F-350 winch selections

[Paul B.]

Working out details on custom bed and camper mounting, etc. Coming to a consideration of Warn winches mounted to frame. Likely want front and rear. Which Warn 12,000 is needed? Seems a decent price swing between models. All advice greatly appreciated. Edit: M12000 v. VR12000 is the question it seems. Or 15k? (Geez, I am realizing what a neophyte I am about this stuff.)

 

[adventr]

If you could see these winches in person, you'd be able to better understand why the M12000 is so much more expensive. I ran the M12k on my cruiser, and it was a monster.

VR12000 winch weight - 89lbs
M12000 winch weight - 136lbs

 

[xbox73]

1.5 * loaded weight of vehicle is a good rule of thumb when selecting winch capability.

For reference, I have a Warn M15000 on a diesel Ford Excursion.

 

[pappawheely]

So far, I have only had to winch others. :wings:

 

[b9ev]

I ordered a 12k lb winch this morning. While not quite 1.5x it should suffice, I think.

 

[BrandX]

why not run the zenon 10k with a snatch block? I am considering this because mine is a receiver set up for front and rear and weight is a concern for me.

 

[Umtaneum]

Zenon 10k with a snatch block is what I'm running on my F350. So far I've only used it to unstick others, string elk fence for the Forest Service, and skid logs. I'm not real worried about it being inadequate, my old 9500 Warn pulled my previous 3 F350's out of many a mudhole.

 

[Thirty-Nine]

The thing about the WARN M12000 and M15000 (and 16.5ti) is that they mount feet forward (they're a large-frame winch), whereas the VR12 and ZEON12 mount feet down (mid-frame winch). You'll need to take this into consideration when selecting a winch. There will be differences in speed, too (all that info is on their website).

FYI, WARN uses 1.5 x GVWR for its winch selection formula.

 

[Paul B.]

So far, I have only had to winch others. :wings:

Mike, may I ask which Warn winches you are running?

Thanks all! I'm considering the M12000 as the minimum starting point. Front and rear. I figure, the more winch I buy, the less chance I'll ever use it.

 

[BrandX]

I do understand 1.5 times your weight pulling power, but don't u get double your pull rating( 10k now becomes 20k) with running a snatch block which puts you in your 1.5 times weight of your vehicle. Is a warn 16.5 for 4 $1700 really necessary? I am glad to hear that there is some sucess with the zenon.

 

[daddyusmaximus]

I've been wanting a winch for my F-250 and was thinking about the 16.5, but the price is kinda scary. If I go with a (small) 12,000 or bigger, I still think a snatch block is a needed accessory.

 

[Paul B.]

I've been wanting a winch for my F-250 and was thinking about the 16.5, but the price is kinda scary. If I go with a (small) 12,000 or bigger, I still think a snatch block is a needed accessory.

Would have to think a good snatch block is a mandatory component of the recovery gear in any preparedness situation. Along with the chains and loops and straps.

 

[Antichrist]

1.5 * loaded weight of vehicle is a good rule of thumb when selecting winch capability.

I can only think that was started by someone who didn't really understand rigging and thought you always had to single line.
Or by winch manufacturers who wanted to sell bigger winches.

 

[xbox73]

I can only think that was started by someone who didn't really understand rigging and thought you always had to single line.
Or by winch manufacturers who wanted to sell bigger winches.

It's not always possible to add a snatch block or pulley (or more) to double your pulling capacity, depending on winch line length, nearest sturdy attachment point, load ratings of winch accessories on hand, etc.

 

[Thirty-Nine]

I do understand 1.5 times your weight pulling power, but don't u get double your pull rating( 10k now becomes 20k) with running a snatch block which puts you in your 1.5 times weight of your vehicle.

Yes. But it also reduces your amount of line, unless you carry an extension, and halves the speed.