Harbor Freight Winch (Badlands)

Anyone have experience with their 12,000lb winch. Pretty solid reviews on their website for $379. I usually only resort to HF tools when using odd-ball or one time use items. Nothing safety related.

 

I personally would not get something like this from HF. I like their hand tools. But I have already completely sheared off hand-held sockets, etc. No biggie, I could get another one. But with something like a winch or tow strap, etc., I personally will not use their products.

 

Have to agree with @chphilo on this one. The experiences of stuff I've purchased from there and the storie from friends have turned me off from their stuff. Especially anything electrical related.

 

I like Harbor Freight's products, but not for anything that would face a critical test. My Dad built his own lift for his mobility scooter long ago. The winch was one made by Superwinch that he found on sale at a local farm supply store (Gebo's) that he originally bought for general use. That was probably 20+ years ago. It started slowing down and making some serious grinding noises recently, and I decided to get a new one before this one stranded him somewhere. We went to another farm store (Atwoods) and found a good 2,000 pound rated winch for a lower price than Harbor Freight's offer. Heavier weight, thicker cable, 10 guage wiring harness (it matches the 10 gauge wire we ran from his battery to power the lift), and an all around better looking winch. We thought about Tractor Supply, but the looks of the one we bought (Champion brand, on sale) and the price made us decide to quit looking and start installing. Picking up a mobility scooter with a 2000 pound winch pretty much ensures a long life, but if I were going to rely on a winch to pull my truck out of a bad situation, I'd drop a few extra bucks. After all, you'll only buy a good one once, you may have to buy several low priced winches.

 

It depends on who actually makes it. HF does not make their own winches, rather re-brands from someone who does. If you can find out who makes the winch, it might be easier to judge its quality.

The one you linked is "made by Badland", but I doubt that's really the manufacturer. Here is a review by FourWheeler, which doesn't bode well for the brand.

 

These are very good for the cost! I'm going to be putting this same winch on my truck when "still pulling my hair out trying to decide" I settle on a new bumper!! Have had one on my rhino for almost 3 years without one issue. Lots of winching water/mud and abuse still works great.

 

I hear a lot of people talk negatively about them...I've yet to hear of one fail though..

 

My feelings lean strongly towards a Warn or similar. There is a chance that the winch could make a difference in my survival or perhaps the trucks. I know that HF winch might be just fine, but this was a place I was willing to spend the extra bucks. Just my.02.

 

I saw tha

review also. It was really thorough, full submerged water proof test impressed me.

 

I like Harbor Freight too for temporary cheap s**t fixes. No F'ing way I'd buy a cheaply made Chinese winch and use it on my truck. Buy American built preferably.

 

Lots of great input everyone. Thank you.

 

You could get a better smittybilt for that $$. There's a few HF gems tho. Their dust collection system is great for under $200. I am thinking about getting their bandsaw mill too. Sockets/wrenches/etc.. are all good buys from there especially if you need something unique. Just get a snap on/Mac/Marco/Cornwell 10mm and deep wall lug socket and a set of Pittsburg assorted sockets and you are set for your truck.

 

I had a small HF winch on my trailer for my race car. It worked wonderfully...three times. It quickly rusted and the cable frayed. I had it covered and not hooked to anything when it wasn't in use. I agree with everyone else. For the purpose it will serve for you, you are better off getting one that is priced a bit higher. I have "upgraded" to a hand winch with a strap so that I'm not pulling any more cable out of my hands.

 

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

 

Seems like most of their products are for a one time use.

 

I had a close quarters drill from HF. Lasted 15 seconds and the gears inside stripped. Didn't even get the screw in all the way. So... sometimes, not even one time use.

 

Take it for what its worth...you get what you pay for!

 

Don't know about harbor freight winches. But I bought a Quadratec winch for the wifes Jeep, and it pulls like a champ. Seems like a good mix of quality and price.

 

I'm glad for the input from everyone on here too. I was thinking about one of the hf winches for my 95 4Runner, that's my toy for hard wheeling. Like every other hf thing, you get what you pay for. It's great for brushes, sanding discs,etc. but high dollar stuff you're going to rely on??????????

 

I run a 12000 lbs badlands winch on my 2002 Tacoma and that thing works great! I had a secondary battery to run it. When the taco got wreaked it was able to pull the truck right onto the trailer. I'm planning on moving from the Tacoma to my tundra.

 

As long as your not using it ALL THE TIME and don't have it mounted on a dualy expecting it to pull you out you should be fine. Pulling that light Tacoma was nothing for that winch.

 

I have the 12K on the front of my Tundra. I have used it quite a bit to pull trucks out of mud holes and pull stumps out etc. I have never had any issues with it. It works just fine. I have never submerged it under water, I would imagine that would be the end of it. But for $279 dollars on sale it has been a pretty reliable addition to the truck. For that price I can buy 5 of them before I pay for a Warn.

 

I had used HF 10k winch (Chicago Electric) before Badland brand and it was slow and the motor made loud grinding noise when running. After they changed to Badland I bought 1 and tried out, the motor made no more grinding noise and speed seems to be better, many people in the recovery class surprise the sounds of the motor and speed pretty much compared to the Warn winch that they are running, I then bought 1 more for my gen 2 Durango. When I sold the Jeep and the Durango winch came with it.
I am now using Tuff Stuff 12.5k winch in my gen 1 Tundra and so far happy with it, I am going to replaced the steel cable with synthetic rope.

 

I know of 3 guys who tried the HF winch and no good came of this,when it comes to recovery and my truck on the line i go with what my grandpa taught me....good shit aint cheap and cheap shit aint good.....my .2

 

Interesting info here - https://www.4x4australia.com.au/gear/recovery/1708/12-volt-winch-test-results. That said I have a Warn 12S for the front and a HF 12K for the rear (building bumper as we speak). I waited for a coupon and thus I walked away with it for 299. We'll see how it pans out, but it feels like a decent unit and if you look on youtube there are tons of reviews out there.

 

He is terrible quality for everything

 

Its funny because I was going to post this link as well... take notice of the Engo winch... I have had the 9k on my 2005 Tundra for 5 years and no problems. Used it probably 60 times at least (mainly pulling others out). Plus it is cheaper than the badlands. It was voted best bang for buck in that test and one of only 2 that survived the abuse. They are currently on sale here:

http://www.rockridge4wd.com/c-1207042-winches-recovery-gear-8000-to-16000-lbs-electric-winches.html

Use the promo code FREEDOM for an additional 12% off. Hopefully it still works. I just bought me a 12k Engo 3 days ago for my newer 2014 Tundra and it was $318 shipped but I also added a winch cover in the order. So it would probably be around $308 shipped for just the winch.