Winches are the ultimate off-roading gear since they help you pull your car out of trapped terrain and clear massive impediments from the trail. The best winch for Jeep today comes in a wide range of prices, construction, cable type, pulling force, controls, and other features.
What's the best winch for a Jeep?
Rank | Product Image | Product Name | Buy on Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|
1. |
|  | |
2. |
| | |
3. |
| | |
4. |
| | |
5. |
| | |
6. |
| | |
7. |
| | |
8. |
| |
The benefits of a Jeep Wrangler in those muddy off-roads and rough terrains are unbeatable. However, even the hardest Jeep can become stuck at times and require assistance, whether in the form of a helping hand or a helpful rope.
The best Jeep winch is functional and durable, like a first-aid kit for the driver. You can tackle it by yourself if you have a basic understanding of the installation process. Continue reading to learn more about the best winch for Jeep, including kinds and benefits and our top picks.
What Size Winch does a Jeep Require?
If you can buy a larger sheave, you're good to go. The term "larger" refers to a Jeep winch of at least 8000 lb, if not more. However, don't seek a device in your car with a rated line pull of 30000 lbs. Instead, consider the size of the tool you want to purchase. Ensure that the gadget you purchase can pull 1.5 times the weight of your van.
Advantages of the Best Winch for Jeep
1. Pull Heavy Objects
A winch is especially useful if you do a lot of off-roading. They have a natural ability to pull large objects with ease. It can assist in loading or unloading a car onto a trailer, as well as removing it from mud, sand, or water. The best winch can help you get your Jeep Wrangler out of almost any predicament.
2. Add Extra Power
While any other off-road vehicle might be used to release a stuck or trapped car, using a winch is more convenient. They increase your pulling power and leverage, helping you liberate yourself from whatever you're trying to get out of.
3. Improved Maneuverability
The flexibility to maneuver a Jeep winch is one of its most appealing characteristics. Many people do not need to be tethered to their vehicles for the winch to work. You can move the winch near the cable if you need to attach it to something. You'd have to get another vehicle and tie a rope to it if you didn't have the best winch to liberate whatever was stuck.
4. Reduce Vehicle Damage
The use of a cable to connect two vehicles might cause damage to both. Many vehicles don't have spots where a winch line can be properly attached. When a line is inappropriately connected to a vehicle and used to pull anything, it can do serious harm. When you use a winch, you lessen the risk of damaging your car or someone else's.
5. Avoid Getting Your Hands Soiled
The majority of high-end jeep winches come with remote controls that allow you to tighten or loosen the rope without manually doing so. When your Jeep is stuck in water or mud, and you don't want to run back and forth changing the ropes, this feature comes in handy.
6. Tow a Vehicle in a Safe Manner
The best jeep winch, as opposed to standard towing equipment, is a safer way to pull your vehicle out. The best jeep winches have circuit breaker protection and an automatic load system to promote safety, in addition to the remote controls that allow you to operate them from a safe distance.
7. Versatility
You may utilize the best winch for Jeep for your SUV, UTV, ATV, or truck in addition to pulling a jeep. Simply ensure that the car's weight does not exceed the maximum load capacity. Furthermore, a good quality winch IS used in adverse weather conditions such as heavy rain, snowfall, or a storm.
The Best Jeep Winch Reviews
1. Champion 10,000-lb. Truck/SUV Winch Kit with Remote Control
Champion 10,000-lb. Truck/SUV Winch Kit with Remote Control
- Powerful – 10,000-lb. rated line pull powered by a...
- Efficient – Line speed of 3.9 feet per minute with a full load,...
- Convenient – The hand-held quick-connect remote control and...
- Hassle-Free – The roller fairlead creates a safe and smooth...
Champion goods represent the gold standard for performance at home, work, and play. The Champion Truck/SUV winch offers a 10,000-lb. rated line pull, a 216:1 gear reduction ratio, and remote control to make your winching experience even more convenient. The powerful 3.6HP (12V DC) series wound motor will help you get the job done with a line pull rating of 10,000 pounds.
The winch has a line speed of 3.9 feet per minute with a full load and 15.7 feet per minute with no weight, thanks to its 216:1 gear reduction ratio. Even when utilized in severely abrasive terrain, such as rocks, mud, or sand, the 85-foot by 38-inch galvanized super-duty aircraft cable is less prone to fraying.
