The Best Jeep Winch in 2022: A Complete Buyer’s Guide
A winch can help you get out of tricky situations and be a real lifesaver. Installing a winch on your Jeep Wrangler is a great way to have added security and peace of mind while off-roading. Today’s top Jeep winches vary considerably in price, construction, cable type, pulling force, operating methods, and other criteria, and settling on one can be a daunting task. We’ve put together this complete buyer’s guide to finding the best Jeep winch in order to serve as a starting point in your decision-making process.
Table of Contents
- Jeep Winch Reviews: Overview
- How Much Should the Load Capacity Be on a Winch for a Jeep Wrangler?
- Type of Jeep Winches
- Electric Winch
- Things to Consider Before Buying A Winch for Your Jeep
- WARN M8000 Series Electric Winch
- Smittybilt X20 Winch
- ZEAK 13000lb Electrical Winch
- Offroad Boar 9500 Winch
- RUGCEL 13500 lbs Winch
- X-BULL 12V Synthetic Rope Winch
- Rough Country PRO Series Electric Winch
- Superwinch 1595200 Tiger Shark 9500 Winch
- ORCISH IP67 Electric Jeep Winch
- Conclusion
Jeep Winch Reviews: Overview
| Our Rating | Load Capacity | |
| WARN M8000 Series Electric Winch See Review / Check Price | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 8000 lbs |
| Smittybilt X20 Winch See Review / Check Price | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 10,000 lbs |
| ZEAK 13000lb Electrical Winch See Review / Check Price | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 13,000 lbs |
| Offroad Boar 9500 Winch See Review / Check Price | ⭐⭐⭐ | 9,500 lbs |
| RUGCEL 13500 lbs Winch See Review / Check Price | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 13,500 lbs |
| X-BULL 12V Synthetic Rope Winch See Review / Check Price | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 4,500 lbs |
| Rough Country PRO Series Electric Winch See Review / Check Price | ⭐⭐⭐ | 9,500 lbs |
| Superwinch 1595200 Tiger Shark 9500 Winch See Review / Check Price | ⭐⭐⭐ | 9,500 lbs |
| ORCISH IP67 Electric Jeep Winch See Review / Check Price | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 13,500 lbs |
How Much Should the Load Capacity Be on a Winch for a Jeep Wrangler?
In order to prevent your winch from stalling out, your winch’s pulling capacity should be at least 1.5 times the weight of your Wrangler. If your Jeep isn’t modified, simply multiply its gross vehicle weight (GVW) by 1.5 to find the minimum winch load capacity that you should aim for.
Type of Jeep Winches
There are two types of Jeep winches – hydraulic and electric. Knowing the difference between hydraulic and electric jeep winches is essential to making an informed purchase. Consider your needs and budget before deciding which type of winch is right for you.
Hydraulic Winch
Hydraulic winches use a hydraulic motor to drive the winch drum, while electric winches use an electric motor.
A hydraulic winch relies on a hydraulic fluid pump to generate power. This type of winch is generally heavier than an electric winch, making it a good option for larger vehicles or heavier loads. However, hydraulic winches can be more expensive than electric ones, and they can also be more challenging to install.
A hydraulic winch is a good choice if you need much pulling power. It is also more expensive than other types of winches.
Electric Winch
On the other hand, an electric winch uses an electric motor to generate power. This type of winch is typically lighter and less expensive than a hydraulic one. However, electric winches may not be as durable as hydraulic ones, and they can also be less powerful.
Most people prefer electric winches. They are powered by your car’s battery, which means they have limited power. However, they are more practical because the Jeep does not need to be running to use them.
So, which type of Jeep winch should you choose? It depends on what your needs are for the winch. A hydraulic is for you if you need a powerful winch that can pull heavy loads.
Things to Consider Before Buying A Winch for Your Jeep
There are many benefits of picking the right winch for your Jeep. The most important one is that it will help you get out of difficult situations safely and reliably. A good winch can also help you save money in the long run by preventing you from calling a tow truck. When it comes to off-road driving, having a winch is a must. A good winch can help you get out of tough spots and make your driving adventures more enjoyable. If you’re looking for a new winch for your Jeep, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. Here are six tips for choosing the best winch for your Jeep.
Quality
A good quality winch will last longer. A winch that is made for off-road use will be able to withstand more wear and tear than one that is only meant for on-road use. This means that you won’t have to replace it as often, saving you a lot of money in the long run.
Capacity
It’s undoubtedly the most essential aspect to consider before purchasing a Jeep winch. Of course, the winch you want to buy should be able to lift a substantial amount of weight. Otherwise, you won’t get any value out of it!
Decide on the pulling capacity you need. This will depend on the type of terrain you’ll be driving on and how heavy your Jeep is. Heavier Jeeps will require a higher pulling capacity than lighter ones.
