My wife ask me for a winch as a valentine gift ( weird but cool)

We don't really need a heavy one cause it is more for look and to prevent stupid people backing hits in parking lots ( happen a lot here)

I don't want to spend a fortune but still looking for a functional that can use if needed
One big concern . How to prevent rust . With 200 days of rain in Fl the rust will damaged a cheap one

Not looking to mod the front bumper just add the winch to the front receiver

Any suggestion

Thx

 

I have the Warn Powerplant HD with built-in air compressor on portable tray. It's a bit heavy at 120lbs. The things i don't like on this set-up is i have to remove it everytime i open the hood and it also less approach angles. It served it's purpose for now until i come up with a permanent bumper mounts.

 

I have the 1200lbs harbor freight winch which gets great reviews. Wait till it's on sale.

 

@ Citiboy .. I was checkimg the warn as a first choice but prices goes a little over the budget. Like I said I dont think Im going to use ever but looks cool
Also I haven't thought about having to remove it to open the hood . It is your set up or any will got the same issue ?

@mulepic. Good you let me know your set up . I was thinking in the one from HF which can get cheap either on sale or with the 20% coupon
How did you get to set it up . Any special mount required ... is any rust showing
Can you post a pic

Thx all

 

If you use the receiver hitch mount (as I do) you can't open up the hood all the way with winch mounted to the front.

 

I just noticed the Hf winch is 299 now. Plus the base to mount 50 .. looking town 350 . Nor a bad deal . Reviews are very mixed but i will take the chance . Will post pics and review

 

mulepic,
I assume you mean the 12,000 pound winch...
If you did mean 1,200.... why did you get the 1,200 lb one?

Miami, I would pitch in for the synthetic cable. Its cheap and it doesnt store the energy the steel cable would... so in case it snaps you wont have to worry about it springing back at ya

 

Yep, missed a 0, 12,000lbs winch from HF

 

I was checking the synthetic cable and it is only $25 . Not bad if it works .
It is 4700 lb. breaking strength . Which I don't think is enough
Also much lighter than steel ... will look somewhere else

Update: been looking the synthetic rope and it is expensive. . However a must if needed . I will pass for now cause not planning to go offroad. Will replace the steel in future

 

I got the Tigershark 9500 lb winch by Superwinch. $350 awesome winch. I mounted it on the front receiver with a quick connect hookup. I also have the quick connect on the back in case I need to winch from the rear. I got a locking pin for the hitch that can't be cut.

I had to drill a couple horizontal holes in the winch mount to use the front receiver.