7 Best Jeep Winch to Buy in 2023 Under $400

Everyone Want Best Jeep Winch to Buy in this era.

I believe you will agree with me when I say:

Jeep lovers can’t imagine a Jeep without a winch.

In that case, you might be wondering what is the best Jeep winch. Well, you do not need to worry because we have compiled a list of the best winches for Jeep wranglers.

What is the best way to mount a winch on a Jeep?

It is not as complicated as some people think. Simply follow the instructions and anyone can do it. Make sure the winch is mounted on the frame of your Jeep and not the bumper to ensure the best fit. Let’s move on to the installation process.

Step 1:

All you need to do is drill the holes where you want to place the winch. Some rock-solid after-market bumpers come with pre-drilled holes for winches. Jeep’s frame is directly attached to these components and serves as a part of it.

The Winch is mounted between the grille and bumper of your Jeep if you do not use one of those bumpers.

Step 2:

After you’ve drilled the holes in the bumper, the next step is to align the Winch with the bumper holes. Before tightening the bolts, keep one thing in mind. The winch must rest against the bumper. Should you use it, it will move.

Step 3:

You then need to tighten the bolts and release the clutch. Remove about 3-5 inches of the wire so that you can install the ferret. Once the ferret is installed, install the hook.

Step 4:

Wiring is the next step. The ground wire is a bit tricky because people don’t know where it will go. The vehicle body earth usually goes there, but different manufacturers recommend different places.

In that case, you should follow the manufacturer’s recommendation. Plug the positive and negative wires into the battery and you’re done.

This list was compiled after conducting extensive research on Jeep Winch reviews and every aspect necessary for a winch to be ideal for a Jeep.

In addition, we have included a step-by-step guide on how to install a winch on a Jeep and an FAQ section at the end. Keep reading for detailed information on Jeep winches and Jeep winch reviews.

Best Jeep Winch to Buy in 2023

Here are our top picks for the best Jeep winches.

TOP PICK
Warn 12V DC Winch
9.9/10 Our Score

Specifications:

  • Synthetic and steel ropes are available
  • Capable of carrying 12,000 lbs
  • All-weather durability with IP68 waterproofing
  • Speed up line speed with a powerful motor
  • Control both wired and wireless devices with a single remote
Pros
  • Easy to install
  • Speedy Winch
  • Ropes of High Quality
Cons
  • The wireless remote battery is unreliable
  • Comparatively expensive to other winches

One of the most prestigious winch brands is Warn. This brand produces the best Jeep winches on the market today.

The company is known for its durable, reliable winches. Reviews of their jeep winches confirm their reputation. This 12V Warn Winch is our top pick for the best winch for a jeep.

Pulling Capacity:

The Warn winch has a pulling capacity of 12000 lbs. It is more than enough to make a winch suitable for a four-door full-sized Jeep or SUV.

In addition to 3/4 ton trucks and all of the other large frame trucks, this winch has a load capacity of 1 ton.

Best Jeep Winch to Buy
Image Credit: Pexels

It comes with a range of pulling capacities of 8000, 10000, and 12000 lbs. Therefore, if you own a smaller two-door sport Jeep we suggest you go with the 8000 lb Warn winch and save a little money since you do not need the additional pulling power in this case.

Contactor:

A contactor resembles a huge switch, and its main purpose is to handle high currents. Because winches are triggered by a much smaller switch, they make a clicking sound when they are activated. For maximum reliability, the 12V Winch from Warn features a powerful Albright Contactor.

A Albright contactor delivers 100 amps of continuous current and 400 amps of intermittent current. Because of the weld-resistant silver alloy contact tips, these contactors have excellent conductivity.

The contactor is located in the control pack and can be relocated for low-profile installation.

Waterproof:

The warning winch is made with an IP68 waterproof design. Dust, dirt, and sand do not pose a problem to this winch. Furthermore, it is waterproof for thirty minutes if it is submerged in water with a depth of 1.5 meters.

The fact that Jeeps are off-road vehicles makes this a great feature for any Jeep winch. Muddy, sandy, and rough terrains are mostly explored by them. Winches are located at the front bumper, so they can even get submerged in water or mud.