Winch Weight
Consider the winch’s weight. If you’re looking for a winch that can take a lot of weight, you’ll consider a heavier model. Heavier winches can be more challenging to handle, but they tend to be stronger and pull more weight.
Consider the winch’s size
The size of the winch is also essential to consider. You want to make sure it will fit comfortably on your Jeep. Some winches are large, so if you don’t have much room in your vehicle, you may want to choose a smaller one.
Make sure the winch is waterproof
The winch must be waterproof, especially if you’ll be driving in wet or humid conditions. The electrical current that powers the winch can create a short circuit if it gets wet.
Consider the price
Finally, consider the price of the winch. There is a wide range of prices available, so you should be able to find one that fits your budget. You’re getting a quality product, even if it costs more.
WARN M8000 Series Electric Winch
Features
- 4.8 HP motor can handle a great deal of pressure
- This Warn winch will pull up to 8000 lbs.
Specs
- Manufacturer: Warn
- Voltage: 12 Volts
- Dimensions: 26 x 18 x 8 inches
- Item Weight: 83 pounds
- Model number: 26502
Pros
- Customized 3-stage gearbox for greater performance
- It comes with two 12-foot wireless remote controls for greater control while in operation
Cons
- The cover may become discolored relatively quickly
- No mechanical guarantee, but you get a lifetime of technical help
This winch from WARN offers a 4.8 HP motor. The pull rating is up to 8000 pounds and the overall weight is nearly 83 lbs.
The remote control’s cord is approximately 12 feet long, allowing for a safe and handy distance. The rope is quite robust, so there’s less chance of wearing and tearing.
Smittybilt X20 Winch
Features
- The winch can be operated by a wireless remote or by hand.
- This product comes with a lifetime mechanical warranty and a 5-year electrical warranty.
- This winch uses synthetic rope and a forged hook that won’t break for heavy loads.
- Stainless steel hardware is more durable than other types of hardware.
Specs:
- Manufacturer: Smittybilt
- Weight 16 lbs
- Item model: 98510
Pros
- Strong build quality
- Great Wireless Remote
- Impressive speed
Cons
- Remote replacement is expensive if you lose it
- Tricky to install for some people
The Basics
The Smittybilt X20 Winch is an outstanding choice for your Jeep Wrangler. This winch can be operated with a wireless remote or by hand and comes with a 5-year electrical warranty. In addition, user reviews are consistently positive for the X20.
ZEAK 13000lb Electrical Winch
Features
- The 3-stage planetary steel gear offers a strong pulling strength
- This electric motor has 6.2 horsepower
- It’s IP68 waterproof and has a weather-sealed solenoid switch
- This product comes with a one-year limited warranty.
- Both wireless and handle remote control are included with this set
Specs
- Manufacturer: ZEAK INC.
- Voltage 12 Volts
- Item Weight 57.2 lbs
Pros
- IP67 Water-Resistant
- One-year warranty
- Heavy-duty power cables
Cons
- If you don’t grease the gears, it can be quite noisy
- The remote connector can be unreliable
The ZEAK 13000 lb winch is a fantastic budget alternative for Jeeps since it delivers comparable performance to other winches that are in higher price ranges. This kit is compatible with all Jeep Wranglers and SUVs. It also works with cars with higher ground clearance and can be used on other types of automobiles.
The ZEAK 13000-pound winch has a three-stage planetary steel gear mechanism. It has a line speed of 21.3 feet per minute when empty and 4 feet per minute when completely loaded.
Offroad Boar 9500 Winch
Features
- Free Spooling clutch
- Made with low ampere permanent magnet motors and high-performance linear speed in mind
- Wire rope that prevents rotation
- Has a tractive force of 9500 lbs
- Hook built of heavy-duty alloy with a forged design
Specs
- Manufacturer: Off Road Boar
- Item Weight: 61.6 lbs
Pros
- The remote switch works great
- Less costly than some competitors
- Rope is synthetic
- Easy to install
Cons
- It can be tough to respool the winch cable
- Some users reported receiving faulty battery cables
The Offroad Boar is a popular budget winch for Jeeps. It is less expensive than the ZEAK electric winch, which is already a fantastic deal. The Offroad Boar Winch is a smaller winch that can pull lighter vehicles or when you don’t need the full power of a 12,000-pound winch. It has a tractive force of 9750 pounds and can handle most low-duty offroad activities.
The Off-Road Boar winch comes with a synthetic rope or a steel rope as an option. It is much safer than steel rope, but it costs more. If you choose synthetic rope, the cost rises by a few dollars.
RUGCEL 13500 lbs Winch
Features
- The engine is a high-performance 7.2 hp 12V unit
- It’s both waterproof and comes with a double waterproof capstan cover
- Mechanical and dynamic braking help increase control while winding
- The electrical components in this product have a one-year warranty
Specs
- Manufacturer Pismire winch
- Item Weight 57.9 pounds
Pros
- Excellent craftsmanship
- Easy installation
- Industrial-strength synthetic rope
- Works well with both wireless and hard-wired remotes.
