Which Warn Winch?

[Brian894x4]

These are my choices for this Slee bumper. The really big ones won't fit.

Here are the best prices I've found for the three. All brand new.

M8000 - $525 http://www.warn.com/truck/winches/src/M8000.shtml
XD9000 - $750 http://www.warn.com/truck/winches/src/XD9000.shtml
XP 9.5 - $950 http://www.warn.com/truck/winches/95xp_winch.shtml

I know 8000lbs is a pretty small for our heavy Land Cruiser LC80s, but I have seen a few guys winch with these OK. I expect my winching to be minimal and probably only in snow conditions as that's when I've used it most in the past. To be honest I probably winch less than once a year. In fact, I haven't used the winch on my truck to extract myself in at least a few years. I have used it to pull out out other folks or other creative non-extraction uses where I didn't need all 8000lbs.

The main difference between the M8000 and XD9000 is you get 1000 additional lbs capacity. From reading the specs, the M8000 has a faster line speed at all pull wieghts, but uses slightly more amps. The XP9.5 has a slightly faster line speed than the XD9000 and usings a fraction more power.

At first I was going to get the 9.5 XP since it was the nicest winch, and definately the best looking, but after reading the specs, I don't see any justification for spending another $225 for 1000 extra pounds pulling or $425 for 1500 extra pounds pulling and a nicer looking winch.

Am I missing something? Will the 8000 be suffecient or should I go back to considering the XD9000 or 9.5 XP?

 

[asteffes]

I came very close to getting an xp9, as it looked very powerful and durable. I ended up with Superwinch EP9.0 from Winchline.com. Around $770 shipped with synethetic line, safety thimble and pulley block. It was a great deal, if perhaps a bit heavier than the Warn.

 

[dd113]

M8000 hands down. I ran it on my 62 and it weighed more than ANY 80! Get a pulley block and a few shackles then learn how to use them. You can make the 8k into a 16k or 32k! Synthetic rope is a good idea but if you wont use the winch that much jsut go with the wire rope. Get the M8 with the longer lenght of rope.

 

[Rezarf <><]

So I guess the 8274 won't fit?

Bummer, I would modify the bumper

Rezarf <><

 

[Brian894x4]

Ya, I think I am going to go with an M8000. It just makes the most economical sense. I already have the snatchblock and synethic rope, so I'm good to go there.

Thanks for the imput!

 

[euclid]

I let this post sway met to the 9.5XP mainly because it is better sealed.

I installed synthetic rope to get the overall weight down.

 

[Brian894x4]

Darn you! Hee, hee.

Just when I had my heart set on saving some money and buying the M8000.

I think I will still go with the M8000. I winch so rarely, I dont' think I could justifiy the extra $425. Especially when I have other junk to blow that money on.

 

[asteffes]

To use your own argument, how about only $64 more than an M8000 for a 9000lb. model that uses nearly half the power at maximum pull, with about the same line speed? Also has the external brake to avoid heating your synthetic line.

Superwinch EP9.0 for $589 from a forum sponsor, http://winchline.com/winch.htm

Unless you really gotta have a Warn...

 

[adventureduo]

I picked up my m12000 brand new in box for $900 and no tax. I got very lucky (found it on craigslist in my city). Before that i ordered a m9000 and figured i'd be fine with that. You should be good to go Brian. Just be cautious. Our rigs are heavy dude.

 

[Brian894x4]

Ya, a 12000 sure would be nice. The Slee bumper I got only accepts the M8000, XD9000 or 9.5XP. No others as far as I know. Which is probably a good thing. At least I can keep the overall weight down a bit.

I just spent a ton and a half of money at Slee and I still have a lot more toys to buy, so I really kind of need to keep things on budget. So a $500 Warn 8000 fits a lot nicer in the bigger scheme of things.

 

[Rezarf <><]

Brian-

I would go with the 8000 all day long, and really get a few good shackles, and a good pulley block... there isn't much you wouldn't be able to get out of with a setup like that.

Nothing like a winch to give me confidence to go a little further before I get REALLY stuck... :victory:

Have Fun-

Rezarf <><

 

[Redline]

Considering an Upgrade - M8000 to 9.5 xp

I'm reviving this thread instead of starting a new one, as the original post and question is very similar to mine...

Application

I have a built '06 4Runner. It's heavy. As configured the car's wet weight with two passengers is 6,000-lbs, right at the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR). For most trips it will have a couple hundred more pounds of additional cargo inside (dogs, recovery gear, etc.) sometimes more.

In addition to this I usually have a camping trailer behind, currently a Kimberley Kamper, also loaded and well stocked. With 19 gallons of water, 10 fuel (or extra water), an Engel MT60 Combi fridge, etc., the trailer weighs about 2,500-lbs. It’s heavy on the rear axle with a tongue weight of 400-lbs. So the gross combined weight (GCW) is 8,500+ pounds.

Some trips are without the Kimberley Kamper, and obviously when the Kimberley is not along the winching load is much less.

