Winch recommendations?

[bartt]

I happened to notice that Costco carries an 8000lb winch!. It's some brand I never heard of "Champion", and wondered if anyone knows anything about them.?
For 3 bones I wonder if it is worth a try?
I know Warn is probably the brand to get, but if this one would work I can probably manage the cost of the Demello bumper and a winch. Otherwise I'll be stuck for some time without either..

So, please no flames, just honest opinions... <cringe>

[Baja500]

They are a company based in Southern California and the winches come from China. Not sure on how well they work, but I don't think they're that bad. They also have a line of generators, creepers, jack stands, etc. Plus from what I've heard, companies like Mile Marker and Ramsey get their electric winches from China as well.

[dau666]

bartt previously said:

I happened to notice that Costco carries an 8000lb winch!. It's some brand I never heard of "Champion", and wondered if anyone knows anything about them.?
For 3 bones I wonder if it is worth a try?
I know Warn is probably the brand to get, but if this one would work I can probably manage the cost of the Demello bumper and a winch. Otherwise I'll be stuck for some time without either..

<cringe>

OK no flame....you will always get what you paid for. I am also looking for the right winch for my FJ as well. I dont know much about these no-name winch but what I did is, I bought a cheap 2500 pounds winch for my ATV for $89 with remote control and compared with the 2500 pounds of Warn that I have on my other ATV. We tested them next to eachother and they both works fine and I dont see any performance difference other than the cost. The Warn was over $300 and doesnt even come with remote so go figure.

Some one will tell you to go for WARN or something else that cost over $1000. It all depends what you want to use it for and how often do you acutally use it. I have not heard of a story of a failed winch before, not even on this forum. I am dying to see some responses from other members, too. So lets wait. How much is your champion winch ? I saw a lot of no-name brand on Ebay and I was wondering about the same....

[4RnrJ]

bartt previously said:

I happened to notice that Costco carries an 8000lb winch!. It's some brand I never heard of "Champion", and wondered if anyone knows anything about them.?
For 3 bones I wonder if it is worth a try?
I know Warn is probably the brand to get, but if this one would work I can probably manage the cost of the Demello bumper and a winch. Otherwise I'll be stuck for some time without either..

So, please no flames, just honest opinions... <cringe>

Well I know this was talked about briefly on Yotatech, and they noted that at least it is a series wound winch vs. a magnet style. So that's already better than a Harbor Freight one.

And a quick google search found this:
http://www.island4x4.com/4x4tech/pro...nch/index.html

Also look at the Warn Tabor line, it is a cheaper line, but if you don't use your winch a lot.. that or the Champion would probably work fine.
I say, give it a try. With costco's unbeatable return policy, there really is not hing to loose.

[bartt]

Thanks for being kind guys..
I've never had a winch before so this is new territory for me.
You've pointed out some features that I would not have known to look for.

It was only $300, so I was leary, 'cause if it's to good to be true..

After I posted, I found the other posting on island 4x, which made me reconsider. He seems to favor it.
Perhaps someone here has some experience with this particular winch.

[MoabRat]

Hi, I saw this winch as well. The question marks for me were quality and mounting points. I wanted something that most mounts are designed for and that leaves Warn/Ramsey. I got a Warn 8000 from 4 wheel parts for just under $500 (with a discount coupon and sale) and that had 100 feet of line, and a roller fairlead. I'm happy with my decision as there is no question of the quality with the Warn m line.

[postalman]

4RnrJ previously said:

.....I say, give it a try. With costco's unbeatable return policy, there really is not hing to loose.

I disagree. There's a $30K automobile to lose.

I look at it like buying a parachute. Would you bargain shop for a parachute? You may not need it often, but when you need it, it better work reliably. Not a good place for a "Just Good Enough" type decision, IMHO. Same goes for the line and bumper.

ymmv

[CO-Jeff]

Concur saftey of the FJ is well worth a few dollars, gives you a good feeling, like top ropping when rock climbing

- you can go with a 8K Warn, they are very reasonable or the 9K models are a little more advanced or the caddy 9.5 MOSFET.

[TCao]

Warn M8000 is my recommendation.

[meckdeputyiniraq]

my recommendation is MISSFJ..........and im sticking to it..........