Best Jeep Winch for the Money
If you’ve ever been stuck in a hole, you know how invaluable a winch can be. Not just that, but they are also useful when dealing with vehicle damage or a bent suspension. Finding the best Jeep winch for the money can be a challenge if you aren’t sure what to look for.
Best Jeep Winch Buying Guide
Start by considering the weight of your Jeep. To accurately calculate your specific weight requirements, simply multiply the gross weight of your vehicle by 1.5. That is the minimum winch pull strength. Keep in mind that this minimum will not pull you up steep inclines and it usually isn’t enough to move large obstacles. Should you purchase a heavy-duty, high line pull rating winch for your Jeep instead? Not necessarily! It’s important that you double check the requirements for your battery first. You should also check the mountings and structure where the winch will fit. That's because there are some designs that might not work well with your vehicle. For the best results, choose a winch that’s pull line rating is greater than 1.5 times the gross weight of your Jeep. If you have a heavy Jeep, your budget might come into play. At the bare minimum, use the ratio stated which will still provide basic and safe winching.Best Jeep Winch Reviews
Let’s take a quick look at the three top choices for the best Jeep winch.
Smittybilt 97495 XRC Winch - 9500 lb. Load Capacity – Budget Friendly Model
This Smittybilt features a 9500-pound load capacity and offers a 6.6 horsepower motor with a 3-stage Planetary Gear System. It is bumper mounted and can easily winch 4500 pounds without an issue. Not only is it waterproof, but it also comes with a limited lifetime warranty and a five-year guarantee on the electrical system. The Smittybilt carries an IP67 rating plus a 500-amp solenoid. It is capable of outperforming some of the more expensive brands on the market with its top-notch performance and power.
WARN 86255 VR10000 10,000 lb Winch – Mid-Range Model
If you are looking for a mid-range winch, the Warn is a top choice for Jeeps and other 4x4s. With 10,000 pounds of line pull strength, you’ll have enough even with heavier vehicles. Even with heavier pull rates, your motor feels very little strain. This unit also features a waterproof wired control but you have the option of purchasing a wireless remote. You’ll also receive a separate control pack to accommodate various mounting options. As with the last winch we reviewed, you are still covered by a limited lifetime warranty so you can have peace of mind against mechanical defects.