This article is for off-road enthusiasts looking to buy the best Jeep winch for money but doesn’t know where to start.
There are many different types of winches available on the market, so it’s important to do your research when you’re shopping around and comparing the features of each model.
What is a Jeep Winch
A Jeep Winch refers to a device used for pulling a vehicle out when stuck in mud or snow.
It is attached to the frame of the vehicle. It has a cable running through it that is controlled from inside your car, allowing you to pull yourself free from any uncomfortable situation.
Different Types of Jeep Winches
There are 3 main types of winches: electric, hydraulic, and manual. Each one has its benefits and drawbacks as listed below:
Electrical winches
Electrical winches have an advantage over other types in that they can operate with no outside help at all.
They are powered by batteries that can be charged or plugged into the cigarette lighter. The downside to electrical winches is that they have a limited pulling capacity so they aren’t good for heavy-duty situations.
Electric winches also require you to be within proximity of the vehicle you are trying to pull out, which means your car must be able to get to the location of the vehicle.
Hydraulic winches
Hydraulic winches can be helpful because of their power and control. They provide a steady pull which is useful in many situations.
Although it does take some effort to get them started as you will need to pump the handle for a while before pulling hard enough on your vehicle.
Hydraulic winches require an external source of power, so you’ll need something like jumper cables or a battery booster pack in your vehicle during operation.
Manual winches
Manual winches are the most primitive of the three types. They can be very effective if used properly, but they do take some exertion out of users.
For this reason, manual winches mustn’t be used by those with limited strength or endurance abilities (in short, they require a lot of pulling power).
A perk to these winches is that you don’t need an external source of power when using them.
Top 5 Best Jeep Winches For The Money In 2021
Here are our top choices among all the best jeep winches available today:
WARN VR EVO 12 Winch
With a 12,000 lb. maximum capacity and IP68-rated waterproof construction, the WARN VR EVO 12 Winch is perfect for trucks, jeeps, or any 1/2 ton pickup that needs an extra boost.
The high-performance Albright contactor delivers maximum reliability. And control packs can be relocated for low-profile installations.
The item includes a state-of-the-art two in one remote with wired and wireless options for added ease of use and versatility.
The powerful series wound motor and planetary gear train allows for faster line speed under load while still maintaining lower amp draw with the Warn VR EVO 12 Winch.
Designed, engineered, and tested in the USA; Limited lifetime for mechanical parts and 7 years on electrical.
Pros:
– Steel Cable and Synthetic cable options
– Waterproof (IP68) for any weather conditions
– Wired and wireless remote options
Cons:
– Chaff guard not included
Check price on Amazon
X-BULL Winch
Its impressive 13,500 lbs capacity can handle everything. From getting you back up a steep incline to giving you peace of mind if a tire decides it doesn’t want to play nice anymore.
It’s watertight, with an IP67 rating and 500AMP solenoid valve. Making sure nothing will get in its way when pulling out muddy jeeps from deep puddles or helping light SUVs up onto sidewalks.
Plus with a three-stage planetary gear train and 6 HP motor, the X-BULL Winch is capable of spinning up Dyneema rope fast. The item also includes a wireless remote.
Pros:
– Lightweight Dyneema rope
– Wireless control
– 5.6 HP Motor
Cons:
– Customer service could be improved
Check price on Amazon
Smittybilt Gen 2 XRC Winch
While not every single customer has an extravagant budget, Smittybilt GEN2 XRC Winch is perfect for adding value to your rig without breaking the bank.
This winch boasts a whopping 15,500 lbs of load capacity as well as a 500amp solenoid and 3 stages planetary gear train. This product also features 94 ft of cable giving you plenty of lengths but not having to worry if you’ll be able to reach your desired location!
Built for life off-road enthusiasts, this winch will be sure to play well with others during adventures. Smittybilt Gen 2 XRC Winch is not only a bargain, but it is also well-designed and comes with a limited lifetime warranty.
