Which winch (Warn M16.5k or M12000)?

[haywoodphotomaccom]

Also went through the same process as you and decided on the larger version.

I had Aluminess install the Warn 16.5 which they clocked to make fit. Works great the few times I have used it. Doubled up the washer size and strength. Plan on welding a few extra braces on to support the extra pulling power.

[parisdakar]

Thanks for the insights and the 'beer' philosophy guys! Much appreciated!

I just got off the phone with Kenny at Aluminess. Speaking of beer, Kenny is a home brewer, but I digress. He said the M12000 and the 16.5 mount without any issues to their bumper, but other Warn models are not optimal. They do need to reclock (sp?) the M12000 and the 16.5, and he said the 16.5 needs a slightly different mounting bracket, but otherwise, they both work just fine with their front bumper. He also noted that with snatch blocks, even pulling upwards of 33,000 lbs, their bumper and the affixed shackles can take the load.

For the extra $300, which may just serve as a down payment towards peace of mind, I'm inclined towards the 16.5, while still keeping an eye on the right routes and staying unstuck!

pd

[BroncoHauler]

Originally Posted by parisdakar

...I just got off the phone with Kenny at Aluminess. Speaking of beer, Kenny is a home brewer, but I digress. ...

How on earth can that be considered digressing? As far as I'm concerned, we need a "homebrewed beer" section on this forum. I've been homebrewing since 1996.

Originally Posted by parisdakar

...For the extra $300, which may just serve as a down payment towards peace of mind, I'm inclined towards the 16.5, while still keeping an eye on the right routes and staying unstuck!

pd

While shopping for winches, see if you can get a deal on a winch with a synthetic rope. It might be cheaper to get it as a package with the winch, rather than adding it separately. Synthetic line is much safer than steel cable, but even more important is knowing how to properly utilize a winch. Don't wait until you're stuck to learn how to use it.


Herb

[haywoodphotomaccom]

Kenny's beer is fantastic!! Have you seen the kegs they have installed in a rear box?? Complete with tap handles.

Another benefit of living in San Diego….

[parisdakar]

...wait, kegs in the rear box!?

Kenny didn't tell me that was an option! Sheesh!

pd

[haywoodphotomaccom]

Not sure that feature if for the public….lol.

I'll be down there on Monday. I'll take a few pictures of it and post.

[parisdakar]

I'm sure in some cases, having beer stored in the recovery gear box is better than having recovery gear in the recovery gear box!

pd

[Carl]

I would certainly check out the Superwinch Talon 12.5, save the weight, put on MasterPull line, completely submersible, much better price, and it fits much better in the Aluminess bumper with easier access to the plug.

[Ketcham]

I am debating placing a winch in the rear aluminess bumper to assist with exit strategy. It helps knowing I have something to pull me back out of something I should not have attempted...like a snow field.

Has anyone else done this and is it a worthwhile investement?

[daveb]

If I remember correctly, it requires some special attachments to the frame and a slight redesign of the bumper. You should call Aluminess for the details. Seems like I was told that the rear storage would be lost as well.
Post back what you find. I'm curious.