Winch options

Hey Guys,
I have a 2002 pre-runner, and I don't really offroad hardcore...but I have gone out with the dirtbikes before and found myself in a tough situation when it started raining on me lol, I couldn't get out of the pitts when I got stuck

Im a TRD with rear lockers, but I'm wondering what is the best option for getting a winch. Front mounted hitch? Bumper?

I'd like to keep it as cheap as possible, but wouldnt mind a removable option for those "just in case" days.

Is there anything that is affordable without dumping too much money into an already 12 year old truck?

Even used options would be considered. Let me know what you guys think

 

The cheapest option would be to get a front mounted 2'' receiver and get a mount for the winch so you can keep it in the cab and when you need it either throw it in the front or rear receiver hitch (do you have a rear hitch already?).

This keeps it cheaper because you dont have to spend $500+ on a winch bumper on top of the actual winch. Plus keeping the winch in the cab out of the elements.


And dont try to save too much money and end up with a cheap ass winch, go with a "name brand."

Warn now has a budget line of winches that are relatively inexpensive. They still have the backing of warn's lifetime warranty and its still made in the USA. They are for those (like you) who just occasionally needs a winch for light duty use.


http://www.warn.com/truck/winches/VR8000_winch.shtml

http://www.warn.com/truck/mounting-systems/multi_mount.shtml

 

Another option is to get a portable winch rated at 5000 lbs dead weight 15000 rolling weight and just pack it along. I have one that pulled me out last March when I tipped over in a ditch. Got it on ebay for about $100.

 

Here is one similar to mine. I did make a plate to fit a receiver.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Portable-Ma..._Accessories_Gear&hash=item4d00b57df3&vxp=mtr

 

Keep in mind also the electrical requirements of a winch and ensure your electrical system and battery would be up to it.

I'd be inclined to go with a name brand winch as well. In a pinch others probably would work, but I'd just feel more comfortable having a winch that I felt I could rely on even in very tough conditions and repeated/extended use.

On used I'd weight that against just buying a new budget Warn or the like as suggested above. With used you'll want to take a close look at how it has been treated, look at the electrical, general condition, cable etc. etc. and then test it to ensure it works.

In a real pinch you could also research the manual extraction techniques as an option as well. Not as easy as just hooking to something and having the motor pull you out, but still useable. Sand ladders, high lift jacks, various straps and anchors etc.

Cheers

 

I've actually debating with the idea of a high lift jack as well. The problem is storage in my Tacoma. Got the short box which usually is loaded up with rc or dirtbike stuff

Space is a concern!

 

A high lift jack takes up more room than a winch

Why not keep it in your back seat on the floor?

 

In regards to the electrical, what would be required for an entry level 8000 lbs winch? Perhaps something like the Smitty XRC8?

Would I need to upgrade my truck battery? I prefer to replace parts as I break them lol

 

A good AGM, deep cycle Type battery like an optima or a duralast platinum would be a good choice.

And an alty with a higher output would be ideal.

Also keep in mind that there are many who run a winch on a stock alty and a regular ole battery.

 

I run a Warn M8000 on an optima yellow top with a backup red top. no issues what-so-ever.

 

Highlift can be useful, but nice to have a winch. Had both when I had an old Series Land Rover. Sold the winch and then the Rover. Wish I still had the winch, but the money was handy then. As far as mounting the highlift there are quite a few threads on here where people have made or bought nice mounts and good ideas on where to mount.

Depends on what you want. I've seen some nice along the bed rail mounts, chap here has one mounted to his front bumper, straight up out of the front corner of the bed, seem to remember a picture somewhere of someone who had one mounted inside some sort of bag cover along the frame of the truck tucked underneath. Although, maybe not the best place to put it if you are stuck there and the jack is burried lol.

Maybe look online at some of the 4wd sites to get an idea of mounts, techniques, useful equipment, how-to's and uses for winches and highlifts. Lots of great info about.

If you go the winch option and decide to carry it inside the truck I would suggest making some strong anchors and strapping it down. Nothing like a big winch flying around in the cab in a roll over or the like!

