I have a 97 TJ and want to add an electric winch.  The 8000 pound range would be about right. Some brand names come to mind,  Ramsey and Warn, but research indicates there are others on the market. Mile Marker and Black Mountain to name a couple. Price is a consideration, but I have also learned you get what you pay for. Reliability is important. My four wheeling would be moderate in nature. Any suggestions and advice would be appreciated, especially concerning a best source. Thanks.

Bob H.

It really depends on how much you plan to use it now, and in the future. Winches are just like hand tools. Are you totaly happy with inexpensive socket wrenches or do you prefer more expensive ones? The more you spend the better the quality. Me or anyone picking the right winch for you would be nearly impossible. Ramsey and Warn offer high-end winches that may even outlast your Jeep. Shop around and look for features that are important to you. Don't buy based on price alone.

John Cappa

Editor, Jp Magazine 

John:

Thanks for the response. I am a new subscriber to JP and have enjoyed the last two issues. Has your publication done any comparison articles on the various winch makes?

Bob H.

In the October '04 issue we did a shootout of inexpensive winches. Most of them are not built for daily or heavy use. More of an emergency tool.

John 

While it is true that you generally get what you pay for, I have to interject a recent experience where I got what I didn't pay for.  I bought a "retired" 24-volt HMMWV winch off ebay to install it on my M715 (Yes, it says "JEEP" right on it, so you bobtailers just pipe down!).  I emailed Warn Industries looking for information and parts availability, and to my pleasant surprize, I was pretty much showered with wiring schematics, theories of operation, user literature and even the red nylon hook strap for finger-saving safety.  If I had a question, I received a personal e-mail reply, generally same day!  So, Warn already has a great reputation in the world of off-highway sports and recreation, I'm just here to say that their committment to customer satisfaction astounded me.  I made the decision then and there that my first "new" winch will be a Warn.  They make good stuff, price it competitively, and really seem to give a pooh about US.

Just my 2 cents.

Thanks for the feedback. Service is important and a good winch can last a lifetime, even move from jeep to jeep. Warn has a great reputation. I guess price won't be too important when you really need a winch and it works well getting you out of a jam. Still, I am doing my research now and will probably buy during the next three months or so. Thanks again.

Bob H.

Just to let you all know, after lots of research I selected a Warn XD9000i with a Warn mounting plate for my 97 Wrangler. I was impressed with the quality, instructions and relative ease of installation. Got everything for about $900. It may not be right for everybody, but for my needs it will work fine. Plus it really looks good hanging on the front of my Jeep.

Bob H

Glad to hear it, Bob.  Keep us posted on how it serves you over the upcoming season.  

Did you check specs, or performance, as well as the items you mentioned?  Warn has a good reputation, but it is good to know the technical aspects, since having a winch is like packing around another Jeep with you in case you're or someone else gets in a jam.

Sometimes, if set up right with heavy frame mods and other heavy duty addons, you get ask to do things like this:

http://behold-the-rage.com/jeep_page_8.html

Just some other thoughts on winches and such.

Congratulations though!

Robert

Robert:

I did do quite a bit of research, and the XD9000i stood up pretty well, though it still has its pluses and minuses compared to other winches.  I still need to get some decent snatch blocks and straps. I saw the great pics you provided. My needs will be less, at least I hope. The pulling power of your setup is impressive. One plus was that my jeep will be in Oregon, where Warn HQ is also located. I will keep you posted on how it works.

Bob

Robert-VEX
That setup you have is pretty amazing. Probably way outside most people's needs but it's obvious you know what you are talking about. I'd be interested to hear your recommendations on winch line, I'm currently using the cable that came with my  Warn 9000ti but I'd like to move to something a little safer. I'm not really sure what qualities to look for in a synthetic line, I've read a bunch of stuff but when people start talking about UV rays damaging the line and lowering its capacity, its hard to seperate the facts from the B.S. Any suggestions?  

i do moderate offroading too and im going for the black mountain winch you can get the winch, line, plate, and fairlead all for 499.95 and to me that is the best option bc for what i do a warn would be over kill, im not a competition so i dont care about line speed im also on a strick budget.  unless every time you go out, you get stuck then my advice would be the black mountain  

Do your research, but I have found that the Smittybilt Winches - XRC8 Winch is a great winch.
Now if you are going to be a die hard Rock Crawler I would look at Warn or Mile Marker. But for the average jo jeeper who hits the woods on the weekend for hunting and Mudding Like myself. For the money this is for me.

I used the hell out of it this past weekend and had no issues with it at all. Never over heated never jumped gears.
And held up when in water.
But look at the kind of driver you are going to be. and invest in what u need.

Dont just spend the money to look cool. it's not worth it.
This 8000 pound winch is well worth the money and well give warn and Mile marker a run for the money  

I have a Milemarker hydraulic 9000 lb if I remember correctly . Used it rereatedly over the last 5 yrs and have been very happy . In fact when I get around to it I am going to put another on on my 93 Dodge P/U . I really like the the fact that it only draws 2 amps when operating and doesnt tax the vehicles electrical system . Easy to install also .