Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Winches

When I first had my Land Cruiser I did a bunch of research into how I wanted to build it up. One of the items I wanted was a winch. If I’m going to go out alone, I want to be able to free myself. My conclusion at the time was to go with a Warn M12000. It’s a 12k lbs winch, for a 6000-7000 lbs truck that should be plenty. Prices however on this winch, seem to have increased 30% in the past two years. At that price, I’m no longer sure the Warn is worth it.

So, I started looking around for others. I also started thinking about how big a winch I really need. The theory with the 12k lbs winch is that it is largely overkill. For most scenarios you will not need that power, but in the rare case it will be there without a snatch block. For a rig out on it’s own, this is important. On the other hand, out on my own, doing more expedition driving, I’m unlikely to get myself stuck in the same way that many off-roaders do. I think there is a different attitude between those who are out to push the limits of their truck for the day, and those that are traveling out of their vehicles for long periods of time. As someone living out of my vehicle, I’m less likely to go into situations where my truck is very likely to get stuck. With that in mine, perhaps I don’t need 12k lbs of pull. With a smaller winch there is still extra power available through the use of a snatch block. But that requires winching anchors within a shorter distance of the stuck vehicle.

When I started looking around, I came across the Superwinch Husky. It comes in a 10k lbs version and an 8k lbs version. The 8k lbs is too small. The 10k would be perfect, however it is not a bolt on addition. With an ARB front bumper, it would require significant cutting and welding to make it fit. It is also the same price as the Warn M12000. But my reading indicates it is a superior winch in many ways. I started looking at the other Superwinches and came across the EP9. This is a little smaller than I’d like, I was hoping to have at least 9.5k lbs available. However, it has received very good reviews, is recommended by Expedition Exchange, and seems like a generally good winch. It is also about half the price of the Warn and Superwinch Husky.

I still haven’t made up my mind on which one to get, and Whitney and I have other uses for cash in that amount, so it’s not a pressing decision. I am starting to watch the local adds though. If a good condition Warn comes up, I may get it. If I have to buy new, I think I’d go with the Superwich EP9.

• Posted by jfs at 09:51:52 in Land Cruiser
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