If you’re calling yourself an off-roading enthusiast, you’re not going to find out anything new down below. Since you know that you would never leave home without a proper and running winch on your Jeep. No matter the season or the weather, the risk of getting stuck in a mud puddle is never null and has nothing to do with your level of experience.
A winch gives your Jeep more freedom and takes the lack of control out of the picture. Thanks to winches, you’re able to explore the most rugged trails in the middle of nowhere, since they’re pulling your Jeep to safety. And they do it without you even needing help from your mates.
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How to describe a winch briefly?
Even an entry-level off-road enthusiast should know that the winch is a pulling device that is made with a wound cable/rope and a motor. Most of the time, you’re going to mount the winch on the front bumper of your Jeep. You use it for pulling you out of a difficult place. You can also use the winch for helping out one of your off-road friends.
Two types of winches rule the market at the moment: the electric and hydraulically powered models.
Electric or hydraulic? Which one is better?
There’s no easy answer to this one, mainly since they only differ by the duty cycle. A steering pump powers the hydraulic models, which is why the winch can run for as long as you need.
However, the electric winch is powered by an electrical system, which may not have power for continuous use.
The best part of electrical motors is that they’re able to ensure five minutes of pulling power, even when the engine is dead. Long story short, both type of motors can work in various situations, so give it a good thought before deciding.
What steps to follow when mounting the winch on your Jeep?
There are so many and various models of winches for your Jeep. Therefore, we should focus on how to install the winch on the Jeep.
Here’s how to do it right:
- Start with connecting the remote control.
You should connect the winch remote control to the particular port, routing the line and checking to see if the remote pinches in any way.
- Take care of the hook
With the remote in place, roll out several feet of line, as you need enough slack for letting go of the hook.
- Establish the anchor point
Did you select the anchor point already? If you didn’t, now it’s a good moment to do it. It can be a buried log, a tree stump, or a thick tree. Any rugged piece of nature is going to be a good choice. Once it’s clear for you which one it is, you have to pull the line from the winch straight to the anchor. Use the winch controls for easier operation.
- Connect and hook
Continue with connecting it to the anchor point, hooking the winch line. You may link to the anchor point while wrapping the winch cable around the end in a U shape. Do it at the lowest place possible, sliding a d-shackle through the strap. You also need to secure the shackles anchor bolt. Slide the winch hook up through the d-shackle and hooking the winch line. You need to re-engage the clutch on the winch controls. Don’t forget to winch back until you feel a slight tension.
- Winch it
Now you’re ready to winch, slowly spooling the cable back into your winch. Use the remote control and don’t stop until the JJeep is out of the mud.
Good luck with your shopping!
Buying a winch is essential only want to make sure that you’re not going to spend the night somewhere. It’s not a must-have, but it means the world when you get stuck in the mud, and there’s no one else around to get you out!
TOP 5 Best Winches for Jeep
1. Smittybilt XRC Winch-9500 lb
Many good things Smittybilt 97495 XRC Winch – 9500 lb. Load Capacity brings to the table, and you should scroll down for finding out the details.
The winch is powered by a 6.6HP Amphibious motor and 3-stage Planetary Gear System. It presents an IP67 waterproof rating, which counts so much when trying to get out of a muddy puddle. Therefore, it’s entirely waterproof and comes with 500Amp solenoid.
Easy to install and to operate, the winch includes a corded remote and has a 9500lb load capacity. You get everything you need for installation, with the manufacturer’s recommendation to only use the supplied wiring.
The winch comes with sliding ring gear for the clutch and automatic in-drum brake. It presents a textured black finish, and it seems sturdy. The hook is secure, and the magnet in control handle is sturdy. You also get a roller fairlead, with the winch allowing various mount for the control box.
Pros
- You get everything you need for installation
- It’s a 6.6 HP Amphibious motor and a three-stage Planetary Gear System
- It presents an IP67 waterproof rating
- It comes with a remote switch, and it’s easy to use
Cons
- Some think that it’s not easy to attach the electrical cables
- The risk for the pieces to get damaged isn’t null
Regardless of the minor issues, the winch is a solid choice. It’s also a bang for your buck.
2. Offroad Boar Synthetic Rope Waterproof Winch – 13000 lb.
When you’re going shopping on a fixed budget, finding a reliable winch for your JJeep isn’t impossible, but rather more complicated. The Offroad Boar Synthetic Rope Waterproof Winch – 13000 lb. is going to spare you a lot of time and money when searching for an affordable and dependable winch.
Aside from the attractive price, the winch manages to deliver dependable performance and make a good impression with its build.
It’s a waterproof unit (IP67) that features a three-stage Planetary Gear System which is made especially for jeeps, trucks, UTV, car, ATV, and multi-purpose utility trailers.
You’re going to be able to use the 85ft long synthetic rope (3/8in) and the sturdy latched hook confidently. The differential planetary gearbox runs quietly, and the unit uses a pull and turns free spooling clutch.
Operating the unit is straightforward since it comes with both wireless remote and handheld remote control switch (made of rubber).
No worries about your safety while using the winch since it comes with a brake. The winch presents power in/power out the motor for positive load control and heavy-duty sealed contactor.
The unit is massive and has a solid feel, taking the use for a reasonable amount of time.
