What winch are you running?

Looking for winch options for my winch bumper. I had mainly been looking at the Badlands Apex series from HF since a number of rock crawlers I know use them and guys like Matt’s Offroad Recovery use them professionally. However, would appreciate other opinions.

This would be used for a handful of recoveries a year along with basic farm use. So I don’t see the need for something like a Warn Zeon or M series, unless you can convince me otherwise.

Mid grade Chinese winches all seem to be very similar (Smittybuilt, Warn VR, Superwinch etc) but most reviews are on light rigs like Jeeps. Just want to hear some real world experiences with the Tundra. Thanks!

 

I would compare the Smittybuilt X20 12K synthetic specs to the comparable Warn. Think efficiency which means less heat. I watched it for quite a while and then saved about $100. The 10K would be $100 less. I'm not here to convince you of anything.

 

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Really helpful info, thanks. I’ve been eyeing that winch. I’ve had good experiences with their other products and the warranty seems pretty great too.

 

Z12 winch

 

I also am in the market for a good reliable winch, I have been watching the badland 12,000 from HF and the Smittybilt 10,000. Opinions definitely vary. Lots of folks have very good things to say about the Badland 12,000. Seems like a great price especially for the features you get with it. My winch will be hidden behind the bumper so wireless controller is a must. The Badland also comes with extra wires to relocate the controller. Which also is a added bonus. With that said I’m still shopping so I may change my mind.

 

My 2020 DC has a Warn VR EVO 10k. Never had a problem with it. I have never tried to pull the truck out of anything bad, but it has done many things that have helped. Made in Oregon.

 

Is that a light bar above your license plate?

 

Yes, those are snap on covers.

 

What brand and model#

 

I hope this works 3x 8" Protective Cover Snap on Black for Straight Curved LED Light Bar 24" 52" | eBay

 

I bought the Warn Zeon 12k Platinum because I wanted to trust the Warn brand and needed the wireless clutch feature because the bumper I had at the time did not provide easy access to a clutch. The winch is awesome BUT the wireless clutch is a joke. Stopped working after I used it a few times. I have to winch out to release the line. Contacted Warn and they want me to ship this heavy mofo to them on my dime and make me pay to fix it. Fawk that! I can live without the wireless clutch.

Now that I have a bumper with open access to a clutch I am going to buy the Badlands 12k if my Warn ever dies on me.

 

Engo 12k with synthetic line. Pulled many downed trees off the road to our cabin, with a snatch block. It will pull the Tundra around like a rag doll if I'm not chained to an anchor point. I added a wireless remote. Never let me down in over 6yrs.

 

HF badlands is about as good a bang for your buck as you’re going to get. Warn M series, specifically the M8000, with a snatch block is also a great option. Well made, parts easily available and can be rebuilt on the trail if needed. If I can rebuild a warn, anyone can

 

I have the Warn M8000 in my 08 Tacoma 14 years now without a problem. No way to rebuild on the trail without dropping the ARB bumper.

 

I have a Badlands Apex 12k. Don’t use it a whole lot but it’s worked. I carry 4 snatch blocks, 4 tree savers, and a 150ft extension incase I get real stuck. I do carry 3 snatch blocks but 4 is better for winching sideways or backwards.

 

I run the ironman 4x4 12k monster winch. Pretty happy with it and comes with a 5 year warranty.

 

@300BLK 4wp is running a 10% off right now on select smittybuilt winches. If you download the ebates app, they’re running 10% cash back on purchases at 4wp, so effectively 20% off what you’d normally pay from them. Just throwing it out there. They only pay out every three month but it’s no scam. Got my ebates cash back deposited in my PayPal account from my Black Friday dell laptop purchase, today. $271, not bad!

all that being said, I’d still go badlands

 

Smittybilt 10k X20 and relocated the winch pack.

 

I have the HF apex 12k. I love it. It hasn't given me any trouble, and the wireless remote it great. I've used my winch alot, mostly for projects, not many recoveries. But it did pull out my tundra and 8k camper that was sunk in the mud in my buddies field. That was cool.

 

Warn VR EVO 12s.... Haven’t used it yet...

 

VR Evo 12

but this is worth a read

https://www.roundforge.com/articles/warn-vr-vs-warn-vr-evo-winch/

 

WOW... that sucks.... where is the comparison with the HF Badlands APEX 12S

 

There’s testing out there. I think Warn’s still the most reliable though.

 

I wonder what the zeon numbers are for the 12s

 

not sure..my buddy has the zeon 12s platinum. It’s nice. The zeon spools in faster and has all wireless controls. I can’t justify a $2000+ winch though, personally. Maybe if I was winching A LOT

 

I have a
Modified Sdhq prerunner bumper with a
Warn 9.5 xp-s.

 

yeah agree on the price just curious about the numbers.

 

That's a nice winch! Wish I could of afforded one.

 

Thanks!

I got a dinged up one from Amazon warehouse that works fine.