hey guys im looking for a good winch with a decent price tag so here are my questions before i buy:

is 12k lbs big enough for pulling my own butt out of mud when i do something fun?

ive heard good things about mile marker, any one experience different?

whats the deal with a 12v vs 24v winch? can either one work with a diesel?

and lastly is this the one i should buy?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/MILE-MARKER-ELECTRIC-12V-12000lb-INTERGRATED-WINCH_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ6755QQihZ008QQite mZ180171038155

thanks a lot for any help!!

dave

Winches are like truck brands, everyone has thier own opinion. 12k should be enough to get you out of most situations, especially if you bring helpers, like a block and tackle system. As far as types, you have Electric and Hydraulic. Both have thier own pros and cons, mainly being that the truck must be running for Hydraulic to work, vice an electric does not.. but IMHO if you are stuck with a truck thats not running, your battery will only last so long anyways..

I have had both and I personally prefer the hydraulics because the pull was much more steady and seemed to work better. As far as brands, WARN, MILEMARKER are both reputible. If it were me, I would buy brand new and avoid Ebay simply because you never know when they were submerged and not maintained properly..

thanks alot for the help. so the 12v 24v type winch is not an issue with a diesel or should i lean towards a certain one. i am thinking about the milemarker that i posted a link to. my main issue was that i wasn't sure about the voltage. i know ebay can be shady!!! thanks alot though!!!

dave

mile marker 12k. you will not have a problem. it will work off of one battery.

you need the 12v , your truck is not set up for 24v

you need the 12v , your truck is not set up for 24v

CORRECT ALSO

Remember, the 12,000 rating is single line pull. Add a pully block and it doubles the rating to 24,000. I know the 12,000 single line pulled my truck up over a curb when I was pulling a stump, and the truck was in park.

BTW: that's a great price. How are you planing to mount it?

that is a good price for a winch especially that big 12k is plenty i have a 9.5k and bent my winch plate on the bumper the first time i really used it so i had a new one made so how ever you mount it make sure it is secure

Milemarker is a great brand, I have used mine under water a couple of times and it still works good, just re-grease the gears. As for mounting it have you look in the the 2" reciver type so that you con move it to the frint or back of you truck, just a though.

Warn, Ramsey, SuperWinch have all been around for a long time and make good products or they would not be in business. I like Warn due to my excellent service with them. If you ever need a part, you can pick up the phone and call 800-543-9276 and usually get a free part. But, that is not often needed. They also have a large network of authorized service centers around the country. I still have an 8274 purchased in 1977. Customer service after the sale is second to none. I broke an annular gear on an ATV winch due to my own fault, not following directions and it was out of warranty. They sent me a new one, no charge and included a new solenoid that was under recall and made by an outside supplier.

Check the warranty also. Warn has a limited lifetime warranty, and most others do not.

They have 12,000 pound winches in several categories from an entry level series called Tabor with a one year warranty to a heavyweight series with a limited lifetime warranty.

As stated earlier, get a snatch block. With ideal condtions, it will double your potential pulling power, while halving your line speed. Easier on the winch motor and battery. Remember that electric winch motors, as stated in the owner's manual and usually on the motor housing, are intended for "intermittent use". Some people that have problems do not read or understand instructions very well. If the motor is too hot to hold your hand on, then let it cool. If you hit full stall, then holding down the in button may damage or cause complete motor failure. The hotter the motor becomes, the less efficiently it works.

You may also look at the T-Max winches from Australia. http://www.t-maxwinches.com/ They seem to have a good history with users.

Ramsey offers a wireless remote for their winches and Warn winches if you think you might use that option.

Here is a Warn pdf file on basic winching techniques that may help:


www.warn.com/corporate/images/90/UserManualSRC.US.readers.pdf


http://www.pirate4x4.com/tech/billav...ery/index.html


You may also be interested in some of the synthetic winch line that is very popular. It is stronger than conventioal steel cable and if it breaks, will not whip back and may take off an arm or head. Below is an article on the various brands.


http://community.webshots.com/album/203846292wIUWiN


FYI-select the box that indicates "Normal Size" to enlarge the page.


Sites with synthetic rope info:


http://www.rockstomper.com/catalog/recovery/ropes.htm


http://www.okoffroad.com/stuff-winchrope-mp.htm


http://www.4x4wire.com/reviews/oro_xline02/


http://www.4wdandsportutility.com/tech/02094wd_stronger/


http://www.4x4wire.com/reviews/masterpull/

From Ramsey
Choosing the right winch for your needs may seem complex, but it's actually quite simple. Two pieces of information are required:

Vehicle Weight - To calculate your vehicle's Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW), start with your vehicle's curb weight, then add the weight of the supplies and equipment you'll typically be carrying.

Line Pull - The rated line pull of the winch must be high enough to pull your vehicle's GVW while overcoming resistance encountered when you're stuck or on an incline.

Ramsey Winch recommends that you select a winch with a rated line pull at least 12% greater than your GVW.

Good luck on your search. I think you will never be without a winch, again.

thanks you guys kick ass

My local 4wd store really likes the T-Max winches. Check out the spec's, pretty impressive.