Hey guys,

I am looking at purchasing a winch for my truck. I have looked around and I am divided on whether I should buy a Warn M8000 or a SmittyBilt XRC8. I have heard nothing but good about Warn, but the price on the SmittyBilt is tempting, and from what I have seen the XRC8 looks rather solid. Perhaps you guys could enlighten me on the pros and cons about each winch, and what would suit me better in the longrun.

on a last note, I would be using a winch when getting stuck in snow or mud a couple times a year, not for anything too serious like rock climbing.

Any input is great! Thanks!

 

I was going through the exact same debate in my own mind.. and though I don't own it yet - I have made up my mind to go with Warn.

I'm normally far from a "brand whore", but when it comes to certain things, I have decided that I am just willing to save up one more paycheck to go with quality. In the past, I've been the guy who always bought the less expensive choice - and always got frustrated when I had to pay to fix or replace it. I know Warn is gonna pull when I want it to pull hard. From my research; there are other good/decent brands of winches, and some have good warranties. A great warranty doesn't mean jack to me when I'm on the trail and my winch won't work.

Like I said, I don't own one yet - but I decided on the M8000 for myself.

 

I've heard really good things about the Smittybuilt. Do a search.

 

whatever you get order from winchdepot.com they have the best prices on winches.

 

I owned a similar winch to the XRC 8000, the only downside is that it is a perm magnet motor, which normally means that achieves it's pulling force through gearing and not through current draw. And that amounts to a fairly slow winch. I'm not saying anything about the quality of it just that the M8000 will be faster. I now have a Warn XD9000i and compared to my previous winch, this thing is FAST. I guess the upside for the XRC will be that it draws less current too, so it will be easier on your electrical system. I think in the long run you would be happier with the Warn, but I don't think the XRC is a bad way to go for the price, I always feel much better wheeling with any winch than without.

 

Does anyone know the bolt pattern on the XRC8?