Is there such a thing as too much winch?

So, I'm in the market for a winch and bumper. It seems that right 9000 pounds is what most people choose, however I found a good deal on a 12,000 pounder (used but still in good shape) that will still fit the bumper I am looking at.

Is this too much winch for a Taco? Will I just pull the bumper off on a hard pull?

 

no such, get it.

 

There are a few factors here. If you use your winch smart then you can go big. If you have a bolder infrontof your rear axle and you winch forward you will damage your vehicle regardless of winch size. the bigger the winch the more damage.

 

How much more does it weigh compared to a 9000 lb winch? Steel or synthetic line? No sense in having too much extra weight in front if you don't need it. I would definitely reinforce the frame as much as possible where the bumper attaches and then some.

 

So 1 yes and 2 be careful's ... decisions decisions ...

 

I get what you're saying here but not sure I agree exactly. If you've got something that is blocking the truck and you're using a winch to pull against it and something breaks, it's going to break at the same amount of force regardless of the winch. For example, let's say a 9K lb winch has exactly 9K lbs of pulling force and a 12K lb winch has exactly 12K lbs of pulling force, but the bumper it's mounted to will shear bolts at 8K lbs of force. Those bolts are going to shear at 8K lbs and cause the same amount of damage.

But I understand what you're getting at. A smaller winch may stall earlier giving you some warning before it breaks something where a bigger winch won't stall and will continue adding force that could break something without warning.

But back to the original question, I think there's a point where a winch can be overkill, but with what you're describing I don't see a problem at all. I'd go for it if it fits.

 

I was just basically saying. The bigger you go the safer you have to be when using it.