With over 50 years in the industry, Smittybilt has positioned itself as a reliable and trustworthy manufacturer of Jeep parts for both drivers and hardcore enthusiasts.
Pros:
– Magnet in control handle
– 500amp solenoid
Cons:
– Plastic control box housing
Check price on Amazon
Rough Country PRO Series Electric Winch
This Rough Country PRO Series Electric Winch is the ideal kit for hauling and pulling heavy-duty loads from all sorts of places.
This winch features a 9500 lb capacity, is Amazon’s Choice, and has been meticulously designed to hold durable steel cable at up to 265:1 gear ratio.
It comes with a wired remote control and a 12-volt battery system for convenience when it comes to handling your equipment. A clevis hook allows you to securely attach rope or wire onto any location on or around your load without having to tie knots.
Moreover, the 4-way roller fairlead creates low friction points for fast line release. Top that off with IP67 water and dustproof protection capabilities, as well as 1-year electrical warranties backed by rough country; and you have yourself a winch that’s built to last.
Pros:
– Budget-friendly
– Less prone to overheating
– Replaceable Clevis hook
Cons:
– Weak solenoid
Check price on Amazon
Pismire Winch
Powerful and durable, the Pismire is built with a 7.2 HP motor that can handle 13,500lbs. At 100 feet long, its polymer fiber winch rope is the perfect size for your Jeep or trucks.
The three-stage planetary gear train ensures smooth operation in rugged environments. While the automatic direct drive cone brake system provides quick braking power when you need it most.
Worried about submersion? Our waterproof relay has never let us down! That’s not all, you get a remote switch lead as well so you are in control no matter where you are on the boat.
The Pismire winch never disappoints. With its high performance and lower cost, it is the cheapest option on our list without sacrificing quality or functionality.
Pros:
– 7.2 HP motor
– Budget-friendly
Cons:
– Customer support could be improved
Check price on Amazon
How to choose the best jeep winch
Here the top considerations will be listed down for you and will fit all your needs.
Winch Capacity (Rated Line Pull)
The first important factor is the line pull, and it is determined by your vehicle’s weight and the gear ratio of the winch. That is why you should know what your vehicle’s weight is, plus the gear ratio.
Winch line pull is rated in accordance with what it can handle. And then there are two categories of that: static and dynamic line pull.
Static refers to how much force a winch could exert once it has stopped rotating, while dynamic refers to when the winch is under load.
It’s always important to remember that the best winch for the jeep should have a higher capacity than what is needed.
Winch Speed and Line Retrieval
The second important factor is speed and line retrieval.
This will not only determine how fast you can get out of a sticky situation but also how fast you can lower your vehicle once on the ground.
Winch speed is dependent on numerous things. However the most vital is the winch’s engine. In terms of line speed, a faster speed will usually mean that it will wear out your cable quicker.
As far as line retrieval goes, you should look into how it operates. Is there a drum brake or not? Also, how much control do you have over the line?
The last thing you want is for your rope to snag on something and fly out of control.
Winch Rope Material
There are two types of rope material: steel cable and synthetic rope.
Steel cables are stronger and more affordable than its synthetic counterpart, but it’s also bulkier so you’ll need a longer cable to compensate for its additional weight if needed.
Synthetic rope, on the other hand, is lighter and smoother than steel cable so you can attach it to your recovery point easier.
However, if you live in a hot and humid area, avoid synthetic rope because the cable isn’t resistant to moisture.
If you do pick a steel cable, don’t forget to use a rope care kit and lubricate it after each recovery operation to avoid oxidation.
Line Spooling Feature
A fourth consideration is a line spooling feature. This will ensure that you can easily attach your emergency rope to your winch, without having to go through much trouble.
There are two types of spooling systems. The first is manual line control, which allows you to manually pull a lever and spool your winch.