The reliable roller fairlead guides this very strong cable onto the 2.5 by 8.8-inch drum, maximizing the wire's life. The winching control is superb thanks to the efficient three-stage planetary gear system, dynamic braking system, free spooling clutch, the hand-held quick-connect remote control and 12-foot cable.
Pros
Cons
2. Smittybilt Gen 2 XRC 9,500 Pound Winch Capacity
Smittybilt GEN 2 XRC Winch | 9,500 Pound Load Capacity
- Your purchase includes One Smittybilt GEN2 XRC Winch, 97495 model...
- Winch dimensions: 22.3” L x 5.4” W x 9.4” H | Product...
- Completely Waterproof, state-of-the-art 500AMP Solenoid
- Kit comes complete with all wiring required for installation....
- Smittybilt offers a limited lifetime for replacement to the...
Smittybilt XRC winches in the Gen2 series have been extensively overhauled with heavy-duty features for improved performance and longevity. The XRC GEN2 winch has a weight range of 9,500–17,500 pounds and is a comprehensive recovery system with the muscle and dependability to get you out of any predicament. A 5-Year Electrical and lifetime mechanical warranty is included in this Smittybilt winch.
It is the best winch for Jeep with a load capacity range of 9500 lbs to 17500 lbs. A synthetic winch rope is available on only one of these load capacities winches (12000 lbs). Steel cable is included with all other load capacity winches. In addition, the Smittybilt XRC Winch is IP67 waterproof.
Pros
Cons
3. Smittybilt X2O Comp - Waterproof Synthetic Rope Winch
Smittybilt X2O COMP - Waterproof Synthetic Rope Winch - 10,000 lb. Load Capacity
- Your purchase includes: Smittybilt X20 Comp Synthetic Rope Winch,...
- Winch can be operated with the remote or manually
- Technical Specification: 6.6 HP Amphibious motor, 3-Stage...
- Overall Dimensions: 22.3"L x 5.4"W x 9.4" H. Mounting Bolt...
- Completely Waterproof, state-of-the-art 500AMP Solenoid
The Smittybilt 98510 winch offers a single line pull rating of 10,000 pounds and is IP68 waterproof. The remote switch has a 12 foot (3.7m) lead, and a 6.6hp series wound motor. The 3-stage planetary gear train is revolutionary with stainless steel hardware for further durability. The gear ratio is 218:1, the clutch is a sliding ring gear, and the brake is an automatic out-of-drum brake. The winch drum diameter is 2.5 inches, cable diameter is 98.5 feet 3/8 inch, cable type is a synthetic rope, and fairlead is hawse.
Pros
Cons
4. Superwinch 1145220 Terra 45 Winch
Superwinch 1145220 Terra 45 ATV & Utility Winch (4500lbs/2046kg Rating)
- Sealed solenoid with circuit breaker
- Fit type: Vehicle Specific
- 55' of 1/4" steel wire rope with ergonomic cam action...
- High-efficiency, low amp draw, sealed 1.6 hp permanent magnet...
The SuperATV winch is ideal for a dependable and lightweight application. It is a high-end alternative because it is compact while still supporting a weight capability of 4500 pounds. Because of its tiny form, it is simply installed on most vehicles thanks to the device's standard 3 x 6.6 inch bolt pattern. Motor terminals are adjusted for the best fit in confined locations.
The load holding is completely automatic for safety reasons. It also includes mechanical and dynamic braking and a hand-held remote control with a 12-foot radius for maintaining a safe distance. It also has a circuit breaker and a weather-sealed solenoid, so you won't have to worry about water or dust getting in.
A powerful permanent magnet motor with a 1.3 HP rating drives it. Because of the 166:1 gear reduction ratio, it is significantly easier to use for the given weight capacity. It also comes with a 50-foot synthetic rope and a specific rope stopper in case of an emergency. In addition, this winch comes with a one-year warranty from SuperATV.
Pros
Cons
5. WARN 103252 VR EVO 10 12V DC Electric Winch with Steel Cable
WARN 103252 VR EVO 10 Electric 12V DC Winch with Steel Cable Wire Rope: 3/8" Diameter x 90' Length,...
- Standard duty winch with a steel cable and an 10, 000 lb....
- Powerful series-wound motor and planetary gear train deliver...
- High-performance Albright contactor delivers maximum reliability;...
- Features IP68-rated waterproof construction, two-in-one remote...
- Designed, engineered, and tested in the USA; Limited lifetime for...
