What did you do WITH your Gladiator today?

[steffen707]

New winch, new winch plate:

Old

New

Moral of this story, buy a quality winch plate. This new one is the Warn.

The old one is this JCR

wait a tick, didn't you buy a cheap HF winch? I apologize if that was somebody else.

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[Sorbs]

wait a tick, didn't you buy a cheap HF winch? I apologize if that was somebody else.

I did! I wrecked it and then bought another one!

 

[steffen707]

I'll say again. Don't feed the trolls. Definitely bait. Completely agreeing with you.

Mod should just move into a different thread.

or delete them.

 

[Sorbs]

wait a tick, didn't you buy a cheap HF winch? I apologize if that was somebody else.

See? It’s the new, more expensive, cheap HF winch. $599 vs. $289 but with these improvements:

1. Wireless/wired controller
2. Aluminum IP rated waterproof and dust proof case
3. 2x line return speed vs. previous 12k unit
4. Synthetic line standard
5. No more external battery Amp breaker

 

[Troybilt]

See? It’s the new, more expensive, cheap HF winch. $599 vs. $289 but with these improvements:

1. Wireless/wired controller
2. Aluminum IP rated waterproof and dust proof case
3. 2x line return speed vs. previous 12k unit
4. Synthetic line standard
5. No more external battery Amp breaker

That tucks into the bumper right nice. looks great

 

[Sorbs]

another HF one?

Yes, that’s the new “Apex” 12k winch.

 

[steffen707]

See? It’s the new, more expensive, cheap HF winch. $599 vs. $289 but with these improvements:

1. Wireless/wired controller
2. Aluminum IP rated waterproof and dust proof case
3. 2x line return speed vs. previous 12k unit
4. Synthetic line standard
5. No more external battery Amp breaker

how long do you think it'll take for that one to break?

 

[Sorbs]

how long do you think it'll take for that one to break?

My old one still works, but I figured since I’d be replacing my bent winch plate with a much better one, I might as well upgrade my winch too. All in I’m still $200 ahead of buying just a Warn winch like I have on my JLR.

 

[primethios]

See? It’s the new, more expensive, cheap HF winch. $599 vs. $289 but with these improvements:

1. Wireless/wired controller
2. Aluminum IP rated waterproof and dust proof case
3. 2x line return speed vs. previous 12k unit
4. Synthetic line standard
5. No more external battery Amp breaker

I love how that thing tucks in there. Nice and out of the way

 

[Ichthus]

LineX

 

[Gregbj33]

Looks great. Where did you find the 1.5” rear spacers? Haven’t found them searching.

credit to @willemlock for providing the site.
https://www.rustysoffroad.com/
reasonably priced and pretty quick shipping.

 

[bangolia]

If you’re thinking the steel bumper from Jeep has a winch plate then just know it doesn’t. You have to buy a winch plate separately.

I have an aftermarket bumper. It came with a plate.

 

[smlobx]

Yes, that’s the new “Apex” 12k winch.

please let us know how this works...I’m thinking about pulling the trigger on one.
Thanks!

 

[Sorbs]

please let us know how this works...I’m thinking about pulling the trigger on one.
Thanks!

Initial impressions are positive:

1. The wireless controller/wired controller is very cool
2. The winch aluminum housing is stout and looks quality
3. The reel-in speed is much faster and quieter than the HF ZX12k
4. It comes with a conversion kit to remove the control enclosure, nice
5. Badlands aluminum fairlead is nice, but you'll most likely need longer bolts to use it

Things to think about:

1. The control enclosure is really big. I see it as their way of advertising it, but it is big
2. The synthetic rope "might" be adequate, but I'm replacing it a Warn Spydera rope
3. The free spool/engage lever is bigger and sits lower in the bumper so needs to be modified a bit

I'll update the thread if things change!

 

[BlackDog]

@Sorbs I'm looking at that winch, too. Any chance you could throw together an install thread for what you had to do to get it to fit, how the conversion went with the controller, and the lever modification you mentioned?

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