What happens if your Jeep gets stuck in deep mud or snow? It is important to get unstuck with a winch that is reliable. It is recommended that you choose the Warn winch because it is reliable and a top-rated Jeep winch.

Synthetic or Steel Wire:

Your Warn Jeep Winch can use a synthetic rope or a steel rope. We will explain both the pros and cons of synthetic and steel rope so you can make an informed decision.

As compared to steel rope, synthetic rope is lighter and safer. A synthetic rope is not much of a projectile if it breaks because of its significantly lighter weight.

Best Jeep Winch to Buy in 2022
Image Credit: Unsplash

In contrast, steel rope is much heavier and more durable than synthetic rope. Because of its construction material, it is less prone to wearing and abrasion.

Compared with Synthetic wire, it also packs a lot more potential energy. Now you can choose between a synthetic rope winch and a steel rope winch.

Two-in-one remote:

A two-in-one remote control is included with this Jeep winch. Wireless operation ensures safe operation. For safety reasons, it is better to use the wireless remote when operating with heavy loads. As long as you do it with care, it shouldn’t be a problem.

A long cord can also be used to connect it and use a wired remote to operate the winch if your remote’s battery dies. It is difficult to find a replacement for the wireless batteries since they are not rechargeable. Therefore, we recommend using it wired when wireless operation is not required.

Buying Guide Video of Warn 12V DC Winch

Price:

It is true for this Warn Winch as well that any good product comes at a price. It is a lot more expensive than its competitors, but its performance and durability are significantly better.

If money is not an issue for you and you are looking to make a large, but one-time investment in a winch, we highly recommend the Warn Winch.

TOP PICK
9.4/10 Our Score

Specifications:

  • Winch can be controlled wirelessly or manually
  • A lifetime mechanical warranty and a 5-year electrical warranty are included
  • Forged hook and synthetic rope are used to support heavy loads without snapping
  • All power cables are included for installation
  • Durable stainless steel hardware
Pros
  • High-quality construction
  • A great wireless remote control
  • Speedy performance
Cons
  • If you lose the remote, it’s quite expensive
  • It can be a bit tricky to install

The X20 winch by Smittybilt is ranked second. You might be wondering about the difference between this X20 winch and the XRC winch that we will discuss later. Here is what they are:

Pricing and load capacity:

The Smittybilt XRC winch discussed earlier is cheaper than the X20 winch, and it offers more load capacity.

jeep winch bumper
Image Credit: Pexels

The XRC winch has a load capacity of 15,500 lbs, while the X20 winch has a load capacity of 12,000 lbs. As long as you mount any of these winches on a Jeep Wrangler, this difference won’t matter. But when pulling something heavier, the difference may matter.

Steel and synthetic ropes:

The XRC winch that we reviewed earlier comes with a steel rope, while the X20 rope has a synthetic rope. It all depends on your preference whether you want a synthetic rope winch or a steel rope winch.

Most people prefer synthetic rope, however, because of its lightweight and increased safety. If the steel rope breaks, it can become a projectile and hit someone nearby if it snaps.

Rating: waterproof:

winch for jeep wrangler
Credit: Pixabay

The winch has a waterproof rating of IP68, the same as our top pick, the Warn 12V winch. As well as being better than the XRC winch, which has an IP67 waterproof rating.

Please feel free to go off-road into muddy and snowy terrains without any fear. In tough weather conditions and harsh terrain, this winch will work well to get you out of a bind if you get stuck.

Buying guide video of Smittybilt X20 Winch

Power of pulling:

The Smittybilt X20 and XRC winches are powered by the same 6.6-hp series wound motor with a three-stage planetary gear system. The series-wound motor draws a considerable amount of current.

On the other hand, the planetary gear system provides high efficiency and a better torque-to-weight ratio in a much more compact size. When both of these features are combined, you get impressive line speed and great pulling power.

In spite of the X20 Winch’s higher price, it makes up for it with its additional great features, which makes it a top-notch winch for Jeep.

