#13 ·
CTI is older technology ...Warn's new tech is the Zeon.
 
#15 ·
I've been doing additional research and here is what I have found:

The Warn 8274, as suggested initially, is massive and would require a new bumper. I have a "winch ready" bumper that requires the purchase of a mounting bracket, so that's off the table.

The Quadratec Q9500 will also not fit my AEV bumper without modifications…What I liked about it was a generic of the recommended Warn 9500 CTI. It is not, so it is also off the list.

The warn Zeon, due to the centered design of the fairlead, will also not fit the AEV bumper without modification.

The Engo solenoid has to be located remotely under the hood with the AEV bumper. Not a horrible solution.

Lastly, some 11000 and up winches won't fit the AEV bumper, so I will be sticking with the 10000 and under range. That should be fine for towing capacity on a vehicle that weights less than 4500 lbs.

Still considering options, but the Warn 9500cti, as recommended by AEV/Mopar is looking like the best way to go.
 
#16 ·
I've been doing additional research and here is what I have found: The Warn 8274, as suggested initially, is massive and would require a new bumper. I have a "winch ready" bumper that requires the purchase of a mounting bracket, so that's off the table. The Quadratec Q9500 will also not fit my AEV bumper without modifications…What I liked about it was a generic of the recommended Warn 9500 CTI. It is not, so it is also off the list. The warn Zeon, due to the centered design of the fairlead, will also not fit the AEV bumper without modification. The Engo solenoid has to be located remotely under the hood with the AEV bumper. Not a horrible solution. Lastly, some 11000 and up winches won't fit the AEV bumper, so I will be sticking with the 10000 and under range. That should be fine for towing capacity on a vehicle that weights less than 4500 lbs. Still considering options, but the Warn 9500cti, as recommended by AEV/Mopar is looking like the best way to go.
How old is your AEV bumper? I had mine installed about 4 months ago and the Zeon fits perfect. The CTI sits higher and closer to the grill due to the size.

Of course if you have an older AEV bumper then the Zeon will not fit as it is bigger.
 
#19 · (Edited)
I posted over on the Moab thread, but if you have some patience, there is a seller that sells new in box 9.5cti's for $699 on eBay. I just ordered mine last week, should be here in the next week or so, for that kind of savings, I was pleased.
 
#25 ·
Stick with Warn and you will never regret it. Some have good luck with other brands and some do not. I can count on one hand the times I have heard of problems with Warn winches, but I cannot say that about the others. No I do not own a Warn, but a Mile Marker yet I got it for free. When it dies a Warn will be on the front of my Jeep.
 
#29 ·
So I got my super deal 9.5cti this week and did the install last night and today. A couple notes from the instructions:

1. They talk about drilling out a hole on the left side to 1/2 inch for the winch plate bolt. I had issues with the drill bit hanging up and trying to pull the drill out of my hands. After checking, it turned out the hole was already big enough, so I touched up the areas I had exposed and went on with the install.

2. Not mentioned anywhere in the instructions, but to relocate the vacuum pump, you need to unhook the 2 hoses from it and re route them around the sway bar.

3. For the 9.5cti you can use the pictures exactly as in the instructions for trimming the top plastic trim panel and the forward factory vacuum pump mounting tab.

4. Ignore their instructions and do not mount the winch bolts until you have everything except the skid plate fully installed. I also needed to leave the mounting plate and fairlead bolts a bit loose for maneuvering even though they said to tighten before the bumper.

5. Make sure to start all bolts back into the bumper, including the close out brackets on the back before tightening anybody them down.

6. You have may have to remove the fog lights to get the bumper off, I found it easier to do so. Also, forgot to mention earlier the winch plate instructions seem to assume you have the bumper instructions handy, so go get those from the AEV site, get the one for the premium/tubeless bumper.

7. There's just enough room to get the fairlead bolts in from the back, but it's easier before the winch is in place. Also, if you use the AEV front plate bracket, the bolts for the fairlead May bit a bit short, I was able to swap the lock washer for a flat and I was fine.

8. If you need to swap the cable for rope like I did, do it while the bumper is off and just use a couple bolts to temporarily hold it in place while you do so. It's much easier and then you can do a proper spooling after it's all installed.