- The unique clutch brake system offers excellent control.
Cons
- It has no mechanism to put it in neutral when required.
- The controller is not water-resistant.
- Not ideal for lengthy periods of usage
The Basics
The RUGCEL 13500 lbs winch is a budget-friendly Jeep Wrangler winch. It has the same loading capacity as competing Winches for Jeeps, but it outperforms them in pulling power and speed.
This winch includes a 100-foot length of high-quality Nylon rope. Even under heavy loads, the lightweight Nylon rope will not break. You can use the winch in a wider variety of situations because it’s more powerful and durable.
The winch has many features that make it a good choice. One of these is that it is IP68 waterproof. It also includes a waterproof cover to help keep it safe from dirt and moisture.
The winch’s electrical elements come with a one-year guarantee. If any component fails, you may get it replaced for free at any time. However, if you’re a novice user, the installation might be complicated.
X-BULL 12V Synthetic Rope Winch
Features
- Relatively lightweight
- This product has a powerful motor for better performance.
- The three-stage gear improves the overall performance.
- A wireless remote lets you control your device easily.
- The brake comes with a system that keeps the load in place.
Specs
- Manufacturer X-BULL
- Item Weight 79.8 pounds
- Voltage 12 Volts
Pros
- A heavy-duty stainless-steel cable
- Dual control system for excellent safety and control
- 3-stage gearbox
Cons
- Some users complained that the remote control stopped working shortly after purchase
- Customer service may be spotty
The Basics
The X-BULL Winch includes a 26-meter stainless steel rope that can lift 12,000 pounds easily.
It also has a powerful motor that allows for high-pressure operation. To improve the winch performance when busy at rescue, it features a 3-stage planetary gear system.
Superior control is one of this winch’s most appealing features.
The X-BULL 12V Synthetic Rope Winch comes with a one-year warranty (as opposed to Smittybilt and WARN’s three-year or five-year warranties).
Rough Country PRO Series Electric Winch
Features
- 5.5 HP motor
- It can handle approximately 9,500 pounds
- A 100-foot steel cable is included
- It’s equipped with a three-stage braking system to improve overall performance
Specs
- Manufacturer: Rough Country
- Exterior Painted
- Item Weight: 82.8 pounds
Pros
- Easy to use in the rain, mud or snow
- Both dust and waterproof
- Backed by 2-year electrical and 1-year mechanical warranty
Cons
- May require the purchase of extra brackets depending on your vehicle
The 5.5 HP engine isn’t nearly as powerful as alternatives, but it’s enough to pull mid-sized Jeeps.
Constructed of stainless steel, the model 83002 has a 100-foot cable. It features a three-stage braking system that makes controlling the winch a breeze. The equipment will allow you to escape both mucky and wet locations easily.
The kit includes a wireless remote so you can work at a safe distance. The motor is resistant to overheating, which is sometimes an issue with other winches.
Superwinch 1595200 Tiger Shark 9500 Winch
Features
- Both stainless steel and synthetic rope are available.
- It comes with a powerful 6.0 HP motor.
- Remote control with a length of 12 feet is included in the package.
Specs
- Manufacturer & Brand: Superwinch
- Item Weight: 9 pounds
Pros
- All makes and models of Jeep are compatible.
- Synthetic rope and steel cable are available.
- The winch’s robust design is ideal for tackling any off-road difficulties.
- Can withstand severe weather conditions.
Cons
- There is no cable tensioner.
- It’s rather pricey
The Basics
The Superwinch Tiger Shark engine can bear a lot of weight because of its immense pulling force. It’s also wind and water-resistant, so it’ll operate in any climate.
The 12-foot handheld remote allows you to operate the winch from a safe distance.
The winch is built of stainless steel, ensuring long-term durability and winching performance.
ORCISH IP67 Electric Jeep Winch
Features
- Overload protector
- The motor is composed of high-quality components
- It can support a load of 13,000 pounds
- Features a three-stage planetary gear train with wireless remote control
- It features a free-spool fairlead system
Specs
- Manufacturer ORCISH
- Item Weight 84.8 pounds
Pros
- Winch can operate in inclement weather
- Very smooth control
- A cheaper option than other models
- 1-year mechanical warranty
Cons
- The battery has a short lifespan
- Better to replace the rope with a quality one
This winch is a wise option since it is both cost-effective and popular. It has a strong motor that can handle up to 13,000 pounds. This winch is also equipped with an overload protector, which will provide you with a safe and unhindered operation.
The tool includes a three-stage gear system for smooth winching. The wireless remote performs well from close or far away.
The cable is made of stainless steel and measures roughly 26 meters in length.
Conclusion
These winches are top quality and perfect for anyone looking for a robust and durable option. They have all been tested and proven to work well, so you can be sure that you’re getting a product that will meet your needs. If you’re looking for a great winch, one of these options is the way to go.