TOP PICK
9.4/10 Our Score

Specifications:

  • A three-stage planetary steel gear provides strong pulling power
  • 6.2 horsepower electric motor
  • Waterproof IP68 due to weather-sealed solenoid
  • Limited one-year warranty
  • Wireless and handle remotes are included
Pros
  • A heavy-duty power cable
  • Warranty of one year
  • IP68 water-resistant
Cons
  • Without proper grease, the gears will be loud
  • Unreliable remote connecter

The ZEAK 13000 lb winch is the best budget winch for jeeps because of its great performance and low price.

As far as its compatibility goes, it fits Jeep Wranglers, SUVs, and any other vehicle with a higher base. Let’s explore it in more detail now.

Pushing Strength:

Like the Smittybilt winches, the ZEAK 13000 lbs winch also features a three-stage planetary steel gear system.

Gears like these are durable and reliable, allowing you to tackle muddy terrain with ease. The winch uses a 6.2 hp series electric motor, which is less than the 6.6 hp motor used on the Smittybilt winches.

warn jeep winch
Credit: Pexels

The line speed is 21.3 feet/minute when empty and 4 feet/minute when fully loaded. If you compare its price to the Smittybilt X20 or XRC winch, this certainly proves to be a great budget winch for jeeps.

Installation and warranty:

A one-year limited warranty is included with the ZEAK 13000 lbs Electric Winch. During this time, you can test the winch and request a replacement if it doesn’t work as you expected. We recommend you have a professional perform the installation of this winch since it can be difficult for some people.

best winch for jeep tj
Credit: Canva

The winch can short circuit if the wires are incorrectly connected. Make sure you follow the instructions when installing it yourself.

Buying guide video of ZEAK 13000lb Electrical Winch

Water-resistance and synthetic rope:

Since the rope on this winch is synthetic, you don’t have to worry about it becoming a projectile if it snaps. Additionally, the rope uses a Hawse fairlead to reduce wear and abrasion. Built with an IP68 waterproof design, it can withstand sand, mud, and water for up to 1.5 meters.

TOP PICK
9.4/10 Our Score

Specifications:

  • 9500 pounds of tractive force
  • Featuring low-ampere permanent magnet motors for fast linear speed
  • Wire rope with enhanced anti-rotation properties
  • Forged alloy hook
Pros
  • It works great with the remote switch
  • Cheaper than many competitors
  • The synthetic rope
  • Installs easily
Cons
  • Respooling the winch cable can be a hassle
  • Cables for the positive side of the battery can be too short

One of the best cheap Jeep winches is the Offroad Boar 9500 lbs Winch. It is even cheaper than the ZEAK electric winch.

The Offroad Boar Winch has a lesser load capacity, as you can see. ZEAK’s electric winch has a pulling capacity of 13000 lbs vs. 9500 lbs for the Boar offroad winch.

Materials for ropes include:

best winch for jeep jl
Credit: Jeep

The Off-Road Boar winch also allows the customer to choose either a synthetic rope or steel rope, just like most other best winches for Jeep Wrangler. The synthetic rope increases the price by only a few dollars. The steel rope is much less safe.

Lightweight and powerful:

Offroad Boar’s Jeep winch weighs only 61.9 pounds. The compact size makes it ideal for mounting on smaller and 2-door Jeep wranglers. Of course, it can be mounted on bigger models as well.

You can wind fast and powerfully using a 5.5 hp series winding motor in combination with a 3-stage planetary gear system.

Even though it is a bit weaker than its competitors who use motors of 6.0 hp or more, it is decent if we look at its smaller load capacity. But don’t let its low loading capacity fool you. The winch is still capable of being a great lightweight jeep winch.

Materials:

In order to provide a large amount of current, the 5.5 hp motor is made from copper. Additionally, it uses a 10-inch billet aluminum hawse fairlead for the synthetic rope to reduce wear and abrasion.

It uses a roller fairlead for the steel rope, which keeps it in place and reduces strain on the winch.

best jeep winch under 500
Credit: Amazon

Alloy-forged hooks are durable and can be used as-is. As a result, you do not have to spend extra money on replacing the hook, unlike most other winches on the market today.

