Is a 12k winch overkill?

looking at ordering up a winch for my taco... I have a SSO slim hybrid bumper on order (still on stage 3 of process (materials received), for the last 2 months (kind of understandable -COvid-19), so I've been looking at winches.. my first like was when i stumbled across the:

Smittybilt XRC12k Gen3 comp... it runs about $699 12k line rated pull 7HP motor, forged planetary gearset, wireless/wired controller with magnet, and light with indicated line pull strength, and a roller LED light bar to see your spool wrapes in a dark bumper. and a relocatable solenoid pack with albrite contactors... my only question is if it will fit in the bumper cavity, and is 12k overkill?

https://www.quadratec.com/p/smittyb...MIrNKhpti06QIVGozICh1MNw9pEAQYAiABEgLgd_D_BwE

the other option is the tried and true Smittybilt X20 COMP 10k runs about $530

$559 SmittyBilt X2O-10K WATERPROOF SYN - SB98510

https://www.amazon.com/Smittybilt-9...c+10k+gen3&qid=1589505834&s=automotive&sr=1-1


I am looking for a few items in my winch... synthetic line /hawse fairlead, and a wired/wireless controller option. are there other options around this pricepoint I should look at? my only winch experience is my Tabor 9k winch (currently on my CJ-5, I looked at upgrading its cable to synthetic, but by the time I do so and add on wireless controller, and the allbrite relay box I could have bought the X20 10k... ) thanks for the help.

pic of my rig as it sits currently....

 

You should get the biggest winch that fits the bumper and your budget. SSO will be best able to answer which will fit in their bumper.

 

I have a 10k winch and haven’t had an issue. Only used it twice though in mud so it does get weighted down due to it. Winch is normally my last resort. I’d rather have someone pull me out than use my winch. It’s also the biggest winch I can fit in my bumper.
I would think a 12k is overkill.

 

Agreed. I couldn’t fit a 12k either so I went x20 10k. Has worked well so far. I need a bigger battery though. Would go 12k if it fits.

 

I’m running the Armageddon Armor(by sso) bumper. I’m running the smittybilt X20 12k syn line, no issues. I got it from Amazon for $509. Use camelcamelcamel, check the history, and set your notification.

 

Just remember that if in mud or hung up on objects the pull weight goes up as the winch has to pull you free, over the object, same as pulling up hill.
The bigger the better.

 

Not if it's a harbor freight/HungLoChina winch

 

You probably dont need a 12k winch, but you'd never wonder if you had enough winch. Just make sure your electrical system can handle it. You can also double your pull strength with a snatch block, and triple it with 2. There is an army recovery manual out there about recovery... mired up to the hubs=200% weight and mired up to the frame= 300% weight to pull out.

Another angle-im not real current in the winch world, but I had a TJM 10k winch (Chinese) that was about $550. It never worked long enough for me to use it more than once. They kept sending me new solenoids though. I got fed up and bought a Warn 9.5xp-s. it was big money but works every time. Buy once/cry once...just something to think about. I learned that if you really need a winch, you really need it to work every time.

 

Why? I think it would irk me if I, spent the time and the possibility of breaking something, pulled someone out only to find that they had a winch and didn’t feel like using it.

 

Because I am normally in a convoy with everyone having proper recovery points.
Everyone I go off-road with will rather pull someone out unless there’s not enough room. Getting synthetic lines muddy is a pain in the ass, reduces life of your line (if not clean properly), and all around messy.
Faster, cleaner, and easier to pull someone out when everyone has right gears (kinetic rope, recovery points, shackles already setup, etc).
But my region is used to mud since I live in the swampy Louisiana. So recovery is pretty fast and everyone mostly knows what they are doing. Less time than trying to set up winch.
I’ve only seen people use a winch when they were by themselves (rarely happens as there’s a lot of off-roading group in my are that has weekly meetups), or there are trees in the way.

 

At least it looks cool, right.

 

As someone that has wheeled Jefferson and Lafourche Parish I can promise you that it's safer and simpler to winch yourself out rather than have someone try to snatch you out.

Don't be lazy, clean your gear after you use it. Use the proper tool for the job. A winch is a tool in your kit, not a fashion accessory.

 

X-BULL Electric Winch XPV 14500 LBS 12V Synthetic Rope SUV Jeep Truck 4WD

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B078JTYWVJ/?coliid=I2B405VKGEQOOP&colid=3DCQ26Y4NGS1L&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it

Saw this one on Amazon. I need to look into it a bit more.

 

If you're going to buy a cheap winch, at least get a Badlands one from Harbor Freight. There are some places you shouldn't save money, like condoms or diapers.

 

I do clean my gear out. Will use a winch when it calls for it.
It’s not really dangerous snatching someone. With a kinetic rope, you don’t even need to pull hard unless you are doing it wrong if you are on mud.

Been doing it, and that’s what everyone’s preferred method is in my area, so gonna stick with it.
If you want to winch yourself out, go ahead.

 

As much as I agree, people have been saying that my whole build costing me thousands of dollars more in mods than probably needed. Damn you peer pressure. I’m sure there are plenty of third party companies making quality work. Screw it, I’ll be the guinea pig. Like I said it was a quick glance through Amazon. I’ll read into winches a little more, first.

 

If you can afford to Offroad a $30k+ truck then you can afford a Warn. Don’t waste your time with crap

 

A Badland 12K winch is $399 from harbor freight before you use the coupon. Many people have used them and the most common complaint is they are super slow. You can buy a long term warranty which they are happy to let you use.

The only thing I know about X-bull is that they make single use traction mats.

 

I bought Engo winch. Pretty good review from people when I was doing research.

 

I second the Warn comment. Don't cheap out. And 8k is plenty of winch for your Toyota.