I think I got most of the gotchas, here's a few pics of progress as I went.
 

Attachments

#30 ·
So I got my super deal 9.5cti this week and did the install last night and today. A couple notes from the instructions:

1. They talk about drilling out a hole on the left side to 1/2 inch for the winch plate bolt. I had issues with the drill bit hanging up and trying to pull the drill out of my hands. After checking, it turned out the hole was already big enough, so I touched up the areas I had exposed and went on with the install.

2. Not mentioned anywhere in the instructions, but to relocate the vacuum pump, you need to unhook the 2 hoses from it and re route them around the sway bar.

3. For the 9.5cti you can use the pictures exactly as in the instructions for trimming the top plastic trim panel and the forward factory vacuum pump mounting tab.

4. Ignore their instructions and do not mount the winch bolts until you have everything except the skid plate fully installed. I also needed to leave the mounting plate and fairlead bolts a bit loose for maneuvering even though they said to tighten before the bumper.

5. Make sure to start all bolts back into the bumper, including the close out brackets on the back before tightening anybody them down.

6. You have may have to remove the fog lights to get the bumper off, I found it easier to do so. Also, forgot to mention earlier the winch plate instructions seem to assume you have the bumper instructions handy, so go get those from the AEV site, get the one for the premium/tubeless bumper.

7. There's just enough room to get the fairlead bolts in from the back, but it's easier before the winch is in place. Also, if you use the AEV front plate bracket, the bolts for the fairlead May bit a bit short, I was able to swap the lock washer for a flat and I was fine.

8. If you need to swap the cable for rope like I did, do it while the bumper is off and just use a couple bolts to temporarily hold it in place while you do so. It's much easier and then you can do a proper spooling after it's all installed.

I think I got most of the gotchas, here's a few pics of progress as I went.
As you know, I have the 9.5cti on the way. Thanks for your help! When mine comes in, I'm going to have a friend or two come help me with the install. What tools do I need to have handy in order to accomplish the install in a single sitting?
 
#31 ·
Basic hand tools, as well as Allen head sockets to fit the bumper bolts, winch opening cover plate, and if needed, the fog light brackets, but those are the same as the winch cover plate. You'll need stuff up to 3/4"/19mm. For cutting the filler trim, since it's plastic I used a fine tooth metal blade on my Jig saw and it cut it fairly easy. Also plan on a towel, blanket, or cardboard to set the bumper on once you remove it.
 
#32 ·
Forgot on other part. There's a nice post on the battery terminal for attaching the negative cable of the winch, however it did not have a nut on it. To use it, you'll need a M6x1.00 nut and flat washer, which I got in stainless to avoid corrosion.
 
#37 ·
It's definitely not refurbished, it's a brand new in box. It's a Warn box with Mopar sticker as well and it does come with a hawse fairlead instead of roller, which didn't bother me since I used the savings to buy the Warn 100' Spydura rope for $217 from Amazon. I don't know how they offer the deal, but I didn't question it and gladly installed my new winch this weekend.
 
#40 ·
I want to follow up on this thread and let you know my experience.

The winch arrived about 2.5 weeks after ordering and it was HEAVY (probably 125 lbs boxed)! The box arrived with the winch, spooled 5/8 inch steel cable (plastic wrapped ridiculously well), a steel hook, warn grab flag, remote, hardware, and instructions/warranty info. The electrical cable was attached to the winch.

I also purchased the AEV winch kit for the Moab Tubeless front bumper. I imagine that weighted around 40 lbs and included the winch plate, fairlead plate, and vacuum pump relocation bracket. Also, all hardware for installation.

I grabbed three 6 inch tuperware containers to store the hardware for the AEV kit, the winch, and the bumper, and I grabbed a small empty tool kit to put all tools and in when not in use. A tarp was placed on the ground so as to not scratch the bumper when removed. The organization strategy was to keep me close to the standard work of 4-6 hours that is listed on the web…it didn't work. I utilized this forum and the many various installation tips I googled on the web.