Buying guide video of Off road Boar 9500lb Winch for Jeep

Wireless and wired remote controls:

With this winch, you’ll get a two-in-one remote that can be used wirelessly or wired. Wireless control is a safety feature for the winch. If the battery of the wireless remote dies, you can use the wire cord that also comes with the remote to connect it to the winch and operate it seamlessly.

TOP PICK
9.4/10 Our Score

Specifications:

  • 7.2 hp 12V high quality motor
  • It comes with a double waterproof capstan cover as well as being waterproof
  • Dynamic and mechanical braking for increased control when winding
  • A user’s manual is included for proper operation
  • Electrical components have a one-year warranty
Pros
  • Excellent construction quality
  • Easy to Install
  • Synthetic rope with a heavy duty
  • Works great wireless and wired
Cons
  • It does not have a brake when in neutral
  • It is not waterproof
  • Can’t be used for long periods

RUGCEL’s 13500 lbs winch is another powerful budget option for Jeep. Its loading capacity is similar to some other Winches for Jeep Wrangler, but its linear speed and pulling power make it stand out.

The motor:

best winch for jeep jku
Image Credit: Pixabay

Most Jeep wrangler winches have motors of 6.0-6.6 horsepower; this winch features a 7.2 ho series motor. As with the other winches, it also uses a three-stage planetary gear system and a free spooling clutch. As much wire as necessary can be pulled out manually with the free spooling clutch at any time.

Winch Relay: Synthetic Rope:

The winch comes with 100ft of high-quality nylon rope. Even under heavy loads, the Nylon rope will not snap.

Winches usually operate with a solenoid. RUGCELL winch uses a winch relay, however. It offers better control, durability, and reliability. Your stuck jeep and yourself will be rescued by this winch whenever you need it.

Waterproof:

best winch for jeep 4xe
Image Credit: Walmart

For a winch of its price, the RUGCELL 13500 lbs Winch is also IP68 waterproof. Additionally, the winch is equipped with a waterproof cover to ensure greater water and dust resistance. With the winch, you can explore a variety of terrains and weather conditions.

Buying video guide of RUGCEL 13500 lbs Winch

Warranties:

The electrical components of the RUGCELL winch are covered by a one-year warranty. Any electrical component that breaks can be replaced for free at any time.

It can be a little tricky to install for new users, and if the wiring is done incorrectly, it can cause a short circuit. We recommend you have a professional install it for you.

TOP PICK
9.4/10 Our Score

Specifications:

  • The winding speed is 25.2 feet per minute when empty and 7 feet per minute when fully loaded
  • Clutch brakes for delicate control
  • A good 6.4 hp electric motor
  • Waterproof and sandproof IP67X
  • Includes lifetime technical support and a one-year limited warranty
Pros
  • Smooth and quiet
  • It’s a great winch for the price
  • It looks great
Cons
  • Battery cables are too short
  • When you have never installed a winch before, it can be a little tricky
  • It is difficult to wire it properly

Stegodon is the best budget winch for Jeep Wranglers. Its high winding speed and excellent reliability have made it very popular.

In terms of price, it is comparable to its competitors, but it stands out in some aspects that the other winches do not have.

Wind Speed:

new and best winch for jeep 4xe
Image Credit: Ali Baba

Stegodon’s 13000 lb winch winds faster than any of its competitors. The 6.4 hp series winding motor and 3-stage planetary gear system provide this.

High-efficiency winding is provided by the 500 amp solenoid and sealed contactor. When the winch is empty, it winds at 25.2 ft/minute, and when it is fully loaded, it winds at 7 ft/minute.

Spooling Clutch Free:

best jeep winch bumper
Image Credit: Unsplash

Free spooling clutches are used in the gear system. It means that you can disengage the motor and pull out as much wire as you need when you need it.

You will appreciate this feature if you live in the country and your Jeep gets stuck in mud quite frequently.

Buying guide video of Stegodon 13000 lbs Winch

Excellent warranty:

Stegodon 13000 lbs winches include a one-year warranty on electrical components and lifetime technical support.

