[BKAST]

What size winch would anyone recommend for a 1500 ext cab 4x4???? I tired breaking down the vin # cause I know it should be 1 1/2 times the vehicles gross weight...the 6000 to 700lb range is just too vague

Brett

 

[JasonB]

An extended cab 1500 is around 6500lbs potential with passengers, fuel, cargo.

I would get at least a 9000lb winch, preferably a 12,000lb Warn. It will be slower, but definately pull almost anything. If you run mud a lot, get the M12000. My buddy was stuck in a deep mud pit and two Rams in tandem couldn't budge him with just straps.

Used the M12000 and he got out, barely. Had to anchor the winch truck and he was on dry ground slightly higher than the stuck truck!

A lesser winch would have stalled.

 

[79W-150]

Look in your Door Jamb... there'll be a sticker that has the vehicle GVW <IMG SRC="/board/images/smilies/icon_wink.gif">

It has alot of info, like your recommended tire pressure, weight, load distribution (front to back ration), etc...

-Chris

 

[Bill_L]

If you can get a winch mount that will handle it why not go for broke and just get an M15000. That way you will never have to worry about having enough pulling power.

The other option I would think about is getting a MileMarker winch so that you dont have to worry about running down the battery.

 

[JasonB]

Hydraulic vs electric. Always a toss up. Stall your motor and no winch. Drain your battery, swap with your buddy and get out of the hole. Go dual battery and have the backup if you need it.

The price differential is not that bad between the 12 and 15k Warns, but the 15 is much slower than the already slow M12000 and has less cable.

 

[TUNIS]

Has anyone seen the hidden winch kit which mounts the winch behind the front bumper and the front license plate flips up to reveal the winch roller fairleads? Ive been pricing bumpers with winch mounts and they are fairly expensive. I like that its a stealthy installation also...

 

[79W-150]

I was gonna mount my Ramsey behind the bumper and under the radiator sorta, and weld the fairlead into the bumper where my plate is supposed to go <IMG SRC="/board/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif">

-Chris

 

[TUNIS]

Chris,

There's a kit that mounts to the frame which holds a winch in that exact location...I just need to find out who manufatures it??? <IMG SRC="/board/images/smilies/icon_confused.gif">

 

[TUNIS]

I found it! Its made by WARN...but, it's only available for Chevy/GMC and Ford!!! It's called a semi-hidden kit which mounts behind the factory bumper!!! That sucks!!!
<IMG SRC="/board/images/smilies/icon_mad.gif">

 

[79W-150]

No No No No <IMG SRC="/board/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif">

What ya gotta do is a) use a welder, ot b) find a buddy with one (I have one if you're close by BTW). Buy a piece of steel plate, bolt winch to that plate then weld the plate to your frame.

It isn't the professionl install way, but it protects the winch from the bottom because of the plate. A few of my friends have it mounted like that and never had a problem with it coming out (even under HARD winching).

-Chris

 

[Ian_Wallace]

I know that WARN also makes a platform type thing (sorry, bad terminology) that you can bolt your winch to. Then add a 2" reciever to the front of your truck. You could then use your winch in either the front or the rear of your truck if you need to (cheaper than buying two winches) and you can also remove it when not in use. Which would cut down the weight of your rig a bit and save on the weathering of your winch...this is my plan anyway...when I can afford it.

 

[JasonB]

The only bummer about that removable winch tray (the Warn one) is that it is limited to a 8,000lb winch max.

 

[Ian_Wallace]

Well that just screws up my plans then. I would go with a minimum 9000 lbs.

 

[JasonB]

Looks like Warn upgraded their Multi-Mount winch tray. The Warn site now says it'll handle the HS9500!!!

 

[Ian_Wallace]

Hey Jason,
Thanks for messing with my head. I appreciate it. j/k
-Ian