Pros
- It has an IP67 waterproof grade
- It includes a three-stage planetary gear system
- It’s heavy and has a solid build
- It’s excellent value for the price
Cons
- Some think that it runs somewhat slowly
- The battery cables could be longer
The good outweighs the bad, and the winch is going to be money well spent on any given day.
3. Rough Country 9,500 lb. Electric Winch
Loaded with useful features, the Rough Country 9,500 LB PRO Series Electric Winch is another logical choice to consider for your Jeep.
The winch comes with a 5.5HP motor, offering 9500lb load capacity. It includes a reliable three-stage planetary with sliding ring gear clutch and auto in drum braking. The planetary gear train gives 265:1 gear ration, which allows impressive torque, considering the small housing.
It comes with everything you need for mounting, and it’s ready to use out of the box. You get a clevis hook (replaceable), wired remote control, synthetic rope (3/8”x85ft), and Hawse fairlead. The synthetic rope is tight and takes the use for a reasonable amount of time.
The unit is water and dustproof, impressing with the IP67 waterproof grade. It allows you to try various jeep adventures since it’s resistant to dust, dirt, mud, sand, and water. You get 1year warranty for the electrical elements and 2year for the mechanical parts.
The winch system is made to resist elements, ensuring functional recovery for your Jeep. The motor has a low risk for overheating, and it’s highly efficient at high speed.
Pros
- It comes with a strong and less prone to overheating the motor
- It gives fantastic torque considering its size
- It comes ready to use, and it’s reliable
- It presents resistance to dust, sand, and water
Cons
- It may take you a couple of hours to mount it
- One may find out that the hook is too small
Regardless of the issues, the winch is a solid choice, and you shouldn’t skip it when looking for one.
4. Smittybilt-Waterproof Synthetic Rope Winch – 10000 lb.
The popularity of Smittybilt 98510 X2O Waterproof Synthetic Rope Winch – 10000 lb. Load Capacityspeaks volumes, and some may not even need the details before buying.
For those of you who need the technical specifications, nevertheless, keep reading. The winch features a 6.6HP Amphibious motor and a three-stage planetary gear system. The unit is entirely waterproof since it presents an IP68 waterproof grade. The 500AMP solenoid helps with the reliable performance of the winch.
The rated pull line if 10,000lbs, whereas the gear ratio is 218:1. The build of the unit is impressive, ensuring heavy-duty use for a long time.
The winch is reliable and doesn’t get hot. Even if it gets hot, it’s going to stop, preventing future damage.
Installation of the winch is a breeze, and the unit runs quite fast. It allows wireless operation, and you should rely on the safety features such as the automatic out-of-drum brake. The sliding ring gear for the clutch is reliable and handles excess use.
The textured black finish completes the description, and the winch isn’t going to disappoint.
Pros
- It features a strong 6.6HP amphibious motor
- It has an IP68 waterproof rating
- It includes a 500Amp solenoid
- It has a sturdy build and allows wireless operation
Cons
- The range of the wireless remote could be better
- The solenoid mounting could use a better design
You shouldn’t skip the winch when looking for one, especially since it’s worth every single penny.
5. WARN 96810 VR 10 Winch
Even some may find the WARN 96810 VR 10 Winch to be a bit much for their Jeep, and the unit is still a wise investment to make for the long run.
The winch comes with waterproof Albright contactor control for impressive reliability. It’s powered by a secure and reliable series-wound motor, while featuring a load-holding cone brake for fantastic control. Let’s also mention that it’s a convertible control pack that looks tactical, allowing both low-profile and upright mounting installation.
Due to its low-profile, the winch is going to fit most jeeps, trucks, and SUVs. The build is smart, with the winch presenting a one-piece tie plate which replaces tie rods. The feature increases the rigidity and strengthens the unit altogether. It also makes it look better.
The motor provides fast no-load line speed, and the unit is secure, even though it sits on the heavyweight side. The clutch lever has a new design, easing out the use so that turning goes smooth every time. It fits in hand perfectly, even when wearing gloves.
The winch is quite the power horse within the category, helping you get out of the water or mud for many years from now.
Pros
- It includes waterproof Albright contactor control
- It has a series-wound motor and cone brake
- The one-piece tie plate strengthens the unit and gives it a unique look
- It’s sturdy and looks great
Cons
- The mounting bolts included aren’t great
- The casing may not take the use for decades
The winch is a robust model that any Jeep owner should check whenever completing their Jeep equipment.
FAQs on winches for JJeep
Q: Do jeeps come with a winch?
A: Truth be told, no jeep model features a winch. However, there are many winch-ready, so they include equipment that allows you to hook up the winch effortless. It doesn’t matter the model of Jeep that you’re going to get; you’ll be able to mount a winch later on 100%.
Q: Do you always have to mount a winch on your Jeep?
A: A winch isn’t mandatory on a Jeep, but you don’t want to find out the wrong way that it would have been great to have it installed. No matter your final choice, remember that you can always use a portable electric winch so that you only take it for the off-roading experiences.
Q: Should you use a steel cable or not on the winch?
A: Affordable and abrasion-resistant, steel cables come with both ups and downs. They’re not affected by chemicals or UV light, and you don’t need to worry much about taking care of them. They’re heat resistant, and the risk for fraying is low. You should also think about the downsides though since steel cables are heavy and tend to rust. They’re not very flexible and may be challenging to the spool. Steel cables may also be prone to crushing and tricky to repair. Give it a good thought before going with steel cable for the winch on your jeep.
