Winch suggestions

[ducttape]

I have never even thought about winches before as I drive my 67 Series IIa 88 'recreationally'. However, having had my MINI winched out two weeks ago, and then watching the 4x4 winch itself out, I'm sold.

Can anyone suggest a good site to read up on the subject, and some good brands to look at? I don't need a pro model as I really don't expect to use it often or commercially. But, I would like something reliable so it does perform when I need it.

Oh, and the guy's wireless remote was fab-tastic in -25c weather!

Thx in advance.

[stomper]

If the winch is going to be used infrequently, you really should think before you buy. There big heavy things that decrease your fuel economy, and do require maintenance to be reliable. There is also the whole need to practice if you are going to be safe while using it, and all the additional equipment you need to use the winch, like shackles, tree staps, snatch blocks etc.

If you are still comfortable with buying a winch after all of this, I would recommend a minimum of 8000lbs, and to stick with a reputable brand such as Warn, Superwinch, Milemarker or Ramsey. The other cheap brands are usually unrepairable when the break, and may not work when you really need it.

My personal recommendation would be to look in the local classifieds for a Warn 8274 winch. Used, they go for around $400 to $600, are period correct for a series truck, are still built today, so parts are readily availible, and are arguably one of the best winches ever built. All this, and for less money than a cheap chinese winch would cost you.

[yorker]

Yeah look for a used Warn 8274 and rebuild it if need be. That would be my first choice for an electric winch.

[JimCT]

the name brands are now made in china, for a winch you may never use there are great deals out there with winches that come with synthetic line and remotes. A third of the price, water proof and everytime we have needed it, worked great. Under 400 for a 10,000 lb winch.

[JimCT]

our is a Recon and can drag the Unimog with wheels locked and blocked.

[antichrist]

Yup, an 8274. They'll fit behind the bumper on a series giving you the most correct pulling angle. If you bide your time you can find them used on craigslist in the $200 range. I've bought two working ones for that price. Well, one for about $300 with a warn bumper that I later sold for $250

[JimCT]

home made mount

[NickDawson]

Love my warn, plus their universal mounting block has holes that line up perfectly with the frame horn on a series, making install fairly painless

http://farm5.staticflickr.com/4068/4693746425_0b1a8f9e13_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/nickdawson/4693746425/)
New Winch (http://www.flickr.com/photos/nickdawson/4693746425/) by NickDawson (http://www.flickr.com/people/nickdawson/), on Flickr

[ducttape]

Seems like a non brainer decision then. I appreciate the pointing in the right direction.

[keithg]

One other suggestion since you don't plan on using it very much.....I mounted mine on a 2" Receiver mount so I can use it on multiple vehicles and also on my car trailer. I wired each vehicle with switched power so i can run it off the front or back of my truck. I don't use it very often so it stays in my garage. I have a Champion 10,000lb and it came with the receiver mount from Sam's Club for $400.

However, i also have a warn 8274 that came with my Rover and it still works great.

[I Leak Oil]

I agree with Stomper. You said you watched someone else pull a mini or something out then pull themself out. You haven't said you feel you "need" one. They are heavy and can get expensive. If you're like me and your definition of "need" is very liberal.....find an 8274 or an M8000 Both fit a series truck well! Stick with a brand name though.

[NickDawson]

My franken rover has it's own set of issues...but the added weight on the front end has actually helped my steering.