F150 Winch Size

[Mr. Cakes]

So i have a 2001 extended cab f150. I was wondering what size winch i should get, would an 8500lb do or should i go with a 10,500lb?

I was looking at this one
http://www.omix-ada.com/news/rugged-ridge-winch.asp

 

[Master-Pull]

For a truck that size I would say a 10-12k winch would be great, maybe a little bit of overkill but that is alright. As far as winches go I would go with a quality unit such as a Warn.

-Alex

 

[michaelgroves]

If you want to winch fast and simply, then use the biggest winch possible. (Although very often the difference between two models is the gearing of the winch, not the motor power, in which case bigger might actually mean slower).

A bigger winch usually means a heavier, more expensive, more current consuming winch. Unless I'm likely to be in a hurry (and I'm not), I tend towards rather carrying lots of rigging (snatch blocks, extension ropes, shackles, tree savers, harnesses etc.). This allows you to do anything a bigger winch can do and is more versatile.

 

[Stan the Man]

You're supposed to get a winch thats 1.5x your vehicles GVWR, but having more is always nice. Take into account the added weight of being stuck in thick clay mud and no wheel spin (worst case scenario). Also take into account how often you plan on using the winch. If its emergency only, then a 8-9.5k with a snatch block would be plenty.

 

[78Bronco]

Hey those look pretty reasonable but often when something is cheap, it's made cheap. I would be looking for something used.

Is this brand reputable?

 

[I Leak Oil]

I have no direct experience with that brand and don't intend to so take this for what it's worth. It is cheap, it looks cheap and has a warranty to match. Save up for a better unit, Superwinch, Ramsey or Warn. Even a used one will probably be better than that thing.

When deciding on what size, go with the 1.5 times gvw. This is a rule of thumb and not a guarantee that a winch in this range will pull you out of anything so pickup the rigging to go with it.
Heat kills an electric winch. A larger capacity will tend to run cooler and last longer IMO. I like a single line pull when ever I can use one. Although snatch blocks reduce the load they also increase the amount of time the motor is running by doubling, or more, the pulling time. This is my opinion and my preference and I'm sure someone will dispute my opinion as it wouldn't be EXPO if they didn't....:elkgrin:

 

[playhard]

The motors on those winches look a little small. You may also have a hard time if you ever need parts or service on them. I would also advise to get a Warn or Ramsey. I know a place that have Warn M8000 on sale right now for $556.

Chris

 

[Mr. Cakes]

So pretty much just to play it safe i should probably go with a 10-12000lb winch, i dont plan on winching that much but they are always nice to have just incase.

 

[michaelgroves]

Heat kills an electric winch. A larger capacity will tend to run cooler and last longer IMO. I like a single line pull when ever I can use one. Although snatch blocks reduce the load they also increase the amount of time the motor is running by doubling, or more, the pulling time. This is my opinion and my preference and I'm sure someone will dispute my opinion as it wouldn't be EXPO if they didn't....:elkgrin:

Here goes!

No matter how you cut it, you need a given amount of energy to get you out of the hole you're in. It doesn't matter (in principle), if you use a big powerful winch for a short time, or an itty-bitty winch for a long time. In practice, it's hard to say which generates more wasteful heat - it almost certainly will depend on the specifics of each installation and situation. No matter what winch you're running, it's best if you can rig so that it's not working near its peak capacity - that's when the heat really starts to be generated.

I see the advantages of each approach as follows:

Big:

• Faster pulls
• Possibly more ultimate pulling power, assuming you also carry extra rigging
• Cool

Small, with extra rigging:

• Lightweight
• Cheaper
• Lower current draw (but ~equal battery capacity requirements)
• More rigging gives more options for awkward situations (multiple anchors, etc.)

 

[I Leak Oil]

I have the same thought process on the small vs. big winch except....If you carry a lot of extra rigging equipment to compensate for a small winch you lose the advatages, to a large extent, of weight savings and cost savings. You also start to take up more space. These are only an advantage if you intend to carry just as much with the larger winch anyway.
Cool...That isn't a factor with me no matter what size I choose. Unless your talking about a larger winch running cooler.