Howdy, I am looking in to purchasing a winch to use off road. I dont want to break the budget, but i do want the best i can get for the money. I have looked at some WARN winches. I have a 95 ford bronco and i believe it weight's around 7000 lbs. I am thinking I will need an 8000lb winch. Which is best a Ramsey 8000 lb winch or a WARN 8000lb. WARN wants about $700 for theirs, and Ramsey wants around $500 for theirs. Which one should I get. Also which one has the best benifits? If any...?
Thanks for all info.
Gary

 

first of all, your truck sure don't weigh 7000 lbs. my 91 f-150 short bed (almost exact same thing) only weighs just over 3000. Now for the winches, I would go with the warn, but if your budget is thight go with the ramsey. Then you can still afford some lights or something.

 

Can't advise which is the better, both are pretty good. Couple of things to keep in mind, how much do you plan on using it? Line speed at no-load is a consideration if you plan on using it a lot. Electrical system is another, how many amps does each draw with a full-load. I would guess your Bronc comes in at just over 5,000 lbs., so an 8,000 lb winch will be just above minimum. It's recommended that you have at least 1 1/2 times the rating on the winch as compared to the vehical weight, when your stuck good, the winch has to pull a lot more than just the vehical weight. Also compare what each includes with the unit, some have roller fairleads and some don't. If you expect to only have straight pulls, no problem using a standard fairlead, however, if like most, the pull will be off to the side at an angle, go with a roller, your cable will thank you. Check cable length, again depending on intended use, you may want to see if they hold the same amount and same diameter of cable. These are possible reasons for the price difference. Personally, if I were going to use it hard, you can't go wrong with a Warn. If I didn't expect to use it that much, more of a safety net than a recovery, will get thru there tool, I'd go with the Ramsey. Just my opinion though, as I've said, there both good pieces of equipment.

 

I have a Ramsey RE12000 on my 86" Bronco and love it it has worm gears rather than the planatery gear system which means if somthing breaks it doesn't let loose it still holds.

 

I've got the 8000 Ramsey on my 88 Ranger.I bought it new in 1995.I've used it to pull out stuck 18 wheelers and pulling out engines in my garage with no problems.They've got good warranties also.