Best 8000 Lb Winch -> I bet this wasn’t on your list!

Photo of author
Written by Jake Vealesco

Jake Vealesco is an offroader enthusiast for almost 6 years. He is mechanical engineer by profession and offroader by passion

A winch is an effective device for hauling or lifting. Its simplest form is made up of rope, cable, or chain wound up around the spool or drum, which rotates horizontally and is attached to a hand crank or motor. Traditionally winches were used on ships to accumulate wire or rope, but it has other applications as well, like vehicle recovery, aircraft, off-road vehicles, etc. We will look at some heavy load winches in this article.

Which is the best 8000 lb winch?

Warn M8000

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 pull capacity needed to handle the weight, rope quality and the power performance to know the best stegodon winches. Only products that scored more than 7 were chosen.

Best 8000 lb Winches

#2 winch

Ramsey REP 8000

Check Price
  • Cam action clutch
  • Weather resistant
  • Auto load handling
Popular

Best winch

Warn M8000 Winch

Check Price
  • Chip resistant finish
  • Easy to install
  • Powerful

#3 winch

Mark Miller SEC8

Check Price
  • Durable
  • Waterproof
  • Sealed control box
Warn M8000

The Warn Industries’ 26502 M8000 is a vehicle recovery winch and is a great option for you if you are searching for a compact and tough 8000lb winch. The Warn 26502 M8000 offers outstanding reliability and value to your sport utility vehicles, trucks and jeeps. It is a compact winch with high efficiency and power.

Warn 26502 M8000 features a pulling load capacity of 8000 pounds and a 4.8-hp series wound motor packing that assists in delivering big torque and power. The three-stage planetary gearing, with a gear ratio of 216:1, allows advanced pulling power.

The M8000 comes with a roller fairlead. Roller fairleads are best suited for wire rope, the type of cable this winch is equipped with. It also features an automatic. Direct Drive Cone brake[1] which increases the surface area allowing for quicker deceleration.

Through its 100 feet of 5/16 inch diameter steel cable, power loads in and out. The steel cable is sturdy and resists abrasion in rocky terrain, though it may feel so make sure to use proper gloves when working with it. The Warn ultra-modern weather and mud-resistant remote control stands up to tough conditions. Its rubberized, ergonomic pistol grip handle is comfortable to work with.

Although the remote control is not wireless, it is handheld, which doesn’t allow it to maintain a safe distance while the winch is operating, but it is simpler to use The Warn 26502 M8000 can pull at a rate of 8 feet per minute at rated load.

Its low profile design and separate control box allow for various mounting options, making it perfect for SUVs and trucks. Warn off-roaders have trusted 26502 M8000 for over twenty years. It has a chip-resistant coating finish. It offers a limited lifetime warranty.

My Opinion

Pull Capacity

Rope quality

Performance

In my opinion, the Stegodon 13000 winch is an exceptional product that delivers outstanding performance in the toughest off-road conditions. The winch’s fast line speed, impressive pulling capacity, and automatic load-holding brakes make it a reliable and efficient tool for any off-road adventure. Its wireless remote control feature adds to its convenience, making it a must-have for serious off-roaders.

Product Timeline: The winch first launched on June 1, 2020 and there has not been any change since then. 

PROS

CONS

Ramsey REP 8000

If you are searching for a dependable 8000lb winch that is efficient and powerful, you can consider getting the Ramsey REP 8000 since it is one of the best winch when it comes to decide on behalf of reliability. The Ramsey REP 8000 has got you covered, whether you are out on the farm or out on the blind or trail. It is designed to be the ideal and reliable all-purpose winch for your sport utility vehicles, trucks and jeep.

Ramsey REP 8000 has an incredible pulling power of 8000lbs and is powered by a 3.8 hp 12 V DC series wound motor, which gives the Ramsey REP 8000 enough strength to rescue your vehicle from any tight spot at work or sports. The REP 8000 provides a rapid line speed with its proven 3 stage planetary gear and an a95ft. 

Of 5/16″ galvanized aircraft cable. Since the steel cables are galvanized, it increases the lifespan and durability of the cable, providing extra protection in watery and rocky areas. The 95ft. of 5/16″ galvanized aircraft cable is protected by a 4-way roller fairlead which is the preferred type to use with a steel cable. 

