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Winch use on a prerunner

Discussion in '2nd Gen. Tacomas (2005-2015)' started by f3nd3r, May 7, 2012.

  1. May 7, 2012 at 1:49 PM
    #1
    f3nd3r

    f3nd3r [OP] Active Member

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    Brand new to my Tacoma and trucks, in general, and the search function didn't point anything out: I was wondering what the thoughts were on having a winch on a prerunner. I can't wrap my head around why or why not for a couple reasons:
    1. Prerunners shouldn't be doing such "intense off roading" that would require them to have a winch in an emergency
    2. Prerunners should have a winch because they're more susceptible to getting stuck than a 4x4 truck may be
    I'm curious for either guidance or just thoughts on some that have experience with this. Also, I went trail riding up my local mountain this weekend and was frustrated when a dual-sport rider got mad at me for not having a winch to pull his bike out when HE went over the side of the mountain :rolleyes: I suppose I should've been more prepared, nonetheless
     
  2. May 7, 2012 at 1:53 PM
    #2
    wrxRome

    wrxRome Houston's Swamp Rat

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    my .02 ... if you have a prerunner and bought a winch so you can off-road, why not just get a 4x4??? i understand that a winch is far cheaper than a 4x4, but is it really worth it in the long run when you are always walking back and forth froma tree to pull yourself out alot? but thats just my opinion
     
  3. May 7, 2012 at 2:40 PM
    #3
    f3nd3r

    f3nd3r [OP] Active Member

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    I agree with you. Personally, I'm not interested in serious 4x4 duty in a daily driver. I could maybe (in the distant future haha) see myself getting a 1st gen with 4x4 for that kind of fun.

    Along those lines, I see it as a precaution. Just trying to figure out if it's justified :eek:
     
  4. May 7, 2012 at 2:43 PM
    #4
    SnowroxKT

    SnowroxKT Well-Known Member

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    A prerunner with a winch is a more capable prerunner.

    A 4x4 with a winch... :D
     
  5. May 7, 2012 at 2:55 PM
    #5
    Warhorseforever

    Warhorseforever Will The Thrill

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    It's your truck do as you wish if you want to winch around on a prerunner then have at it.
     
  6. May 7, 2012 at 4:30 PM
    #6
    dlg636

    dlg636 Active Member

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    DR front coils and rear shocks, deaver springs, load leveling airbags, k&n intake, JBA hedders and exhaust,Unichip power chip, URD short shifter, onboard air compressor, upgraded power inverter (1000W put in stock inverters location) budbuilt traction bar, warn transformer winch mount and warn winch, HID headlights and foglights, full LED bulb conversion, LED bed lights, full stereo system with GPS and they all roll on 16x8 black steel rock crusher and 285/75R16 BFG KM2's.
    i think there is nothing wrong with a winch on a prerunner. if your running on trails like the one you were on and there's a fallen tree in your way you could move it. if there was a sudden down pour and you need to go through the mud, you have the added security of the winch. in my opinion, i'd rather be safe then sorry!!! on a side note, i have a 4x4 with a winch and i use mines to make gas money on wheeling trip....pulling out all the less prepared trucks that get stuck.....lol
     
  7. May 7, 2012 at 6:13 PM
    #7
    SnowroxKT

    SnowroxKT Well-Known Member

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    how much do you charge? Whenever I pull (snatch strap) I do it for free, even if I don't know them, but my cousin who had a built 1980's Chevy with ~500 HP would charge $50.00 a pop on the dunes.
     
  8. May 7, 2012 at 6:17 PM
    #8
    Pugga

    Pugga Pasti-Dip Free 1983 - 2015... It was a good run

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    If you want to put a winch on a prerunner, put a winch on a prerunner... I don't understand the problem. The 4x4 that pulls you out will appreciate not having to get out their recovery gear :D
     
  9. May 7, 2012 at 6:28 PM
    #9
    dlg636

    dlg636 Active Member

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    well that really depends..... depends on how the persons attitude is.... how bad there stuck.... how many times i need to pull them out before they realize that there rental sedan can't go through the sand (i live in Hawaii and tourist try this all the time). it just depends. most times, honestly, i'll do it for free. if on my way out i see you stuck again, i'll charge between $20-50. friends on the other hand...hehehe.... i'll usually hand them a shovel or something like that first to freak them out and then pull them for free.
     
  10. May 7, 2012 at 6:33 PM
    #10
    Maticuno

    Maticuno Resident Pine Swine

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    You can get just as stuck with a 4X4 (or even worse) as you can with a PreRunner. The first time you use your winch it will pay for itself in saved recovery fees.
     
  11. May 7, 2012 at 6:35 PM
    #11
    Mitch

    Mitch Somebody call for a Wambulance?

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    If you want it. I would do it. People here are gonna give you a bunch of opinions on why you should or shouldn't do it.
     
  12. May 7, 2012 at 6:41 PM
    #12
    MHS2846bg8

    MHS2846bg8 Experienced Noob

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    I have a prerunner, only because i'm dumb and believed the AZ toyota site that they didn't make the truck i wanted... however, I love my truck...and sometimes I go and play. I put at VR10000 on my truck. And I only bought the 10000 because it was on a pretty sweet sale at the time.

    And i've used it twice already. It's nice to have.
     
  13. May 7, 2012 at 8:02 PM
    #13
    landphil

    landphil Fish are FOOD, not friends!

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    Prerunners have 4 wheel brakes, therefore you can winch out other trucks just as effectively as a you could with a 4x4. :D

    I'd pick a 4x without a winch over a prerunner with one, but thats not to say there is anything wrong with putting a winch on a prerunner. A winch, extra cable and a pulley block, a good set of real tire chains for the rear, and other appropriate gear such as a shovel, tow stap, hi-lift if you have bumpers to use one... will help you go where unequipped 4x trucks struggle, and back again.
     
    1stgenAaronSD likes this.
  14. May 8, 2012 at 9:14 AM
    #14
    f3nd3r

    f3nd3r [OP] Active Member

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    Thanks all. I got some great insight. Really, it wasn't as much "I hope people won't laugh at me" as it was "can I make it/be useful" if I have a winch. Definitely interested in purchasing one now!

    Quick question so I don't waste space in a new thread: winch mounts and winches are generally sold separately, right?
     
  15. May 8, 2012 at 9:17 AM
    #15
    silver taco

    silver taco Well-Known Member

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    The main response I got to this question is this: you don't want to have a heavier front end than you need to prevent landing hard on the front.
     
  16. May 8, 2012 at 9:25 AM
    #16
    4Wheelin4Banger

    4Wheelin4Banger Supercharged Toyman

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    I would say save your money and get a come along winch & some straps.
    [​IMG]
    If you need it it will work (I've used one to get my 2wd PreTaco loaded to the roof with wood unstuck several times) and if you don't you didn't waste a lot of money. Cheap insurance in my mind.
    I carry it in my 4x4 just in case but haven't needed it yet.
     

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