So, I have the ARB Bumper that has a place for a winch to mount on it.
The instructions only talk about WARN winches.

How do I know if other winches will fit? and If I need a winch mounting plate or not?
Do I still need a plate if I buy a warn?

Do I need a warn? I have never been off-roading before so I'm just trying to go prepared. (My boyscout leader would be proud)

I don't have a grip of money nor do I think I'll be pulling a Semi up a cliff but it seems most people only recommend warn. And the bigger the better.

There must be a good starter winch out there. Or maybe Warn has a scratch and dent offer/refurbished for noobs?

The search has a lot of information. However, I'm still trying to figure out what is best for me, my Jeep and my ARB.



Help. Please.

 

Thank you! I think that is good advice. However you said...

Where the heck are you finding Warns for $200 to $500 bucks?!?!
(it looks like the M8000 is just over that high end from northridge right now)

Another "rule" I was told (should have said this before) was to find a winch that could pull twice the weight of the Jeep. with that advice I've been looking for a 9000lb/10000lb+ winch.
Is that what I should be looking for? Or is that over doing it?

Do I still need a mounting plate?

 

You do not need mounting plate for fitting a winch to your ARB front bumper.

There is no "Starter Winch" out there only the quality of the winch. I would recommend a M8000 or higher rate winch. And believe me when I say you get what you pay. There is a reason why $500+ winch will be more reliable and better build, and longer lasting then the cheaper brands of winches. You don't need to have to use your winch all the time. But be able to use it during the time you needed most will virtually pay for itself.

And if you are new to off roading and recoveries. I would suggest you meet up with local JK members and get a feeling of operating your vehicle and get stuck a few times, to learn how to recover properly. Without proper knowledge of how to operate a winch safely can result in some serious injuries to a person or people as well as to the vehicle(s)

 

I would get a 9 or 10k winch!

 

The other option is to find one used. check your local adds and jeep clubs around you. I got my 9.5ti and warn bumper as a package deal for 900.

 

Good to know. Thanks!

I am new so I plan to go out with my neighbor/friend who has a lifted CJ and opens a few trails at the beginning of the year.
I would like to meet up with some advanced JK'ers but I'm not having much luck.

Yeah, That's the range I was told to find one in.

That is a good deal. I've been keeping an eye on Craigslist. Not much luck. Maybe after Christmas when people get new ones.?!

 

definatley check for used winches, I got my M8000 for $250 with a winch plate, haws fairlead and new 100ft of cable. I had tested it on the spot to ensure it worked and I have made a few pulls with it since and I love it. Buy a WARN

 

Yeah, I'm sold on a Warn now. 1 person out of 100 has said warn is overrated so I think he is out weighed.
HOLY CRAP! $250!!! If I found that kind of deal this thread would be over!

 

These deals are easy to find if you really look around over the summer I picked up a warn 8274 for $200, I picked up a warn 7000 competition winch for $200, and now the M8000 for $250. All of these winches worked fine, and now all my good wheelin buddies have winches

 

W go prepared W