How big of a winch do I really need?

[WILDHOBO]

My big trailers are all aluminum, 2200lbs empty…drive the ATV/Snogos off & winch the whole works out.

My big trailer is similar. 14’ enclosed v nose. It weighs 2000+ empty with payload of 4850. I’ve considered making a bracket to be able to put my 5500 receiver winch in there to get things in and out safely.

Sponsored

 

[mjsargent58]

I have the Rugged Ridge Arcus front bumper on my Mohave and installed a 10K Warn Winch. As others have mentioned, a 10K winch is more than sufficient for most situations. I also have a pulley ring for increased capability, but I haven't had to use it yet. The 10K was more than enough for the few occasions I have needed the winch.

 

[Mr Miami]

I get the feeling that this thread has become a "is this enough horsepower" discussion, or a "mine is bigger than yours." I realize there are numerous exceptions and ifs and buts. However, in the end, if there price is relatively close, doesn't a higher capacity winch simply offer more protection and utility than a smaller one? As in horsepower and torque, when put in a difficult situation, does anyone really say "I wish my 3.6 only had 225 hp instead of 275 hp?" When using the winch, does anyone really say "I wish I had bought the 8k or 9k instead of the 12k?"

 

[Figmo]

For the longest time, I only had a hand winch in my trail vehicle. Granted it is a Wythe-Scott "mausoleum lifter" so not some cheesy "cum along". But still....slow AF!!! But I was amazed at the times it saved my (or somebody else's) ass. Still got it and use it occasionally around the shop.

For all it's drawbacks it has several key advantages in that it's portable to help the guy 6 rigs in front of you and can be used to winch sideways, backways, upways, anyways. (and "yes" - have used it to do all those things over the years)

What you need and what you want are not always the same thing. Something as simple as this can absolutely get you home. If you are creative and patient.

(NB just looked online to find the below pic - holy Hannah these things have gone up in price. Think I only paid $125 for mine approx 20 years ago. Such is inflation, I reckon.)

 

[Salty Dave]

I have a Warn Zeon 12K with synthetic rope. After using it for the last five years I won’t say it’s too big, but I will say it is not necessary. When people ask me why a 12K on a Gladiator I simply say because I wanted it.
I enjoy seeing how other rigs are built. At the end of the day the Jeep community has the widest range of builds to run the same trails.
In my opinion you should build your Jeep the way you want within your budget. After all it is your Jeep.

 

[bd100]

For the longest time, I only had a hand winch in my trail vehicle. Granted it is a Wythe-Scott

Have one, saved me once. Also used it a few times around the home.

One scary thing about them is to get full power out of it you have to straddle the thing and pull hard for each click. If, in theory, the cable breaks, you could end up being sliced lengthwise. But the handle is supposed to bend before the cable breaks.

Anyhow, paired with a land anchor, tree saver, extra strap, etc., they're very useful.

 

[PuddleJumper]

I see a lot of people using the Harbor freight badland 12,000 lb winch. Is 12,000 lbs really necessary? Will a 10,000 lb winch be good enough? I am building my gladiator for overlanding and honestly have really been considering the badland winch. I will most likely be getting the rugged ridge arcus bumper. What do you all think.

Thanks

the truck to pull itself only needs like 9500 or less tbh. but I personally spec to pull double the weight of my rig to cover larger rigs that could be in my group. Especially because my winch gets used heavily year round, so over spec'd extends the service life quite a bit.

 

[Figmo]

Have one, saved me once. Also used it a few times around the home.

One scary thing about them is to get full power out of it you have to straddle the thing and pull hard for each click. If, in theory, the cable breaks, you could end up being sliced lengthwise. But the handle is supposed to bend before the cable breaks.

Anyhow, paired with a land anchor, tree saver, extra strap, etc., they're very useful.

All true. ( 'cept I never found myself straddling mine - YIKES!)

But anytime you're worried about a cable snap (either hand winch or electric for that matter) a good safety tip is to drape a floor mat over the cable. If it snaps, the weight will steer the force downward toward the ground rather than flying through the air.

 

[Mr Miami]

All true. ( 'cept I never found myself straddling mine - YIKES!)

But anytime you're worried about a cable snap (either hand winch or electric for that matter) a good safety tip is to drape a floor mat over the cable. If it snaps, the weight will steer the force downward toward the ground rather than flying through the air.

Straddling a winch (any kind) with metal cable .... my first safety consideration would be a kevlar jock strap.

 

[bd100]

Well the front had sunk to the axle in Utah clay at the side of a river. (Actually, 20 feet or more from the river, but that's how far the soil was saturated!) By the time it was out the land anchor had burrowed entirely underground before it got enough traction to move the truck a slight amount per click. Each click was a hard pull on the handle. When done I had to dig out the land anchor.

If I were to do it again I'd try to dig out from behind the tires before starting.

Is there a way to use a front bumper mounted winch to pull backwards?

 

[starrskream]

you are not just pulling the weight of the vehicle, but the added weight of it being stuck.
You can roll a huge log easily, it takes more force to roll a log stuck in the mud.
as was said above 1.5x gross vehicle weight is a good point.

the other question would be, can you really have too much winch? LOL

 

[DanJT]

I’ve always covered my winch. I personally love it. After three years mostly parked outdoors, this is how my winch looked when the old cover came off. Cover looked terrible, but winch looks brand new. So new cover when it went on the new bumper. And it keeps the sun completely off of the synthetic line.

[/QUOTE]
I love my Rubicon knock off bumper, But this one is B.E.A.utiful!!!!
Oh and the Badland Apex is waterproof, so no use frettin over one. carry on....

 

[DanJT]

For the longest time, I only had a hand winch in my trail vehicle. Granted it is a Wythe-Scott "mausoleum lifter" so not some cheesy "cum along". But still....slow AF!!! But I was amazed at the times it saved my (or somebody else's) ass. Still got it and use it occasionally around the shop.

For all it's drawbacks it has several key advantages in that it's portable to help the guy 6 rigs in front of you and can be used to winch sideways, backways, upways, anyways. (and "yes" - have used it to do all those things over the years)

What you need and what you want are not always the same thing. Something as simple as this can absolutely get you home. If you are creative and patient.

(NB just looked online to find the below pic - holy Hannah these things have gone up in price. Think I only paid $125 for mine approx 20 years ago. Such is inflation, I reckon.)

Back in the eighties we mostly used hand winches. Except for the 8274 winch that came on my first 4X4 truck.

 

[WILDHOBO]

I’ve always covered my winch. I personally love it. After three years mostly parked outdoors, this is how my winch looked when the old cover came off. Cover looked terrible, but winch looks brand new. So new cover when it went on the new bumper. And it keeps the sun completely off of the synthetic line.

I love my Rubicon knock off bumper, But this one is B.E.A.utiful!!!!
Oh and the Badland Apex is waterproof, so no use frettin over one. carry on....
[/QUOTE]
Don’t get this bumper with the badlands. It’s allegedly too deep to fit. It was tight as hell with my Warn. Also waterproof, but I like the sun off the line.

 

[WILDHOBO]

Back in the eighties we mostly used hand winches. Except for the 8274 winch that came on my first 4X4 truck.

They make the same bumper I have in an 8274 version. Pretty cool.

Sponsored