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Best Jeep Winches

Best Jeep Winch (Photo Credits: Superwinch)
If you drive a Wrangler TJ, JK or JL and you regularly take it off road, you need a winch. You are going to get stuck and it’s not a question of if but when. It is an inevitable fact of off-roading life and if you are relying only on a rescue strap, you could be stuck for a good long time. A Jeep winch gives you more confidence, capability, and independence.  
DEC 25, 2020

Okay, so we know you need a winch but how do you pick one. There are a lot of things to consider starting with the load capacity of the winch motor. It’s not as easy as just using your curb weight and getting a motor that can pull over that amount. The angle of the pull, rocks or trees obstructing the rescue route, terrain grade even how much gear you have on board can quickly add up to need significantly more pull than your gross weight. 

Winch cable/rope is another consideration. Synthetic rope does not store kinetic energy which means if it snaps, or the anchor point fails, it is less likely to snap back causing injury or damage. Rope is lighter, easier to handle and does not require gloves to safely handle. However, rope can be damaged by UV rays and is subject to fraying. Steel cables are far stronger but are much more dangerous should they snap. Even though most are galvanized, they are also susceptible to rust and corrosion. 

There’s more to think about. Ease of installation, battery drain, length of cable and more. To help you out we have listed a few of the best Jeep winches to compare:

Best Self-Rescue Jeep Winches

Best Jeep Winch: Superwinch LP10000

Superwinch LP10000

With a 5.1 hp weather sealed motor, the Superwinch LP10000 provides excellent performance for off-road and utility use. Standard features include a 10,000 lb. pull capacity, 85 feet of 3/8” steel rope, a 12-foot wired remote control, and a heavy-duty four-way roller fairlead. Weighing only 83 pounds installed, the Superwinch LP1000 packs a ton of capability and gives you the peace of mind that only a self-rescue winch can.

Best Jeep Winch: Warn M8 WINCH

Warn M8000

The Warn brand is one of the best known in the Jeep winch category and the M8000 self-rescue is one of their fastest selling models. Equipped with a 4.8 horsepower motor, the M8000 is offered with your choice of synthetic rope or steel cable. It is tough, reliable and compact and at 80 pounds installed it can deliver 8,000 pounds of pull power. Features include a roller fairlead, 12-foot remote control and an exclusive brake design that provides superior control when winching. Easy installation, a chip resistant finish and a low profile are some of the reasons this model has been a favorite of off-road enthusiast for nearly 20 years.

Best Jeep Winch: Smittybilt X2O-10 Gen2 Winch

Smittybilt X20-10 Gen 2

A legend in the Jeep accessories field, Smittybilt’s X20-10 is an affordable Jeep winch rated at 10,000 pounds of pulling power. Equipped with a 6.6 horsepower motor and 98.5 feet of synthetic rope, the X20-10 is ready to take on the most difficult self-rescue situations. Standard features of this completely waterproof winch include a hawse fairlead with forged hook, 12-foot remote control, dynamic braking system and stainless-steel hardware. A lifetime mechanical and 5 year electrical warranty ensures you years of reliable service.

Best Jeep Winch: Bulldog Winch BDW10045

Bulldog Winch BDW10045

An affordable Jeep winch option that has been selling to Jeep owners for over 15 years, the Bulldog BDW10045 is rated at 9500 pounds of pulling power and comes with 100 feet of 3/8” synthetic rope with hawse fairlead. The 5.5 horsepower motor provides more power and more torque than a permanent magnet motor. A remote control with 12-foot lead, automatic mechanical brake and 450 amp contractor are standard features on the BDW10045. Free spooling clutch allows for rapid rope payout and reduces wear on the motor. It is worth a look when considering a Jeep winch. 

Best Jeep Winch: DV8 Offroad WB12SR

DV8 OffRoad 12000

This is the heavy-duty Jeep winch that will mount on any Jeep built since 1987. With a 12,000 pound pull rating and an 86 foot galvanized steel cable with hook, you can risk biting off a little more than you can normally chew knowing you have the means to do a self-rescue. A corded or wireless remote control allows you to operate the winch from a safe distance. The 6.0 horsepower motor, 3 staged planetary gear train and 256:1 Gear Reduction Ratio makes this an impressive addition to your Jeep. To top it off, installation is a snap. The DV8 12000 is a bolt on application. A good choice for the seasoned off-road adventurer.

So there you have it. Five of the best values in the Jeep winch category. Pick one, mount it, and go rip up the trail with confidence.
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