WARN VR EVO Standard-Duty winches with steel or synthetic cable pulling power of 8,000, 10,000, and 12,000 pounds. Cutting-edge, two-in-one wireless and wired remote control is included for increased convenience and adaptability in this WARN winch. A one-piece cast-aluminum tie-plate for added strength and durability and an IP68-rated waterproof structure that keeps the elements out.
The Albright contactor is part of a control pack that may be relocated for low-profile installations and provides maximum reliability. Under load, a strong series-wound motor and planetary gear train produce quicker line speed while using less current.
Pros
Cons
6. X-BULL Winch-13000 lb. Load Capacity
X-BULL 12V Synthetic Rope Winch-13000 lb. Load Capacity
- Waterproof IP67 rating and state-of-the-art 500AMP solenoid...
- Standard working winch, one synthetic wire, 13000 LBS...
- Please confirm the fit of mounting plate before purchase: outline...
- Heavy duty sealed contactor with positive load control for power...
- X-BULL, all winches come with lifetime technical support and a...
Getting stuck is a matter of when, not if, when exploring off-road in your 4x4, slamming through mud bogs, charging up sandy slopes, and fording streams. The IP67 waterproof X-BULL 12V synthetic rope winch has a rated line draw of 13,000 pounds in a single line. 6.0 hp series wound motor.
The remote switch reaches 65 feet with a 3-stage planetary gear train. The gear ratio is 265:1, and the clutch is a sliding ring gear. The drum diameter is 2.5 inches, cable diameter is 85 feet 3/8 inch, cable type is a synthetic rope, and fairlead is hawse.
Pros
Cons
7. OFF-ROAD BOAR 9500-lb. Load Capacity Electric Winch Kit
OFF ROAD BOAR 9500-lb. Load Capacity Electric Winch Kit, 12V Steel Cable Winch with Roller Fairlead,...
- [SURGING WINCH POWER] With 5.5 HP motor, 3-stage planetary gear,...
- [Overall Dimensions] 20.3 x 6.3 x 7.9" (L x W x H), bolt type:...
- [Safe & Long Lasting] The IP67 waterproof construction protects...
- [Dual Control Mode] The ATV/UTV winch kit features dual...
- [OFF ROAD BOAR] It comes with lifetime technical support and...
The OFF ROAD BOAR is the best budget winch for Jeep Wrangler that is extremely dependable and affordable. Because of the low-profile design, it is installed on various trucks, jeeps, and SUVs. It's the ideal partner for navigating various challenging terrains in the outdoors. It has a robust tension series winding motor of 9500 lbs. A 10-inch billet aluminum hawse fairlead is also used for the synthetic rope to decrease wear and abrasion. The steel cable is held in position by a roller fairlead, reducing the winch strain.
Pros
Cons
8. ZESUPER 9500 lbs Electric Winch
ZESUPER 9500 lbs Electric Winch Kit Waterproof IP67 Electric Winch with Hawse Fairlead, with Both...
- 🔧Powerful series: 5.5 HP 12v DC series winding winch motor,...
- 🔧Efficient Line Speed: 6.4 feet per minute when fully loaded,...
- 🔧Overall Dimensions: 21.25″X 6.3125″X...
- 🔧Convenient Control: Upgraded winch hand-held wired and...
- 🔧Lifetime Mechanical Warranty: All winches are provided with...
Vehicle accessories are notoriously difficult to get good value for money. The ZESUPER is a heavy-duty winch that comes at a reasonable price. This particular winch is made for vehicles, boats, and trucks, using a standard 3.13-inch fixed bolt pattern for installation. It has a completely sealed contractor with a high-quality 500 AMP relay, allowing it to handle high-level applications easily.
The device begins running at a speed of up to 6.4 feet per minute once it is fully filled. You'll receive a high line speed of 24.6 feet per minute if there's no load or if there's a low load. This gadget's 5.5 HP motor is a 12-volt series winding motor with a three-stage planetary gear arrangement that makes it easy to retract the device when it's fully loaded.
The ZESUPER Capacity Electric Winch Kit employs an 18-meter synthetic rope with a diameter of 0.35 inches. This device's bundled remote control is highly sensitive, allowing for speedier operation. In addition, this winch is covered by a one-year warranty from ZESUPER.
Pros
Cons
The Best Winch for Jeep Buying Guide
1. Types of Winches
Electrical and hydraulic winches are the two most common types of winches. Previously, only hydraulic winches were thought to be the most powerful because of their unrivaled weight capacity and strength. However, because of advancements in motor technology, even electric winches are today rather powerful.
