Smittybilt Winch

[Rubi-Mama]

I posted this on Planet 4x4 and thought I would post on here as well.

Since our T-Max winch is a piece of (enter phrase here), we are looking to replace it with something that works. I was wondering if anybody has had any experience with the Smittybilt winches.
Now, I know I'm going to get a lot of "Get a Warn" but this is my logic... Yes, Warn's are great and we should of gotten one in the first place, however we are now going to see if "Cheap" is better then "Expensive". We purchased our T-Max in May of 2005 (paid $1100.00), used it maybe 7 times at the most (and not hard pulls) when it stopped working. Of course the warranty expired on it appox. 2 mths before it stopped working. We replaced the solenoid module (with a T-Max solenoid) and nothing. So, instead of paying $250.00 for a new motor and then appox. another $200.00 to ship it to CA we decided to put that money towards a new less expensive winch that might work.
So again, my question is has anyone had any experience with the Smittybilt winch because that is the one we are currently looking at.

 

[I Lean]

Interesting, I was under the impression the T-max winches WERE one of the cheap ones.

 

[1993yj]

If you paid 1100 to begin with, why didn't you just get a Warn in the first place? I realize this is of no help to your current situation, I just didn't realize that T-max's were that expensive either.

 

[RockMonkey]

I just went through this same thought process. I looked at all the cheap winches and did a lot of research. I ended up ordering a Warn m8000 for $516 shipped. You just got done getting screwed by a "cheap" winch, why would you want to do it again?

 

[grandmaster]

Well i will try and help you out, although i realize i will probably get crap for this but here it goes. I have the smittybilt xrc-8 on the front of my grand, have only had to use it twice to pull people out but it got the job done. Now the line speed in is not the fastest, but i knew that when i bought it so it wasnt to big of an issue. All in all im very pleased with the winch, especially sence it was inexpensive. I was tight on money and needed something so i went the cheaper route. Perhaps when that one breaks (if it ever does) i will go a different route and buy a warn. Anyway, hope this helps.

 

[Rubi-Mama]

If you paid 1100 to begin with, why didn't you just get a Warn in the first place? I realize this is of no help to your current situation, I just didn't realize that T-max's were that expensive either.

We got the T-Max because at the time it was the only brand that had a wireless remote control (we thought that was cool) and it was the same price for a T-Max wireless 12,000 winch as a Warn 9000 winch. Now most of the brands out there have the wireless remote option.

 

[grandmaster]

I dont believe that smittybilt has the wireless remote option. Althought they probably do make universal ones. And if you are that concerned just run wire to the inside of the cab to a three was switch so you can control it inside the vehicle or use the remote from the outside. (idea courtisy of tyler)

 

[1993yj]

Yeah, T should post up how he did his internal switch for his winch. It is a pretty cool, and cheap idea.

 

[spaggyroe]

Here's the warn wireless control system. Pretty slick.
http://www.warn.com/truck/accessories/wireless_control.shtml

I don't have a schematic for a warn 5-pin connection so I can't say for sure, but I would imagine that it could be adapted to other winches.

 

[mbryson]

I've been fairly impressed by my T-Max. I would have rather had a Warn, but the T-Max done quite a bit and is still holding together.

 

[Rubi-Mama]

I dont believe that smittybilt has the wireless remote option. Althought they probably do make universal ones. And if you are that concerned just run wire to the inside of the cab to a three was switch so you can control it inside the vehicle or use the remote from the outside. (idea courtisy of tyler)

We are not concerned about getting another remote option winch as much as one that works now. It just stinks when you spend that much $$ on something, only use it 6-7 times then stops working. We have looked into getting it fixed but for around the same price, we can purchase a new winch with a warranty.
Thank you everone for all your input/comments.

Besides - I have a Warn on my truck...it's the hubbies Jeep that is needing the new winch.

 

[BCGPER]

Warn, all the way.....


With that said, have you opened the motor up to see what's wrong? My Ramsey died. Of course they would have been happy to sell me a new motor for $250. I went to a starter rebuild shop, and spent $6 on motor brushes and the thing worked flawlessly for years after. Don't condemn the winch untill you're sure.

 

[1993yj]

I agree with BCGPER. I would either try to fix it or get a Warn. No sense in spending more money on sh*t, just to do it again in the next few years.

 

[ewander]

My brother got the 9000i milemarker and it works great ($400). I honestly don't see a huge difference between his milemarker and my Warn XD9000i ($900). Both have seen pretty heavy use.

 

[jet_aj]

here ya go, this might work... WARN M8000 $570.00 vs normally $836.00

http://www.quadratec.com/products/92104_01_07.htm

 

[I Lean]

here ya go, this might work... WARN M8000

http://www.quadratec.com/products/92104_01_07.htm

I ended up ordering a Warn m8000 for $516 shipped.

Seems like $516 would be better than $589.

 

[jet_aj]

Truth. $516 is better

try this one

http://www.winchdepot.com/PDT57613.aspx?gclid=CNXlm8SUnJICFRYoawodtxMN_g