Current Winch set-up and plans

Though usually not one to 'go cheap' a couple years ago when starting the 4Runner build I purchased an M8000 Warn for the front of my Shrockworks bumper. I read several positive comments about the M8000 and for the very reasonable price of $540.00, shipping included, it seemed like a good choice. It may still be the 'right' choice, but of course builds are never 'finished' and I like to tinker and improve where I can. After installing the M8000 I immediately pulled the steel cable from the drum and added 100-ft of 5/16" Amsteel Blue from RockStomper and an aluminum Hawse fairlead.

I've used the above set-up a few times, to pull others and myself. Thus far none of my pull were what I would consider 'difficult', or high-load affairs where we were buried deep in deep mud or snow. Still, the winch has worked flawlessly thus far. I have yet to pull both the 4Runner and Kimberley together, but surely that day will come.

If it wasn't for my trailer pulling then my interest in upgrading would probably have little justification, more desire than any perceived need. However with the KK on the back I think a case can easily be made for having more winch. Of course, I carry a pulley (need to buy a couple more and winch extensions) and know I can increase the pulling toque of my ‘little’ M8000 with a double or triple line pull.

Upgrade Ideas

Plan A - Keep M8000 & upgrade rope

I have already been planning to change to a different synthetic rope, probably a Master Pull as I like the idea of the fully covered/protected rope, sealed from grit and degradation. I will also likely change to a thicker Hawse fairlead that is designed for synthetic rope.

Pan B - Sell M8000 and replace with 9.5xp

I have a friend building a 4Runner who is buying most of my removed/used parts. In addition to some springs/shocks, I could likely sell him my M8000, rope and fairlead when he gets his front bumper. If I purchased a Warn 9.5 I will likely put the same Master Pull rope on the drum, so that is a fixed cost.

Install Considerations

The 9.5xp is about 1.7-inches longer on the passenger side, but I have the room in the bumper. I will have to move wires or remount my solenoid in a new location as it's currently right on the end of the M8000 motor. This is possibly a minor consideration, but I do like how it's mounted.

A bigger consideration might be how challenging it will be (or not?) to pull the M8000 and install a 9.5xp with the bumper mounted. In addition to lots of bolts, the front bumper brackets are welded in a couple spots to prevent shifting. I installed the M8000 when the bumper was new before I put it on which is the easier method. I’m sure it can be done, just not sure of how much work it will be; maybe very little.

I don't know how big a deal/feature the extra sealing is on the 9.5xp, but I do regularly use a drive-through car wash. The M8000 is behind the grill/bumper and I assume it takes this in stride. The bumper/winch have yet to be submerged in standing water.

$$$$$$$$$$$$

Obviously the biggest issues are do I want to spend the extra cash to upgrade to a 9.5xp. This is about the only other winch I'm considering. If I’m going to change from the M8000 I want lots more winch or it doesn't seem worth the effort.

Is it a waste of money, or a wise investment for the day when I will be frame deep in mud or snow? Hopefully I won’t be ‘super stuck’ with the trailer, but someday I’m sure I will have the whole outfit stuck.

I know the M8000 is a good winch, and bang for the buck it is hard to beat. This is part of the reason I initially purchased the M8000. While I can't easily/don't want to haul a spare winch around on trips, the M8000 is such a bargain that I have though that I could have a spare sitting ready to go for a mere $500.00. It will cost at least $500.00 more to upgrade to a 9.5xp. Of course, ‘if’ the M8000 isn't able to pull my outfit out of a bog someday then $500.00 saved is pound foolish.

Comments and discussion please...

P.S. If I could fit an 8274 I would have one, that’s what was on my previous Jeep ☺

 

[MoGas]

I haven't had any problems using an 8000 pound winch on my 80.

 

[alia176]

M8000 will do fine for Brian's application, not sure about yours though Redline. A winch is like any other tool, it's the operator that makes the difference. Lots of old timers used small winches to do big jobs using creativity .Same goes for syn rope vs wire rope. :coffeedrink: Most of the time, laziness tend to overcome the operator's desire to spool more cable out and use a pulley block to decrease the load on the winch and to decrease the amp draw on the electrical system.

At the end, your wallet will end up dictating your decision I guess!

 

[Redline]

Electrical

You reminded me of something I forgot in my post question... electrical.

The 4Runner has the stock alternator and a very good/large Odyssey 1750 battery, but just one.

In all but one of the times I have used the winch (the time I was with you in the snow) I have needed to pull out all/much of my 100-ft of rope to reach the anchor point. Again, not massive stucks, but pulling out the line because of a long pull or no anchor nearby has been the norm thus far.

The operator does make all the difference for sure. I like to slow down and do it right. Small winch for a big job sounds just like the old hunting caliber debate... :sombrero:

M8000 will do fine for Brian's application, not sure about yours though Redline. A winch is like any other tool, it's the operator that makes the difference. Lots of old timers used small winches to do big jobs using creativity .Same goes for syn rope vs wire rope. :coffeedrink: Most of the time, laziness tend to overcome the operator's desire to spool more cable out and use a pulley block to decrease the load on the winch and to decrease the amp draw on the electrical system.

At the end, your wallet will end up dictating your decision I guess!