Winch recommendations?

[Magnum44357]

Hey, couldn't figure which category exactly to post this, so hope this works.

I've been looking into buying a Winch within the next month or so, but my budget really doesn't allow for it xD so I'd like to stay as cheap as possible...

I understand the general rule of thumb is "you get what u pay for" but since I don't have the money for Warn winch / don't have the money for ANY winch haha, what would be the next best thing?

I talked to a guy at my local 4x4 shop, and he heavily recommended a CSI 8000lb winch. I got to check it out in person, and really liked it. He claimed 8000lb's was enough for my truck

(1973 K10 btw)

I'm not convinced an 8000lb is quite enough, but I'm not exactly an expert...

He has the winch in shop for $400 bucks, and claims he's been selling it for 4 years and had only 2 come back for repairs/replacement. the main problem I have with it though, is the lack of reviews I've found online

I just recently stumbled across Engo. I found lots of reviews for them, and everyone seems to love em...

Anyone got recommendations on a cheap brand? if not, got an idea of how big of winch I should go?

Engo has really good deals on there winches too...
9000lb is only $329.99
10,000lb is only $349.99
12,000lb is only $449.99
16,000lb is only $499.99

I dont exactly have the money for the 12,000lb or 16,000lb but I could do the 10,000 I think oh and they have a deal right now that sais if i buy the 9000lb I get a 3000lb atv winch for free. (150-200 dollar value)

Like I said, if ya got any advice on a brand or maybe just what weight I should get, please lemme know!

And also, I'd rather this didn't turn into an anti chinese brand thread I get that warn is ideal, but Its completely out of the question atm

Thanks as always! -Magnum

 

[crazy4offroad]

8K isn't enough but sadly it's all I could afford too! I bought a used Ramsey REP8000 for $200 from a guy who had it on a street queen Toyota so it was like new. But you can get a snatch block and double the winch's pulling power, for about $30. Keep in mind when looking at the cheaper winches their weight ratings are way over-exaggerated. It is a rolling capacity, usually on a flat, paved surface. 8K might only be actually capable of 7K under a real-world load, like trying to pull a log off the trail. But double the line with a snatch block and you have 12K-16K real-world pulling power. Keep in mind if you get stuck in the mud, the rolling resistance is gonna be exponentially worse than pulling a truck across a paved surface. If I were you I would go for at least the 10k. Ideally you should save a little more money or get your hustle on, and get the 12K. Either way, get a snatch block and as long as the winch is mounted well you could lift the whole truck off the ground. Another thing you might want to get if you're gonna be a hard core wheeler is a hi-lift jack, mine saved my bacon one late night when I was stuck deep and there was no way the winch could pull me up over the face of the pit. Jacked the front up, hit the winch and it came right out.

 

[warrpath4x4]

i had a 9500 mile marker on my 98.5 cummins, it was a good winch, an old 4x4 mag i had showed the break down of all the popular winches at the time and the 9500 from harbor freight was a rebadged mile marker, exact in everyway except sticker and price.

i recommend a snatch block for any winch even a 12K or 16K, you get stuck in deep mud and the suction that (could) have on your tires is amazing.

 

[nvrenuf]

Imo...

An 8k is enough winch IF you buy the right one. I would recommend buying a used Warn model 8274 (upright 8k). I've had the same one for about 20 yrs with no failure (knocks on wood) and it never let me down when had it on my old K10 (w/ 44's).

Again, my opinion...

I would not buy a chinese made winch. I have seen 1st hand a low profile Warn 9k out pull a chinese 12k.

 

[Magnum44357]

Thanks for the Input guys.

I actually didn't realize the rated LBS was rolling weight, I foolishly have always assumed it was vertical pull :O lol but yeah no matter what winch I decide to go with, I am definitely going to get a snatch block. And yeah, my grandpa gave me his old highlift a couple months ago, so I just need to make a handle for it, then I'm good to go!! haha

I still really like the Engo 10,000lb winch for $349.99 but I found this Warn 8000lb Model 8274 on Craigslist for $250. You guys happen to have any opinions or cautions I should be watching out for? is 8000lbs with a snatch block going to be enough? or should I get the Engo 10,000lb with snatch block instead?

http://seattle.craigslist.org/oly/pts/3203877935.html

 

[crazy4offroad]

Bad thing about electric winches is you cant tell how weak they're getting unless they are mounted on a vehicle where you can test it, or if you pull the motor apart and check for burnt windings. You're pretty much taking someone's word for it. I think you can still get parts for them from Warn but parts are expensive. You'll spend more on a motor than you'll have in buying it from this guy. Luckily the one I bought I got from a friend and I trusted him, and he said if it didn't work bring it back, he would take it to the guy he got it from and get his money back too lol. See if you can get him to make some kind of agreement, if not, start in on negotiating the price way down, you're buying a pig in a poke if you cant load test it.

 

[Magnum44357]

Yeah I am actually really worried about that too the guy sold it too, so that specific one isnt an option no more unfortunately...

Really considering buying the Engo 12,000lb winch. found it here for $408.33 shipped

http://www.metaltech4x4.com/p-490-engo-winch-model-e120000.aspx

 

[warrpath4x4]

not suprising it sold, an 8274 at that price if any quality at all wouldnt last long

 

[nvrenuf]

Here's a SMOKING deal I saw on another board, NEW Warn VR12000 just over $500 -

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...1?ie=UTF8&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&tag=533633849-20

 

[Magnum44357]

Wow that seems like a screaming deal! Just don't think I can really do 500 plus tax and stuff...

 

[RUSSELL658]

Harbor freight just had a badlands 12000 pound winch for 300 on sale but they went back up too 400 this month. I'm sure they will go back on sale sometime just gotta go through their catalogue ever month and see

 

[77 K20]

Even though this is an older thread that was bumped up thought I'd throw in some input. 4 wheeler magazine did a winch shootout a few years ago and from reading it I was impressed with the Engo winches. That being said- I haven't gotten the $$$ to go out and buy one. The winch is the cheap part- it is the winch bumper that will cost a lot more.
The Engo survived all the tests they did to it.

http://www.fourwheeler.com/techarticles/129_1107_massive_multi_winch_shootout/viewall.html

 

[Driver4r]

Old warn winth FTW, but your looking at about 800-1600 for one.

 

[El Camino Man]

As mentioned earlier, Harbor Freight has a good winch for CHEAP. I bought one just for giggles They claim its the best winch out there for the price. You can use this one for awhile then buy a big heavy duty Warn when cash flow is good

12,000 lbs @ $300. Steal of a deal! Its been sitting since I bought it because I haven't got around to fabbing up a winch mount lol

 

[bucket]

I recently bought a 10K Champion winch. I don't expect to use it all that often, but if it gets me out of a jam at least a few times then it will be money well spent. Eventually I'll get nice Warn and the Champion will just get used to pull cars up on my trailer.