Power wise I'd contact the vendor for the winch and see what is recommended for that particular winch. Best bet. They might tell you an overkill solution, but then I tend to build anything that way anyway. I'm sure there are many who may use all stock stuff to run a winch, but then that does not mean it is the right/best way to do it or how long the system may last or winch for that matter. At the very least I'd ensure you have good cables, connections, battery, belt and alternator condition before considering adding a winch.

Safety and longevity for you and your truck is the key.

Already some great suggestions above. I'd suggest upgrading the cables, do the big three, not sure on alternator you have amp wise, but upgraded alternator would not hurt (cad 140 maybe? see where you are compared to what the winch company suggests, my stock alt was a whimpy 60 amp one until I did the cad conversion) and ensure you have a good strong battery. Above all, make sure to follow suggested install requirements, keep cables away from areas where they could wear, be damaged or short etc.

Cheers

EDIT: read through the Smitty install instructions. Says in most instances the stock electrical should work. I'd still suggest upgrading though as could not hurt to have a solid system to cope with heavy use/load and also give you capacity of audio, lights or whatever.

 

I think this would be a set-up that would interest you. Definately a sweet set-up

http://www.tacomaterritory.com/forum/showthread.php?t=160168

 

This is pretty nice actually. I'm going to consider it.

That said, Im looking at getting the Superwinch LP10000 http://www.superwinch.com/products/productdetail/LP10000+%26%238211%3B+10,000+lbs/12V/part_number=1510200/4377.0.1.1.29903.82806.0.0.0?pp=12& as the local shop has them on sale for 449.

Says power draw at full load (10,000lbs) is 350 amps, would the stock alternator suffice in an emergency? I suppose upgrading the electrical system is an option, but I hope to never have to use the winch to be honest, as its just for emergency's if I get stuck in some deep sand out in the pitts where we ride dirtbikes etc.

How do I find out what my limitations are to my stock electrical system right now?

After checking the instruction manual, it says this:
MINIMUM ELECTRICAL
REQUIREMENTS
A 60 amp alternator and battery
with 440 cold-cranking amperes
capacity are the minimum recommended
power sources. If the winch
is in heavy use, an auxiliary

That should suggest that my alternator should be ok (Im assuming) as long as I have a decent battery.
Is that safe to be assumed?

 

With levels as suggested by the manual then you have to look at a few factors.

First, going to assume an 80 amp alternator on the truck by the year. So should be okay with the suggested "MINIMUM" there. Then comes down to condition of connections, cable size/capacity, alternator putting out what it should, condition and rating of existing battery (including age in factoring), belt condition etc.

If you meet requirements, electrical system condition is good then you should have what it takes for the "MINIMUM".

Then the install needs to be done well and to spec.

Just remember at the minimum level that the period of operation available for the winch may be limited by the electrical system especially if you end up putting max load or extended use on it.

Just weigh all factors in to make sure you have safe operation.

If it draws a potential 350 amps then are your cables going to hold up? Kill battery and alternator etc. eventually? Just a matter of what you feel comfortable with and what level will work for your needs.

I'd suggest, if that is the winch you would like, that you contact the manufacturer and find out what their "RECOMMENDED" installation needs would be. Size of cables, size of alternator, battery recommended. I'd go with the manufacturer for this info rather than a local shop as that way you don't feel like the shop is trying to sell you a load of stuff potentially.

As I said earlier, for ME, I'd be upgrading alternator, cables, connections, big three, good battery etc. Just for safety and longevity sake. If I had a winch mounted on the Tacoma I'd want to be sure I could run it at its full potential if needed without putting the hurt on other parts doing so.

Just my opinion and you know what they say about those lol.

Best of luck with it.

Cheers

 

dual battery setup is the only way to go with a winch, it will save your ass.

 

come-a-long
cheap, small, portable and faster than a hi-lift (however the come-a-long has only ONE use)

 

Not really knowledgeable on winches but possibly a dual batt. Setup would be good or maybe you can get by with a new alt. but you don't want to get out with a winch and then get stuck with a drained batt.

Edit: just read hillingdoners post. He has a good point. It's better no spend money once then twice. And it's always better to do things the right way

 

sometimes a come-a-long just won't cut it. been there done that get a winch unless you like a good work out when you're truly stuck.

 

I'm running a dual battery setup so that I don't kill my starting battery

 

^^^ piece of mind.