Then there’s the trigger-controlled system that automatically winds in your cable when you activate the trigger.
With either type, your spooling system will determine how difficult it would be to use your winch in stressful situations.
If you’re shopping for a new Jeep Winch, it’s better to choose one that has a threaded quick-release fitting for the winch hook. This will make it easier to attach or remove the winch under duress.
Other Important Features
There are other important features that reviewers don’t always point out in their write-ups, so make sure you’re keeping track of the following as well:
• Operating speed. The best Jeep Winches today have a 6-7 feet per minute retrieval speed (9,500 lbs.). This is very fast considering that you need to haul your vehicle out of a ditch or off a ledge.
• No-load line speed. This only has to do with synthetic line material but it’s worth mentioning because the no-load speed tells you how fast the winch can freely reel in its cable without exerting any stress on the spool.
Both steel and synthetic lines have about 50 to 70 feet per minute worth of no-load line speed so it doesn’t matter what type of rope you choose for your recovery operation.
• Brake system type and manufacturer brand name. This is for the winch drum brakes and it’s important to consider these.
• Brake drum material type. Most modern Jeep Winches use brake drums made of an aluminum alloy, which dissipates heat faster than steel ones do.
It’s also worth mentioning that some manufacturers use corrosion-resistant materials for this part, to avoid any premature wear and tear due to rusting.
• Size and weight specifications of your Jeep Winch models. Most winches weigh roughly 50 to 100 pounds. But you need to confirm this before finalizing your purchase.
The Best Jeep Winch for the Money in 2021
After going through all these factors, we now have a better idea of which products can be considered the best jeep winch for the money.
Because of its performance features, overwhelming reviews, and the company’s reputation, the WARN VR EVO 12 Winch has our vote as the best jeep winch for the money in 2021.
Although there are cheaper options, the WARN brand is still considered the leading manufacturer of vehicle recovery and winch systems so this product can do the job well.
It’s also one of the most popular because of its lightweight (50 pounds), compact design, and easy operation. It’s not the cheapest model on our list but it’s worth it because this product is built to last.
Here’s an unboxing video from Prospect Overland:
Frequently Ask Questions about jeep winch
Here are some answers to some frequently asked questions people have about jeep winches:
Q: Where can I buy a Jeep Winch?
Answer: The answer is actually pretty simple as you can find all the top models in one place – Amazon.com! You’ll be surprised at how many discounts they give off on this piece of equipment so it’s always a good idea to check their prices first before you do anything else.
Q: How much do jeep winches cost?
Answer: A brand new winch will not take less than $300 for 8,000 lbs capacity up to $700 for 12,000 lbs capacity. Although some brands and high-end models can reach up to $1,500.
Q: Is it true that because my Jeep has 4 wheels, it is supposed to have a winch?
Answer: No! You don’t need one if you don’t want to use it.
Q: Why do I need a Jeep Winch?
Answer: Whether you’re an off-roader or not, having one will always come in handy. Especially when you’re faced with places that are too steep for climbing or getting stuck on the field.
With them by your side, there’s no more need for calling for help because you can now easily get yourself out of any situation without hurting anyone.
Q: What is the best type of Jeep Winch for me?
Answer: It all depends on how you intend to use it! If off-roading is your passion then we’d recommend something with more power so that it can pull your Jeep out in any situation without making a mistake.
You also should consider the material it’s made from and make sure that it has passed several safety certifications before you get one.
Q: How much power does a winch need?
Answer: It depends on how heavy your vehicle is! Generally, most models have enough power to pull light vehicles but if you have something way too heavy then you’ll need to go for an electric winch.
Q: What are some of the things I needed to put into consideration before buying a jeep winch?
Answer: There are so many decisions to be made when purchasing this piece of equipment so we’ve broken down what you may want to look at right here.
The first thing would be the power, followed by the type of cable or wire you’ll need, and finally, the best mounting bracket to use on your machine.
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