Therefore, if you are unsure how to mount it properly, just give them a call and they will assist you. During the buying period, you can contact their customer support and they will provide you with great and timely service.

TOP PICK
9.4/10 Our Score

Specifications:

  • 15500 lbs load capacity
  • Comparatively inexpensive
  • Includes all wiring for easy installation
  • 5-year or 100,000-mile warranty on dual-stage products
  • Comes with steel rope and a hammer-forged hook

In our list of the best winches for Jeeps, the Smittybilt Gen 2 XRC Winch comes in last. A wide range of load capacities are available for this winch for jeep wrangler, ranging from 9500 lbs to 17500 lbs.

A synthetic rope is available on only one of these load capacities winches (12000 lbs). Steel ropes are used on all other load capacities.

Pros
  • Warn Winches are cheaper
  • Customer service that is good
  • Simple to use
Cons
  • Water-resistant
  • Clutch will not go into free spool
  • The item is quite bulky

Waterproof IP67:

The Smittybilt XRC Winch is rated IP67 waterproof. The winch is designed in such a way that it is protected from dust and sand. In addition, it can be submerged in water for thirty minutes at a depth of 15cm to one meter.

best winch for jeep wrangler
Image Credit: Pexels

This is less than the Warn Winch, which is waterproof to IP68. The IP67 waterproof rating is enough for your winch to withstand harsh weather conditions such as those found in a rainforest or on muddy tracks. Even if you drive your Jeep on snowy or sandy terrains, this winch will do the job.

The FairLeads:

For winches that use steel ropes, a four-way roller fairlead is used. On the other hand, the synthetic rope winch uses an aluminum fairlead.

The fairlead is an essential part of the winch because it guides the rope and keeps it in place. Additionally, it prevents the rope from moving sideways and reduces the strain on the winch. The fairlead also protects the rope from abrasion.

Installing:

best warn jeep winch
Image Credit: Pixabay

Getting a professional to install the Smittybilt winch is recommended if you have never installed a winch before. You may short the wires if you do not follow the instructions carefully.

The solenoid has many mounting options, but make sure to wire the solenoid before mounting it. You will have to remove it and do it all over again if you forget to do that. Copper welding offers great conductivity and is a great feature when you consider the winch’s low price.

Buying guide video of Smittybilt Gen 2 XRC Winch

Options for mounting:

The only con of this best-rated winch for jeep is the mounting options for the control box. The control box is directly above the cable and can be dangerous if not handled carefully.

Other mounting options have similar problems. For better and safer performance, you should extend the wires yourself and mount them in the engine compartment.

Final thoughts on Best Jeep Winch to Buy:

We have come to the end of our article on the Best Jeep Winch to Buy in 2022. After conducting extensive research on Jeep winch reviews, we have compiled this list.

In view of all of their applications, you should be able to decide which Jeep winch is best for your Jeep.


Get your favorite Jeep Winch and explore new terrain. We’ve got your back! Enjoy!


FAQs:

How many winches do I need for my Jeep?

Choose a winch with a loading capacity of 1.5 times your vehicle’s weight. Jeep Wranglers weigh about 2,500 pounds to 5,000 pounds. So you should choose a winch that has a loading capacity of 8,000 pounds or more.

What is the best pound winch for Jeep?

Pounds and pounds are basically the same thing. Therefore, you should choose a winch that can handle 8,000 pounds or more.

How does a Jeep winch work?

Offroading is probably something you enjoy if you own a Jeep. While exploring new terrain, vehicles often get stuck in mud or snow. Using a winch, you can get them unstuck by attaching them to another vehicle and pulling.

Related Articles:

Our Best Jeep Parts Guide:

References and Resources:

https://www.thecarconnection.com/compare/volkswagen_jetta_2015_choices

https://bringatrailer.com/

https://www.dickhannahvolkswagen.com/auto-blog/which-is-better/

https://www.paulytoyota.com/research/new-toyota-corolla-specs-review/

https://95octane.com/2020/10/22/2021-volkswagen-taos-compact-suv/

https://www.autolist.com/

https://www.autotempest.com/

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