Smiltybilt Winch

jsc7002 · **Posted:** Wed Jan 07, 2009 2:56 pm

I am just starting to look at winches and I will probably end up with the Smiltybilt winch for the price but I was wondering how everyone likes them, I know there are a couple members on here that have the XRC8 and the XRC10.

How are you liking the winch?

ohv_kj · **Posted:** Wed Jan 07, 2009 7:20 pm

i think they are better then mile marker...get rid of the line and buy better line...

dieselenthusiast · **Posted:** Wed Jan 07, 2009 8:56 pm

what bumper are you putting it on? Pics please................. :wink:

radame · **Posted:** Wed Jan 07, 2009 9:05 pm

I have the XRC10 since it was launched at the market and no problems since then

I used to have the XRC8 for some time but when the XRC10 came I changed it

The main difference between them is the speed, the XRC10 is faster than XRC8, and of course the power!!!! lol

Here some pics of each winch

805gregg · **Posted:** Wed Jan 07, 2009 9:15 pm

Smitybuilt is made by the Aussie co T-Max check them out too. I got a T-Max Competion #9000 for $371 at 4 wheel parts.

tommudd · **Posted:** Wed Jan 07, 2009 9:57 pm

Friend of mine has the XRC8 and it is slow or seems like it. It does the job and he uses it a lot to pull logs out of the woods with all the time , they seem to work OK.
He was joking the last time I was down that he had a Warn for years and never used it, bought a cheap winch and now uses it all the time

callaway · **Posted:** Wed Jan 07, 2009 11:41 pm

I have a first generation XRC8 ( bought it when they were first released ) and the only problem so far is the cheap powder coat has flaked off. I've heard some horror stories about some first generation XRC8's, but I've had nothing but good experience with mine.

The XRC8 is a little slow, but its gotten me out of some nasty jams and has always worked when I've needed it - it's worked flawlessly in a variety of situations from very cold ( near 0* ) and icy, to being in hot and humid muddy conditions.

It's not an expensive Warn, but it gets the job done.

I like the XRC8 so much I'm looking at getting a XRC10 for the CJ

jsc7002 · **Posted:** Thu Jan 08, 2009 12:23 am

dieselenthusiast wrote:

what bumper are you putting it on? Pics please................. :wink:

my bumper I made, I'm just now am trying to add a winch mount to it and am going to strengthen it up some more

2006 KJ · **Posted:** Thu Jan 08, 2009 12:35 am

i have the XRC10 and i love it.... just watch out it wont work if you plug in the controller to the box upside down.. (it does go in both ways).. found out the hard way.

but i would def. suggest it for the money.

callaway · **Posted:** Thu Jan 08, 2009 12:36 am

2006 KJ wrote:

just watch out it wont work if you plug in the controller to the box upside down.. (it does go in both ways)

interesting... the controller on the xrc8 only fits in one way...

Dje Ryu · **Posted:** Thu Jan 08, 2009 1:40 am

I have the latest gen XRC8 (5.5hp series wound motor) and I love it. It's faster than my buddy's Warn M8000 and seems just as powerful.

jsc7002 · **Posted:** Thu Jan 08, 2009 2:09 am

anyone replaced the wire rope with the synthetic? how much does it weigh then?

KJ04 · **Posted:** Thu Jan 08, 2009 8:24 am

jsc7002 wrote:

anyone replaced the wire rope with the synthetic? how much does it weigh then?

You will reduce the weight by about 25 lbs. switching to the synthetic line.

callaway · **Posted:** Thu Jan 08, 2009 10:18 am

I took the steel cable off and replaced it with Viking Fire Line.

Maybe this will help you decide as well...

805gregg · **Posted:** Fri Jan 09, 2009 9:01 pm

My T-Max was designed for synthetic line which is not only lighter but also stronger than wire rope.

ohv_kj · **Posted:** Fri Jan 09, 2009 9:50 pm

805gregg wrote:

My T-Max was designed for synthetic line which is not only lighter but also stronger than wire rope.

yeah i really like the T-Max...that would be most bang for buck...nothing but good things all around

Smiltybilt Winch

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