Winch size

What size winch?

  • 10k lbs

    Votes: 0 0.0%

  • 12k lbs

    Votes: 6 30.0%

  • 15k lbs

    Votes: 11 55.0%

  • 18k lbs

    Votes: 3 15.0%
  • Total voters
    20
  • Poll closed .

MOUNT

Active Member
Joined
Mar 28, 2016
Location
Near URE
Ok I need a little info here and wanted to get an idea of what everyone thinks.
1997 Ford F-250 Crew Cab short bed. 7.3 PSD, 4x4. D60 front axle, Sterling 10.5 rear axle, 38" tires. Not sure exactly what it weighs but I know it's over 7k lbs. What do you all think?
 
I believe the rule of thumb is twice the weight of the vehicle, but someone else with much more winch time than I could probably chime in with more accuracy. I might have even read somewhere that 1.5x the vehicle weight could be acceptable as a minimum. Probably depends also on how much you plan on needing it.

EDIT:

Warn states that 1.5x the GVWR is minimum.

Warn Industries - How to choose the right winch
 
Think about what you will be doing with the truck (mud,rocks,tree stumps,etc.) it will probably take quite a bit to get that truck stuck or sunk so I would go at least 15k or 18k
 
12k and a snatch block. Been used a plenty on that size. Just be sure to build an appropriate mount or buy one.
Used right you'll be fine.
 
I’d rather have a 18 that was underworked Instead of a lighter duty winch at the max of its capabilities.
 
If you've never seen the winch test that they had in Fourwheeler magazine a few years back, you should read it. The Warn 9500 that they tested actually pulled something like 16,000 lbs before something internal broke. It was impressive.

I'd dare say that an M12000 would do you good. 15k and 18k kinda limit your brand options and you're going to pay out the ass for a decent one, even used.
 
Most say 1.5 times the vehicle weight but I like overkill so to me I go with twice or more. Like someone else said, its better to have a larger winch that is underworked than to have a smaller one that you are dogging out and may fail when you need it the most.
 
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