What's your Warn winch and why?

[Irun]

I'm planning to add a winch to my trailer. Although it will be serious overkill, I'm going to use this as an opportunity to move my existing heavier Superwinch, EPi9, to the trailer and pick up a new Warn for the Jeep. A primary factor for doing this is weight savings, reliability (the Superwinch has been ultra relaible, but is now 7 years old), and future parts availability.

Given my last winch was an M8000, which I stupidly gave to my Son, who then sold the Jeep with it on there, I'm using that as my benchmark. My current EPi9 weighs in at around 80lbs, with synthetic line and a Hawse fairlead. Warn shows the updated M8, with synthetic, weighing in at 55lbs.

I've also been looking at the Zeon series, both standard and platinum. I'm not opposed to them, but they're more expensive and heavier. On the plus side, they're more weather resitance and have faster line speeds.

For what it's worth I do recognize there are other choices out there. However, the fact that you can still get parts for something like a 1974 8274 says a lot about a companies commitment to their customers and products. In today's crazy world, I'll take a little stability and normalcy. All that said, I'm curious what Warn winch you run and why?

 

[taylormade73]

What: M8000S
Why I bought: this forum
Why I kept: light and reliable

 

[Westtown Willy]

Zeon synthetic. Why? Honestly, because Jerry recommended it . But seriously, it's the single nicest & smoothest machine I've ever owned, perhaps the recovery equivalent of a Vitamix blender, a culinary machine that is unrivaled in its design & performance.

 

[derekmac]

I run an 8274 because I consider it one of the best and most reliable (mine is still using the original 1985 motor) winches you can buy, and you can't beat the speed! It is a heavy SOB though!! lol

 

[L J]

9.5XP-S - low profile, light weight, relocatable control box, high line speed, power

 

[Wildman]

8274 PERIOD is my thoughts on a winch. I've had one on a Jeep since the 80's. From my CJ5 I had to a YJ and then now on my TJ. If you watch you can buy a used one for $200-500 and then rebuild it for another $400 or less.

I'm rebuilding my current 8274 but am going with improved parts so it will cost me about $600 to rebuild it but I bought it for $250. By putting a higher HP motor on one and a few other items it will match or exceed the currently offered new model 8274. And they ain't cheap either.

I have a old Ramsey low profile winch I've been planning on putting on my trailer.

 

[matkal]

XD9000i, because I got a "deal" on one that needed to be rebuilt/new motor.

 

[DETOUR]

I run an 8274 because I consider it one of the best and most reliable (mine is still using the original 1985 motor) winches you can buy, and you can't beat the speed! It is a heavy SOB though!! lol

You got it, but considering the speed and storing 150 of cable outweighs the weight factor imho

 

[Mr. Bills]

 

[Steel City 06]

I went with the Zeon 12-S. It’s strong enough to recover a significantly larger vehicle and even to use for yard work, and comes with synthetic rope. I relocated the control pack under the hood to make it lower profile and maximize airflow to the radiator.

 

[Irun]

I run an 8274 because I consider it one of the best and most reliable (mine is still using the original 1985 motor) winches you can buy, and you can't beat the speed! It is a heavy SOB though!! lol

I run an 8274 because I consider it one of the best and most reliable (mine is still using the original 1985 motor) winches you can buy, and you can't beat the speed! It is a heavy SOB though!! lol

You got it, but considering the speed and storing 150 of cable outweighs the weight factor imho

I had an 8274 on my FJ40, back in the 90's, for almost a decade. I'd love to have one for sentimental reasons, but the weight makes it a non-starter for me. They are amazing winches though!

 

[Irun]

View attachment 190049

I really like the simplicity of this setup. I'm assuming this is 3/8" line, so how much line do you have on there?

 

[Wildman]

I really like the simplicity of this setup. I'm assuming this is 3/8" line, so how much line do you have on there?

100' is what this says.

https://www.warn.com/m8s-winch-87800

 

[Mr. Bills]

I really like the simplicity of this setup. I'm assuming this is 3/8" line, so how much line do you have on there?

85'. 100' is too much, especially if one is doing a side pull and the line is bunching on one side. Better to use a winch line extension when a really long line is necessary than too much line on the drum.

 

[Chris]

Warn M8000, because, well...you know

 

[JeepZilla380]

What: M8000S
Why I bought: this forum
Why I kept: light and reliable

THIS right here! I've had the same M8000s on two TJs. Great winch.

 

[downthepines]

VR8000. I wouldn't suggest it. One thing, Warn has been having periodic 10 percent off sales recently. Might want to wait for the next one. Seems to be every couple months or so.

 

[Irun]

85'. 100' is too much, especially if one is doing a side pull and the line is bunching on one side. Better to use a winch line extension when a really long line is necessary than too much line on the drum.

This is why I asked. Warn says they ship with 100", but everything I read says install 85'. I'm guessing due to line bunching up on the supporting rods?

 

[Irun]

Out of curiosity, what would you consider a good deal on very lightly used Zeon 8 (Steel cable)? I have a buddy who has one and he's selling his Jeep. He told me to make him an offer, but I don't know what would be reasonable?

 

[Sea Cot]

I paid $450 for the Zeon 8-S on my LJ. It was a ornament on a JK headed for trade-in. I have a M12000 on the Ram 2500 because it came with the truck.