1. Welcome to Tundras.com!

    You are currently viewing as a guest! To get full-access, you need to register for a FREE account.

    As a registered member, you’ll be able to:
    • Participate in all Tundra discussion topics
    • Transfer over your build thread from a different forum to this one
    • Communicate privately with other Tundra owners from around the world
    • Post your own photos in our Members Gallery
    • Access all special features of the site

Winch, which one to take?

Discussion in 'Recovery & Gear' started by Beni36ti, Sep 2, 2018.

  1. Sep 2, 2018 at 1:44 AM
    #1
    Beni36ti

    Beni36ti [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Mar 11, 2018
    Member:
    #13487
    Messages:
    124
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2017 SR5 CrewMax
    Dear all

    I would like to add a winch to my truck but have no experience in that field. I will get the slim bumper so the winch has to fit this part.

    Since our rigs normally are on the heavy side, I assume that one should better look at the 12k models, makes sense?

    Further on, what are the differences between the more low cost winches out there and the more expensive ones?

    Is a smitybuilt x20 winch something I should consider?

    Thank you for your help and input. Cheers from the old continent, Beni
     
    Y0TA PR0 likes this.
  2. Sep 2, 2018 at 1:56 AM
    #2
    Y0TA PR0

    Y0TA PR0 Dirt biking & fishing

    Joined:
    Jan 24, 2016
    Member:
    #2519
    Messages:
    22,327
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Rafael
    Alberta, Canada
    Vehicle:
    2017 TRD PRO
  3. Sep 2, 2018 at 3:07 AM
    #3
    riley804

    riley804 New Member

    Joined:
    Apr 8, 2018
    Member:
    #14296
    Messages:
    37
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2018 toyota tundra
    I know its totally different, but when I used to ride sxs , I went through a few winches.....and then I tried Superwinch and they were probably the best one that I had. that thing would pull us out of some crazy holes. if something broke in it, you just call them up and they would send you the replacement parts for free. I would think that their truck winches would be the same.

    whatever winch you decide to get, I would go with the synthetic rope as you dont have to worry about the burrs that happen with the metal wire......plus the metal will kink up after a few uses. you can also get an extension of the synthetic rope and keep it in your truck and it wont take hardly any room.

    https://superwinch.com
     
    SoCal.Tundra.Guy, Sas and Tierhog like this.
  4. Sep 2, 2018 at 8:39 AM
    #4
    Beni36ti

    Beni36ti [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Mar 11, 2018
    Member:
    #13487
    Messages:
    124
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2017 SR5 CrewMax
    Thank you for your feedback
     
  5. Sep 2, 2018 at 9:01 AM
    #5
    Tierhog

    Tierhog SIG-AHOLIC

    Joined:
    Feb 7, 2018
    Member:
    #12731
    Messages:
    1,200
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Steve
    Florida
    Vehicle:
    2016 Tundra Crewmax Limited 4WD
    Mostly stock/TRD accessories/Morimoto XBs
    Had two superwinches and a hydraulic mile marker. Both were tough as nails. Warn started out outsourcing the budget line and the purists started defending them and the critics started bashing them. Warn is expensive, but avoid the cheap line.
    Superwinch is as easy as Riley mentioned.
     
    Sas likes this.
  6. Sep 4, 2018 at 8:12 AM
    #6
    zackbremer

    zackbremer New Member

    Joined:
    May 4, 2017
    Member:
    #7559
    Messages:
    339
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Da Z
    smittybuilt x20(10,00lb or 12.5) synthetic rope..had awesome luck
     
    Watt maker and Sas like this.
  7. Sep 4, 2018 at 8:17 AM
    #7
    831Tun

    831Tun heartless Bastrd

    Joined:
    Jun 7, 2016
    Member:
    #3549
    Messages:
    11,577
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Warren
    Santa Cruz
    Vehicle:
    '16 CM limited
    TC long travel. Deaver 420 SU leaf packs.
    I would consider a Smitty with synthetic line. Protecting synthetic line from UV is a good idea.
     
    joonbug, Sas and GodlessPro like this.
  8. Sep 4, 2018 at 8:21 AM
    #8
    Sas

    Sas Humor is everywhere

    Joined:
    Jul 16, 2018
    Member:
    #17087
    Messages:
    4,410
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jason
    OKC, OK
    Vehicle:
    '17 SR5 CM TSS 4WD MGM 5.7 FF
    Lost track after #1.
    Do you guys with synthetic lines wash them? I've read that sand, dirt and other particulates will break down the rope and compromise it over time.
     
