Is a Warn VR 10,000 the right choice for me?

[joneseyyy]

I know the subject "which winch" is beaten to death, but I have not heard much specific talk about the Warn VR10000. based on my style of offroading and vehicle, it seems that it may fit the bill, and the price below $600 gives me more $ to spend on other things.

Truck: 2010 4runner base weight of ~4,800 pounds + 1,000 additional (high estimate for armor/suspension + trip payload) = ~5,800

Usage: Likely will only see usage 10-15 times/yr max, mostly on the Eastern seaboard. Just need to be able to count on it when I need it, however infrequently.

I've also considered a Warn M8000, but am worried it might not quite enough winch for my truck. With either a VR10000 or M8000, I plan on swapping the steel cable to Viking synthetic line with the thimble within a few months.

Appreciate your advice-
Ben

 

[1911]

The rule-of-thumb is capacity = GVW x 1.5 so for your example that would be 8,700 lbs. Warn also makes some 9,000 and 9,500 lb. winches.

If you are going to be stuck axle-deep in mud, then even 2X or more may not be enough, but in most other situations and assuming your truck can be powered (driven) to help the winch, then an 8,000 lb. winch will probably do just fine. The addition of a snatch block to your recovery kit will also double the pulling power of the winch (assuming a straight pull and enough winch line to use it).

 

[windsock]

You mention only the cost of the winch. Other things you need to consider is where you are going to mount it to the vehicle (front, mid, rear or whereever) and weight. I would assume (without looking around at website data) the bigger winch will be heavier.

 

[thecriscokid]

Warn has started offering the VR10,000 with synthetic line. Why not go that way

 

[Carolyn]

After much deliberation, and speaking with Warn reps a couple of times, I purchased the VR10,000-s (synthetic). The total weight of winch and rope is sixty something pounds if I remember correctly. I was told 1.5x gvw + (including) load. This put me over, giving me some fudge factor for difficult pulls... but in a good price point (better than the 9000, 9500). The new offerings are intended as self recovery units, not for frequent heavy use. That's me. I spent the extra for the synthetic line for safety/handling reasons. Time will tell. I've mounted it on an Expedition One JK bumper... as I drive a Wrangler JKU. It's heavier than stock due to full roof rack/steel floor kit/skids/lock boxes... Hope this helps some :sombrero:

 

[joneseyyy]

Thanks for the replies guys. I'll clarify that the winch will be mounted in a Shrockworks front bumper.

Warn has started offering the VR10,000 with synthetic line. Why not go that way

I have thought about that, but very much like the thimble (as opposed to hook) on the Viking lines.

 

[thecriscokid]

Yes, The thimble is nice. I think I will get the VR10k with the synthetic and lust over the thimble until I need to replace the line. I have seen a lot of these VR winches on vehicles lately.

Side note: I ran into a true legend out on a snowy trail today in his Power Wagon on 40's and chains. He told me his rig weighed only 6500lbs and had a 16.5k winch on the front. Seemed a bit overkill but the center mounted PTO winch probably pulled more than that.

 

[Warn Industries]

FYI, if any of you ever have WARN-specific questions, don't hesitate to PM me, and I'll do my best to get your questions answered. And for those that purchased WARN winches, thank you for your business—it's truly appreciated.
- Andy

 

[fireball]

Jonesey! Is this the winch you ended up with? I got an ARB for the 'Cruiser on black friday sale, and it arrived a few days ago. Trying to sort out the winch now and doing some research on the VR10000 this popped up. I've got my choice narrowed down to the Engo10000s($426), VR10000s($750) or the SmittybiltXRX10 ($550).

Let us know what you decided on and how you like it. I'm guessing it got a pretty good workout at VOT last fall!

Thanks!

 

[RangeBrover]

Get the warn, my m12,000 has done a admirable job pulling my pig of a rig, and survived what must have been at least 100 pulls during one day of VOT.

 

[joneseyyy]

Jonesey! Is this the winch you ended up with? I got an ARB for the 'Cruiser on black friday sale, and it arrived a few days ago. Trying to sort out the winch now and doing some research on the VR10000 this popped up. I've got my choice narrowed down to the Engo10000s($426), VR10000s($750) or the SmittybiltXRX10 ($550).

Let us know what you decided on and how you like it. I'm guessing it got a pretty good workout at VOT last fall!

Thanks!

Hey Ben! Congrats on getting the bumper! I am using the VR1000-s. It got used about 20 times during the VOT and never skipped a beat. I'd definitely recommend it.


My blog: www.4funr.com

 

[fireball]

Glad to hear you like the VR. You'll probably use it way more than I will. I'd love to save a few bucks but I know I'll regret going cheap if something ever goes wrong...

Tough decisions

Just to confirm, will there be any issue fitting a thimble to the included Warn synthetic line?

 

[xplrn42]

^^ I've got a VR10S with a Factor55 thimble, no problems.

 

[fireball]

Thanks for the info Lance. Are you happy with your warn?

Getting myself psyched up to spend the additional $250-$300!

 

[86tuning]

I'm using my trusty and OLD m8000 on my 80-series, which, when empty, outweighs your 4Runner loaded up.

Never had problems with it.

Never actually NEEDED to use a snatch block for pulling power, just had it on to reduce line speed or change directions a few times.

Also, I use it to recover others more often than self recovery.