SMITTYBILT XRC8 Winch arrived today... details, pictures, etc... - Page 12

SuB8HaVeN · 03-20-2008, 11:25 PM

I realized the same thing. I don't think it's backwards, I just think whoever wrote that label is mentally retarted. They also mis-spelled two words on the label if you look closely. I'm not even kidding...

But yes, if you set it to "Engaged" it will free spool, and "Free Spool" it will engage to pull in and out. Glad to hear I'm not alone, but scary how they can mess up something so obvious.

redhatman · 03-21-2008, 02:22 AM

Mine will come tomorrow. I noticed the specs thing too. Smittybuilts website says 5.5hp, yet winch depot still says the old info. I wonder which one I will get?

SuB8HaVeN · 03-21-2008, 08:57 AM

You'll probably get the new series wound 5.5hp. It would be my assumption that the reason for backorder was that they were maybe redesigning the winch or having someone else manufacture it.

IMO, I think the series wound motor in the newer XRC8 is going to be much stronger and more reliable than the permanent magnet motor. The line speed seems to be much faster, probably due to the gear ratio I guess. This new "improvement" makes the XRC8 an even better value IMO, but it's still built pretty cheaply from what I could gather. Still for $299, you get way more than what you pay for if you ask me.

redhatman · 03-21-2008, 11:37 AM

I paid $284.95 shipped

I would rather have a stronger winch, slower line speed to be honest. As long as it didnt compromise the strength, im cool with the line speed.

I have read series are better aswell.

SuB8HaVeN · 03-21-2008, 12:16 PM

Well, I was pulling some line in today just trying to straighten it out and one of the solenoids just took a ****. It just clicks when I try and pull the line In, but it will go Out just fine. I'm going to check all the connections I guess and see where I can go from there. Wonderful...

Edit: I called Smittybilt tech support and explained the situation to them. I told them what was happening and that I had checked all the wiring inside the control box and battery and everything had great contact with no corrosion, etc. He was pretty cool about it, got my address, and said he was going to ship out another solenoid today so I should have it next week. Smittybilt tech support seems to be pretty good. The guy knew his stuff, was definitely in the USA, and was easy to deal with.

I talked to 4 Wheel Parts and they wanted the entire winch back, and said they wouldn't replace just the solenoid. This will probably be my last purchase from them; I've got nothing but bad things to say about that place. All in all, I'm not real happy with my experiences with this winch so far, but the phone support was excellent, and the price is still unbeatable. I'll see what happens when I get the replacement solenoid.

Bigboyky · 03-21-2008, 04:21 PM

I'm getting ready to buy this winch. I'm building my bumper first and am wondering what size bolts hold it on. I'd rather drill the 3/8 plate before it's all welded to the bumper. Any idea what the size is?

woodsman58 · 03-21-2008, 08:31 PM

I bought mine from winchdepot.com for 285.00 and free shipping.
I mounted it on my 2003 TJ along with my new R/R Rock crawling bumper with stinger and Mile marker winch plate.
I have a three inch Body lift with a K&N cool air charger system.
Riding on 33 x12.50 AT tires with American Racing 15 x10 Rims.
Banks Eshaust system headers back.Also throttle body spacer.
Soon to add an Arb Snorkel because of all the swamps down here in Florida where I ride.

I have had several winches in the past Warn ....Mile Marker all excellant winches no dought ....but this SmittyBilt Looks Like it will be great.
I Mounted it/ wired it with bumper and lights in less then One Hour.

The sealed controll box is going to be a plus!!!!
Looking forward to really testing it out in the feild.
Also I purchased a great Snacth Block from a great Guy On E-Bay for $26.00 Shipped!!!! 20,000 pound rating with grease fitting.
Also a Needed item for winching.
Anyway I'll be going out soon and testing I'll let you know what we find.
Happy Trails

Would the Last American please bring the Flag out of Miami!!!!!!!

ThUmPeRcOn · 03-22-2008, 08:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chupacabrah

sweet

I was looking into the Atlas winch off of....that website. i cant remember right now. gregs equipment or something? anyway, it had good numbers too if i remember correctly, and I think it was $350 shipped including all the stuff as this one and a winch plate.

I have a HF winch plate, just waiting on the "ok" to get the winch. the gf is getting a diamond....i got a new house....getting new floors and carpet for new house....and paint....and baby stuff.... i am BROKE

Welcome to my world

Keep your chin up it will come

ThUmPeRcOn · 03-22-2008, 08:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1 ton yj

I remember those days

Thosed were the Days!

redhatman · 03-22-2008, 01:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bigboyky

I'm getting ready to buy this winch. I'm building my bumper first and am wondering what size bolts hold it on. I'd rather drill the 3/8 plate before it's all welded to the bumper. Any idea what the size is?

Surprisingly, the winch bolts do not fit through 3/8" drilled holes, and the 1/4" bit I have is too large. Looks like I need a 7/16" bit.

The manual says that they are 3/8" but they are slightly larger than all of my other 3/8" bolts. AND THEY ARE ONLY GRADE 5.

BamaWrangler · 03-22-2008, 02:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by redhatman

Surprisingly, the winch bolts do not fit through 3/8" drilled holes, and the 1/4" bit I have is too large. Looks like I need a 7/16" bit.

The manual says that they are 3/8" but they are slightly larger than all of my other 3/8" bolts. AND THEY ARE ONLY GRADE 5.

1/4=.250, 3/8=.375, 7/16=.4375, so if they wont fit in the 3/8 hole then there is no way the 1/4 hole is too big. If they wont fit in the 3/8 drilled hole the bolt may be metric, a 10mm is .3937. Not saying thats what it is but it oonly makes since. When you drill a hole with a 3/8 drill unless your using a drill press it will drill over size just a little bit, that and the bolt will be a little under the actual .375.

Bigboyky · 03-23-2008, 09:46 AM

Maybe he meant 1/2" It took me a second to figure that out too..... So if they are 10mm then a 7/16 will get it with about 1mm to big... If I'm remembering my math.

redhatman · 03-23-2008, 01:42 PM

Yeah, sorry I meant 1/2". I picked up a 7/16 bit the other day and I will try it today hopefully when I get back home.

BamaWrangler · 03-23-2008, 05:09 PM

yeah the 7/16 should be just fine.

**YJames90** · 03-24-2008, 07:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SuB8HaVeN

You'll probably get the new series wound 5.5hp. It would be my assumption that the reason for backorder was that they were maybe redesigning the winch or having someone else manufacture it.

IMO, I think the series wound motor in the newer XRC8 is going to be much stronger and more reliable than the permanent magnet motor. The line speed seems to be much faster, probably due to the gear ratio I guess. This new "improvement" makes the XRC8 an even better value IMO, but it's still built pretty cheaply from what I could gather. Still for $299, you get way more than what you pay for if you ask me.

I got mine last month but didnt get the upgraded one

Do you think they will exchange it for free?