    831Tun likes this.
  9. Sep 4, 2018 at 8:27 AM
    #9
    831Tun

    831Tun heartless Bastrd

    Joined:
    Jun 7, 2016
    Member:
    #3549
    Messages:
    11,577
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Warren
    Santa Cruz
    Vehicle:
    '16 CM limited
    TC long travel. Deaver 420 SU leaf packs.
    You can wash synthetic line in your clothes washer, just put it in a mesh bag. Or use a 5 gal. bucket. If you use fabric softener it will make the line really nice and pliable. This is pretty commonly done on competition sail boats since salt crystals too break down the fibers. Even if you don't wash the line it will last a very long time. UV isn't good for synthetic line and it comes with a coating to inhibit UV. You can buy coatings like Samthane and paint it on to the line.
     
  10. Sep 4, 2018 at 8:30 AM
    #10
    Sas

    Sas Humor is everywhere

    Joined:
    Jul 16, 2018
    Member:
    #17087
    Messages:
    4,410
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jason
    OKC, OK
    Vehicle:
    '17 SR5 CM TSS 4WD MGM 5.7 FF
    Lost track after #1.
    So when you wash it does it break down that UV coating as well?

    How often do you need to reapply UV protectant?
     
    831Tun[QUOTED] likes this.
  11. Sep 4, 2018 at 8:44 AM
    #11
    831Tun

    831Tun heartless Bastrd

    Joined:
    Jun 7, 2016
    Member:
    #3549
    Messages:
    11,577
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Warren
    Santa Cruz
    Vehicle:
    '16 CM limited
    TC long travel. Deaver 420 SU leaf packs.
    Yeah, just like washing your clothes, washing causes a little wear but not much. Almost all single braid synthetic line comes with a hard wearing UV coating. For a winch line you'll probably never "need" to recoat unless you're opening it up for splicing the line. But if you see portions of the line turning white that would indicate the coating has worn off. Example: If you put a new hook on with an eye splice, you might wanna recoat the splice.
     
    joonbug and Sas[QUOTED] like this.
  12. Sep 4, 2018 at 8:50 AM
    #12
    smslavin

    smslavin Behind a lens...

    Joined:
    Jul 15, 2017
    Member:
    #8578
    Messages:
    7,208
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Sean
    Hudson Valley
    Vehicle:
    2016 Tundra CrewMax SR5
    Some stuff
    another vote for superwinch. i have the talon 12.5i with synthetic line. also a huge fan of the gear from factor55.
     
  13. Sep 4, 2018 at 8:50 AM
    #13
    Black Wolf

    Black Wolf Bigfoot Hunter, Sasquatch too, but not Yeti

    Joined:
    Apr 20, 2014
    Member:
    #378
    Messages:
    40,012
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Matt
    Aurora CO
    Vehicle:
    2022 Nissan Frontier SV 4X4
    TuwaPro rack, Z1 Offroad stuff, NISMO suspension stuff, FlowmasterFX Extreme exhaust, AIS, OVS, J&L can, other goodies on the way
    I've owned Warns and a Ramsey over the years. Very good winches historically. I've got a Smitty 10K X20 and quite pleased so far. 12K is a bit much but you can never have too much. I'm old school and prefer steel rope. Never had steel rope kink up on the spool. Steel rope usually kinks up when the rope isn't properly stretched/prepped before first use. Ask Hi Lead loggers what they use on their yarders. It's not synthetic. Synthetic rope is great for recovery situations and competitions but I'll take steel rope any day. Both options are good.
     
    Rbohno, ColoradoTJ, aperezsh and 4 others like this.
  14. Sep 4, 2018 at 8:50 AM
    #14
    Tierhog

    Tierhog SIG-AHOLIC

    Joined:
    Feb 7, 2018
    Member:
    #12731
    Messages:
    1,200
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Steve
    Florida
    Vehicle:
    2016 Tundra Crewmax Limited 4WD
    Mostly stock/TRD accessories/Morimoto XBs
    I asked the tow truck guys about synthetic and they were enthusiastic about the lack of load if a line snaps, but didn't like the UV breakdown or abrasion resistance. Weight wasn't a factor for them. Now the tug guys and ocean going folks love them, 4wd guys are in the middle.. Depends on your priorities. I went steel. Lots of sun and rocks and mud in California. Never failed me. Never washed it or covered it.. Never sprayed it with sun protectant.
     