The Ramsey REP 8000 is designed to ensure the user’s safety. It features a cam action clutch which can be controlled manually. The cam action clutch exhibits high torque density and releases quickly upon reversal. The cam clutch disengages the 3 stage planetary gear system[2], allowing for easy spooling and a strong automatic load-holding brake, which helps retain load and get back on the road at a faster and smoother rate.

It has a weather-resistant solenoid assembly grounded directly on the battery, which prevents rusting and corrosion. The Ramsey winch also includes a 12 ft wired pendant remote which includes 6 ft gauge battery cables with connectors. Since the remote control is not wireless, the wire restricts the user to a certain distance which might not be safe enough.

My opinion

Pull Capacity

Rope quality

Performance

The Stegodon 9500 winch is an excellent product that offers reliable and efficient performance in off-road conditions. The winch’s impressive pulling capacity, smooth line speed, and durable construction make it a top choice for off-road enthusiasts. Its wired remote control feature adds to its convenience, making it a valuable addition to any off-road adventure.

Product Timeline: The winch first launched on June 1, 2020 and there has not been any change since then. 

PROS

CONS

If you love adventures and like to explore the globe’s harshest location on your SUV OR ATV and are in search of a quality 8000 lb winch, the Mark Miller SEC8 will be an excellent option for you. The design of the winch makes it a reliable and durable winch to be mounted on your vehicle. It is strong enough to rescue you and your vehicle from any tough spot, whether you are out for work or adventure.

The Mark Miller SEC8 is a down-to-business, no-frills winch. It has an amazing pulling power of 8000 pounds with 4.9 HP series  12 V DC wound series motor.

 Mark Miller SEC8 also features an automatic load-holding brake system, which assists in retaining the load, ensuring your safety. 

Automatic

Its three Stage Planetary, along with a gear ratio of 150:1, lets the motor run at higher ramps, providing you with a fast line speed. 

The SEC8 features a 5/16″ x 92′ synthetic rope. Synthetic rope is lightweight and much easier to handle because of its flexibility. It is much sturdier than a steel cable and does not vary. However, it is not resistant to abrasion from rocks. 

Along with the synthetic rope, it features an anodized aluminum hawse fairlead. Hawse fairleads are preferred to be used with a synthetic rope as it has soft rounded edges which will not fray or damage the synthetic rope. 

The SEC8 is water, mud and snow proof with a corrosion-resistant body that protects the winch from harsh environmental conditions. The  Mark Miller SEC8 comes with stainless steel hardware, a hook and a handheld remote control with a  12 feet long cord. The wire does not allow the user to work over long distances.

My Opinion

Pull Capacity

Rope quality

Performance

When I was testing the Stegodon 4500 winch was an impressive product that offers excellent performance and durability for its price range. The winch’s smooth line speed, impressive pulling capacity, and sturdy construction make it a reliable tool for off-road adventures. Its wired remote control feature adds to its convenience, making it a great value for off-road enthusiasts.

Product Timeline: The winch first launched on November 8, 2012 and there has not been any change since then. 

PROS

CONS

Smittybilt XRC-8

The Smittybilt XRC 8,000lb Winch includes all the features necessary to make an efficient winch. You can rely on it for heavy-duty work, which is perfect for recovery work. It weighs around 86.4 pounds. It is a highly powerful and efficient winch. All Smittybilt winches meet SAE-J706 standard ratings for winches.

Smittybilt XRC 8,000lb features a 5.5 horsepower 12 V DC series wound motor and an incredible pulling power of 8000 pounds. 

It delivers high power and reliability with its three-stage planetary gear along with a gear reduction ratio of 172:1. 

The Smittybilt XRC 8,000 has all the heavy-duty toughness that one might be looking for. 

You can completely depend on it to bail you out of any type of tough condition.

Tough

The XRC 8000 has a 21/64 inches x 94 feet long galvanized aircraft cable which comes with a replaceable hook. The steel cable is galvanized to prevent it from rusting and harsh environmental conditions. The four-way Roller Fairfield is a perfect match for the galvanized steel cable. The fair lead doesn’t mount to the winch. The winch features a rotating ring gear clutch and an automatic drum brake system. 

