Recommendation on front winch

[Ram06_1500]

I realize it’s not a popular or common for those to install winch behind factory bumpers. While I have the SLT bumper I’ve seen some who have modified their own mounting plates between drain rails. Can anyone recommend a sleek and slim yet worthy 12k winch? The badlands 12000 with synthetic rope
Seems nice but for $600 is there anything in warn that’s comparable in price?

 

[Smokeybear01]

I'm not going to recommend any particular brand or model, but I will point out that we had Warn winches on our government rigs and the nicest feature you could ask for is the remote control, NO CABLES! No trying to unravel the control cable while trying to maneuver in muck, etc. Just slip it in your pocket and pull out when you need it. Definitely worth considering.

 

[rule18]

Smittybilt has a wireless feature as well on a couple of models.

 

[xdmshawn]

Good question! I will be doing the same soon. Looking for a hidden receiver hitch to hide behind the bumper and have the receiver tube protruding through the bumper opening of my 2005 SLT. I'm thinking I may just fabricate my own. Then I will add a winch on a removable winch cradle so I can use it front or rear.

 

[pajeepman]

Look at line speeds also. Some cheaper winches are painfully slow. Maybe not bad but after you use or even see a faster winch, wow, it will seem stupid slow. Ideally you will never need it to get unstuck(not sure if that is why you are wanting one though).
I have a warn 8274, never gonna fit where you want it, also an warn xd8000i. The XD is slow compared to the 8274 but faster than cheaper ones.
If you need it for extraction, think about quality not just price especially if you are far from other help.

Sent from my SM-A205U using Tapatalk

 

[MoPowered]

For a Warn set up nothing in that price range, but there are several other’s out there and if you want a better line speed or pull go to a bigger winch. My factory 12k Power Wagon winch is actually rated at 16,500 I believe, there are specs for break strength, working load limits Warn etc..won’t verify this verbally but all research spells it out. Never had a problem with it getting me out or other driver’s in hairy condition’s. Even rescued a tow truck that came to pull out a wreck that started pulling him down am embankment.

 

[Travelin Ram]

You don’t say if it’s a 1500 or HD. If it’s the HD you could use Power Wagon parts.

You mostly get what you pay for, although Warn does command a premium for the name. I think they earned their reputation through performance, not hype, though. They have in recent years offered lower priced winches made in PRC. Their more expensive ones are still made here.

I’m a fan of the recessed hidden installation compared to those protruding winch bumpers. Some of those reduce your angle of approach.

 

[CorDog009]

I'd look for something with a synthetic winch line. I've dealt with way too many cables and they can be a pain, literally sometimes too.