Smittybilt=tmax=mile marker=gorilla (etc.)

[Rod Knee]

I am starting to think that all winches (other than Warn) are made in the same factory in China, or at least with parts from the same manufacturer. Look at the general appearance of these two winches. Then especially look at the motor and remote. They are identical.


http://smittybilt.com/product/index/45.htm

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/8000...286330QQptZMotorsQ5fATVQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories

 

[ECKSJAY]

Harbor Freight and Champion (Costco), too. I did a list a few years back with all of them.

I post this link every time, too. http://www.tmaxtools.net/

If you're going to insist on one of these brands, look at the specs and make sure it's not one of a couple gearing options (speed)...and get the cheapest one with the best warranty.

 

[Rod Knee]

I think that perhaps the exception is Superwinch including the LP8500 which, while also made in China, is a cut above the others (again, leaving Warn out of the discussion). Does that sound about right?

 

[WB9YZU]

I picked up a Smittybilt for the Wrangler as a replacement for an old MileMarker. I like the pistol grip control instead of the square pancake, and the 5/16" line is lighter than the 3/8" line the HF/MM units use. I did a line speed specs comparison.

0lbs, 2000lbs, 4000lbs, 6000lbs, and 8000lbs
13..... 11........... 9............6..............4.5 FPM MileMarker E8000
37.2.. 18............13.1....... 10.2..........8.2 FPM Smittybilt XRC8

For a 8000 lb winch with almost 100ft of line, which cost me $320 to my door, I am impressed so far.

The Gorilla winch looks like the one I have, but the line specs are different. 67ft of line?

 

[Rod Knee]

The XRC8 is geared pretty high. Do you find the amp draw to be acceptable?

 

[WB9YZU]

The XRC8 is geared pretty high. Do you find the amp draw to be acceptable?

So far it hasn't been a problem.

 

[Steve_Moore]

I got the XRC 10 shipped to my door for 370.00. I've only "played" with it, never had to use it for recovery, but it pulls good and fast. Almost wanna go get stuck to try it out.

 

[Bent]

Almost wanna go get stuck to try it out.

Keep off of your side and you'll have more fun.

 

[cal]

Having taken both a t-max and mile marker winch apart, I'd argue that they are of the same manufacturer or even near quality.

When I had (minor) problems with my t-max, out of warranty, they went above and beyond to take care of me, free of charge. This was before the current economy crunch which I understand has cut some of that out, but it speaks volumes to me.

 

[msrorysddad]

I got a harbor freight 9k winch with a bumper off a yj. I've pulled a forklift outta the mud, myself x2 and 2 delivery trucks with it. I know it's not the most trustworthy, and if I were constantly using it I might upgrade, when I build my rear bumper I'm goin Smittybuilt. However, for cheap, quick and easy... I also saw a guy with the warn solenoid kit on a h.f. winch, a guy with him didn't know the origins of the winch and was makin fun of mine. The owner and I just smiled and agreed. I've heard good things about t-max, smitty, and warn.

 

[whatevah]

TMax does have great customer service. I also think they order slightly better components for the winches, but I don't know anybody running one. Superwinch, Warn and Ramsey are the only names I trust. I'll trust any Superwinch, any Warn higher than the M8000 (weak solenoids), and any Ramsey. Milemarker does have good stuff, but you have to pay for it.

 

[FlexdXJ]

I got the XRC 10 shipped to my door for 370.00. I've only "played" with it, never had to use it for recovery, but it pulls good and fast. Almost wanna go get stuck to try it out.

Ha! reminds me of what my cousin did in his Power Wagon. He tried and tried to get it stuck just so he could see if the old Hydro winch still worked, good thing it did.

 

[90Blue_XJ]

I have a Milemarker and the thing I like the most is how cool it stays with repeated or long pulls. A buddy has an older Warn and it is strong but gets so hot you could fry eggs on it.

 

[Rod Knee]

I'll trust any Superwinch

Does that trust extend to the SW LP8500? It looks generic Chinese.

 

[whatevah]

good catch. I haven't seen any issues with them yet. But it's not at the level of the big boys. Same level as the M8000. Good for occasional use. I need to check the build specs on it on Monday.

 

[Supermanxj]

Does that trust extend to the SW LP8500? It looks generic Chinese.

good catch. I haven't seen any issues with them yet. But it's not at the level of the big boys. Same level as the M8000. Good for occasional use. I need to check the build specs on it on Monday.

Any updates WHATEVAH??

 

[eflores]

i have a harbor junk winch on my trailer and it works well....slow but well, ill probably get another one fer me rig if i ever see the need to buy a winch

 

[Rod Knee]

I picked up a Smittybilt for the Wrangler as a replacement for an old MileMarker. I like the pistol grip control instead of the square pancake, and the 5/16" line is lighter than the 3/8" line the HF/MM units use. I did a line speed specs comparison.

0lbs, 2000lbs, 4000lbs, 6000lbs, and 8000lbs
13..... 11........... 9............6..............4.5 FPM MileMarker E8000
37.2.. 18............13.1....... 10.2..........8.2 FPM Smittybilt XRC8

For a 8000 lb winch with almost 100ft of line, which cost me $320 to my door, I am impressed so far.

The Gorilla winch looks like the one I have, but the line specs are different. 67ft of line?

I bought a smitty 8000 last Saturday in large part from reading reviews like yours on the internet. For my projected use it should be OK and for 270$ with free shipping it was hard to beat.