Winches for Rangers

[Slacker]

If it was an ATV I'd throw a 2500lb warn on it and be done. This is however my first Ranger and the Crew is, um, gerthy, to say the least. To my real suprise I've found that there is some crawling to be done in my new home state of California This machine is going to need a winch What is commonly used? 3500lb, 4000lb? I'm not one to go cheap but Warn is not as highly spoken of as it used to be and people seem to have good things to say about the Viper line. At 1/3 the price it's tempting but seems like a price point winch, not really what you want in a pinch. Again people are kind of raving about them though. What do you guys run? What ever brand I get will be on a plate and a front upper 2" receiver so I can pull from the rear as well.

[wildbill23c]

Right now I have a 2011 Rhino with a multi-mount 3k Warn Winch. With the rhino I've never needed a winch as it never gets stuck, however the machine is around 1300lbs without an operator/passenger with accessories on it, and when you are mired in mud, snow, sand, etc. it requires a lot of pulling forces sometimes 3-4 times what the vehicle weighs to get it unstuck. So with the crew version of the Ranger definitely get the 4k range. I've only used my winch for plow operation, but will soon be moving to a Ranger and taking my winch with with me. If you are looking for something that you know will work when you need it buy a Warn, the cheaper knock off brand accessories you'll get what you pay for, a paperweight when you need it most. I bought a multi-mount winch due to the fact that I can take it off and store it in a nice weatherproof ammo can when its not being used to protect it from the elements which is what kills a winch faster than anything. Plus the multi-mount option gives you the ability to operate the winch from the front or rear of the UTV, something I couldn't do when I had my Yamaha Grizzly as the winch was permanently mounted.

However, having a winch is only useful if you get stuck in some place that you have a solid object to use as an anchor point for the winch cable, if not the winch is going to be useless anyhow. I live in Idaho, and haven't found any sage brush yet that will make a good anchor point, so plan your trips wisely plus carry a winch anchor.

[redmoose]

I don't yet own one, but I understand that a snatch block can be very useful if you get really stuck in the mud. It doubles the force your winch can apply.
The anchor is a great idea, too. So far my winch has only raised and lowered my plow!

Enjoy the Ranger Crew!

[wildbill23c]

Originally Posted by redmoose

I don't yet own one, but I understand that a snatch block can be very useful if you get really stuck in the mud. It doubles the force your winch can apply.
The anchor is a great idea, too. So far my winch has only raised and lowered my plow!

Enjoy the Ranger Crew!

Snatch Blocks are a great winch accessory, but don't go cheap on one either you really don't want that breaking under load and becoming a flying object. Also, yes the snatch block creates what is known as a double line making the winch basically double its capacity. So using a snatch block with a 3k winch gives you 6k of pulling power. Winches are a great accessory even if you hardly use it or just use it for a plow, its better to have one and not need it than to need it and not have one.

[MortisFK]

A buddy of mine has a 3500 pound winch, and it couldn't do the job when he was stuck in swampy muck with his 08 Ranger 700. So when I got mine, I got the Viper 4500.

I have had it 6 months and have used it in a lot of different conditions. So far I have no complaints. I've drug logs, pulled myself out of mud, helped out another guy, and use it on the snowplow. It was easy to install, and comes with a snatch block.

To me, I couldn't see paying more than double for the Warn. I think the Viper is a good unit.

[wildbill23c]

Originally Posted by MortisFK

A buddy of mine has a 3500 pound winch, and it couldn't do the job when he was stuck in swampy muck with his 08 Ranger 700. So when I got mine, I got the Viper 4500.

I have had it 6 months and have used it in a lot of different conditions. So far I have no complaints. I've drug logs, pulled myself out of mud, helped out another guy, and use it on the snowplow. It was easy to install, and comes with a snatch block.

To me, I couldn't see paying more than double for the Warn. I think the Viper is a good unit.

I've heard a lot of stories about Viper winches failing after being submerged in water, don't know how true it is, but I'd definitely tear the winch down and use some waterproof lubricant on the components to be safe. Even having a cheaper brand winch it is still a great investment and should be properly cared for. A lot of people say that the Viper winches aren't properly waterproofed at the factory so its up to the buyer to either make it waterproof or be extremely careful around water. I personally like the multi-mount systems as it allows you to store the winch in a weatherproof box when not in use, plus allows you to use that front receiver hitch for other purposes too.

[galaxie428]

I just bought a 4500lb SuperWinch from BassPro a few months ago. It is the multi mount. I have not used it much but from what little I have, I have been happy with it. It seems to be much quieter than the Warn I had on my previous Polaris. Here is a pic of it with the plow.

[wildbill23c]

Huh, weird, kinda looks like my warn winch LOL. I think if you take it off and store it in a box when its not in use so its out of the weather and trail obstacles it will work just fine. Super-Winch is a pretty good brand name winch though so I doubt it will give you any trouble.

[BUCKHORN]

Originally Posted by Slacker

If it was an ATV I'd throw a 2500lb warn on it and be done. This is however my first Ranger and the Crew is, um, gerthy, to say the least. To my real suprise I've found that there is some crawling to be done in my new home state of California This machine is going to need a winch What is commonly used? 3500lb, 4000lb? I'm not one to go cheap but Warn is not as highly spoken of as it used to be and people seem to have good things to say about the Viper line. At 1/3 the price it's tempting but seems like a price point winch, not really what you want in a pinch. Again people are kind of raving about them though. What do you guys run? What ever brand I get will be on a plate and a front upper 2" receiver so I can pull from the rear as well.

I am using the 4500lb winch thats made for Polaris by Warn, but thats a $700 winch. utvpartsandaccessories.com sells Warn, KFI, and Viper winches.
From them you can get a VIPER MAX MX5000 winch for $235 with free shipping. Add another $60 for 2" receiver mt, and another $60 for multimount.
Don't forget that winch ratings are usually for a rolling load, not dead weight!

[Campyman]

The general rule is get one that is twice the pull as the gross weight of vehicle. A snatch block doubles the pull, ie a 3500 with snatch block increases pull to 7k, I bought a champion 35k it's reasonable price 169 with snatch block and mount included, it gets the job done