Winch recommendation?

Cumsterdump

Cumsterdump

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Oct 30, 2025
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Location
Arizona
i just installed a Warn stubby front bumper. now it’s time for a winch itself. obviously Warn is the way to go to match everything up but i’m not THAT picky. what’s popular for these jeeps?

specific model recommendations or things to consider in my search for the right option for me are all appreciated
 
Cumsterdump said:
specific model recommendations or things to consider in my search for the right option for me are all appreciated
Click to expand...
As mentioned above a warn 9.5Xp
But also the warn M8000,it's a decent little winch and I run it myself and it hasn't given me any trouble yet!
And most importantly run a synthetic winch line !
 
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I suppose it just depends on how much you want to spend . I went with an Open Road 13.5 based on reviews from Matt with Ozark Overland Adventures . He has been using them for years with great success . They seem to hold up well with heavy use . Mine was around $300 and will be lightly used . Others have had great luck with the Badlands from Harbor Freight .
Warn is probably the Gold standard and has a great reputation , however you will pay for that reputation . At the end of the day , it's which one you are comfortable with .

IMG_20250516_084827987_HDR~3.jpg


IMG_20230627_121418737_HDR.webp


IMG_20230627_111241082_HDR.webp
 
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Cumsterdump said:
i just installed a Warn stubby front bumper. now it’s time for a winch itself. obviously Warn is the way to go to match everything up but i’m not THAT picky.
Click to expand...

Don't buy a Warn winch because it matches your bumper. That will immediately identify you as a mallcrawler.

Buy a Warn winch because it will work when you need it to work,

I use a Warn M8 (M8000) with WRG winch rope, Safety Thimble II, and a WRG hawse fairlead.

TRE winch line and Safety Thimble installed.webpTRE winch line from above.webpView of front bumper with TRE fairlead and safety thimble.webp
 
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I went through three motors on my M8000 before I got a 9.5XP.

I also have several 9000XP Harbor Freight winches...and for the price they can't be beat.

Pair any of them with a Black Magic Brakes/Wizard Recovery Gear synthetic winch rope and some soft shackles and you'll be set.

-Mac
 
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John Cooper said:
If you want to go with Warn, look on Facebook Marketplace, there seems to always be good deals on used winches if you spend the time looking.
Click to expand...

This, if you do a search in Facebook MP and set distance, then hit the save (looks like a bookmark button) it will alert you when one gets posted.

At least once a month, a basically brand new one goes up here from someone trading in their Bronco that's never been used.
 
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tnjeepguy said:
Someone is really going to be "gator bait" if the wife comes out to the garage !!

View attachment 666177
Click to expand...

I've added more boxes faster than I'm getting them installed, too. Surprisingly, the biggest complaint has been that I'm neglecting her Jeep that normally sits on that side.
 
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GATORB8 said:
I've added more boxes faster than I'm getting them installed, too. Surprisingly, the biggest complaint has been that I'm neglecting her Jeep that normally sits on that side.
Click to expand...

I need a wife like that!!
Lol, although mine now makes the money and I spend it! Usually, I get a hefty "allowance" for my toys, but spent way too much on my 2 wheeled toy a few years ago. Still haven't recovered that percentage drop....
 

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