What size winch does everyone use? I am in the market for one but don't want to buy one to small.

 

Rule of thumb is 1.5 times your vehicle weight and that includes you, tools, parts etc. 8000lb is the min.

 

My dad just got a smittybilt xrc10 off amazon for 362 shipped. I read the reviews on it and came out pretty good.

 

If you want the best IMO, get a 8724 Warn.

They've been around forever for a reason. They have the fastest pull/power out at the highest lb. rating, hold the most line, parts are still very available along with tech support through Warn, and can be fitted with snow mobile brakes for faster, more controlled descents. I got mine on Craigslist for $500, and don't worry about getting a used one, they never die. The only down side is their size and weight, but if you don't mind recessing it into the grill, or not, you've got one hell of a winch.

My biggest complaint with planetary's, is their speed. There slow, real slow, but they do get the job done and can fit in tighter places.

If your looking at a used one, the Warn Bellevue winches look like a 8724, but don't have power out and parts can be difficult to find. The 8724 is the predecessor of the Bellevue IIR.

What ever you get, don't get anything less than 8K rating.

 

always go bigger than you need because when everybody finds out you got one you will be real popular

 

I'm running a 9500 Bull Dog on mine and love it

 

lol. That's for sure!

 

That's what a snatchblock is for, doubles pulling power, but reduces speed in half.

I just got a warn m8000 a couple months ago for like $560 or so. They're on sale.

 

Warn is a good name, but not the only name in the game. Smittybuilt is good, XRC is good, and a few others.

I agree with what has already been stated, get an 8000lb or bigger, if it were me I'd look into a Warn 9.5i or similar, but if money were no issue I'd get the Warn 12k.