ryrycars Posted July 28, 2015 Share Posted July 28, 2015 Not sure if this has been covered, but anyone have any suggestions on best budget winch? I have a Smittybuilt XRC8 winch that I believe the solenoid has failed on as it will not retract. I'm looking to replace it instead of fixing. My buddy has a 12k Badlands from Harbor Freight that appears to work alright, but I question the quality. Any input would be appreciated. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
schardein Posted July 28, 2015 Share Posted July 28, 2015 I only have experience with Warn, which I guess isn't a budget winch. I think an important question to ask is how often will you be using it. If it might get used once or twice a year, a budget winch might be the answer. If once a week or even month it might be worth saving up and getting a name brand. But with that being said, the once a year or so that I use mine, it has been a literal lifesaver. So much so, that I upgraded to a more powerful Warn just to have the reserve power if I needed it. I consider it safety equipment first, recovery equipment second. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Incommando Posted July 29, 2015 Share Posted July 29, 2015 Engo Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AeroNautical Posted July 29, 2015 Share Posted July 29, 2015 9000 Badlands hasn't failed me yet, used a few times, not more than several times a year. Saved me once, and pulled buddies out many times. Cost me $260, with a wireless controller. Up to this point, worth every penny, had it for over a year. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xjrev10 Posted July 29, 2015 Share Posted July 29, 2015 I'd like to think a warn m8000 or a Warn vr8000 is a budget winch. Usually if you need a winch, you NEED a winch. Why chance on it? This is my opinion. Yes they are twice the price, but it will be the last winch you'll have to buy.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jackrabbit41 Posted July 29, 2015 Share Posted July 29, 2015 Just go with the 8000 pound warn. its only 450 on amazon and you know its legit Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shelbyluvv Posted July 29, 2015 Share Posted July 29, 2015 http://www.jegs.com/i/Superwinch/846/1585202/10002/-1?CAWELAID=1710669544&CAGPSPN=pla&catargetid=230006180000849029&cadevice=m&gclid=CKvtgNaa_8YCFdgHgQodxf0JjA I have had a couple of these. I need to quit selling my rigs with the winches on them. Great little winch for the price. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
docivy Posted July 29, 2015 Share Posted July 29, 2015 Ive got a super winch lp8500 and it does great Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jimoshel Posted July 29, 2015 Share Posted July 29, 2015 I would just fix and use the one you have. That said , you can't beat a warn. There's nothing more frustrating than running out 100 ft of cable. Getting the snatch block hooked up hitting the in on the controller and getting greeted by a cloud of smoke from the winch motor, or hitting the in button and when the winch has reeled in all the slack and starts pulling, it just grunts with no action. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete M Posted July 29, 2015 Share Posted July 29, 2015 the warn VR-8k is my next winch. unless I win the lotto first. :D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ryrycars Posted July 29, 2015 Author Share Posted July 29, 2015 Thanks for all the replies! The winch came on my Cherokee when I bought it, I used it once and went to use it again and it wouldn't retract. Ive heard nothing but bad things about this older style xrc. I considered fixing it, however I'm not sure exactly what is wrong with it and a solenoid is $150. Thats a chunk I could throw at a new winch. I have always heard great things about warn and would love to go that direction if the budget allows. I will also check into the supertech, that sounds like a pretty good deal. I don't plan on using the winch a whole lot, but then again I don't think I ever plan on needing to use a winch it just kind of happens. Its more of a safety precaution. It would most likely see use once a month. Do you all think an 8k would be enough? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Incommando Posted July 29, 2015 Share Posted July 29, 2015 Just go with the 8000 pound warn. its only 450 on amazon and you know its legit The cheapo VR8000 is just another China-winch. It is not the same as the rest of the Warn line. Paying $200 more for it then a 99% indentical Engo doesn't make a lot of sense IMHO Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ryrycars Posted July 29, 2015 Author Share Posted July 29, 2015 I did research on the engo, warn r8000 and super winch lp8500. The warn is basically a budget winch with warns name put on it from what I have found. It offers the same warranty as the engo, but has a heavier price. The super winch is also an option for me, but I think I will most likely go with the Engo. They have great reviews, a good warranty and lastly a great price :thumbsup: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Incommando Posted July 30, 2015 Share Posted July 30, 2015 I have used my Engo numerous times and would buy another if I was in the market Warn makes a heck of a winch. It just isn't that their value line is worth more than the others Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mnkyboy Posted July 30, 2015 Share Posted July 30, 2015 I don't use it a whole lot but i have had a 10k ENGO on my MJ for a few years now with no issues. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rockfrog Posted July 30, 2015 Share Posted July 30, 2015 I've been quite happy with my Runva's ... Have one on my XJ (9.5XS) and on my Quad (3500). Decent price, decent winch. Good reputation outside of NA as well. And I get lifetime warranty service here in Canada. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
poopypants Posted July 30, 2015 Share Posted July 30, 2015 Buy a real warn! Save for a bit longer and spend the money No such thing as a budget winch if you wheel a lot. If it's for random yard work then fine buy whatever but don't ruin your friends day when on the trail with a shiny bumper ornament :) Seriously though when you need a winch that usually means your in a jam...and it's raining...and cold...and you're hungry ...and your wife is mad So while it's not quite the same as life or death, would you buy a gun that might fire? Or one that will definitely fire... Just my .02 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Megadan Posted July 30, 2015 Share Posted July 30, 2015 I've seen more cables fail than motors on winches, cheap or otherwise. I've also seen "cheap" winches last years of regular use, and warns fail. Proper care, storage, and maintenance count for a lot. I do agree with buying something good the first time, but you can also do well on a budget if you do a little research. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Incommando Posted July 30, 2015 Share Posted July 30, 2015 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
poopypants Posted July 30, 2015 Share Posted July 30, 2015 I'm not positive but I think you're trying to use the Chewbacca defense on me...I'm on to it Next there will be bees....everywhere Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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