Off-road enthusiasts know that a reliable winch is a must-have accessory for any 4WD vehicle. Whether you’re dealing with a steep incline, a muddy bog, or a rocky terrain, a winch can save the day. In this article, we’ll take a look at the 5 best 4WD winches on the market today, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs and budget.
Which is the Best 4X4 winch?
Runva 13XP Premium 12V Winch is the best 4wd winch due to its durable construction, high-quality materials, and exceptional pulling power. Its waterproof and dustproof design, wireless remote, and synthetic rope make it a reliable and versatile choice for off-road enthusiasts.
Thorough multi-level testing is done by my team to ensure the highest product standards before I recommend anything. Learn more about our process here.
Scorecard: To curate a scorecard, I considered the pulling capacity needed to handle the weight, engine power and the build quality to see durability for a 4 x 4 SUV. Only products that scored more than 7 were chosen.
Best 4x4 Winches
All big 4×4 vehicles need a lot of gear and even an additional trailer to accompany them on an off-roading trip. If you own a heavy 4×4 vehicle rigged with lots of gears, then the 13XP Premium is the winch kit you should own.
It is a heavy duty winch with a rated line pull capacity of 13,000 lbs. It uses a series wound 12V motor and has a gear ratio[1] of 288:1, which is a good rating. It has about 87 feet of synthetic winch rope, and a cumulative weight of 27 kgs. The entire winch drum and rope unit weighs 35kgs.
You must confirm if the bull bar is feasible to accommodate the winch, as the motor is bigger than the usual winches. Compare the winch-to-winch cavity dimensions on your bull bar to measure it. The best part of this winch is the automatic ratchet load holding in the gearbox to assist you in tough pulling situations.
My opinion
Pull Capacity
Line Speed
Build Quality
In my opinion, the Runva 13XP Premium 12V Winch has come out to be an exceptional product with impressive features. The winch has a strong pulling power of 13,000lbs and a 3-stage planetary gear system. The wireless remote makes it easy to operate, and the synthetic rope is highly durable. However, the winch can be quite expensive, and the installation process may require professional assistance.
Product Timeline: The winch first launched on 11 August 2019 and there has not been any change since then.
PROS
- Two remotes (One wired and one IP68 wireless remote)
- Supplied with a bracket for mounting control unit
- Comes with an instruction manual
- Black powder coating to prevent corrosion
CONS
- Weight is on the heavier side
Carbon 12K winch kit is meant for 4×4 automobiles with off-road functionalities. It is powered by a 6.2hp permanent magnet motor and has a gear ratio of 216:1, which is optimal for pulling out your heavy vehicle from tough situations. It has a pulling power of up to 12000 lbs. This winch has a battery isolator switch provided along with the kit.
The winch unit is fully sealed to repeat dust, dirt, and water ingress into the motor, gearbox, control box, and drum. This version is upgraded to meet the IP68 waterproof rating.
Moreover, it also has a wireless remote control unit embedded within the control unit. If the winch is inactive for 90 seconds, then the remote control trigger will be turned off automatically.
This winch comes with a rotating ring gear clutch[2], integrated for a free spool with easy and low drag. Thus, it is considered the easiest free spooling winch in the 4×4 off-roading accessory market. The three stage planetary gear unit is electroplated for added longevity.
My opinion
Pull Capacity
Line Speed
Build Quality
Someone who drives heavy vehicles will always feel how important quality 4wd winches are. Carbon Offroad 12V Winch Kit is a top-notch winch that delivers reliable performance. Its powerful motor and synthetic rope make it suitable for most off-road applications, and the remote control is easy to use. The winch’s durable construction and waterproof design make it a solid choice for any outdoor adventure.
Product Timeline: There is no such information available on the web as to when the product was first available on the web.
PROS
- Smooth ball bearing motion
- Brush mounts are corrosion resistant
- Embedded with multi-fit fairlead
- Four position control box mounting options
CONS
- Cable ends are not terminated properly
- Locking mechanism is not up to the mark
X-Bull winch is one of the best brands that make winches for 4×4 vehicles. The brand makes winches, recovery tracks, recovery hook, kits, wheel nuts, wheel weights, tire valves, and others. This model has a rated line pulling capacity of 12,000 pounds. It is integrated with a 3-stage planetary gear system to smooth operations.
