A few winch questions

FC2TurboMSS · 05-17-2009, 05:36 PM

Ok, I've done some searching, I've combed the threads, and read countless posts. And I KNOW the information is on here somewhere, but quite frankly I'm tired of looking. So if someone could just answer a few questions for me, I'll be on my way.

A little background. My Rig is a '08 Rubicon. I have a Rugged Ridge XHD Modular Winch bumper. I've decided on the Smittybuilt XRC8 Winch (sorry, I know its a chinese, but its in my budget and I don't want to wheel without a winch).

My questions are these:
1. Do I need a larger/better battery to run this winch? I don't believe I do from some of the reading I've done, but I can't get a definite answer.
2. Do I need a larger/better alternator to run this winch?
3. If yes to either 1. or 2., What are your recommendations?

Thanks for any assistance you guys (gender neutral term) can provide me.

--Chris

**RogerG** · 05-17-2009, 07:02 PM

Ive only had my winch 2 months tops.I did alot of research and asking around and this is what i got.

1. Your stock battery is okey as long as your engine is running while your winching.
2. No need to replace alternator.
3. I swapped my stock battery (has nothing to do with the winch) for an Optima.The red top is good enough but 4wp had a sale at the time so i got the yellow top.

and i went with Mile Marker SEC 9500

**wilywillie** · 05-17-2009, 07:41 PM

I got the Smittybilt XRC8, too, for $260 delivered. I'm not comfortable "relying" on it, since it is Chinese, (my own thoughts from experiences working in China, and having MOST chinese tools breaking down within 6 months) but for a budget rig, the price is awesome...and it's worked well both times I REALLY needed it!
Their -Smittybilt- customer relations is awesome, too. The male end of my controller (coupling) cracked in the freezing temps here, and Raymond sent me a replacement fast, without any fuss.
If I had the "bucks", the "bang" would be with Warn, though. Heavy duty American made, like grandpa's tools --that work better today than they did in the '30's

**mattman8706** · 05-17-2009, 08:09 PM

I have only used warn and I will probably get a warn again.

I may get a smittybuilt for the rear because it is cheap though.

**Thunderstrike** · 05-17-2009, 08:42 PM

You did not list Superwinch. EPi 9.0 is good, has the lowest power draw.

As for the battery, stock is fine. I did upgrade mine to a Yellow Top, but it went bad after 18 months. Thanks to Sam's Club, they replaced it free even though warranty is good for 12 months.

vkaz46 · 05-17-2009, 09:39 PM

The Superwinch EPI 9.0 that I have requires a battery with at least 440 CCA COLD CRANKING AMPS and an alternator that has an output of 60 AMPS. I believe the rubicon come with an alternator that outputs 140 and the factory battery has 660 cold cranking amps. Do I think the the OPTIMA is better? Yes. Do think you absolutely need it? Not unless your doing some serious wheeling.

**mattman8706** · 05-17-2009, 10:13 PM

hmm the superwinch sounds like a pretty good winch for the price...

... I think the EPi is kind of ugly though

vkaz46 · 05-17-2009, 10:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mattman8706

hmm the superwinch sounds like a pretty good winch for the price...

... I think the EPi is kind of ugly though

There are a few pictures of it on this website on the XHD bumper. If you do put it on a XHD bumper you have to grind the left inboard cornor of the bumper mount on your frame to get the mount holes for winch to line up. I would post a pick of mine but I am to lazy to start a photobucket account.

NE Wrangling · 05-17-2009, 11:30 PM

After all the research I've done I went with a superwinch. Quality of the warn but at a fraction of the price.

**Prot** · 05-18-2009, 01:42 AM

I almost went with the superwinch, but just before I bought it, I got a screaming deal on my Warn 9.5ti from a jeepforum member. My warn has served me well and I use it around the house regularly. I still have the factory battery and alternator and have not experienced any problems. When my factory battery goes out, I'll probably replace it with dual Optimas, because by that time I will have more electrical accessories.

Warlord2 · 05-18-2009, 03:42 AM

Warn PowerPlant is my next winch, very awesome setup if you have used it from someone. Took us only ~15mins or less to air up 2 jeeps, one with beadlocks 37's and mine with 35's at 10psi. Very cool winch that I plan on getting even though it should be way out of my budget.

NorcalYJ92 · 05-18-2009, 03:51 AM

XRC8 REPRESENT!!!
hasnt let me down...

FC2TurboMSS · 05-18-2009, 06:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thunderstrike

You did not list Superwinch. EPi 9.0 is good, has the lowest power draw.

As for the battery, stock is fine. I did upgrade mine to a Yellow Top, but it went bad after 18 months. Thanks to Sam's Club, they replaced it free even though warranty is good for 12 months.

This is a great chart. Thank you. Sorry I didn't list Superwinch.

**fernjack** · 05-18-2009, 09:47 AM

I have the Super winch LP8500 & it has worked flawlessly the three times I needed it . It is available in Canada at Canadian tire for 399.00 CDN so for value it`s a winner . Comes in at around 80lb with 90 somthing feet of 5/16 wire rope . I also swapped batt. for an Optima blue top starting & deap cycle batt.

**N2rock** · 05-18-2009, 10:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NorcalYJ92

XRC8 REPRESENT!!!
hasnt let me down...

Same here!

Here's something interesting... If you pull back the braided cover over the wires, the insulation under says "Mile Marker". hmmmmmmm... So is the Smitty a rebranded Mile Marker?

View Poll Results: Bang for the Buck, what's the best winch brand?
Warn	23	57.50%
Smittybuilt	11	27.50%
Ramsey	2	5.00%
Mile Marker	2	5.00%
T-Max	0	0%
Champion (Costco)	1	2.50%
SuperWinch	1	2.50%
Voters: 40. You may not vote on this poll

05-17-2009, 11:30 PM	#9
NE Wrangling Registered User Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Massachusetts Posts: 112 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps	After all the research I've done I went with a superwinch. Quality of the warn but at a fraction of the price.