so im tight on cash and was looking into getting a winch from harbor freight. http://www.harborfreight.com/9000-lb...ake-68143.html

is anyone running this winch? if so opinions?
how does this winch compare to RC and smittybuild and warn?
i have the coupon in my jp and petersens 4x4 for the 150 off so its only 250 for the winch. shoot me some input ppl!!! thanks

 

Most will tell you, especially something as important as this, to go with a trusted brand.

Alot of folks say those are poor quality. And chances are if your using a winch, you are in a spot where you can't afford the winch to fail.

Better to pay more now than get stuck later and have a failure.

 

Check craigslist. Fourwheeler magazine had a test of a bunch of winches including this one, it was rated the worst I believe. Mainly because it stopped working after the first test but still. Warn won obviously. Next was superwinch I think.

 

Buy a good quality winch! It is something that will last along time with proper maintenance. I run Warn winches and I've never regretted spending the money to buy them. I have never had a Warn winch not work when I needed it. Plus they have a lifetime warranty.

 

Here is a better priced winch then you are asking about:
https://motoalliance.com/Site.Store....tDetails&id=49

I bought this winch after I broke my Superwinch. This winch has worked flawlessly. It came with alot more items then most other winch companies provide.
They did a giveaway on a bigger Jeepforum and seem to support the community so I supported them.
Also, Moto Alliance has been in the ATV and UTV world for quiet awhile and has an excellent reputation with them as well.
Also, they sometimes sell on eBay for even cheaper. Def. worth checking out.
Like this one:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/9500L...item564681ac7a
Hell if I had $299 right now Id buy that for my Samurai.

All in all though that HF probably works just as well as these other brands. Rough Country, Smitty, Rugged Ridge, probably even the one I've mentioned. For $250 give it a whirl. Hell if you don't wheel alone you don't gotta worry about it breaking anyways. I've spent the big money on a winch and had it fail on my and have the company say it was my fault. I don't wheel alone so if I break this one, someone else will be there for me just like when my Superwinch broke on me.

 

thanks man im def gonna havta look into those.. its my xmas gift from my parents so i have time to shop around and wait for deals to come around also. just trying to get some thoughts and opinions based on personal use right now rather then what the magizines say.

 

I'd check out the rough country. I think they're made by mile marker. If you do decide to get the hf, there's a coupon floating around for the 12000 lb one for 300. I know it's overkill but for 50 bucks cheaper why not?