The remote controller available with the kit supports bi-directional winching, and the clutch supports free spooling for faster wire winding. It is a waterproof winch unit and has a corrosion-resistant coating. The sealed contractor supports noise-free operations. The gear ratio of this winch unit is 265:1, which is ideal for 4×4 vehicles.
This steel cable winch is embedded with automatic load-holding brakes to give you control when the winch is attached to a heavy load. It consists of 85 feet steel rope and has a series wound motor. The winch is maneuvered in either direction by using a 4-way roller fairlead.
My Opinion
Pull Capacity
Line Speed
Build Quality
The X-Bull 12V Electric Winch 12000 Lbs is an excellent choice for heavy-duty off-road recovery operations. It has a powerful 6 horsepower motor and a high-quality synthetic rope that can handle loads of up to 12000 pounds. However, the wireless remote control range could be improved, and the winch’s mounting plate may require modifications for some vehicles.
Product Timeline: The winch first launched on May 28, 2021 and there has not been any change since then.
PROS
- Available with wired and wireless remote controller
- Steel cable has a high tensile strength
- High corrosion resistance
- Powerful and reliable performance
CONS
- Installation instructions are a bit complex
Runva EWV12000 Ultimate 12 V winch comes with 11XP and 13XP Premium models. Runva is preferable for 4WD vehicles as it adds power, quality, and reliability. It has an integrated gearbox and braking mechanism with 12,000 lbs of load capacity. It is feasible to fit all types of winch bars on various 4×4 vehicles.
This winch comes with a full steel 3-stage planetary gear with a gear ratio of 253:1 and has a rotary clutch. It has a heavy duty handheld wireless remote. Embedded with a black powder coating prevents corrosion and rust in the drum area. The brand offers a 5-year electrical and lifetime mechanical warranty.
IP67 waterproof rating makes this winch waterproof, and it is powered by a 5.4HP motor and has a synthetic rope of 87 feet to ensure longevity. Most low-budget winches come with brake pads that easily wear out, but this will not be the case with the Runva EWV12000 winch.
My opinion
Pull Capacity
Line Speed
Build Quality
During my testing, Runva EWV12000 Ultimate 12V Winch proved to be an excellent product that performed exceptionally well during my testing. It has a powerful motor and fast line speed, making it a great option for heavy-duty applications. The wireless remote control is convenient, and the synthetic rope is strong and durable. The only drawback is that it’s a bit pricey compared to other models on the market.
Product Timeline: The winch first launched on 27 January 2020 and there has not been any change since then.
PROS
- Wired and wireless remotes available with the kit
- Comes with a large recovery hook
- Integrated with a series wound motor
- Lifetime limited 5 year warranty
CONS
- Cables are short in length
Warn is one of the best brands that make the really good winches for 4×4 vehicles. You get a 12000 lbs pulling capacity with this Zeon Platinum model.
It comes with 80 feet of synthetic rope with clevis hook[3] and is embedded with a 12DC series wound motor.
It operates with a three stage planetary gear system and 162:1 gear ratio.
The aluminum hawse fairlead helps move the winch in either direction. The remote available with this kit is paired with the winch right from the factory for operating the winch from a safe distance. It uses a lithium-ion battery that can be charged with a DC charger and is replaceable.
Warn has an industry reputation for providing the high quality winches that are durable and long-lasting in their build quality. Moreover, this model is equipped with an IP68 waterproof rating that helps it prevent damage from dust and water.
My opinion
Pull Capacity
Line Speed
Build Quality
In my opinion, the Warn Zeon Platinum 12-S is an exceptional winch. The synthetic rope is durable and easy to handle, while the wireless remote control makes operation a breeze. The motor is powerful and the winch boasts impressive pulling capacity. However, the price tag is quite high and may be a drawback for some buyers.
Product Timeline: The winch first launched on November 18, 2015 and there has not been any change since then.