    NewImprovedRon and Sas like this.
  15. Oct 20, 2018 at 2:11 PM
    #15
    Mithrandir

    Mithrandir New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 9, 2018
    Member:
    #20362
    Messages:
    64
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    mike
    Vehicle:
    2018 4x4 Tundra Color of Victorville Dirt
    None yet
    I am a "Bunny Hill" kinda offroad enthusiast... are there any $450.00 winches for the rare occasions I might need a tug?
     
  16. Oct 20, 2018 at 3:43 PM
    #16
    trayday

    trayday New Member

    Joined:
    Apr 17, 2016
    Member:
    #3163
    Messages:
    725
    Gender:
    Male
    Oregon
    Vehicle:
    2015 limited CM 5.7
    7" BDS, ADS front and rear, Total Chaos UCA's, CB tie rods
    20181016_081547.jpgAssembled properly, winch didn't fit in this slim bumper. Smittybilt 9,500lb X20 that's been submerged in water a few times, good customer service for replacement parts. This is the synthetic rope, previously had the steel cable which I snapped. I'm happy with the X20.
     
    Last edited: Oct 20, 2018
  17. Oct 20, 2018 at 5:29 PM
    #17
    trayday

    trayday New Member

    Joined:
    Apr 17, 2016
    Member:
    #3163
    Messages:
    725
    Gender:
    Male
    Oregon
    Vehicle:
    2015 limited CM 5.7
    7" BDS, ADS front and rear, Total Chaos UCA's, CB tie rods
    Unsure what kind of winch you're looking for but I paid less than $300 for mine.
     
  18. Oct 20, 2018 at 6:41 PM
    #18
    lc69hunter

    lc69hunter New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 4, 2018
    Member:
    #16711
    Messages:
    117
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Don
    Vehicle:
    2001 Black Tundra SR5
    gooseneck hitch, trailer brake
    This may get a few laughs, but Pirate 4X4 published a very extensive test on winches of different sizes, and different manufacturers. They, and many of us, were shocked that the Harbor Freight winches performed with the best of them.
     
    Gungho, Sas, ColoradoTJ and 3 others like this.
  19. Oct 20, 2018 at 7:52 PM
    #19
    Mithrandir

    Mithrandir New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 9, 2018
    Member:
    #20362
    Messages:
    64
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    mike
    Vehicle:
    2018 4x4 Tundra Color of Victorville Dirt
    None yet
    Wow!!... a few hundy for a 12k winch! (Harbor Freight)
     
    Last edited: Oct 20, 2018
  20. Oct 20, 2018 at 8:07 PM
    #20
    MotoTundra

    MotoTundra The Ocho

    Joined:
    Jan 6, 2014
    Member:
    #8
    Messages:
    7,645
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Don
    -TRS Mini D2S Retrofit on TRD Pro Headlights (Apollo 2.0 Shrouds, 35w XB Ballasts, 5500k Bulbs) -Baja Designs Squadron R Sport Aux lights. -TRD Pro Grill -TRD Rear Sway Bar -BakFlip VP Tonneau w/BakBox -Dipped wheels & bumpers -Iron Cross HD steps -Undercover Swingcase -SunTek Paint Protection film -Tinted glass -Bedmat -OEM Towing Mirrors
    Good to know!
     
    831Tun[QUOTED] likes this.
  21. Oct 21, 2018 at 7:46 PM
    #21
    Mithrandir

    Mithrandir New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 9, 2018
    Member:
    #20362
    Messages:
    64
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    mike
    Vehicle:
    2018 4x4 Tundra Color of Victorville Dirt
    None yet
    Would synthetic be an aramid or spectra fiber?
     
  22. Oct 21, 2018 at 8:40 PM
    #22
    COTundraRoamer

    COTundraRoamer New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 22, 2018
    Member:
    #12368
    Messages:
    116
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Dustin
    Denver, CO
    Vehicle:
    18' Platinum CM
    Fox 2.5 DSC front, Fox 2.5 DSC rear. JBA UCA. SCS Ray10 custom powder coated on 285/75r18 Duratracs.
    One important factor is the actual weight rating is based on the length of rope on the spool. The winch has maximum pulling power when on it's last layer. The more rope on the spool the less power you have for pulling. Also, a snatch block will double your pulling power but cut your line-in speed in half. Synthetic line has become super reliable and significantly safer (as well as repairable in the field). UV and abrasion are the biggest factor in it lasting. Finally, Slavin mentioned factor55. Closed system winching is far safer and much easier when you're alone.
     
