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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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Steve Hope on April 26, 2015 at 1:08pm

buy the best you can afford.

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Permalink Reply by LT on April 26, 2015 at 7:34pm

If it was me I would get a Warn m8000...Warn is having a rebate special right now up to $150 rebate and $100 rebate for the M8000 or v8000..Plus Warn has the lifetime warranty...

Also for the price you can't go wrong with the Engo 9000s or 10000s...Had really good reviews..check out the review on this engo 9000...It was one of the only ones that survived the torcher test and went again a $1500 warn...

http://www.fourwheeler.com/how-to/129-1107-massive-multi-winch-shoo...

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Permalink Reply by DWH on April 26, 2015 at 8:06pm

There was a similar discussion recently. http://norcalfjs.com/forum/topics/winches-do-brands-matter

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Permalink Reply by NyNomad on April 26, 2015 at 9:49pm

Smitybilt XRC 9.5 w/synthetic line. 5 recoveries and one anchor in a 2month period with zero issues so far

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Permalink Reply by savage707ron on April 27, 2015 at 8:05pm

I thought about synthetic too. Love the weight of it

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

Thanks everyone for your response. I appreciate it.

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Permalink Reply by Dseven (iain) on April 27, 2015 at 12:02pm

I'd be interested in arguments for synthetic vs. steel too ... and opinions on the importance of dual-battery when running a winch. I'm sure there's lots of opinion on this in the blue room (etc.), but I haven't gone looking there yet...

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Permalink Reply by Steve Hope on April 27, 2015 at 1:20pm

So the pro's and con's of steel over synthetic include these points:

Steel is heavier by at least 3:1.

Steel is cheaper by 3:1

Steel wont care too much about hot undercarriage parts you might have to get around to attach to the stuck vehicle.

Steel wont tear on jagged rocks or tree limb/branch parts.

Steel needs a damper bag placed over it in case it snaps to stop whip lash, but I would make the case that is a good idea on synthetic also especially if your nearing its pull limit.

Steel is not affected by UV rays and I know the claims are the same for synthetic, but I would like to fully cover a synthetic rope to be sure.

Steel needs to be carefully rewound back on the drum under some load when rewinding because its possible to pinch the galvanized wire when under a load and that can cause spilt cables.

On batteries, you should still run the engine so the alternator can provide the load even with two batteries.

Personally from 3 self recoveries, I am happy with my Smittybilt XRC8 with steel line and smittybilt snatch-blocks and a single battery.

Steve.

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Permalink Reply by savage707ron on April 27, 2015 at 8:11pm

Im glad you are happy with. Im just trying to get the most bang for my buck. Also, is your battery oem or did you go with a diehard or optima?

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Permalink Reply by SJFJ 4x4 on April 27, 2015 at 4:21pm

You don't need a dual battery for running a winch. I have a dual battery setup, but I attach the winch to my main battery. Always run the engine while using the winch, like Steve Hope mentioned.

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Permalink Reply by savage707ron on April 27, 2015 at 8:12pm

I plan to run on one battery. Shouldni upgrade my oem battery when i get a winch?

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Permalink Reply by SJFJ 4x4 on April 28, 2015 at 11:42am

I still have my stock Panasonic battery. It's still running strong. My auxiliary battery is a heavy duty Odyssey. I won't be replacing my stock battery until it dies. When it does, then I will upgrade.