Chicago Electric (Harbor Freight) 8000 lb. winch

[ScottG]

That old saying "if it sounds to good to be true, it probably is" applies to this worthless $300.00 winch. I bought one and put it on my Jeep, and thought that if things worked out I might get one for the Xterra (if it even will fit, I never got that far). My first time to use the winch (with no load on it), it caught on fire. I am not exagerating, a stranger I met on the trail with a fire extinguisher put out the fire. Harbor Freight sent me winch number 2 which I kept in my garage for about 3 months before installing it on the Jeep. Upon my first attempt at using the second winch to extract a Ford truck I encountered stuck in a creek, the winch froze up never to work again. I kept the second winch to long to send it back. I definately do not recomend this winch. In fact, I'm now afraid of just about all of Harbor Freight's good deals on tools.

[Philosopher]

I believe those winches are re-badged Ramsey winches. Quite a few guys have asked "Do you think I should buy this $300 winch instead of an $800 Warn?" You just answered them beautifully ... sorry, cause that really sucks but at least you're letting everyone else know.

[ScottG]

I read an article later that said that cheaper winches have a "permanent magnetic motor." Higher end winches have a "series wound motor" which is more durable. I think that the lower end Ramsey REP winches have the permanent magnetic motor, so I would avoid them as well.

[warmonger]

I have used Harbor Freight for a lot of tools, but no winches. I go by a firm rule, if it sounds too good to be true it is. I wouldn't purchase a $300 winch and expect it to perform in a pinch when all other winches in that weight range are priced at $700 plus. I figure it's worth the extra money if it doesn't leave you stranded in a mudhole or on a mountain somewhere. Do the job right the first time and you won't have to do it a second time.

[ScottG]

Thread brought back to life for 01SalsaX.

[kilin]

hi guys I am new in here ...im from malta in the mediterranean sea

I am looking for a winch for my Land Rover hyrid



a guy told me he has a new Rock winch for sale at a good price....i have run a search on the intenet for nothing cos i didnt find this winch, but plenty of rock bumpers!!

he told me the model is REW8000
so my question is ....

Has anyone ever heard of a ROCK winch REW8000 and for recreational offroading is it any good?

Please tell me all you can about it

thanks

Kilin

[ScottG]

I have not heard of it. If it doesn't have a sieries wound motor don't buy it. I think pretty much all of the low end electic winches have permanent magnetic motors which are not as durable.

[OffroadX]

Apparently the REW 8000 is the same winch mentioned in the first post above. See the post by "plumbronco" here:
http://www.broncofix.com/board/viewtopic.php?p=7761

[ScottG]

I think you are correct that they are the same winch. However, I wouldn't buy the low end Ramsey winch either. I think the electic Milemarker winches fall into this category also. I read an informative article at one time on winches that discussed the difference in the types of motors. Although it seems like its hardly ever advertised, the series wound motors are more durable. I think the high end Ramsey Patriot model winches have a series wound motor. The permanent magnet motors draw less amps, but they apparently can't handle a hard load as well. They get hot and fry. I learned the hard way as my winch fried after one use.

Maybe I was just unlucky. However, since you can get an 8000 lb. Warn with external solinoid for not much more money than the Ramsey REP, I can't see any reason to take a chance.

[kilin]

thanks guys but I'm still lost since i'm still new to winches...

How do i know if it has a series wound motor or magnetic motor?...what do I look for?

Secondly....I doubt this is same as a Milemarker or Ramsey..cos on the leaflet it says "ROCK"...I have looked at the package well today...its in an unmarked white box whih gives me the impression that it ain't anything top spec....its brand new mind you, with remote and everthing but the fact that the make is dodgy is still putting me off a bit!...I am afraid of dodgy electrics on the LandROver.

What shall I do?

Alternatively, he has a second hand WARN winch..(the model number I will give you tomorrow) for the same price...he says that although second hand and been mounted on a bumper which had a bang in it the winch is in perfectly working order...and he never used it!

So , the question is ....a brand new ROCK or a second hand WARN??.....somehow the latter option seems to give me more comfort..what do u think???


thanking u in anticipation

KILIN

[ScottG]

I'd take the Warn no matter what model number it is.