Winch size.

Hello All,

I have a SSO Slimline bumper coming in a few weeks and I’m trying to decide what size winch to get.

From what I understand, the capacity of the winch should be the weakest link in the system, so the motor stops before other components fail.

That being the case, what is an appropriate size winch for a single cab with a tonneau cover? I'm guessing my gross weight to be around 4300 lbs. or so when off roading.

I plan on getting the Badlands with synthetic line from Harbor Freight and I'm happy to go with a 12k if that is correct.
Thanks for the knowledge exchange. I love it.

 

My 9000 lb engo winch has never failed me. I think my truck weighs around 4500-5000 lbs.

General rule is at least double capacity of the weight of truck, 3x is better.

 

Thank you.
Unless someone gives me a good reason not to, I will go with the 12k.

 

Here’s 24 pages of reasons to get a big winch

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/that-8-000-lb-winch-is-a-waste-of-money.682105/

 

Lotta extra weight hanging on the front bumper. That can be hard on the suspension and make handling a little wonky. But using synthetic line will help keep weight down. That is a lot more winch than you'll ever need on your Tacoma. The 9000 lb winch is plenty.

 

Compare the weights of the different models. 12k is overkill for a Tacoma, and while that might seem fine, that also means it is going to likely weigh quite a bit more than a better fitted 9k model. Winches are heavy, and all that weight hanging off the very front of the truck reduces handling, ride quality and is hard on the suspension. You'll likely want to plan for upgraded front suspension to handle the weight.

 

Actually, I had to get lighter,(500lb) springs when I installed my Kings. I was hoping the bumper and winch would get my front end where I want it with the original 600lb springs. Then the valving would match the spring rate.

I agree with and appreciate your logic though. I will compare weights.

 

Look like you have a regular cab, if so an 8,000 lbs winch is appropriate and I'd guess 600 lb/in springs will be about right.

The sizing rule of thumb is 1.5xGVWR or scale weight. Most Tacomas have GVWR in the mid 5,000 lbs range, my 2008 AC says 5,350 lbs. So 1.5 x 5,350 = 8,025 lbs. This is only a guideline not a strict must do. Going up or down from that number comes with pros and cons. FWIW I run a 9,000 lbs winch because I got a deal on it years ago and being a Warn it just gets rebuilt once in a while and was moved from the old truck to the new.

 

I have a 9500k and its pulls my heavy rig o problem

 

8000 - 9500# should be fine

 

Get the winch you need for how you wheel. The accepted winch size rule is 1.5x gross vehicle weight. You can go larger if you want. The weight difference between an 9k and a 12k will be about 10lbs. The biggest weight savings by far is choosing synthetic vs cable.

Do you expect to use your winch a lot? Then get a bigger one. Use it every once in a while get the 9K. You also need to look at duty cycle. Badlands have one of the worse duty cycles in the industry. At full pull you'll be waiting a long time for that winch to cool and cycle. Not a big deal if you don't use it often but it would drive me up a wall. The larger the winch the less you stress it's max pull the less it cycles.

My 12K Engo get's used and abused. I chose it because I knew I'd be using it lot. My rigs 5K fully loaded for wheeling trips. In all the thousands of feet that winch has pulled I've only had to wait for it to cool and cycle once. Like I said get what you need for how you intend to use it.

 

I need something that will get the job done when I eventually need it. I do a lot of solo trips.
The lighter/better ones are cost prohibitive right now. The 12k Badlands weighs 86 pounds with synthetic and I can get it for $480. Unless I catch a big sale.
My truck is still new so I’m not getting too crazy yet. If I wind up using it that much I can justify the upgrade?

 

The Engos are cheap! I will have to look at specs...

 

Bang for the buck. This is about 9 years old but take a look where Engo placed over all. I did a lot of research before I went with Engo and would buy them again without a second thought.

https://www.fourwheeler.com/how-to/129-1107-massive-multi-winch-shootout/

 

Again, love my Engo. Got it for $350 with the synthetic line on a black friday deal a few years ago. You won't be disappointed with it.

 

I know this is a what size winch thread, but I have to echo the endorsements for the Engo winch. I had one on my 2008 FJ and it was a workhorse that never gave me a problem. I cant recall the model number, but it was a 9Kish model. Used it many times to pull folks out of off camber situations and a time or two to recover my own vehicle. My wifes jeep has an old Warn 8274 that we got from my father in law that has served us well, but if I were to buy a winch, Engo or ComeUp would be the only models I would spend my money on.

 

My ComeUp winch has never failed me, haven't used it yet.

http://comeupusa.shptron.com/p/seal-gen2-9-5rsi-12v-winch?pp=12

 

You guys are awesome.
Black Friday should coincide with the arrival of my bumper.
I will go with the Engo. WhooHoo!
Thank you all for your help.
Happy trails!