Furthermore, electrical winches are far more compact and do not require a time-consuming installation procedure. You can certainly get an electrical winch fitted in a single day and have your car ready for impending challenges.
2. Winch Rope Types
Jeep winches can only use steel cables or synthetic rope. The rope has a specific pulling capacity known as its tensile strength. There is a substantial risk of the rope failing if the associated load exceeds the tensile strength of the ropes and excessive pressure is exerted from the motor.
A steel rope would last longer than a synthetic rope in these situations. A bigger diameter rope is also less likely to fail than a smaller diameter rope. As a result, always ensure that the applied weight is within the winch's capacity.
Synthetic ropes have several advantages over traditional steel cables, including their reduced weight, greater maneuverability, and comfort in the hands, unlike a sharp-burred steel rope. However, UV radiation, abrasion, chemicals, and other off-road hazards are more likely to cause damage.
On the other hand, wire ropes are UV and abrasion-resistant, but they can rust and cause catastrophic injury in the event of an accident. Furthermore, because traditional steel ropes are heavier and coarser, they require more wrangling. As a result, wearing thick gloves is strongly advised.
3. Fairlead
For winches that employ steel rope, a four-way roller fairlead is used. On the other hand, aluminum fairlead is used in synthetic rope winches. The fairlead is an important winch component because it holds the rope in position and guides it. It also stops the rope from swaying sideways, immediately reducing the strain on the winch. The fairlead also gives additional abrasion resistance to the rope.
4. Pulling Capacity
A variety of elements determines a winch's overall pulling capacity. However, the motor's power rating on the machine is the main determinant. A motor's power rating is expressed in horsepower, and a motor with a high horsepower rating is always a superior choice. While this increases the device's size and weight, it also increases its weight capacity.
Unless you need such a huge capacity, a mid-range device is the way to go. Look for winches that have a workload rating of at least 1.5 times the gross weight of your vehicle. As a general rule, doubling the gross weight of your vehicle's working load capacity works.
5. Wireless Command and Control
Over time, controlling the winch has become considerably easier. A wireless remote control is included with advanced electrical winches, allowing you to operate the winch from a safer distance. As the wireless remote's capabilities improve, so does its effective range.
As a result, you may securely attach the cargo to the winch and start the operation without obstructing the machine. If your winch supports it, you can also indicate urgent breaks from the remote.Users can manipulate it more accurately from a safer distance using wireless remote control winches.
Furthermore, many cordless remotes come with 12-foot leads, which provide plenty of room for even the most inexperienced users. Wireless smartphone controls are available on some winches. Other wireless remote winch control devices have a 50-foot range of coverage.
6. Mounting Options
Bumper-mounted, multi-mounted, and integrated winch bumpers are all available on winches. Multi-mounted winches transport to a carrier, which is mounted to a receiver-mounted bumper, whereas bumper mounts bolt onto your OEM or aftermarket bumper. Integrated winch bumpers have bumper winch plates built-in, providing more support and durability.
7. Waterproofing
Winches with IP ratings are strongly recommended for heavy water and mud action. This categorization determines how well a winch is protected against mud, dust, water, and debris infiltration. Waterproofed winches are often categorized into three categories: IP65, IP66, and IP67. IP66 enclosures are well-protected against intense water jets, while IP66 and IP67 enclosures can operate continuously in water depths of up to 1 and 3 meters, respectively.
8. Speed of the Line
When the winch is loaded, the line speed refers to how quickly it can draw the rope or cable. The best jeep winches can move 2 to 5 feet per minute when loaded. The better the winch, the faster the speed. However, keep in mind that delivering a high line speed (under load) necessitates a lot of electricity.
9. Power of the Winch Motor
The winch motor's power is measured in horsepower, just like a car's. So, needless to say, the more horsepower a winch has, the more power it can deliver. On the other hand, high gear winches have a high speed and low torque combination, while low gears are the polar opposite. As a result, if you need a quick winch with a lot of power, a high gear winch is the way to go.
10. Drivetrain for Winches
When it comes to drivetrains, there are three categories to remember: worm gear, spur gear, and planetary gear winches. Spur gears are one of the earliest powertrain winch systems available and are relatively rare.
Worm gears are often rapid, but their amperage demand is modest, necessitating strong brakes to keep the load in place. On the other hand, Spur gears are effective in sustaining weights with minimal brakes.
Finally, planetary gears are preferable to spur gear and worm gear winches in terms of weight, cost, and compactness. Their sole drawback is that the brake is positioned in the center of the drum, which can lead to overheating under load.
