I was thinking about getting a winch but I am not to familiar with them. Are they difficult to maintain? Is it worth getting? Can I get away with just recovery gear? What are some inexpensive but good winches?

 

Winches suck, you always end up winching your buddies and never yourself. Just my opinion.

 

Tell us about your jeep and then we'll have a better idea if the winch would be the best next move...I would probably fully upgrade my suspension and drivetrain (axles, lockers, etc) long before getting a winch

 

I also have winched others much more than myself, but I personally love having one. Don't worry about maintenance too much - these things do fine on their own for a long long time unless you use them a bunch. Most winches get only a few uses per year and I very rarely hear of failure on the winch's part. TO a degree, you do get what you pay for.

I can't say much on anything but Warn, because that is what I have. Warns are expensive, but IMO worth it. Search around for people that have cheaper brands. I am sure you can get something that will suit your needs for less than a warn.

Make sure you have a bumper that can handle the load, both when in use, and when it is just dead weight. If you are not sure you want to deal with it, carry a couple come-alongs and/or straps and a hi lift to get some winch-like action for cheap. Winches are definitely not a necessity for most people.

 

Stock or lifted and locked, there is always the chance you'll get stuck.

There isn't always going to be others available to help pull you out.

If you can throw down the cash, its well worth it.

 

ive used my winch alot. i get calls weekly to go and pull people out. i have a smitty bilt xrc 8000. pretty cheap compared to most. but its yet to give me any trouble or not have enough power. but i agree with doing other stuff first. do lift, tires, lockers, then winch... or about that. its always nice to know that you can go alone and get out of trouble if needed.

 

smitty built xrc8

 

 

Pulled this POS wrangler out of my river!!!

 

Unless you are seriously into wheeling.... save your money and buy a heavy duty come-a-long

 

i agree. i see alot of winches that are still wound from the factory. spend the money on things you need first.

 

I have a 5.5 inch lift and I'm getting 33s next week, I'm buying bumpers soon so i just don't know if I should buy a winch or nonwinch bumper.

By the way I'm looking at rigidco bumpers.

 

get a winch bumper then. your bumper choices are endless. so just get one you like for what you do.

 

Smitty Bilt XCR10

Nice to have, for you or others because you'll never know when you need it.

 

Winch 12000 lb from
Moto alliance great winch had mine for 3 years use it every weekend never had a problem there. Like 400 bucks on e bay love mine cust service is great had a 10000 lb one first they had a problem with their wireless remits failing and sent me a 12000 one free and told mento keep the 10 sold it to a buddy and it still works great just no wireless mine however after 3 years if hard Wheelin works awsome