2001 model Warn Winch 15000 dead today!
Replaced with 2005 Warn 16500 model.

The 15000 was used alot and never stalled. Had it smoking once. Never used to winch a Ford. Biggest load it pulled was a lull loaded with 70 sheets 3/4 inch plywood in deep mud. Took 2 bulldozers 2 lulls and one GMC 3500 with Warn winch to get it unstuck.

Saved my ass a few times and even sold tickets to some of the winching events :muahaha: .

I will miss the 15000 but I am real excited about the new technology of the 16500 Ti.

I have the same winch it is nicehttp://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b82/socal-lly/100_0455.jpghttp://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b82/socal-lly/bumperforsale.jpg

Gradyghost ... we have a 15000 on our '02 that hasn't been used all that often but has moved every item it has been hooked to ... can't help but wonder what went wrong with yours?

Jim

Gradyghost ... we have a 15000 on our '02 that hasn't been used all that often but has moved every item it has been hooked to ... can't help but wonder what went wrong with yours?

Jim

Well when we took the winch apart we found alot of corrosion in the electronics department. Also the motor would turn very slow. The dealer said the motor was "fried". He gave me half price for my old 15000 to rebuild it and resell.
My 15000 was used alot (weekly) and I think it just got worn out....maybe too soon.

My 15000 was used alot (weekly) and I think it just got worn out....maybe too soon.

WOW ... you put more hours on yours in a few months than I will in many years ... thanks for the heads up about the electrical corrosion ... plan to check mine

Jim

I am thinking that when you "had the winch smoking once", that may have been the start of the end. Most induction motors operate at maximum efficiency around 75% load. When a motor gets too hot to hold your hand on, then you need to let it cool. Heat impairs the motor's efficiency. It may hurt the motor or kill it. Some of of the new Warn's incorporate LEDs into the handheld remote to help the operator monitor the motor temp and prevent over heating.

I think once you own a winch, you will never be without one, again. They are so useful for various chores and extracting one's self. I know when I see a truck with giant lift, giant tires and no winch...that they are going nowhere. They will tell you, "I never get stuck, so I don't need a winch". Okay. The guy with stock tires and no lift and a winch will go further and go home. The oldest winch I have is an 8274 from 1979 and sitll runs fine with routine maintenance.

I think Gradyghost really wanted a new winch and the hurt he put on it and the investigative report of it's decline made it easier to get his wife to conclude that he simply needed a new winch and everyone was happy! :)

Are y'all running both batteries with any isoator system or just straight?

Are y'all running both batteries with any isoator system or just straight?

mine is hooked up directly to the battery closest to the front of the truck ... the battery located next to the firewall has no contact with the winch

Jim

mine is hooked up directly to the battery closest to the front of the truck ... the battery located next to the firewall has no contact with the winch

Jim

Yea me too...