Hydraulic vs. Electric Jeep Winches
1. Hydraulic
It works when you add a hydraulic winch to the Jeep's power steering system. It increases its heavy-duty pulling power and extends its lifespan. It, however, raises the cost of this sort of winch. Hydraulic winches do not require electric power but instead rely on hydraulic fluid to operate. Therefore, they cannot operate unless they are connected to the power steering wheel pump.
Hydraulic winches have the advantage of running continuously throughout the day without overheating or failing. Regardless, the engine must be running for the hydraulic winches to function. As a result, they are actually much harder to come by than electric winches.
2. Electric
The more frequent of the two is the electric winch, powered by electricity from the vehicle's battery. It gives them a limited amount of electricity and depletes your vehicle's battery while it is in operation. Electric winches are more convenient to use because they do not require the Jeep to be running to operate.
Electric winches typically use either series wound (SW) or permanent magnet (PM) motors. Series wound motors employ field coils, whereas permanent magnet motors use powerful magnets and copper coils. As a result, the former is more powerful and reliable than the latter when comparing series wound and permanent magnet motors.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)
1. What's the Difference between a Synthetic Rope and Steel Cable Winch?
a) Wire Ropes
These ropes are made up of strands of carbon steel wire bundled together. This ancient rope type is inexpensive to make and has excellent heat and abrasion resistance. However, the disadvantage of this rope type is that it is extremely heavy and susceptible to crushing if re-spooled incorrectly.
The most common wire rope is 7X19. It comprises seven bundles of carbon steel wire that are interwoven. The 6X37 wire rope is a less commonly used wire rope. It is more flexible than 7X19 ropes because of the thinner carbon steel wires used, but it is more prone to abrasion.
b) Synthetic Ropes
In the winch industry, synthetic ropes are relatively new. Most manufacturers like them because of their small weight and rigidity. A 120-foot synthetic rope weighs only 5-pounds, whereas a 120-foot wire rope weighs 28-pounds.
They're also more durable than wire ropes. Synthetic ropes were tested against wire ropes of identical diameters, and it was discovered that synthetic ropes could withstand more tension than wire ropes. So if your winch employs wire ropes, you shouldn't be concerned. Most manufacturers sell synthetic ropes separately if you need to replace your old wire ropes.
2. How can I Install a Jeep Winch?
When it comes to winch installation, put your safety first. When working, disconnect the negative battery cable and then the positive wire to turn off all electricity to your vehicle. Then determine how much room is available. Of course, this will depend on the design of your Jeep. Next, locate an ideal winch and carefully mount it to a vehicle's bulbar.
After you've examined the location for mounting, go ahead and drill holes for the winch. The winch is usually installed between the drilled holes and the bumper. Align the winch with the winch plate and tighten it down with the winch bolts provided.
Ensure that the leads are connected to the battery in your Jeep. This law only applies to people who have previously owned a piece of an electric winch. If you have a hydraulic winch, though, you can link the lead to the vehicle's steering pump. Always make careful to follow the instructions in the manual to avoid harm.
3. How do I Identify the Winch Size I Require?
Look for winches that are at least 1.5 times the gross weight of your vehicle. Calculate the gross vehicle weight by multiplying it by 1.5. Even better, multiply your vehicle's weight by two, which equals the curb weight plus all of its contents. Because most Jeeps have a curb weight of less than 6,000 pounds, a 12,500-pound winch is a viable alternative. Go for the highest pulling capacity that your budget and other considerations will allow to be safe.
4. Is there aMounting Plate Included with a Jeep?
Bumper-mounted, multi-mounted, and integrated winch bumpers are all options for users. Rather than carrier-to-receiver, bumper mounts feed into an OEM or aftermarket bumper (multi-mount). Before purchasing a winch, make sure to check with the manufacturer to verify if it'll work with your Jeep.
5. Is a Winch Plate Required?
Yes, winch plates are required when installing a winch. You can buy universal winch plates that fit the standard 10 x 4.5-inch mounting pattern. Winch bumpers are already mounted on some automobiles. Make sure to check with your Jeep model to see whether it's compatible.
6. What IP Rating Do I Need for My Winch?
Choose winches with an IP (ingress protection) rating of at least IP67 if your off-roading excursions take you through water and mud. Winches with an IP67 rating can withstand forceful water jets, whereas IP68-rated winches are operated continuously underwater without being damaged.