Smitty Built Hitch Mounted Winch

Hi All,

Sorry for starting a second thread, but the discussion changed somewhat in my other thread and I so I thought this was necessary.

I do light offloading on generally hard surfaces in open spaces. I do know that a hard surface can change to sand very quickly though and get one stuck. The winch wouldn't be used much, but it would be incase I ever get into soft sand and get stuck. Generally I'm not in steep or tight places so concerns of not being able to fit the winch into the trailer hitch don't really apply to me. I've not ever been in a situation where winching backwards would not be an option. I'm more of an overland than a rock crawler and am generally off road for camping or getting to places for dirt biking. I drive a pre-runner and am a cautious driver. In the future I plan on getting something with 4WD, or possibly a trail dedicated truck (where I wouldn't be afraid of body damage) – but right now, I like to get off the beaten path and be safe doing so.

I've looked a little into come-alongs, but they seem too slow and I'm worried I wouldn't be strong enough to really get my truck out if it got really stuck. They also seem more dangerous.

By the sounds of what I do, do you think that a winch would be excessive? Should an off road jack of some sort, like the ARB Inflatable Jack and some thick rubber be enough to get me out of one of these situations?

Or if I'm spending that much already, should I be putting the money towards a winch?

Why are 24' Winch Wiring Kits so expensive? The Wire can't add up to near $100??!! What gage wire would be necessary for a winch?

I'd like to stay within a $500 budget!

I am looking at getting the Smittybilt Winch Cradle and either a Smitty Built XCR 8 or an Engo 9000 winch.

Smittybilt Winch Cradle $120: http://www.smittybilt.com/product/index/159.htm

Smittybilt XCR 8 $300: http://www.smittybilt.com/product/index/38.htm

Engo 9000 $325:

Engo 9000 Lb. (4091Kg) 12 Volt Electric Winch, 77-09000

http://www.amazon.com/E9000-Engo-Electric-Winch/dp/B00570XMRG

Engo 9000 Review:It beat out many $1000 competitors. http://www.fourwheeler.com/how-to/129-1107-massive-multi-winch-shootout/

 

I wouldn't get inflatable jack. If anything a couple of traction aids like maxtrax may be more beneficial. Link is an example, I know the maxtrax are expensive.
http://mobile.dudamobile.com/site/maxtrax?url=http://www.maxtrax.com.au/#3031

Instead of getting a wiring kit, may be cheaper to source 0 gauge welding wire, with disconnects and just crimp it all yourself. Don't know how much cheaper it will be but hey everything helps.
http://accessories.etrailer.com/trailer/Winch Quick Disconnect disconnects aren't that expensive.

 

Personally, if you can afford a winch and you do go off roading, then i would say a winch is great to have. Just my 2 cents.
As far as what brand winch, i have heard very good reviews on the Engo winches and im actually thinking of getting one myself. Been researching for months now and the Engo ( I think ) is the best bang for the buck and seems reliable and built well. Also great customer service!
I know with Smittybilt, a lot of guys have to seal the solenoid because of corrosion in the electrical connections. Also the grease in the gears is not the best and many guy's take them apart and clean and repack with a better grease. But they seem like a decent winch for the money. I know Smittybilt just came out with a Generation II winch series as well, both the XRC version and the X20. Worth checking into. Hope this helps you out

You can get an Engo 9000 for under $300 here: http://mudflaps.com/i-7825604-engo-77-09000-e9000-9000-lb-12-volt-electric-winch.html

 

OP- Any update on what you went with and how its working?