    NewImprovedRon likes this.
  23. Nov 29, 2018 at 2:54 AM
    #23
    brimy311

    brimy311 New Member

    Joined:
    Nov 25, 2018
    Member:
    #22188
    Messages:
    821
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Brian
    Kalamazoo
    Vehicle:
    2018 Tundra Platinum
    I ordered a Warn Zeon 10-s today for my truck. I’ve always said, no one regrets buying a Warn. I’ve used Warn on all my vehicles for the past 18 years!
     
  24. Dec 14, 2018 at 11:50 AM
    #24
    Bates5450

    Bates5450 Elephantitus

    Joined:
    May 6, 2018
    Member:
    #15077
    Messages:
    120
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jacob Bates
    Dickinson, ND
    Vehicle:
    2018 SR5 CM Cement 4x4
    Smitty Built x20 12k fantastic bang for your buck. 1k less than comparable Warn.
     
  25. Dec 14, 2018 at 12:31 PM
    #25
    Red_Leg

    Red_Leg New Member

    Joined:
    Nov 20, 2018
    Member:
    #21962
    Messages:
    88
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Will
    The Harbor Freight winch is a rebadged Smittybilt XRC winch.

    I ran a Warn on my last Tundra and run a Smittybilt X20 on my Jeep. I will probably run the X20 on my Tundra whenever I finally replace the bumper.
     
  26. Dec 14, 2018 at 12:32 PM
    #26
    Beni36ti

    Beni36ti [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Mar 11, 2018
    Member:
    #13487
    Messages:
    124
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2017 SR5 CrewMax
    I am about to pull the trigger for an SSO Slimline bumper and the Smitty x20 12k.

    Anyone with that setup who could let me know about fittment and the need for replacing the soleonid?
     
  27. Dec 17, 2018 at 12:02 PM
    #27
    Beni36ti

    Beni36ti [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Mar 11, 2018
    Member:
    #13487
    Messages:
    124
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2017 SR5 CrewMax
    No one here with that config?
     
  28. Dec 17, 2018 at 12:09 PM
    #28
    Sas

    Sas Humor is everywhere

    Joined:
    Jul 16, 2018
    Member:
    #17087
    Messages:
    4,410
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jason
    OKC, OK
    Vehicle:
    '17 SR5 CM TSS 4WD MGM 5.7 FF
    Lost track after #1.
  29. Dec 17, 2018 at 12:25 PM
    #29
    theraven

    theraven New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 29, 2017
    Member:
    #9977
    Messages:
    156
    Gender:
    Male
    Central AZ
    Vehicle:
    16 DC / KI7LWX
    Icon 2.5 cdc front and rear. MCM UCA's, RXT rear leafs , wheelers bump stops, Icon hydrolic Bump stops, Icon six speed 17x8.5 w/35x12.5R17 Nitto Ridge grapplers, A.R.E. CX,, Smittybilt Gen2 12k synthetic on SSBuilt Front bumper, factor 55 fair lead, factor 55 flat link-E, SSBuilt high clearance rear with S2Pro, BD squadron pro fogs and side lights, BD 40" Onx6 behind the grill on SDHQ mount, BD XL80's on SDHQ a pillar/ hood mounts. Switch pros 9100, SDHQ panel mount and SDHQ under hood mount. Pro Grill, SDHQ ABS guards, P&P Sliders, Full RCI skids. Kenwood TM-V71a, Dual GPS antenna, Rago dash mount, WE Boost inreach
    I have the smitty x20 on a sdhq mount. I love the setup! I had to remote mount the control box for the winch and had plenty of lead to do so.
    Just make sure before you mount the x20 to replace the switch on the side of the control/solenoid box with a waterproof one. The smitty switch is not water proof... trust me.
     
  30. Dec 18, 2018 at 7:31 AM
    #30
    Beni36ti

    Beni36ti [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Mar 11, 2018
    Member:
    #13487
    Messages:
    124
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2017 SR5 CrewMax
    Thank you for the feedback.
    What do you mean by "sdhq mount"? Do I need other stuff to get the winch mounted to the slim bumper?

    Do you have a link to a waterproof switch you are referring to?

    Thank you, B.
     

Products Discussed in

To Top