Winch Advice Please

Sputnik · #1 11-13-2007

As some of you know I am going to buy an FJ Cruiser and one of the items I want to add is a winch.

Not having owned one before I did some internet research and it does not seem to be as easy as bolting it on and away you go. (I would have it proffesionally installed).

But the websites seem to all say you have to upgrade your electrical system to handle a winch or they suggest using a hydrolic winch versus electric.

Opinions on this would be apprecitated. Any of you 4x4ers got a point of view? (Mr. Savage?)

Thanks

CaberTosser · #2 11-13-2007

Warn makes a nice winch.... and I believe ARB makes a nice winch bumper thats a direct bolt on for your FJ. Modern Motors just off Blackfoot Trail in Calgary can supply and install that combination for you; ask to speak with Drew, he'll set you up well.

http://www.modernmotors.com/

Piker · #3 11-14-2007

I purchased a champion 9500 from costco a year ago for around $400 total very good winch.It is portable so I put a 2 in. receiver on the front and made up a set of cables so I could use it on the back end also. It weighs about 85lbs. which is a little heavy fore but I usually have someone with me. It definitely paid for itself this fall.

300rum · #4 11-14-2007

Go to http://www.warn.com/
and order it online.

You will get a professional winch at great prices.

I got mine WARN 9200 2 years ago, and they shiped to me in 1 week.

I'M HAPPY WITH MY DECISION, because Champion are low end, and the engine is very poor quality. You get for what do you pay.
If you need a winch to be abused every day get a WARN, not a Champion.

Chris

Piker · #5 11-14-2007

Everyone has their own choice and no one is questioning that. I will probably use my winch 4 times a year so it will last as long as I will. I end up saving a lot of money which I can spemd on hunting trips.

300rum · #6 11-14-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by Piker

Everyone has their own choice and no one is questioning that. I will probably use my winch 4 times a year so it will last as long as I will. I end up saving a lot of money which I can spemd on hunting trips.

Yes, this is true. SORRY I DID NOT WANT TO SOUND MEAN.
But for 800CAN you can get a professional one.
Chris

Topwater · #7 11-14-2007

I've been out of the 4x4 scene for a few years but a warn winch for 800 bucks seems hard to beleive. As I said I've been away from the 4x4 stuff for a while but if you want the absolote bulletproof setup then the warn 8274 is the toughest.

fickell · #8 11-14-2007

I have no luck posting pics. but I could email you pics of my fj with bumper and winch works and looks A1

Sputnik · #9 11-14-2007

Thanks all for the comments, I was targeting the Warn as a supplier.

But my main concern is for the electrical system of my (about to be) new truck.

Most of the winch "how to" websites I have visited suggest that stock electrical systems of are not designed to support the load placed on them by electric winches. They further suggest an upgrade to the alternator, and/or the addidtion of a second battery is desireable to ensure proper operation and to prevent damage to the electric system of the vehicle.

A lot of the websites say that hydraulic winches are superior in pulling power and place less of a strain on the system.

Anyone know about these aspects of winch installation/use. I have seen and used power takeoff winches, but that was years ago and they were mounted on large military trucks (2.5 ton and up), not the smaller 4x4 vehicles.

Thanks again for the assistance and keep the info coming!