Always take into account the weight of your Jeep (Wrangler, JK, whatever model). As a measure of best practice, one can calculate your weight requirements by multiplying the gross weight of your vehicle by 1.5. This is your minimum winch pull strength, which is literally just your minimum. A winch of this pull strength will not be capable of winching up steep inclines, nor will it be capable of moving large obstacles.
Below we take a look at 4 best Jeep winches on the market:
Superwinch 1585202 LP8500 Winch Gen II – 8500 lb. Load Capacity
The Superwinch 1585202 LP8500 second generation winch has a line pull rating of 8500 pound and supplies you with 94-feet of durable steel-wire rope. It is rated as an entry-level winch, suited to those that don’t winch regularly and those who only need basic winching functionality. The three stage planetary gear chain is made from all metal and is driven by a quiet 4.5 horsepower engine.
Operation via 15-foot waterproof rubber remote makes winching safe and easy. This affordable winch is extremely rugged and construction is solid. It can handle taking a knock or getting wet without any problems. Hawse fairleads are supported but are not supplied. The Superwinch 1585202 LP8500 Gen II Winch is a great heavy-duty, affordable option that does not disappoint. If you’re on a budget, this is one of the best winches for Jeeps (JK, Wranglers, and other models).
Smittybilt 97495 XRC Winch – 9500 lb. Load Capacity
The Smittybilt 97495 XRC Winch with 9500 pound load capacity is a bumper mounted winch that offers great power and performance. The 6.6 HP Amphibious motor and 3 Stage Planetary Gear System has a very quick pull in and remains rugged enough to winch 4500 pounds with ease, placing very little strain on the motor.
Mounting is easy, taking under an hour for most folks. A roller fairlead is provided free of charge, saving you the expense of an additional purchase, as is needed with most Jeep winches. You are covered by a limited lifetime warranty and a five year guarantee on the electrical system. It is also waterproof, carrying an IP67 rating and a 500 amp solenoid. The Smittybilt 97495 XRC Winch outperforms many higher-priced alternatives, giving fantastic performance at a good price.
FROM ANT Series Electric Off Road Winch 9500lbs
The FROM ANT series 9500 lb. off road winch is the perfect addition to any Jeep that you take mudding.
This winch features a 5.5 hp, 12V motor that features an ultra-high-grade three stage planetary gear system, giving the absolute best in reliability and durability when you need it most. The motor and the line are powerful enough together to haul 9500 lbs. of weight at any given time as well, and the entire unit is encased in a waterproof housing.
With a wireless remote — as opposed to a wire-based trigger system — you can use this winch in a tight area around your Jeep. That means you can actually get out of your vehicle to use it if you feel you shouldn’t be inside your Jeep as the winch is working, which is a great way to give you, your friends, and your relatives peace of mind in a tough off-roading situation. Best of all, this winch comes with synthetic rope that’s designed to stand up to rigorous use, poor conditions, and water, making it much more reliable than conventional rope.
The FROM ANT winch comes with a fresh new design that allows you to mount it almost any way you’d like. Plus, the new clutch lever gives you total control over the gearbox at any point. Finally, this winch comes with an integral automatic braking system that locks the rope to prevent freespooling at any time.
Simple, powerful, and reliable — with all of those in one winch for your Jeep, the FROM ANT winch is among the best Jeep winches for the money.
Warn 89120 ZEON 12 Winch with Wire Rope – 12000 lb. Load Capacity
The Warn 89120 Zeon winch holds a line pull rating of 12, 0000 pounds, making it a high-end heavy-duty winch. Not only does this winch (see full specs) offer outstanding pulling performance but its powder-brushed veneer ensures that it’s easy on the eyes as well. Beneath the crisp aesthetics lies a three-stage planetary gear mechanism and a motor that provides excellent pull speed even when dealing with loads close to the limits of this winch. The unit is very well sealed, allowing for no form of water damage or eventual build-up of corrosion.
Included is an ultra-durable 3/8″ galvanized steel wire rope for maximum strength, allowing you to use the maximum pull strength of your winch. Easy to mount, long lasting and exhibiting top-class quality in all aspects, the Warn 89120 Zeon 12 Winch with Wire Rope is an outstanding option for heavy vehicles and those that use a winch often.
Considerations When Shopping for the Best Jeep Winch
When tempted to purchase a heavy-duty, high line pull rating winch for your Jeep, be sure to check what is needed from you battery. It is also good measure to make sure that the mountings and structure of your prospective new winch will fit your Jeep. From time to time you may find that a particular design simply does not work with your vehicle, with either the winch or the vehicle requiring custom modification. Unless you are up to the “modding” challenge, you had best rather choose carefully.
The best winches for Jeeps should hold a pull line rating that is far greater than one and a half times the gross weight of your vehicle, although this is not always possible due to budget constraints of the owner of a heavier Jeep. Fortunately, the ratio stated, although not desirable, can be used as the bare minimum for safe, damage free winching when trying to cut your costs.
Why Worry When You Have a Winch?
Never find yourself helpless when out and about again by ensuring that your Jeep is fitted with a reliable winch. If you are fond of dirt roads and rugged trails, then as the proud owner of an all-terrain Jeep, you owe yourself the benefit of a winch. Obstacles become fun and challenging rather than a boring frustration, while the peace of mind provided by the simple, functional winch is worth its weight in gold. And we hope you’ve found the best Jeep winch for your needs here. Good luck!
I love the convenience that winches offer when you are trying elevate your vehicle. That is awesome that they are durable and reliable to use with a heavy machine, such as your car or truck. I am glad that you listed a number of considerations that you should be aware of when you go to purchase and use a winch system in your video. Thank you for sharing your tips on how to appropriately use winches.