which winch for a guy who doesn't like winches?

sixstringsteve

Well-Known Member
Location
UT
Very helpful thread, thanks guys. I'm convinced I want a winch. A few more questions:

Anyone have any experience with the WARN zeon winches? Yeah, they look cool/symmetrical, but are they any better than their basic winch?

I'm also wondering about which weight rating to get. I know you're supposed to get a winch that's rated for at least 1.5x your vehicle weight. I read that a stock double cab weighs 3430 lbs. m guessing my doublecab will weigh in at about 4000-4500 lbs loaded with people and gear. Are there any disadvantages to getting a bigger winch that's closer to double your weight, like a 9000 or 10000 lb winch? Do they draw more power from the battery? Are they bigger? Are they heavier? Is an 8000 lb winch plenty? I know i can use a snatch strap to double my pulling capacity. Just curious if an 8000lb is enough. I plan on building a bumper around this winch, so I want to get the right one off the bat.
 
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notajeep

Just me
Location
Logan
If you check the specs of the same manufacture's winches ie 8k vs 10k.... you will find that the motor HP is often the same, just the gearing changes.
 

sixstringsteve

Well-Known Member
Location
UT
Thanks Dan. While comparing the zeon 8 to the zeon 10, I see a few differences:

10,000 lb is 4 lbs heavier


10,000 lb has 80' of line
8,000 lb has 100' of line

10,000 lb has 3/8" cable
8,000 lb has 5/16" cable

10,000 lb is 4.8 ft/min
8,000 lb is 6.5 ft/min

10,000 lb current draw: 409 amps
8,000 lb current draw: 353 amps
 

notajeep

Just me
Location
Logan
I get to see and install and spool a lot of different winches. From a $2000 to a $199 cheapo...
Biggest difference I see when spooling is that warns will coast. That is to say that after you release the switch, it will continue to suck in (under no load) for a few feet. Versus every other brand I've worked with as soon as you release the switch, it stops.

Take that for what it is worth... I **assume** it has to do with a better design for a load holding brake on the warn and most others are continually fighting the brake.
 

notajeep

Just me
Location
Logan
Thanks Dan. While comparing the zeon 8 to the zeon 10, I see a few differences:

10,000 lb is 4 lbs heavier


10,000 lb has 80' of line
8,000 lb has 100' of line

10,000 lb has 3/8" cable
8,000 lb has 5/16" cable

10,000 lb is 4.8 ft/min
8,000 lb is 6.5 ft/min

10,000 lb current draw: 409 amps
8,000 lb current draw: 353 amps

That is all to be expected for the different sizes.
Gearing for the 8k 162:1 and the 10k is 216:1
I couldn't find with a quick search what the HP ratings of the motors are... but I would assume that they are the same.
 
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sixstringsteve

Well-Known Member
Location
UT
I get to see and install and spool a lot of different winches. From a $2000 to a $199 cheapo...
Biggest difference I see when spooling is that warns will coast. That is to say that after you release the switch, it will continue to suck in (under no load) for a few feet. Versus every other brand I've worked with as soon as you release the switch, it stops.

Take that for what it is worth... I **assume** it has to do with a better design for a load holding brake on the warn and most others are continually fighting the brake.

interesting. I found a guy with a warn m8000 that wants to trade for some parts I have. I think I might take him up on that.
 

notajeep

Just me
Location
Logan
I don't know what the standard it for a winch to be considered "water proof". I know that many a standard winch has been underwater and are still working fine. And I have seen a couple work while under water. But several say that they are water proof... I assume that has more to do with the motor housing being better sealed, more so than the control pack.
 
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