off road winch for my '96 Dodge turbodiesel

[Lightfoot]

I need to buy a winch. The truck will get wet (low water crossings), and will need to pull itself out of a pinch from time to time, no serious rock crawling, just get from here to there off the beaten track. Is 9000 lb pull enough? Do I need a Warn or is a T-Max or a Mile Marker good enough in the 9000 to 12000 lb range? Which one has the better electronics that can take a bath from time to time ? Thanks much for any info.

 

[JoshPeters]

I've got an 8000lbs Ramsey. It is out in the MN elements year round... and has been out there for 2 years now. I have had no prolems. I would recommend getting a snatch block. My 8000lbs had enough snort to pull the truck up a decient hill with the E-brake stuck. BUT it did stall out on a 1998 Chevy 1500 sitting on the frame rails in a swamp.



Josh

 

[jkalchik]

I'd have a hard time going less than 1. 5 times the weight of your truck, which puts you over the 9,000 lb rating on a lot of winches.



Josh gets by with an 8. 000 lb. , but also carries a snatch block to double the pull.



As far as brand goes, you can't go wrong with Warn (I have an XD9000i on my Jeep. ) I've heard more negative than positive about the Mile Marker electrics. Hydraulic? I wouldn't use one if your truck has hydroboost brakes.

 

[Lightfoot]

Thanks, this info will help me find the winch I need the first time around.



96 2500 TD,4x4,pac brake,full length 4" with high flow muffler,strongshift AT

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

You might read TDR 47, p. 14-23. If you are young and vigorous, even the Wyeth Scott more power puller can do most jobs. If not, or you REALLY need a reliable winch, get one of the top brands. As they say, Warn your buddies

 

[jrobinson2]

Hydraulic? I wouldn't use one if your truck has hydroboost brakes.

Why not?



Jared

 

[jkalchik]

A hydraulic winch will probably plumb into your existing power steering pump, which also would be powering a hydroboost brake setup.



A lot of folks with hydraulic winches complain about losing steering while winching. I wouldn't want to risk losing brakes. Yeah, I know, there's supposed to be a demand valve in there, and I've heard enough stories about them not getting set up right. I've also used my own winch enough that I will not risk losing brakes when winching.



If you can rig up a second hydraulic pump, I could see it.

 

[Hohn]

Sorry to bear the news, but you need a Warn 16. 5ti. Not cheap.



jlh

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

He might get away with an M12000 Warn, but fwiw I just ordered a 16. 5ti and Reunel stainless front winch bumper. Junior will get a nice birthday present Oo.



I guess it might be worth mentioning my approach, and why it differs from those who say they can get away with a cheap strap or winch. It is not the value of the accessory, or even of the Ram. It is potentially your life.

 

[Cigar John]

12,000lb should be enough unless you do serious mud bogging.

9,000lb is to small for a 7,000lb truck.

 

[KB0OU]

I have a 9000Lb. electric winch, it has served me well. I once pulled my brother's motorhome up on a gooseneck trailer with it. I don't see the need to buy anything bigger than what I have.

 

[pwerwagn]

I also dont think a 9k will suit your needs. I have a 10K RE on my 74 power wagon and I pretty much have to snatch block it every time. I also have a Warn 8274. Its a great winch, fast retrival, but a little small for a fullsize, especially if its a long pull.

If you get a ramsey, stick with the RE line. Much better than the REP. I have 2 warn winches (8274 and ATV-2000), a ramsey (RE-10,000) a milemarker (E-12000) and an old 9K Tulsa-Hickey sidewinder. I have no dislikes of any of them (except I prefer PTO/hydraulic). I personally would stay away from the milemarker if I had to do it again. It works, but im not confident in it. but the price was right!

Oh, about the pulling a motorhome on a trailer: I have a tripple axle gooseneck with a warn 2000 atv winch on it. It will pull most any ROLLING load on the trailer that I want. a rolling load is in no way comparable to something stuck!!

So Joe, what are you gettin my truck for its b-day? :-laf



--Jeff

 

[_Hyde]

Just to chime in and muddy the water, pun intended. I have an 8k Ramsey in a quick mount set up. Everything was priced right. It has served rather well. Most of my extractions have been situations that I could have rocked my self out of. Rocking out of and leaving mirrors or other body parts in oak trees or on rocks ets. These were situations where just a little tug was all I needed. If you are regularly in serious stuck conditions then open your wallet and get hoss winch. Just my $. 02.



Hyde