Topic: Smittybuilt Winch?

[Black Runner]

Has anyone had any experience with these? 8K lb model for only $299.  What do you think

[Shamb]

check the thread on PBB, there's some tech on 'em..

I saw a guy in a white 4runner next to Marlin's camp @ MCR6 that had one.. but he was no were to be found. I planned on asking him a few questions.. .

For $299 it would be worth trying I suppose.

From the Spec's it sounds like a MileMarker, relying on gear reduction to get the job done instead of HP... this makes for a slow winch but they pull HARD.

[Hottrod81]

I have one from Harbor Freight.  Basically the same thing as a Mile Marker.  Does not pull fast, but it gets the job done.  And you can't beat the price.  I also got the 3 year warranty.

[Duffil]

relying on gear reduction to get the job done instead of HP... this makes for a slow winch but they pull HARD.

sounds like my toyota.

[Plekto]

Yep   Really, is speed a big deal when you just need to get out of the mudhole you got into?  Just make sure to obviously weld some heavy steel into your frame so your bumper doesn't decide it wants to escape.

$300?  (scribbles that down on his list after shocks)
80lbs doesn't suck, either.

[Volcom]

This was about all the info I could find on it.  Sounds like a decent winch.

http://pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=590833


http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=442138

You might check into Superwinch as well
http://www.moabjeeper.com/articles/general/listing.cfm?articleID=353

[Plekto]

Okay... now for the real question.  I have a 87 4Runner and it has bull bars on the front.  Is there any way to mount a winch up behind them?  There's that angled plate under there with the holes in it of course, but it seems like you might be able to cram a small winch in there.    Just... How to mount it?(obviously looks like some     and    is required of course)  I'd rather mount it to the frame, obviously, as the bumper looks good for maybe 1-2K lbs for its mounts.  I'll try and get some pics.

[Black Runner [OP]]

Thanks for all the info.  Sounds like it is worth looking into.

[Tice]

My son just brought me a flyer from4wheeldrive hardware and this winch was on the front.  Gonna try and talk the wife into it.  Not that I need one mind you!!

[H8Mud]

seems like a decent buy, somone on pirate posted pictures of mile maker stamped on the wiring pig tails and on a few other parts.  So it would seem to be a remarked mile marker.  I plan on buying one ASAP.

[germ]

Just about any winch will do a decent job if you treat it right. Don't have high expectations, and it'll be a good winch. As far as mounting, you most definatley want a good winch mount system. Do not skimp on this, as it will tear your front bumper off faster than you can blink. (I've seen a few people do this, and it's actually quite funny)

Germ

[Marc P]

After reading every thread I could find about this winch....I ordered mine from winchdepot.

$284.99 plus tax with free shipping

[Volcom]

After reading every thread I could find about this winch....I ordered mine from winchdepot.

$284.99 plus tax with free shipping

Nice, let us know how it works out!!  I'm interested as well.

[germ]

I did some more reading on this, and some were of the opinion that the magnetic motor was crap, and would burn up relativly quickly. Series wound motors were the only reliable way to go. I don't know enough about the permanent magnetic motor to be able to speak intelligently about it, but it would be interesting to hear what those who have them have found.

[DTB]

I did some more reading on this, and some were of the opinion that the magnetic motor was crap, and would burn up relativly quickly. Series wound motors were the only reliable way to go. I don't know enough about the permanent magnetic motor to be able to speak intelligently about it, but it would be interesting to hear what those who have them have found.

After speaking with a couple buddies and reading other reports on quality control, I have decided to integrate this winch into my rear tube bed. The original plan was to order one for the front and one for the rear. I just dont know if I can trust my life (or others)  to this thing...Getting a Warn up front

[Marc P]

Finally got mine installed. Everything looks and works good so far. I added a small bracket to the control box so I wouldnt need to cut the grill. I like it better at an angle, and I still have plenty of room to plug the remote in.

Here is a cell phone pic......

[DTB]

Are you planning to upgrade the fiber core wire?

[Volcom]

Looks like they have changed up the Smittbuilt winch.  In with a series wound motor and out with the Permanent Magentic motor!!!  I believe they have kept the same price.  Here's a thread about it on Pirate

http://pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=590833&page=14&highlight=SMITTYBILT+XRC8

I'm really considering it now!!! The permanent magentic motor and the slowness associated with those types of winches was holding me back on getting one.  Now with a series wound motor, it should be faster and more reliable!!!

[Huhwhye]

That's very interesting.  I want to hear some more feedback on the new setup before I drop some $$$.  But it sounds very interesting now.

[bruiz05]

That's very interesting.  I want to hear some more feedback on the new setup before I drop some $$$.  But it sounds very interesting now.

Ok here is the break down:

smittybuilt was orig. having the XRC8 being built by milemarker.  but due to the amount of warranty winches as well as keeping enough in stock smitty decided to drop milemarker. 

Now smitty XRC8 & XRC10 winches are made by T-Max.  they are actually better than a warn winch.  they are using a 5.5hp serise wound motor, thicker cable and a solidstate control box.  which makes it almost waterproof and very reliable, and a better gear reduction for less heat build up under hevey long pulls.  this is a work horse winch made to be used and abused.  where as the milemarker barely worked out of the box..lol

I have an integrated 10,000lb T-max and love it, if i were to buy another or recomend any winch regarudless of price this would be #1 on my list.  I do recomend the XRC10 just because it is a top load clutch lever where as the XRC8 is a side load its just my preferance. 

if you have any other questions feel free to ask away. 

[bruiz05]

Finally got mine installed. Everything looks and works good so far. I added a small bracket to the control box so I wouldnt need to cut the grill. I like it better at an angle, and I still have plenty of room to plug the remote in.

Here is a cell phone pic......

This is the old style winch which is the milemarker....for those of you that bought one of these the way you can tell if the XRC8 is a milemarker or the T-Max is:  if the clutch lever on the XRC8 is on the top like this one its a milemarker if its on the side of the case its a T-Max.

[jimbo74]

so smittybuilt is rebadging winches and selling them cheaper than they would normally cost?

[bruiz05]

so smittybuilt is rebadging winches and selling them cheaper than they would normally cost?

Well kinda it works out a little differanttly than that.   you have to think of in a bussiness manner.  smitty has enough money to buy very large quantities of product and then is aloud to do with what they want. which in this case is a slight mark up and rebadge and sell them.  except for now they are out of the loop. since they are not making the winches for smitty anymore.

[Tool Pimp]

All I know is mine works pretty damn good.....!

[Rockcrawlintoy]

if i get the cash i wouldn't ming putting one of these in the rear.

[DTB]

Now smitty XRC8 & XRC10 winches are made by T-Max.  they are actually better than a warn winch. 

Thats a pretty bold statement...... I guess time will tell