First, I removed the AEV front winch plate using sockets and flat wrench's as appropriate. It was light enough that I was able to remove the bolts and let the plate rest on my legs as it came loose (sitting on the ground facing the front of the Jeep with my legs underneath. I then removed the bumper with an allan socket wrench and flat wrench of appropriate size. You have to disconnected the fog lights prior to removal. Once I got down to the last two bolts, I had my wife come out and help me by holding one end of the bumper while I removed the other side. We pulled it off and set it aside as well. Next I removed two metal plates from the frame which are the "fairlead delete plates." I was able to sell those for $20.00 (I have no idea what they are good for).

Once everything was removed, I assembled the winch mount, fairlead plate, and van pump relocation bracket then attached it to the bumper using a socket wrench and flat wrench. Next is moving the vac pump. I unscrewed the two attachment points, but it wouldn't come loose on one side, so I banged it with a hammer until I was satisfied. It was quite the trick getting the pump relocated to the bracket, but it finally worked out. It might be better to attach the pump to the bracket and then the bracket to the plate…not sure.

Finally, it was time to install the winch. First I removed the plastic wrap. There are four nuts that fit in the bottom of the winch for the bolts to attach. Tape these in place with painters tape or electrical tape. My wife and I picked that thing up about 4 times with the bolts falling out until we finally got it in place with the nuts. Attach winch AS CLOSE to the grill as possible. You need the space up front for the fairlead. Leave the wires hanging.

Supper is ready. Will finish install later.
 
#41 ·
My wife made chicken tacos for Cinco de Mayo, and they were delicious if anyone is curious!

Forgot one thing above. The winch also came with a black steel hawse fairlead.

Now I was able to put the bumper back on. First, I removed the winch delete plate and the fairlead cover. Next, my wife and I sat the bumper back in place and bolted it back in. a couple of the nuts were tough to reach with the flat wrench (and impossible with the socket) so we used tape again. It was fairly straight forward with no issues. The fairlead went on next, and we put the bolts in from the wrong direction. It was such a PITA to get them in as there is NO room the flat wrench. I ended up taking the bumper back off, resetting the winch further back, and then putting the bolts back in…still backwards (this was not intentional).

It was not time to attach the cables to the battery. The negative is coated similar to an extension cord. The positive has a plastic cover on it. Bring the cables out the rear of the bumper and under the grill. I threaded the negative along the driver side, just inside the stoplight and worked it along the passenger side of the hood. It looped around the battery and back for a nice fit with plenty of cable, but not so much that it is in the way. For the positive cable, I removed the air filter. This is done by disconnecting the filter hose connection where it is mounted to the front of the hood. Next, I grabbed the bottom section and yanked up really hard. I thought I was going to break it, but no worries. BTW, I had already unsuccessfully wired it twice. With the filter box out of the way, it was obvious how to get the positive into position, by going under the filter box you are able to avoid all kinds of things you don't want to touch with an electrical lead.

Last I put the skid plate back on. After 15 minutes of effort, I was able to get one of the two rear bolts in place. There is another thread on this activity if anyone is curious. Because the plate was now snug with the front and one rear bolt in place, I was no longer able to get the flat wrench out of the crevice. I had to slide it forward and retrieve it from above. I attempted to get the last nut in place and the snug skid plate prevented it. I ended up losing the nut on top of the skid…Not sure when or how I will attempt this last bolt in the future.

One last note:

I chose not to put the air dam back in place. You have to cut 2/3 of it in order fit it around the winch. I'm pretty sure it isn't needed, and there is no way I would have been able to get the one bolt in place on the skid.

All told, I'm $960.00 in on the winch and attachments, and it only took about 9 hours + 3 hours of help from the misses. I am confident that if I did it again, I could do it 3 with a partner. The bumper and winch look fantastic, but I haven't yet had a chance to use it. Also, I was a little surprised that the front wheel wells lost about 3/4 of an inch in height after the install and my front springs are compressed more than I would prefer. I am likely to get a 1.5" spring and shock suspension lift to compensate. This will keep my stock wheels and tires from looking ridiculous until I get 33s, but will allow for greater off road performance.
 
#43 ·
This thread is worthless without pics! Side question, is removing the AEV bumper easy? Just remove the crush cans and the main bolts are exposed right?
You don't remove the crush cans, you remove the 8 bolts beside the crush cans, as well as the ones that attach them to the tow hook/close out brackets in the back.