FJ Cruisers of Northern California

Winches do brands matter?

Never used a winch before and im in the market for a winch mount and was wondering if getting a Warn winch over like a Smittybilt winch is really worth it?...I know Warn is more expensive but is it really worth it?

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Permalink Reply by Back in Black (FJ4 Tahoe) on January 29, 2015 at 8:51pm

I have a Smitty, I've used it more than a few times...no issues. It was well priced at 4Wheel parts.

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Permalink Reply by DWH on January 29, 2015 at 8:51pm

I have a Warn and would not have it any other way. However I know others are happy with th Harbor Freight winches as well. It comes down to your comfort level. Will it work when you need it is all the really matters.

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Permalink Reply by opg4759 on January 30, 2015 at 8:56am

DWH said it , it's comes down to you comfort level with what you get. I personally have a WARN XD9000 and even though it is rarely used I am confident that it will be there for me when I need it.

The other thing I have seen is people install winches and then then never cycle them, which can lead to failure when you really need it.

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Permalink Reply by SJFJ 4x4 on January 30, 2015 at 10:41am

That reminds me, I need to stretch mine out. I haven't wheeled it in a long time and it's hard to find a spot to do it around where I live.

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Permalink Reply by LT on January 30, 2015 at 1:11pm

Thanks for the reply guys!...Maybe i'll just get a Warn since they seem to have a good warranty...

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Permalink Reply by SJFJ 4x4 on January 30, 2015 at 3:28pm

My Warn Zeon came with a busted cable. I sent them a picture of it and they sent a replacement right away. No questions asked. Good customer service.

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Permalink Reply by Steve Hope on January 30, 2015 at 8:39pm

It is true that you will pay top dollar for a Warn. Whatever you buy do some homework, read reviews .Dont buy a winch from Harbor Freight!!! Dont buy anything there!!

I have a Smitty because I got a discount when I bought my ARB front bumper. I have used the winch three times in three years with no problems. They have a good reputation.

You would be well advised to buy the best you can afford. Don't cheap out on something that might become high priority self recovery if you are stuck on the trail on your own.

Steve Hope.

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Permalink Reply by NyNomad on February 1, 2015 at 1:23pm

My 9,500lb. Smitty XRC dead pulled me out of the snow on an off camber trail just fine ... And my buddies Raptor

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Permalink Reply by DX FJC on February 1, 2015 at 11:22pm

I have a Warn XD9000I on the FJ.

Just remember you might be depending on it one day.

A 100' extension cable or two might be worth getting too.

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Permalink Reply by NyNomad on February 3, 2015 at 4:54pm

This past Saturday I had to dead pull my self out of deep snow on an incline after sliding 200feet down a trail with a hard left at the bottom that I missed in 20degree weather. Talk about pucker factor! The Smitty is proving its self to me!

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Permalink Reply by NyNomad on February 3, 2015 at 5:42pm

Double post! My bad :(

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Permalink Reply by bkreece on February 3, 2015 at 8:19pm

I beg to differ with people who are hating on the Badlands winch from HF. I did my homework before purchasing the Badlands and found that it has been very reliable in many applications including wheeling. My personal experience with the badlands, while a bit limited, has been nothing but positive. I have used it in some pretty adverse conditions pulling both myself and others. It has never given me a problem. I would not hesitate to purchase it again.