The rotating ring gear clutch is an important component of the winch as it locks the motor shaft to the brake assembly, which prevents the spool from unwinding when the motor stops. When pulling winches, the static load is more than the dynamic load, and coupling has to be used to prevent a very high braking force from reaching the gearbox. 

The automatic drum brake system has a larger load capacity which helps to prevent high brake force. The winch kit also includes a 12 feet long-wired switch lead remote control, which does not allow the user to work over long distances and maintain a safe distance. Its intuitive design assists with a simple hassle free installation.

My opinion

Pull Capacity

Rope quality

Performance

I feel the Stegodon 3500 winch is a solid product that offers reliable performance for its price range. Its compact size and durable construction make it a versatile winch suitable for various vehicles and off-road adventures. The wired remote control feature adds to its convenience, making it a practical choice for off-road enthusiasts looking for an affordable winch.

Product Timeline: The winch first launched on May 1, 2020 and there has not been any change since then. 

PROS

CONS

Warn VR Evo 8

If you are in search of a standard duty winch, you can check out the Warn VR Evo 8. WARN Industries is one of the most named brands which manufactures off-road products such as vehicle recovery winches. The Warn EVO 8 is best suited for 2-Door Jeeps, and Lighter SUVs for everyday pulls. It is designed and engineered in the United States of America.

Warn VR Evo 8 weighs around 83.5 pounds and comprises a powerful series-wound motor and a three-stage planetary gear system, delivering faster line speed under load with lower amperage consumption. It has an outstanding pulling load capacity of 8000 pounds. 

Gear and Gear ratio

The winch features a high-performance Albright contactor which is located inside the control pack that can be relocated for low-profile installations and delivers maximum reliability.

A state-of-the-art, two-in-one remote with both wired as well as wireless options is also included for added ease of use and versatility. It also allows the user to maintain a safe distance from the winch while the work is being done. The Warn VR EVO 8 has an IP68-rated waterproof construction which helps for keeping elements such as dust particles and grit out.

It also prevents damage from rain, snow and mud, which is required for off-road adventures. The winch also has a one-piece cast-aluminum tie-plate for extra strength and durability. 

The VR EVO 8 is one of the hardest working standard duty winches designed by the company. Its tactical styling looks great up front at a budget-friendly price. The company gives a limited lifetime warranty for mechanical parts and a seven-year electrical warranty.

My opinion

Pull Capacity

Rope quality

Performance

I feel the Stegodon 3500 winch is a solid product that offers reliable performance for its price range. Its compact size and durable construction make it a versatile winch suitable for various vehicles and off-road adventures. The wired remote control feature adds to its convenience, making it a practical choice for off-road enthusiasts looking for an affordable winch.

Product Timeline: The winch first launched on May 1, 2020 and there has not been any change since then. 

PROS

CONS

Verdict

The Stegodon 13000 is the best product among the top four Stegodon winches due to its exceptional pulling capacity, fast line speed, automatic load-holding brakes, and wireless remote control. It is a reliable and efficient tool for tackling the toughest off-road conditions.

Summary

Therefore, winches are an important investment for your truck, SUV, jeep or whatever vehicle you use if you like to go off-roading. The winch will be like insurance and will help you to get out of any tough spot. The market has a large variety of winches, so do some research before buying a winch. When buying a winch, make sure you check out all the possible options and features and then choose the one which will be the best for your winch. 

If you wish to explore more heavy duty winches, I am dropping the links below of some similar articles do check them out

  1. Looking for the best 12000 lb winch ? Here are the top 7 options!
  2. Looking for the best 10000 Lb winch? Here are top 7 picks of this year
  3. How many amps does a 12000 lbs winch draw?

References

  1. Sepro. (2023). Aggregate Equipment Review – Cone Crushers: Direct Drive vs. Belt Drive. Sepro Crushing and Screening. https://aggregates.seprosystems.com/aggregate-equipment-review-cone-crushers-drives/

  2. Kyle. (2023b, March 3). What are the advantages of 3 stage planetary gearbox? Greensky Power|Dc Motor & Ac Motor manufacturer. https://greensky-power.com/the-advantages-of-3-stage-planetary-gearbox/

Leave a Comment