Which winch?

[Miccar9 Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Miccar9]

I'm about to start fitting my 2013 GXL for outback single vehicle (with camper) travelling. Already have a Wynnum (Brisvegas) Towbars bar(no bumper cutting involved). Next is a bull bar and I've decided on an ARB Deluxe winch bar. I am looking at a 9500lb winch with rope,but which one? Would appreciate input of good winches but even more so of problem winches.
1. In particular, has anyone used Gear Up (Repco) or ?? Super Cheap generic winches?
2. Do they fit easily onto ARB Deluxe winch bars? (Additional fitting plates/brackets?)
3. Are they easily fitted AFTER the bar is on or do you have to remove the bar first?

Thanks

Mick

[D4D Addicted PP Member Find all posts View Profile Close D4D]

I'm about to start fitting my 2013 GXL for outback single vehicle (with camper) travelling. Already have a Wynnum (Brisvegas) Towbars bar(no bumper cutting involved). Next is a bull bar and I've decided on an ARB Deluxe winch bar. I am looking at a 9500lb winch with rope,but which one? Would appreciate input of good winches but even more so of problem winches.
1. In particular, has anyone used Gear Up (Repco) or ?? Super Cheap generic winches?
2. Do they fit easily onto ARB Deluxe winch bars? (Additional fitting plates/brackets?)
3. Are they easily fitted AFTER the bar is on or do you have to remove the bar first?

Thanks

Mick

1. I wouldn't fit a $500 winch to a $50,000 vehicle but that's just me
2. Most 'brand' name winches fit, you may need to rotate the gear end to get the free spool lever in the right position
3. Yep, 2 man job is easiest but can do with one and a ratchet strap

BTW this topic has been discussed many times before, a search will find lots of info.

[D4Dforme Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close D4Dforme]

D4D is on the money..........you willing to spend 2.5k on a Bullbar but nothing on a winch........those cheapies are rubbish.......minimum would be a VRS or Premier IMO..........can't see the point of going through all that trouble of fitting etc to have the gears strip out or electrics fail when you do really need it.

I certainly would not be confident doing a river crossing knowing full well I would have to rely the cheapest winch I could find.

Dan

[simonfish Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close simonfish]

I have a Warn xp-s (synthetic rope) with a flatlink winch recovery hook from Factor55 http://factor55.com/product/flatlink/

Why spend $50+k on a vehicle, thousands on camping gear, towbar, winch bar, driving lights, upgrading tires, probably suspension, etc. then take time off work to go on holidays/trip (probably with the wife and kids) and rely on a cheap winch for your recovery (especially if you are travelling on your own).

[D4D Addicted PP Member Find all posts View Profile Close D4D]

I have a Warn xp-s (synthetic rope) with a flatlink winch recovery hook from Factor55 http://factor55.com/product/flatlink/

How do you find the FlatLink? Why did you go that over the ProLink?

[craigm Addicted PP Member Find all posts View Profile Close craigm]

Flatlink is what is want to go with also. Is sits flatter against the Hawse Fairlead than the Prolink ( hence the name) so doesn't protrude out as much. Both great products but alas not cheap. Snake Racing are the only mob that I know of who distribute in Australia.

[simonfish Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close simonfish]

I had to replace two of my 4.75 tonne D shackles that wouldn't fit the flatlink, the gaps in the shackle were slightly too close togethor.
I went the flatlink as I have one of those hinge up number plate brackets that covers the winch hawser (the number plate hinges up when you access the winch rope) and a prolink sticks out too far.
I find it works really well, the shackle goes through it and connects to the tree protector perfectly. With a standard winch hook, I always struggled to get a good connection to tree protectors or winch extension straps. Also, no chance of slipping or letting go.

[Spilsy Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close Spilsy]

If you look really closely most winches come out of the same factory...Especially the cheaper ones. (the aldi winch is the same as one of the ones from 4wd supacentre for example, which looks remarkably similar to the supercheap auto one...etc)
Usually, I'd look for something made to an Aust. or ISO standard, though I don't think there is one for vehicle winches...
If your going it alone, I would consider spending that little bit more for a trusted brand name winch...Just my 2 cents

[Miccar9 Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Miccar9]

Hi All, thanks for your input. Was not necessarily going with the cheaper ones but mainly seeing if anyone had them and had problems. I guess I just need to kick a few more moths out of the wallet..

Regards

Mick

[Guest Close Guest]

Runva has a great waterproof warranty and are a very good price too.

[Spilsy Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close Spilsy]

seeing if anyone had them and had problems.

A colleague of mine has the Aldi one, and hasn't had an issue yet, granted its only 6 months old...

[juc33_prado Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close juc33_prado]

Runva has a great waterproof warranty and are a very good price too.

+1

I have had Runva installed now for 12 months, and has been used many times recovering other vehicles mainly, has worked very well so far.

SAMUEL

[D4D Addicted PP Member Find all posts View Profile Close D4D]

I had to replace two of my 4.75 tonne D shackles that wouldn't fit the flatlink, the gaps in the shackle were slightly too close togethor..

Hey Simon, I have the same problem, what brand shackles did you end up buying?

[Corigator Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close Corigator]

A colleague of mine has the Aldi one, and hasn't had an issue yet, granted its only 6 months old...

My Aldi one lasted 2 yrs, then failed the first time I needed it. It had jammed with rust in the motor. (A bit frustrating) I then got a Domin8R and so far its going well. Its built much more rugged than the Aldi one.