SMITTYBILT XRC8 Winch arrived today... details, pictures, etc... - Page 13

SuB8HaVeN · 03-24-2008, 09:38 AM

It depends where you bought it from. I'm seriously considering returning mine to 4 Wheel Parts because those guys are a bunch of nut jobs and this winch hasn't impressed me at all. I really wish I would have spent a little more and bought the Warn M8000...

**YJames90** · 03-24-2008, 01:04 PM

what problems are you having?

SuB8HaVeN · 03-24-2008, 04:20 PM

Overall, the quality of the mounting hardware and the control box is certainly sub-par. The bolts that mount the winch to your mounting plate are only Grade 3. Not a huge deal, but I'd like to see at least Grade 5 used on an 8000 lb unit. I have no doubt the winch itself is of very good quality, but the Chinese electronics (solenoid inside the control box) is garbage. The connections they use corrode very easily, which will ultimately cause connection issues. The control box is not waterproof at all. Fortunately the winch is mounted where 75% of the water splashes when you go through swamps. I used it for a few minutes and my solenoid already broke. Their phone support was great, and I'm waiting on the replacement part now.

But to be totally honest, I would rather pay $150-200 more for the Warn M8000 and get a quality, longer-lasting unit that isn't going to corrode and look like garbage in a week. It's really up to you whether it's worth the trouble to save some money. If you ask me, I'd rather spend more up front and not have to worry about it breaking before I even use it...

redhatman · 03-24-2008, 07:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SuB8HaVeN

The bolts that mount the winch to your mounting plate are only Grade 3. Not a huge deal, but I'd like to see at least Grade 5 used on an 8000 lb unit.

They are Grade 5, at least mine are. 8.8 is grade 5.

SuB8HaVeN · 03-24-2008, 08:36 PM

Mine were stamped Grade 3 on their heads. I would take pictures, but I don't feel like taking it apart.

redhatman · 03-24-2008, 11:37 PM

Hmm, not 3 dashes? That means grade 5 too.

SuB8HaVeN · 03-25-2008, 08:32 AM

Oh, OK so they were Grade 5 then (3 lines). Still, that wasn't my only complaint. I'll have to take a picture of all the rust on all of the hardware and post it here...

redhatman · 03-25-2008, 09:48 AM

Did you buy yours a while ago? (The old 4.1hp perm mag version)

They used regular hardware on those, and people experienced rust on the screws rather quickly. They just removed one, took it to the hardware store and got new screws but in stainless for under $10.

I have the new version with the 5.5 series motor, and it appears to already have stainless from the factory.

SuB8HaVeN · 03-25-2008, 02:28 PM

I have the new series wound 5.5hp motor and it is rusting already.

woodsman58 · 03-25-2008, 04:59 PM

I see your were unlucky like me when getting my winch, it is a great winch but the new ones are series wound motors unlike ours and have more horsepower 5.5.plus a better gear ratio.
But customer service is great. Had a issue and they jumped right on it.

woodsman58 · 03-25-2008, 05:00 PM

Call them and they will send you all new parts they did for me .I had the same problem.
rusting screws and stanless they sent all new stuff in two days

SuB8HaVeN · 03-25-2008, 05:10 PM

Were the new screws they sent stainless? It's not worth replacing them if they're not IMO.

Edit: Smittybilt support just called to let me know the solenoid was backordered and that they should be sending it today. I asked him about the corrosion and if they had a stainless kit they could send me. He said they were backordered a few weeks but to give him a call when I got the solenoid and he would check the status and send it to me. I've been very happy with their support at least...

mwmoon · 03-28-2008, 12:00 AM

found the new ones on an ebay store called SPORTZTRAILERS for $250.

Anyone know anything about these guys?

I'm more tempted now than ever.

Also, are the rust problems on the new ones pretty common, or is this an isolated thing? How are they actually performing? I desire feedback!

redhatman · 03-28-2008, 03:38 AM

mwmoon, have you read through this thread yet?

I read it all before I bought mine and there is some good info. Overall no complaints, the old version was slow but seems to be faster in the new one. Also the 8 bolts rusted quick. Those are the only 2 complaints I ever heard, but personally I would rather sacrifice line speed than strength.

Sounds like an awesome buy, so I bought one

**BYuen** · 03-28-2008, 10:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by redhatman

Did you buy yours a while ago? (The old 4.1hp perm mag version)

They used regular hardware on those, and people experienced rust on the screws rather quickly. They just removed one, took it to the hardware store and got new screws but in stainless for under $10.

I have the new version with the 5.5 series motor, and it appears to already have stainless from the factory.

Isn't that one basically a TMax 10k?