winch - yeah or nah?

[dht43221]

OK, so I'm trying to decide whether to install a winch. I have looked at (at least it seems like) every mod and build option out there. Now I thought I'd seek the wisdom of this forum. Here is my profile:

• 2022 4Runner TRD Pro, 17,000 miles, daily driver, stock except for new rock sliders and roof rack
• Based in Ohio
• Mostly a solo traveler (I know), national forest roads, driving to trailheads and climbing spots, sometimes more ambitious places
• Current goal is to drive the Route Bill Diamond Highway (fka James Bay Road) and the Trans-Taiga in northern Quebec

I love the philosophy of "minimum mods for the need" and "it's your rig do what you want" but keep thinking a winch (and therefore a suspension upgrade) would be the responsible thing to do.

Thoughts?

(here's a pic from Overland Experts NC yesterday, which was incredible)

 

[bkg]

The moment you said “mostly solo,” the answer became “absolutely yes.”

 

[Inyo_man]

As mentioned above, traveling solo...a winch could really save you.
If you have experience recovering vehicles and off-highway driving, bringing a come-along can also work, but it clearly as more limits.

Cheers

 

[WOODY2]

Hidden mount with a Warn 8K.

 

[deserteagle56]

Depends on how careful you are on the trails you drive. Do you quite often push your luck on an iffy trail?

I've had a winch on my 2006 Wrangler since it was new. Never had to use it to extricate myself. But I have used it to move trees off the road and to extricate others who were stuck.

 

[dht43221]

Thanks for all the replies. I think I knew the answer already but I appreciate the confirmation. Stay safe, y'all.

 

[transalper]

Now that you have decided to have a winch you have suddenly dramatically increase the odds of seeing people stuck on your adventures. [Mostly jeeps].

And most of them do not have any recovery gear, so bring an extra clevis, shackle, and receiver pin.

 

[Mickey Bitsko]

Now that you have made the decision,
Front or rear mount or both?
What would be the appropriate size?
Who makes the best winch?
Remote control or hardwired?
Synthetic or wire cable?
Hook or pin shackle?
Snatch block? If so,
1 or 2 ?
What size?
Who makes the best?
Lastly,
How many batteries?
One for front and rear?
What is a good winch battery?
Please keep us posted..

 

[WOODY2]

Take a recovery class to get the basics to insure success or atleast to minimize any damage.

 

[dht43221]

OK. Here is the current plan.

• LFD Off Road hidden winch mount with a Warn Zeon 10S
• Toytec Aluma 2.0 coilover to keep things level (maybe modify the back eventually)
• Install by local Toyota 4X4 shop
• Recovery class in June to figure out the rest

Thanks for the feedback.

 

[LRNAD90]

All good. ^^^^
But selectable lockers are better.
I have a Warn M8000 on my Rubicon. I've never needed it but the lockers I use often. And in the winter I carry chains.

Pretty sure the TRD Pro Runner already has a rear locker..
Front lockers with IFS can be 'fragile', comparatively speaking..

 

[redthies]

I’d consider a multi mount. Get a front receiver and keep the winch out of the weather when not needed, and use it front or rear.

 

[jadmt]

I have never really needed a winch other than snow wheeling and then only when i have done some stupid stuff. I did the rubicon trail, dusy ershim, moab more times than i can count And never needed one. I have decided i will not get a winch on my next wrangler.

 

[LRNAD90]

I have never really needed a winch other than snow wheeling and then only when i have done some stupid stuff. I did the rubicon trail, dusy ershim, moab more times than i can count And never needed one. I have decided i will not get a winch on my next wrangler.

Winches are like insurance policies. If you have it, you may never need it, but if you need it and don't have it, well you will likely really wish you did. If you are always wheeling in a group, its an easier decision to go without, but since he says he wheels solo, its probably safer to have it, than not..

 

[Rovertrader]

Not to mention a remote extraction will likely pay for a couple winches!! I’m impressed you’re getting instruction- try to locate a Bill Burke class if possible.
Solo travel off the beaten path dictates a winch IMHO as stated above.
Good luck and enjoy!