New generation of cheap winches

[StuartO]

The cheapy that played up on me had the wireless receiver built into the solenoid housing so unplugging wasn't a simple option. Disassembly and complete removal of the receiver was the best answer for me. I'd rather the winch only operate when I want it to.
With the Runva the receiver is also built into the solenoid housing and has been faultless to date though I only power the winch when I need to use it just to be sure. If it shows any sign of operating wirelessly through a stray signal I'll remove it also.....perfectly happy to use a wired handpiece to control the winches.
The small benefit of wireless isn't worth the risk of damaging the vehicle, the winch or the wiring for what I do with them.

Do you have a switch or is it totally disconnected from the battery? Not a bad idea.

[davbar65]

Do you have a switch or is it totally disconnected from the battery? Not a bad

The 3000lb is run through a circuit breaker which I turn off when not in use.
The 9000lb Runva is connected to the battery with its own wing nut so I only connect it when I need it.
The Runva is a hitch mount setup so not on the ute all the time though the wiring to power it is permanent.

Cheers.

[StuartO]

Cheers. I saw supacentre was selling a power cable which has a screw type contraption allowing power to the winch to be cut. Only $15 or so.

[fracturedranga]

Im using onw of there screw type isolators it hasn't failed yet but i have heard about them causing dramas

[StuartO]

Im using onw of there screw type isolators it hasn't failed yet but i have heard about them causing dramas

Interesting....what sort of dramas?
I guess you could keep the original lead in the cab in case of problems.

Im so close to pulling the trigger on this cheapo domin8r. $400. I've read some good reviews of mud dragging recoveries going for 2+ hours and surviving.

[TheBeastMaster]

I looked around and found the best reviews were on Runva EWX9500-Q 12V (I think) with Steel Cable ($705). I chose steel cable as it lasts longer with little use and lower on maintenance. This was a personal choice of mine so just get what you prefer there are many pro's and con's for either.

NB: Many of the cheaper ones don't allow for spares which means they're throwaways once broken (wasted money).

[oggy]

All smittybilt have Lifetime Mechanical Warrant

All X20 winches come with a Lifetime Mechanical Warranty and a 5-Year Electrical Warranty.
XRC winches come with a Lifetime Mechanical Warranty and a 3-Year Electrical Warranty.

http://www.smittybilt.com/downloads/SB_ ... tended.pdf

Don't know about that. If you read the fine print that only applies to the US. You may only get a stat 12month warranty ?? I could be wrong?? and i hope i am, as i also bought an x20 , but i also hope i never have to find out as it is IP68 rated. And also runs at a lot cooler drum temp. It also clearly states in capital letters to always turn the switch off on the control box for the wireless remote when not in use...

[TheBeastMaster]

I looked around and found the best reviews were on Runva EWX9500-Q 12V (I think) with Steel Cable ($705). I chose steel cable as it lasts longer with little use and lower on maintenance. This was a personal choice of mine so just get what you prefer there are many pro's and con's for either.

NB: Many of the cheaper ones don't allow for spares which means they're throwaways once broken (wasted money).

I also liked the Lifetime Mechanical Warranty and a 5-Year Electrical Warranty too.