Opinions on winches

Mark Amendt

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Would like opinions on Warn winches Zeon 8-S, Zeon 10-S and VR8-S. I do not do any rock climbing or major off-roading. Only occasional beach driving in summer. Any information/feedback would be great. I have a 2004 TJ Rubicon. Thanks
 
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All of those would be overkill for a rig that doesn't see any major off-roading or rock crawling. The smart thing to do if you're set on Warn would be to buy a Warn M8000, as that is a tried and trusted winch that is very commonly used on TJs. It's more than enough for what you need.

You could also get the Warn M8000-S, which is the same winch, but with a synthetic rope. From what I'm told though, it's actually cheaper to buy the former and just get a replacement rope in synthetic.
 
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All of those would be overkill for a rig that doesn't see any major off-roading or rock crawling. The smart thing to do if you're set on Warn would be to buy a Warn M8000, as that is a tried and trusted winch that is very commonly used on TJs. It's more than enough for what you need.

You could also get the Warn M8000-S, which is the same winch, but with a synthetic rope. From what I'm told though, it's actually cheaper to buy the former and just get a replacement rope in synthetic.

Thanks for the feedback. Yea, was not really sure what would be best for the type of driving, occasional beach driving I do.
 
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Thanks for the feedback. Yea, was not really sure what would be best for the type of driving, occasional beach driving I do.
Though some here would give me shit for it, I personally suggest the Smittybilt X20 Comp (10,000 lbs.). It's a great price, comes with synthetic winch line, and I know a lot of people who have put these things through the ringer (literally, they just beat the hell out of them) and they keep working without issue.

I haven't had any issue with mine yet. I used to be a diehard Warn guy (and if I was going to spend 2k on a winch for a dedicated rock crawler, I would buy a high end Warn by all means), but I really have to give Smittybilt credit, because this is a really great winch for the price!

Some people are really stuck on the Warn name though, which I get.
 
Though some here would give me shit for it, I personally suggest the Smittybilt X20 Comp (10,000 lbs.). It's a great price, comes with synthetic winch line, and I know a lot of people who have put these things through the ringer (literally, they just beat the hell out of them) and they keep working without issue.

I haven't had any issue with mine yet. I used to be a diehard Warn guy (and if I was going to spend 2k on a winch for a dedicated rock crawler, I would buy a high end Warn by all means), but I really have to give Smittybilt credit, because this is a really great winch for the price!

Some people are really stuck on the Warn name though, which I get.

I did look at those, just did not know if 10,000 Ibs., was going to be to much. I saw a lot of jeepers of course like Warn, but also saw a lot with Engo winches. I do not know a lot about that name brand
 
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I did look at those, just did not know if 10,000 Ibs., was going to be to much. I saw a lot of jeepers of course like Warn, but also saw a lot with Engo winches. I do not know a lot about that name brand

Well, having too much is better than not having enough, so don't let that deter you at all! Engo is a good brand as well.
 
Would like opinions on Warn winches Zeon 8-S, Zeon 10-S and VR8-S. I do not do any rock climbing or major off-roading. Only occasional beach driving in summer. Any information/feedback would be great. I have a 2004 TJ Rubicon. Thanks
Why do you want a winch?

Do you get stuck on the beach often? Is a winch a good solution? Are there trees or anchors to use the winch?

Warn winches have an excellent reputation in the 4x4 World. You can't go wrong with a warn.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk
 
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Why do you want a winch?

Do you get stuck on the beach often? Is a winch a good solution? Are there trees or anchors to use the winch?

Warn winches have an excellent reputation in the 4x4 World. You can't go wrong with a warn.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk

Honestly, have never been stuck on beach. Seems like every summer I have friends who get stuck with their pick ups and need help and thought if I had a winch back then and even now would help out. We also do get snow here, so thought maybe come in handy then as well.
 
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Whatever winch you decide to get, (I’m a Warn Guy) get yourself some vehicle recovery training...I’ve seen some people out there with the right gear and great intentions but no clue on how to do it safely. My experience with sand: I’ve used my snatch straps(with no metal hooks) more then anything. I’ve actually never used my winch on the sand.

Good luck to you.
 
I have a superwinch lp8500. Its been used a handful of times this year. Incredibly slow but it does what its supposed to do.

In your application though, I'd save the money and just get a good reliable recovery strap.
 
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Warn winches Zeon 8-S, Zeon 10-S and VR8-S
I grew up, first job installing winches. In the 1970s, the industry standard was the 5000# winch..... on forestry 3/4 ton pickups. Honestly, an 8000# winch on a TJ is overkill.... unless you are a competitive rock crawler.

For the use you have, think 8K# or less. A snatch block and a 5K# winch will do it all on a TJ. The bigger the winch, the more weight on the front axle. On a beach, sand.... you want to maximize flotation. Keep 'er light eh.

For your use, I'd consider a detachable receiver style mount. Keep the weight in the back. Have the option of winching either way.
 
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Seems like every summer I have friends who get stuck with their pick ups
yeah, the big issue on a beach is flotation..... not sure why you want to buy a winch, look at buying the lightest, biggest flotation tires instead. Convince yer buddies to buy a Wrangler.

Something like aired down 33x15.50x15 Super Swampers will go anywhere.

The other thing, winching is all about the anchor point. A 10K# winch on a TJ trying to pull a sunk quadcab.... will likely just drag you, not move the pickup. Be way more fun to buy a good video camera than a winch.
 
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Smittybilt 97495 XRC Winch - 9500 lb. Load Capacity.
$299.99 Free shipping from Amazon. This is new.

What about a "previously owned" winch? Pros and cons please.


 
Can a winch be installed behind the stock bumper?
75988
 
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I’m not here to contribute to the debate on if or what winch you need. But I just installed the zeon 10s last weekend. This is my first install and the zeon is a center mount winch. I had to slot every winch mounting hole on my savvy bumper. I’m assuming all other winches are offset to the passenger side.
 
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I run an Engo es9000. It came with synthetic rope. The only complaint I have is that it was not very well sealed from the factory. I had to take it apart and add grease and seal up the winch motor housing and the gear housing.
 
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