New WARN winches
- Thread starter Coveman
- Start date
That's a brand-new one, just took a look at it. No idea yet of its worthiness yet, no one has any experience with it. But if I had both the VR8 and M8000 in front of me and was deciding between them, I'd go for the well-proven M8000 which is definitely manufactured in Oregon. I don't know where the VR8 is manufactured yet but my gut tells me they're getting it made for them in China.
PStov98TJ
TJ Enthusiast
You do not need an extra battery for the winch. Just attach the cables directly to the top posts of your battery.
No, any good single heavy duty battery is fine. I've been running winches on Jeeps with just a single battery for close to 20 years, that's how the vast majority of winch owners run them.
When it's time to replace your battery though, a good AGM type battery would be a good idea. They are more rugged and hold up better to the bumps and shock of offroad use. Conventional wet acid batteries don't take kindly to a major bump or shock, their lead battery plates can break off and short a cell out. A 650 CCA battery is the minimum/smallest size you should run with a winch. Mine is something like 850 CCA.
Some batteries come with side posts that are up to having a winch connected to them. The one well-known battery brand I'm aware of with side posts that are NOT up to having a winch connected to them is Optima. Not a brand I'd buy any more anyway. My Diehard Platinum battery's side posts are fine for a winch, too bad they're no longer available.
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I checked the ad, it said designed, engineered and field tested in OR, I guess that means not made in OR!
Sorry to ask a silly question but aren't the main battery wires already attached to the posts, do you mean screw the battery leads into the tops of the posts?
No, the winch leads have a connector crimped onto them that has a hole that is big enough for the battery connector's bolt to pass through.
Like this. I don't recommend the Optima battery brand shown but it shows what I mean on connecting the winch to the connectors. I'd route the cables better but this at least shows how the winch connector can be attached to the battery clamp.
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While it's new and there aren't really and long term reviews yet, it's still a Warn. I wouldn't hesitate to buy anything Warn!
Rob80x
TJ Enthusiast
Agreed. For non hardcore or competition use I am sure it would be fine.
PStov98TJ
TJ Enthusiast
Nope. Sorry. Should've been more specific. Refer to Jerry's post for what I meant.
On Amazon the VR8 is only 89 bucks cheaper and does not come with a roller fairlead, than the highly touted M8000. I truly understand being on a budget (I am currently researching winches) but I don't see the benefit to the VR over the M.
PStov98TJ
TJ Enthusiast
I'm not saying this applies here...but it's a thought I had while looking for a winch and I feel like it's the white elephant in the room when people talk about winches like the VR8 vs the M8000 - the way it looks. There's no doubt an integrated solenoid is a cleaner look than the offset one on the M8000. And while it is a winch, something that is supposed to be a rugged tool, I can understand wanting the nicer looking one since it is front and center.
If the way it looks is a concern for you, relocating the solenoid on the M8000 to under the hood is an option. Makes the winch look much cleaner.
If the way it looks is a concern for you, relocating the solenoid on the M8000 to under the hood is an option. Makes the winch look much cleaner.
Wow! You trashed me as un-american on this forum a few days ago for asking the exact same question.
Remember? https://wranglertjforum.com/threads/time-to-add-a-winch-which-one.4240/page-2#post-56530
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