PROS
- Highly reliable and supports quiet operation
- Easy and safe to use
- Easy to use remote control
CONS
- Remote control’s battery runs out too soon.
How to Choose the Right size 4x4 Winch?
When you are confused about choosing the perfect winch among all the other winches for your 4×4 vehicle, then there is a thumb rule you should follow. You should calculate the total weight of the entire set-up, which includes vehicle weight, gear weight, and trailer weight (if any).
Now, it is recommended that you prefer using a winch that is 1.5 to 2 times higher than the total loaded weight of the vehicle.
Buyer’s Guide
While you are finalizing the 4×4 winch, here are some features for you to consider for choosing the best:
1. Pulling Capacity
The 4×4 off-roading vehicles are big and are equipped with tons of gears, and they might also tow a trailer. So, you need an optimal pulling power with your winch to pull out your vehicle from complex situations. All automobiles above 12,000 lbs of pulling capacity are feasible for winching off-roading vehicles.
Anything lower than 12,000 pounds won’t be able to pull out a 4×4 vehicle. If you intend to save money and buy a low-cost and low-capacity winch for your 4×4 rig, there is a high chance the rope will break, and the machine will experience wear and tear.
2. Type of Rope
There are steel and synthetic rope options available for you to buy, along with the winch set. Steel ropes are durable and can withstand abrasion to the maximum extent. But at the same time, the steel ropes are prone to rust and might injure people and objects in case of accidental breakage.
On the other hand, synthetic rope is also durable but has little potential for withstanding abrasion due to friction against rocks and sharp areas. Synthetic ropes are safer around people if they break out during use. But, synthetic cables are more expensive than steel ropes and demand more maintenance.
Even though the synthetic ropes are rust-proof, they carry dirt, mud, moisture, and water to the winch drum. The drum will experience rust in the long run if the winch rope is not maintained and cleaned periodically.
3. Electric vs. Hydraulic
There are electrical and hydraulic options available with the 4×4 winches of different brands. Electric winch will draw amp from your 4WD vehicle. So, your winch will only work if the battery of your vehicle has sufficiently charged. Electric winch can drain your car’s battery real quick. So, if you are using an electric winch, carry a spare battery if you are on a long off-roading trip.
Hydraulic winches, on the other hand, use a hydraulic pump which adds up a lot of power and durability. Such winches are mostly preferred for 4×4 vehicles as they do the big pulling jobs. So, even though you have a big 4×4 vehicle with a towing trailer, you don’t have to worry about pulling the entire setup at ease.
If you wish to gain more insights on which winch is better, I have written a detailed article on hydraulic winch vs electric winch
4. Size
Check for the size of the 4×4 winch that you are finalizing on buying. It is because you need to know if the winch size is compatible to fit onto your car’s bumper. Suppose you like a winch but find it incompatible with sitting on your vehicle’s bumper. In that case, you must make certain costly modifications to set that winch onto your vehicle.
Therefore, it is better that you count on assessing the size of the winch you are buying. It will help you save a lot of money on vehicle customizations.
Verdict
Runva 13XP Premium 12V winch is the best pick out of all the winches available on the list. When you are ready to head out on your off-roading trip, this winch will help you feel secure while driving through all sorts of complex trails.
Summary
All reviews in the article has been written after rigorous research to compare the best winches in the market. It highlights the top five options to help you buy only the best.
Consider all the mentioned features and specify what you need for your off-roading adventure. When confirmed on the decision, go ahead and place your order.
References
Gear ratio. (n.d.). Dozer Winch Parts. https://dozerwinchparts.com/blog/gear-ratio/
Sirisha, & Sirisha. (2023, May 23). What You Need To Know About Flywheel Ring Gear – Mechanical Education. Mechanical Education. https://www.mechanicaleducation.com/what-you-need-to-know-about-flywheel-ring-gear/
Close, M. (2023). What are the different types of lifting hooks and sling hooks? Mazzella Companies. https://www.mazzellacompanies.com/learning-center/what-are-the-different-types-lifting-hooks-sling-hooks/#:~:text=A%20clevis%20hook%20is%20a,connection%20to%20a%20chain%20sling.
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