What winch do I need?

[Docwagon1776]

I think 50-60 lbs. is on the light side. Warn lists their 12k winches between 85-133 lbs. and Harbor Freight lists their 12k at 85 lbs. That also doesn't include the weight of the cradle. Big difference between 50 lbs. and 100 lbs.!

Especially if your ass deep in mud or snow wrestling it around and getting it hooked up.

 

[DILLIGAF]

Get a 12K for a 1500 or a 1750 for a 2500 , When your stuck, f****** around with a g** ass snatch block isnt fun when is -40 outside or if your in the mud.

And make sure you mount your controller box under the hood.

wireless remotes are a must.

 

[diymirage]

Thanks for all the help guys, unless anything changes I will order an X-bull 14500 with cradle tomorrow

 

[murderman]

Some good advice already posted, but I'll add a few thoughts based on my 40+ years of recreational off-roading.

First off, I tried the multi-mount thing a couple decades ago and my opinion is simply don't. You'll be over 100# with a winch appropriate for your rig even with synthetic, and while that might be reasonable to lift on flat solid ground, try ass'ing that thing down into a ditch or up a hill in mud or snow. if you get that far, you'll quite possibly find yourself having to dig in front of the rig in order to have clearance to install it. Just don't.

As far as capacity, 12k minimum for a 2500.

As far as line capacity, any winch with less than 100' of rope can be very limiting, especially if you are likely to need to use a snatch block on occasion.

Synthetic versus steel rope. For muddy conditions, steel is the best way to go because the mud gets in between the strands of synthetic rope and eats it alive. For other applications, synthetic has advantages. Both my rock buggy and Jeep have synthetic, but I avoid mud with those rigs. With synthetic rope be sure to limit UV exposure with a winch cover or some other means.

Some might consider me a brand snob because I only use Warn, but I can still get parts for my 40-year old M8274 or 30-year old XD9000i, both of which I bought brand new that many years ago and have used extensively since. I appreciate that the premium price is not for everyone, just be aware that many of the "off" brands are throw away and replace if they go **** up.

Equally important to the winch is all the jewelry that goes along with it. Some thing you'll want to have:
-Solid and easily accessible recovery points front and rear. Not to sound like a ****, but if someone is stuck and they don't have a solid recovery point, I won't hook up to them in the interest of everyone's safety.
-Gloves. When handling rigging of any type gloves can save you a lot of grief. Do not however rely on gloves to protect your hands when dealing with wire rope; never let wire rope glide through your hands, pass it hand over hand.
-An assortment of shackles, both steel and synthetic. Synthetic shackles are convenient, but never use them with padeyes or anything else with a square edge.
-A couple of recovery straps of different lengths. On my buggy I carry a 10' and a 30' due to space limitations; in the other vehicles I carry at least one each 10', 20', and 30'. I do not use kinetic ropes... ever.
-A least one snatch block. If space/weight is a premium like in my buugy and you are using synthetic rope, the donuts can work. A conventional snatch block is better in my opinion because they have less friction. Never use a snatch block on synthetic rope that has been previously used with steel rope, and best to use only snatch blocks designed for synthetic rope with synthetic rope.

Good luck with your recoveries, hopefully it won't be required too frequently.

 

[GRAYWOLF]

Just a thought on a loose winch in the bed of your truck...in an accident it becomes a projectile. You hit black ice, it might just launch out of the bed and disappear.

 

[diymirage]

Just a thought on a loose winch in the bed of your truck...in an accident it becomes a projectile. You hit black ice, it might just launch out of the bed and disappear.

Good point, between that and what @murderman mentioned, maybe I'll just leave it attached while we're driving and just chuck it in the bed when we stop for the nite

 

[04fxdwgi]

Good point, between that and what @murderman mentioned, maybe I'll just leave it attached while we're driving and just chuck it in the bed when we stop for the nite

Or replace a bolt or 2 with locking bolts to keep people honest.