FJ Cruisers of Northern California

winches?

I finally was able to get my metal tech winch base plate. Nownim in the market for a winch. New or used under $500.

Synthetic or steel?

What have you guys used in terms of brand? What has worked and not work?

I thought about smittybilt xrc 9.5k model, warn vr8000, and badlands? Any input would be greatly appreciated.

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Permalink Reply by Steve Hope on April 29, 2015 at 7:12pm

The oem Panasonic is a great, long lasting battery, and I have used it with my winch with no problems.

Im not a big fan of diehards, and Optima are expensive, I might look at another oem Panasonic when the time comes. My wifes oem Panasonic lasted 7 years! I have heard from other FJ owners that they got long life from these batteries too.

Steve Hope.

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Permalink Reply by Dseven (iain) on April 29, 2015 at 8:27pm

I wonder how the cost of the Panasonic (which is only available from the dealerships, AFAIK) compares to the Optimas. My original will be 5 years old this summer. Sometimes I think it seems like it's not cranking as hard has it used to, but it might be my imagination. My concern with running a winch off it is that that might push it over the edge, and if it's the only battery I have, I could be left stuck somewhere, ironically after using the winch to get unstuck!

Lots of good points to consider on steel vs synthetic cable - thanks!

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Permalink Reply by NyNomad on April 28, 2015 at 5:24am

Synthetic comes in different colors :D . if it breaks it has less potential to kill someone.

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Permalink Reply by LT on April 28, 2015 at 9:40pm

with the warn rebate you can get the v8000 for $399 after rebate...offer ends april 30th lol...if you want it now get it!..lol

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Permalink Reply by LT on April 28, 2015 at 9:42pm

http://www.4wheelparts.com/aux_incl/pdf.ashx?pdf=promo/pdf/Warn_Mar...

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Permalink Reply by savage707ron on April 28, 2015 at 11:26pm

Thanks.im torn between a bilstein 6112 and a winch now. Man the list of mods just keep going

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Permalink Reply by tsy87 on April 29, 2015 at 1:52pm

I hate to break it to you, but that list never actually ends....

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Permalink Reply by Steve Hope on May 3, 2015 at 2:05pm

Tran is right, best advice then is buy as you think of something!!! Don't leave it long enough for another thought to come along :>)

Steve.

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Permalink Reply by savage707ron on May 3, 2015 at 5:38pm

Like ome susp now vs 6112 haha

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Permalink Reply by NyNomad on May 3, 2015 at 3:53pm

If I didn't already have 5100's I would jump on 6112's.. Can't wait for my 5100's to fail!

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Permalink Reply by Alan Clancy on May 3, 2015 at 10:15pm

Bang for your buck,best winch by far is a harbor freight badlands.I know some people will snicker at this comment.I have read the reviews and they are good,but not as good as seeing it in action. The badlands winch worked all day pulling me and my six buddies out of the snow with little rest.

As far as cable v nylon,I'd go cable, never had cable seize up do to ill wind, yes is tough on the gloves,but you won't ever cuss a cable. It won't have any trouble pulling out without user negligence.

In any case any winch in the budget in combination with a snatch block is your best bet. I'd rather have an atv winch and snatch block,than go it alone