Sinking Creek 4WD Association

alk1174 wrote: ↑Tue May 02, 2017 8:11 pm I am no EE but I believe that an electronic motor draws it's most current when it's at or near stall. Which could mean you are harder on your electronic system if you are running a small winch at capacity versus jumping up a size.

You're right, it will be drawing more current, but that doesn't necessarily mean the unit will reach the end of its service life sooner. If you stay within the continuous and peak ratings of the motor, you won't damage the windings or PM's, which is how it would need to fail. With how infrequent off-road rig winch useage is, I think corrosion and lack of maintenance is the big killer. Another selling point for an IP6X rated winch.

I like the idea of a hot-rod 8274, now I just need to find the time and money.

alk1174 wrote: ↑Tue May 02, 2017 2:34 pm I have found that a winch is only as good as the electronics that back it up. To have a good dependable system you also need a good battery, a good alternator and heavy gauge wiring backing it up. So consider that in your price factor.

I had a friend that thought bigger is better when it comes to winches and went with a 18K. He found out that the cable is so heavy and bulky that its no fun to use and ended up getting a backup 9K to use for the majority of his use

That makes sense. I have auxiliary battery that pushes 3300 amps and some 0/1 wire laying around from my audio system so I already have an ok power supply so that wasn't really my concern but having to pull out that heavier cable would not be fun. Especially if I could save a few hundred dollars and have a just as dependable system.

Any thoughts on synthetic rope vs cable?

I personally prefer cable. Its cheaper.It does not degrade in the sun. Its less likely to get cut by rocks and it's just more durable which to me equals dependabilty.
I have seen multiple synthetic breakages and never seen a cable break.

If I were running a full size I would run a 12k winch. I like for the winch to be double the rigs weight.