In keeping with wanting to be able to help get someone unstuck, what would be a good winch for the front? I guess one that handled 5,000 pounds would be minimum. Are there any brands I should stay away from?

 

You will find that many ppl want a Warn and they are fine but I have a Milemarker as they are much cheaper and do the job fine. They are a little slower but that is fine too b/c they rarely overheat. Many others thing that Ramsey is the best. Thay are fine too. It depends upon your budget. Most are fine for what we do. We have a member who had some issues with a T-Max IIRC but those issues were resolved. So it boils down to what you can afford and your personal preferences.

 

I would set the minimum at 7500lbs.

 

or rc 8 or rc 10

 

Right now 4WP has a Smittybilt 8,000# winch for $299.99. That is about the best deal going, I have one, but have not finished my bumpers yet so it's not on!! My friend bought one at the same time I did, and he has used it, it worked great. That line speed is kinda slow, but if you're stuck slow doesn't matter, just get me out now!! Just thought I would pass this on, hope it helps!!

 

I always tell people this:
if you got money, get a warn and ramsey, go with the best first and last.
if you are tight on money and need a winch, get a milemarker, superwinch, smittybilt. They get the job done but aren't on the same level as warn and ramsey. To be on the safe side, aim for 8k or higher.

I personally have owned a milemarker and ramsey (temporarily). The milemarker NEVER failed me in 3 years of constant abuse. I went through two motors on that winch but it was expected since i dunked it in mud quite a few times and pulled with it more than most jeepers do (every weekend, three or four times).

 

Generally when buying a winch you want to get something that is twice the vehicles weight. Therefore go with a 8000lb winch.

Warn m8000 is a very good budget winch.

 

Thanks for the help guys! I'll bump the weight up to 8 grand. I checked prices on Warns and they're just too far out of my price range right now.

I'll check Milemarker and Smittybuilt.

 

I just replaced my warn with the Smittybuilt RC 8000 and really like it alot it has a bigger motor than the warn did and half the cost. Yes line speed is slower but oh well I stay stuck a little longer, so far it has worked great and is holding up well and I dont baby a winch it works or goes up in smoke lol